Year: 1997
Type: dissertation
Abstract: To gain further understanding of the neuromuscular control system, the present study focused on the motor unit subsystem and was designed to examine the effect of prolonged motor unit activity on its physiological parameters.Motor unit properties studied included the firing rates of motoneurons, muscle membrane properties, and motor unit twitch profiles.As well, central drive to the motoneuron pool was assessed.The muscle used in this study was first dorsal interosseous because its function can be isolated by performing abduction of the index finger.In order to assess changes in motor unit characteristics two protocols were followed: (1) subjects maintained a constant rate of firing and (2) subjects maintained a constant force output while motor unit firing was tracked.Surface and intramuscular electrodes monitored muscle and motor unit activities respectively .Contrary to expectations, neither the constant rate nor the constant force protocols caused a change in the statistical variability of motor unit firing.experience is one that I would recommend strongly; however, it would not have turned out so well if it were not for the support, love, and friendship of many people.First, I must thank my family:
Author: S. C. Edwards
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2308502157