Post‐activation potentiation: The neural effects of post—activation depression

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Abstract
Introduction: Our knowledge of the neurophysiology of post-activation potentiation (PAP) is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PAP on twitch torque and H-reflex amplitude after a 10-s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Methods: PAP measurements were assessed with the plantarflexors in a relaxed state and during a tonic contraction at 10% MVC. Results: The H-reflex/maximum M-wave ratio (H/M) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and returned to baseline levels after 1 min. The decrement in H/M was depressed when the plantarflexors were active at 10% MVC, and the depression was more obvious in the lateral gastrocnemius than in the soleus muscle. Conclusions: The inhibition induced immediately after contraction could be attributed to post-activation depression. We conclude that PAP after a 10-s MVC cannot be attributed to increased motor neuron excitability through the reflex pathway as assessed by the H-reflex technique. Muscle Nerve 52: 252–259, 2015

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