Changes in the input-output relation of the Hoffmann reflex recruitment curve after submaximal fatiguing contraction of the antagonist muscles.

Purpose: The central nervous system adapts strategies to compensate the decreased motor capacities of a fatigued muscle. However, data on neurophysiological adaptations of muscles other than those under fatigue are scarce. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of submaximal fatiguing contraction (leading to a task failure) induced in ankle dorsiflexors muscles on the excitability of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) of an ankle plantarflexor (soleus muscle).

Therapeutic Elastic Tapes Applied in Different Directions Over the Triceps Surae Do Not Modulate Reflex Excitability of the Soleus Muscle.

Context: Elastic taping has been widely used for either to facilitate or to inhibit muscle contraction. The efficacy of elastic taping is allegedly ascribed to physiological mechanisms related to subcutaneous tissue and muscle stimulation as a result of tape tension and direction. However, the underlying mechanisms that support the use of elastic taping are still unclear.