Antagonism of 5-HT receptors attenuates self-sustained firing of human motor units.

5-HT receptors on motoneurones play a critical role in facilitating persistent inward currents (PICs). Although facilitation of PICs can enhance self-sustained firing after periods of excitation, the relationship between 5-HT receptor activity and self-sustained firing in human motor units (MUs) has not been resolved. MU activity was assessed from the tibialis anterior of 10 healthy adults (24.

Motor unit tracking using blind source separation filters and waveform cross-correlations: reliability under physiological and pharmacological conditions.

Recent advancements in the analysis of high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) have enabled the identification, and tracking, of motor units (MUs) to study muscle activation. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of MU tracking using two common methods: blind source separation filters and two-dimensional waveform cross-correlation. An experiment design was developed to assess physiological reliability and reliability for a drug intervention known to reduce the discharge rate of motoneurones (cyproheptadine).

Blockade of 5-HT receptors suppresses motor unit firing and estimates of persistent inward currents during voluntary muscle contraction in humans.

Serotonergic neuromodulation contributes to enhanced voluntary muscle activation. However, it is not known how the likely motoneurone receptor candidate (5-HT ) influences the firing rate and activation threshold of motor units (MUs) in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 5-HT receptor activity contributes to human MU behaviour during voluntary ramped contractions of differing intensity.

Blockade of 5-HT receptors suppresses rate of torque development and motor unit discharge rate during rapid contractions.

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neuromodulator that is critical for regulating the excitability of spinal motoneurons and the generation of muscle torque. However, the role of 5-HT in modulating human motor unit activity during rapid contractions has yet to be assessed. Nine healthy participants (23.

A qualitative analysis of the experiences of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers in a goal-directed cycling programme.

Purpose: This qualitative thematic analysis aimed to capture the experiences of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and caregivers who completed an 8-week goal-directed cycling programme, to provide insights on engagement and programme feasibility.

Methods: Children with CP (6-18 years, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels II-IV) and caregivers completed semi-structured interviews at the end of the training programme. Interview transcripts were coded by two investigators and systematically organised into themes.

Machine learning to quantify habitual physical activity in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To investigate whether activity-monitors and machine learning models could provide accurate information about physical activity performed by children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) who use mobility aids for ambulation.

Method: Eleven participants (mean age 11y [SD 3y]; six females, five males) classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV, completed six physical activity trials wearing a tri-axial accelerometer on the wrist, hip, and thigh. Trials included supine rest, upper-limb task, walking, wheelchair propulsion, and cycling.