Abstract
Recent studies show that high frequency mechanical vibration of a human skeletal muscle tends to induce a tonic reflex contraction in this muscle and relaxation of its antagonists. This tonic vibration reflex, which probably depends upon excitation of primary spindle endings, is analyzed in the present study and technical and physiological factors determining the strength of the reflex are described. The vibrators used had a frequency range of about 20–200 cycle/sec and the amplitude could be varied stepwise from 0.5 to 3.3 mm. The EMG, force and joint movements were recorded on a multichannel inkwriter. The results show how the strength of the reflex varies with the parameters of the vibration and with the initial state of contraction and length of the muscle vibrated. A preceding muscular contraction, voluntary or induced by vibration, facilitates the reflex. Furthermore, its strength can be influenced by voluntary effort, by Jendrassik's maneuver, by general postural changes and by changes of body temperature.
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