Spatial distribution of motor units recruited during electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle versus the femoral nerve

Introduction: in this study we investigated differences in the spatial recruitment of motor units (MUs) in the quadriceps when electrical stimulation is applied over the quadriceps belly versus the femoral nerve. Methods: M-waves and mechanical twitches were evoked using over-the-quadriceps and femo...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rodríguez Falces, Javier, Maffiuletti, Nicola A., Place, Nicolas
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2013
País:España
Institución:Universidad Pública de Navarra
Repositorio:Academica-e. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad Pública de Navarra
OAI Identifier:oai:academica-e.unavarra.es:2454/55595
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2454/55595
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
Femoral nerve stimulation
Motor unit spatial recruitment
Recruitment curve
M-wave
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: in this study we investigated differences in the spatial recruitment of motor units (MUs) in the quadriceps when electrical stimulation is applied over the quadriceps belly versus the femoral nerve. Methods: M-waves and mechanical twitches were evoked using over-the-quadriceps and femoral nerve stimulation of gradually increasing intensity from 22 young, healthy subjects. Spatial recruitment was investigated using recruitment curves of M-waves recorded from the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) and of twitches recorded from the quadriceps. Results: at maximal stimulation intensity (Imax), no differences were found between nerve and over-the-quadriceps stimulation. At submaximal intensities, VL M-wave amplitude was higher for over-the-quadriceps stimulation at 40% Imax, and peak twitch force was greater for nerve stimulation at 60% and 80% Imax. Conclusions: for the VM, MU spatial recruitment during nerve and over-the-quadriceps stimulation of increasing intensity occurred in a similar manner, whereas significant differences were observed for the VL.