Key result
The stretch reflex regulates stiffness in both homogeneous and heterogeneous muscles, substantially decreasing yielding in soleus muscles over the full range of forces.
The stretch reflex regulates stiffness in both homogeneous and heterogeneous muscles in a feline model.
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Decerebrate cat data on activation-dependent stiffness warrant clinical caution; leaves open reflex regulation in human muscle.
Huyghues-Despointes et al. (2003) studied this question. Muscular reinnervation (deprivation of effective autogenic reflexes) vs. Intact muscles (presence of stretch reflex) was evaluated on Intrinsic mechanical properties (initial stiffness and yielding). The stretch reflex regulates stiffness in both homogeneous and heterogeneous muscles, substantially decreasing yielding in soleus muscles over the full range of forces.
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