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Interactions between motor unit firing and fascicle dynamics during shortening and lengthening contractions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using ultrasound-transparent high-density surface EMG, we simultaneously measured motor unit discharge and tibialis anterior fascicle length during shortening and lengthening contractions. Discharge rate was linearly related to fascicle length changes during both contraction types. However, when considering the same level of fascicle shortening between contractions, discharge rates were systematically lower during lengthening, and neuromechanical delays were prolonged, consistent with length-dependent adjustments in contractile properties. These findings provide new evidence of neuromechanical coupling during anisometric contractions.

Source: Journal of Neurophysiology

DOI: 10.1152/jn.00188.2026

Authors: Michail Arvanitidis, Patricio A. Pincheira, Francesco Negro, Alberto Botter, Giacinto Luigi Cerone, Eduardo Martinez-Valdes

Institutions: University of Birmingham, The University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, University of Brescia, Politecnico di Torino

Language: English

Topic: Muscle activation and electromyography studies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7170074324

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Cites: 34

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