Kinaesthetic role of muscle afferents in man, studied by tendon vibration and microneurography

摘要: The characteristics of vibration-induced illusory joint movements were studied in healthy human subjects. Unseen by the subject, constant frequency vibration trains applied to distal tendon Triceps or Biceps induced an almost velocity movement elbow whose direction corresponded that a rotation stretching vibrated muscle. Vibration same duration and alternatively evoked alternating flexion-extension movements. During successive application at frequencies from 10 120 Hz, perceived illustory increased progressively 70-80 then decreased 80 Hz. maximal was three times higher during than single muscle stimulation. Unit activity 15 spindle primary endings five secondary located Tibialis anterior Extensor digitorum longus muscles recorded using microneurography order study their responses passive active ankle. Primary all activated low amplitude (0.2-0.5 mm) previously used induce elbow. discharge some phase-locked with cycle up while others responded one-to-one 30-50 fired sub-harmonic manner frequencies. Secondary much less sensitive vibration. ending ramp sinusoidal ankle compared. movement, constant, increased. appeared mainly related velocity, activities seemed both angle position. Muscle sensory receptor-bearing (plantar flexion) qualitatively quantitatively similar. reverse (dorsiflexion) most stopped firing when shortened. Active shortening (isotonic contraction) modulated differently discharge, which could stop completely, decrease increase dorsiflexion. isometric contraction activated. strengthened possibility contribution kinesthesia, as suggested several previous works...