The influence of prolonged vibration on motor unit behavior

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of vibration (VIB) on motor unit (MU) behavior of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle during a 40% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). METHODS: Eleven healthy (age 21.3 ± 2.6 years) individuals participated in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) data were recorded from the VL during isometric trapezoidal muscle contractions at 40% MVC. Firing events of single MUs and EMG amplitude were reported for the first, middle, and final seconds of a 12-second steady force segment at 40% MVC. VIB was applied at 55 Hz to the patellar tendon for 15 minutes before and continued throughout the remainder of testing (VIB) or remained off (CON). RESULTS: There were significant increases in MU firing rates during VIB in comparison to CON and no differences in EMG amplitude between VIB and CON. CONCLUSION: The VIB-mediated reduction in muscle spindle function altered MU behavior at 40% MVC. Muscle Nerve 55: 500-507, 2017.