Static stretching reduces motoneuron excitability: The potential role of neuromodulation
Abstract
Prolonged static muscle stretching transiently reduces maximal muscle force, and this force loss has a strong neural component. In this review, we discuss the evidence suggesting that stretching reduces the motoneuron's ability to amplify excitatory drive. We propose a hypothetical model in which stretching causes physiological relaxation, reducing the brainstem-derived neuromodulatory drive necessary to maximize motoneuron discharge rates.
RAS ID
35521
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2021
Volume
49
Issue
2
PubMed ID
33720913
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
Copyright
subscription content
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
Comments
Trajano, G. S., & Blazevich, A. J. (2021). Static stretching reduces motoneuron excitability: The potential role of neuromodulation. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 49(2), 126-132. https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000243