Work

Differences in persistent inward current contribution to spinal motor neuron behavior between early morning and late afternoon

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Although human neuromuscular performance often peaks in the late afternoon, this pattern may not arise solely from peripheral mechanisms. This study provides evidence for a modulation in the contribution of persistent inward currents (PICs) to motor neuron discharge behavior between early morning and late afternoon. PIC-related estimates indicate a modest enhancement of motor neuron excitability in the late afternoon, likely explained by a change in the inhibitory-excitatory balance rather than by changes in neuromodulatory drive.

Source: Journal of Applied Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00981.2025

Authors: Bastien Bontemps, Thomas Cattagni, Simon Avrillon, François Hug

Institutions: Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Éducation Sport Santé, Nantes Université, The University of Queensland, Institut Universitaire de France

Language: English

Topic: Muscle activation and electromyography studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche