Electrical and mechanical Hmax-to-Mmax ratio in power- and endurance-trained athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of soleus motor units activated during maximal H reflex and direct M response among subjects with different histories of physical activity. Power-trained athletes produced stronger twitches, with a higher rate of twitch tension buildup and relaxation, than their endurance counterparts for both maximal H-reflex and maximal M-wave responses. The maximal H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios for both force output (twitch) and EMG wave amplitude were significantly lower in power-trained than endurance-trained athletes. However, power-trained athletes exhibited a significantly greater twitch-to-EMG ratio for the reflexly activated motor units with respect to the entire motor pool, whereas endurance-trained athletes had comparable twitch-to-EMG ratios for both reflexly and directly activated units. Power training increases the force output of the whole ensemble of the motor units, thereby compensating for the lower efficacy of the reflex transmission between Ia spindle afferent input and soleus α-motoneuron. On the other hand, the lower level of force evoked by the reflexly activated units in endurance-trained athletes is associated with a greater motor pool reflex excitability. Therefore, endurance-trained athletes produce the necessary force by recruitment of more slow-twitch units than do other subjects for comparable levels of force and type of task.