Muscle Activation and Deactivation Dynamics: The Governing Properties in Fast Cyclical Human Movement Performance?

Abstract

NEPTUNE, R.R., and S.A. KAUTZ. Muscle activation and deactivation dynamics: the governing properties in fast cyclical human movement performance? Exerc. Sports Sci. Rev., Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 76-81, 2001. Repetitive cyclical motion and intrinsic muscle properties each impose constraints on the nervous system to produce well-coordinated movements. We suggest that as cycle frequency increases, activation and deactivation dynamics strongly influence the neural control strategy used and may be the governing muscle property that limits performance. Pedaling and animal studies provide supporting data.