Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 1990; 11(4): 289-292
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024809
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Proprioceptive Facilitation of Muscle Tension During Unilateral and Bilateral Knee Extension

M.-A. Roy1 , M. Sylvestre1 , F. I. Katch2 , V. L. Katch3 , P. P. Lagassé1
  • 1Physical Activity Sciences Laboratory, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Qc, Canada, G1K 7P4
  • 2Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachussetts, Amherst, Ma., USA
  • 3Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mi., USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The effects of double neuromuscular facilitation (DNF) in unilateral movements and of quadruple neuromuscular facilitation (QNF) in bilateral movements were studied in 42 physically active college-age male subjects. Results showed a 10.4% significant increase of maximal knee extension torque output when unilateral extension was preceded by a knee flexion on an isokinetic exerciser and a 16.7% increase of maximal torque in the bilateral condition of simultaneous alternating flexion-extension when compared to the simultaneous extension movement. Consequently, the increased peak torque observed in the unilateral and bilateral experimental conditions in which knee extension was preceded by a knee flexion appears to be the result of a combination of neuromuscular influences and stored elastic energy.

Key words

knee extension - peak torque - muscle stretch - neuromuscular facilitation - excitation - storage of elastic energy

      >