Involvement of the extracellular matrix and integrin signalling proteins in skeletal muscle glucose uptake.

Whole-body euglycaemia is partly maintained by two cellular processes that encourage glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, the insulin- and contraction-stimulated pathways, with research suggesting convergence between these two processes. The normal structural integrity of the skeletal muscle requires an intact actin cytoskeleton as well as integrin-associated proteins, and thus those structures are likely fundamental for effective glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. In contrast, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and integrin expression in skeletal muscle may contribute to insulin resistance owing to an increased physical barrier causing reduced nutrient and hormonal flux. This review explores the role of the ECM and the actin cytoskeleton in insulin- and contraction-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. This is a clinically important area of research given that defects in the structural integrity of the ECM and integrin-associated proteins may contribute to loss of muscle function and decreased glucose uptake in type 2 diabetes.

Muscle quality indices separately associate with joint-level power-related measures of the knee extensors in older males.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations of muscle quality indices with joint-level power-related measures in the knee extensors of thirty-two older males (65-88 years). METHODS: Muscle quality indices included: echo intensity, ratio of intracellular- to total water content (ICW/TW), and specific muscle strength. Echo intensity was acquired from the rectus femoris (EIRF) and vastus lateralis (EIVL) by ultrasonography. ICW/TW was computed from electrical resistance of the right thigh obtained by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Specific muscle strength was determined as the normalized maximal voluntary isometric knee extension (MVIC) torque to estimated knee extensor volume. Isotonic maximal effort knee extensions with a load set to 20% MVIC torque were performed to obtain the knee extension power-related measures (peak power, rate of power development [RPD], and rate of velocity development [RVD]). Power and RPD were normalized to MVIC. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between muscle quality indices except between EIRF and EIVL (|r|≤ 0.253, P ≥ 0.162). EIRF was negatively correlated with normalized RPD and RVD (r ≤ - 0.361, P ≤ 0.050). ICW/TW was positively correlated with normalized peak power (r = 0.421, P = 0.020). Specific muscle strength was positively correlated with absolute peak power and RPD (r ≥ 0.452, P ≤ 0.012). CONCLUSION: Knee extension power-related measures were lower in participants with higher EI, lower ICW/TW, and lower specific muscle strength, but the muscle quality indices may be determined by independent physiological characteristics.

Proof of concept for the clinical effects of oral rilzabrutinib, the first Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor for pemphigus vulgaris: the phase II BELIEVE study.

BACKGROUND: Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition targets B-cell and other non-T-cell immune cells implicated in the pathophysiology of pemphigus, an autoimmune disease driven by anti-desmoglein autoantibodies. Rilzabrutinib is a new reversible, covalent BTK inhibitor demonstrating preclinical efficacy as monotherapy in canine pemphigus foliaceus. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral rilzabrutinib in patients with pemphigus vulgaris in a multicentre, proof-of-concept, phase II trial. METHODS: Patients with Pemphigus Disease Area Index severity scores 8-45 received 12 weeks of oral rilzabrutinib 400-600 mg twice daily and 12 weeks of follow-up. Patients initially received between 0 and ≤ 0·5 mg kg-1 prednisone-equivalent corticosteroid (CS; i.e. 'low dose'), tapered after control of disease activity (CDA; no new lesions, existing lesions healing). The primary endpoints were CDA within 4 weeks on zero-to-low-dose CS and safety. RESULTS: In total, 27 patients with pemphigus vulgaris were included: nine newly diagnosed (33%) and 18 relapsing (67%); 11 had moderate disease (41%) and 16 moderate to severe (59%). The primary endpoint, CDA, was achieved in 14 patients (52%, 95% confidence interval 32-71): 11 using low-dose CS and three using no CS. Over 12 weeks of treatment, mean CS doses reduced from 20·0 to 11·8 mg per day for newly diagnosed patients and from 10·3 to 7·8 mg per day for relapsing patients. Six patients (22%) achieved complete response by week 24, including four (15%) by week 12. Treatment-related adverse events were mostly mild (grade 1 or 2); one patient experienced grade 3 cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Rilzabrutinib alone, or with much lower CS doses than usual, was safe, with rapid clinical activity in pemphigus vulgaris. These data suggest that BTK inhibition may be a promising treatment strategy and support further investigation of rilzabrutinib for the treatment of pemphigus.

The effects of long-term muscle disuse on neuromuscular function in unilateral transtibial amputees.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The effects of long-term muscle disuse on neuromuscular function are unclear because disuse studies are typically short term. In this study, we used a new model (unilateral transtibial amputees) to investigate the effects of long-term disuse on quadriceps neuromuscular function. What is the main finding and its importance? Kinetic analysis (knee-extension moments during gait) indicated habitual disuse of the amputated limb quadriceps, accompanied by lower quadriceps muscle strength (60-76%) and neural activation (32-44%), slower contractile properties and altered muscle architecture in the amputated limb, which could not be predicted from short-term disuse studies. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine: (i) whether individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations (ITTAs), who habitually disuse the quadriceps muscles of their amputated limb, provide an effective model for assessing the effects of long-term muscle disuse; and (ii) the effects of such disuse on quadriceps muscle strength and neuromuscular function in this population. Nine ITTAs and nine control subjects performed isometric voluntary knee extensions of both limbs to assess maximal voluntary torque (MVT) and the rate of torque development (RTD). The interpolated twitch technique and EMG normalized to maximal M-wave were used to assess neural activation, involuntary (twitch and octet) contractions to assess intrinsic contractile properties, and ultrasound images of the vastus lateralis to assess muscle architecture. Clinical gait analysis was used to measure knee kinetic data during walking at an habitual speed. The ITTAs displayed 54-60% lower peak knee-extensor moments during walking in the amputated compared with intact/control limbs, but the intact and control limbs were comparable for loading during walking and muscle strength variables, suggesting that the intact limb provides a suitable internal control for comparison with the disused amputated limb. The MVT and RTD were ∼60 and ∼75% lower, respectively, in the amputated than intact/control limbs. The differences in MVT appeared to be associated with ∼40 and ∼43% lower muscle thickness and neural activation, respectively, and the differences in RTD appeared to be associated with the decline in MVT coupled with slowing of the intrinsic contractile properties. These results indicate considerable changes in strength and neuromuscular function with long-term disuse that could not be predicted from short-term disuse studies.

Accuracy Assessment of NLCD 2011 percent impervious cover for selected USA Metropolitan Areas.

The emergence of high-resolution land cover data has created the opportunity to assess the accuracy of impervious cover (IC) provided by the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). We assessed the accuracy of the 900 m2 NLCD2011 %IC for 18 metropolitan areas throughout the conterminous United States using reference data from 1 m2 land cover data developed as part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's EnviroAtlas project. Agreement was assessed from two perspectives: 1) sensitivity to the size of the assessment unit used for the comparison, and 2) utility of NLCD %IC to serve as a proxy for high-resolution IC. The former perspective was considered because statistical relationships can be sensitive to assessment unit size and shape, and the latter perspective was considered because high resolution (reference) %IC data are not available nationwide. The utility of NLCD %IC as a proxy for the high resolution data was assessed for seven lattice (square) cell sizes ranging from 1 ha to 200 ha using four EnviroAtlas IC indicators: 1) %IC per 100 ha (1 km2); 2) %IC by Census block group; 3) %IC within a 15 m (radius) of the riparian zone, and; 4) %IC within a 50 m (radius) of the riparian zone. Agreement was quantified as per assessment unit deviation (NLCD %IC - reference %IC) and summarized as Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) and Mean Deviation (MD) both within and across the 18 metropolitan areas. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression (y = reference %IC and x = NLCD %IC) was also used to evaluate the quality of the NLCD %IC data. MAD was ≤ 5% for six of the seven lattice cell sizes. MAD was also ≤ 5% for Census block groups > 100 ha and for both riparian units. These results suggest that uncertainty attributable to the measurement of %IC was no greater than the uncertainty related to the effect of IC on aquatic resources that have been derived from studies of aquatic condition (e.g., benthic fauna) over a range of %IC. Overall, agreement was variable from one metropolitan area to the next. Agreement improved as assessment unit size increased and declined as the level of urbanization (NLCD %IC) increased. NLCD %IC tended to underestimate reference %IC overall, but NLCD %IC was sometimes greater than reference %IC in urbanized settings.

Mechanisms to Attenuate Load in the Intact Limb of Transtibial Amputees When Performing a Unilateral Drop Landing.

Individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations experience greater work demand and loading on the intact limb compared with the prosthetic limb, placing this limb at a greater risk of knee joint degenerative conditions. It is possible that increased loading on the intact side may occur due to strength deficits and joint absorption mechanics. This study investigated the intact limb mechanics utilized to attenuate load, independent of prosthetic limb contributions and requirements for forward progression, which could provide an indication of deficiencies in the intact limb. Amputee and healthy control participants completed 3 unilateral drop landings from a 30-cm drop height. Joint angles at touchdown; range of motion; coupling angles; peak powers; and negative work of the ankle, knee, and hip were extracted together with isometric quadriceps strength measures. No significant differences were found in the load or movement mechanics (P ≥ .31, g ≤ 0.42), despite deficits in isometric maximum (20%) and explosive (25%) strength (P ≤ .13, g ≥ 0.61) in the intact limb. These results demonstrate that, when the influence from the prosthetic limb and task demand are absent, and despite deficits in strength, the intact limb adopts joint mechanics similar to able-bodied controls to attenuate limb loading.

Cylindrical microlensing for enhanced collection efficiency of small pixel SPAD arrays in single-molecule localisation microscopy.

Single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) image sensors offer time-gated photon counting, at high binary frame rates of >100 kFPS and with no readout noise. This makes them well-suited to a range of scientific applications, including microscopy, sensing and quantum optics. However, due to the complex electronics required, the fill factor tends to be significantly lower (< 10%) than that of EMCCD and sCMOS cameras (>90%), whilst the pixel size is typically larger, impacting the sensitivity and practicalities of the SPAD devices. This paper presents the first characterisation of a cylindrical-shaped microlens array applied to a small, 8 micron, pixel SPAD imager. The enhanced fill factor, ≈50% for collimated light, is the highest reported value amongst SPAD sensors with comparable resolution and pixel pitch. We demonstrate the impact of the increased sensitivity in single-molecule localisation microscopy, obtaining a resolution of below 40nm, the best reported figure for a SPAD sensor.

Contraction speed and type influences rapid utilisation of available muscle force: neural and contractile mechanisms.

This study investigated the influence of contraction speed and type on the human ability to rapidly increase torque and utilise the available maximum voluntary torque (MVT) as well as the neuromuscular mechanisms underpinning any effects. Fifteen young, healthy males completed explosive voluntary knee extensions in five conditions: isometric (ISO), and both concentric and eccentric at two constant accelerations of 500 deg s-2 (CONSLOW and ECCSLOW) and 2000 deg s-2 (CONFAST and ECCFAST). Explosive torque and quadriceps EMG were recorded every 25 ms up to 150 ms from their respective onsets and normalised to the available MVT and EMG at MVT, respectively, specific to that joint angle and velocity. Neural efficacy (explosive voluntary:evoked octet torque) was also measured, and torque data were entered into a Hill-type muscle model to estimate muscle performance. Explosive torques normalised to MVT (and normalised muscle forces) were greatest in the concentric followed by the isometric and eccentric conditions, and in the fast compared with slow speeds within the same contraction type (CONFAST>CONSLOW>ISO, and ECCFAST>ECCSLOW). Normalised explosive-phase EMG and neural efficacy were greatest in concentric conditions, followed by isometric and eccentric conditions, but were similar for fast and slow contractions of the same type. Thus, distinct neuromuscular activation appeared to explain the effect of contraction type but not speed on normalised explosive torque, suggesting the speed effect is an intrinsic contractile property. These results provide novel evidence that the ability to rapidly increase torque/force and utilise the available MVT is influenced by both contraction type and speed, owing to neural and contractile mechanisms, respectively.

Single-Photon Tracking for High-Speed Vision.

Quanta Imager Sensors provide photon detections at high frame rates, with negligible read-out noise, making them ideal for high-speed optical tracking. At the basic level of bit-planes or binary maps of photon detections, objects may present limited detail. However, through motion estimation and spatial reassignment of photon detections, the objects can be reconstructed with minimal motion artefacts. We here present the first demonstration of high-speed two-dimensional (2D) tracking and reconstruction of rigid, planar objects with a Quanta Image Sensor, including a demonstration of depth-resolved tracking.

High Dynamic Range Imaging at the Quantum Limit with Single Photon Avalanche Diode-Based Image Sensors.

This paper examines methods to best exploit the High Dynamic Range (HDR) of the single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) in a high fill-factor HDR photon counting pixel that is scalable to megapixel arrays. The proposed method combines multi-exposure HDR with temporal oversampling in-pixel. We present a silicon demonstration IC with 96 × 40 array of 8.25 µm pitch 66% fill-factor SPAD-based pixels achieving >100 dB dynamic range with 3 back-to-back exposures (short, mid, long). Each pixel sums 15 bit-planes or binary field images internally to constitute one frame providing 3.75× data compression, hence the 1k frames per second (FPS) output off-chip represents 45,000 individual field images per second on chip. Two future projections of this work are described: scaling SPAD-based image sensors to HDR 1 MPixel formats and shrinking the pixel pitch to 1-3 µm.

The influence of patellar tendon and muscle-tendon unit stiffness on quadriceps explosive strength in man.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Do tendon and/or muscle-tendon unit stiffness influence rate of torque development? What is the main finding and its importance? In our experimental conditions, some measures of relative (to maximal voluntary torque and tissue length) muscle-tendon unit stiffness had small correlations with voluntary/evoked rate of torque development over matching torque increments. However, absolute and relative tendon stiffness were unrelated to voluntary and evoked rate of torque development. Therefore, the muscle aponeurosis but not free tendon influences the relative rate of torque development. Factors other than tissue stiffness more strongly determine the absolute rate of torque development. The influence of musculotendinous tissue stiffness on contractile rate of torque development (RTD) remains opaque. In this study, we examined the relationships between both patellar tendon (PT) and vastus lateralis muscle-tendon unit (MTU) stiffness and the voluntary and evoked knee-extension RTD. Fifty-two healthy untrained men completed duplicate laboratory sessions. Absolute and relative RTD were measured at 50 N m or 25% maximal voluntary torque (MVT) increments from onset and sequentially during explosive voluntary and evoked octet isometric contractions (supramaximal stimulation; eight pulses at 300 Hz). Isometric MVT was also assessed. Patellar tendon and MTU stiffness were derived from simultaneous force and ultrasound recordings of the PT and vastus lateralis aponeurosis during constant RTD ramp contractions. Absolute and relative (to MVT and resting tissue length) stiffness (k) was measured over identical torque increments as RTD. Pearson's correlations tested relationships between stiffness and RTD measurements over matching absolute/relative torque increments. Absolute and relative PT k were unrelated to equivalent voluntary/evoked (r = 0.020-0.255, P = 0.069-0.891). Absolute MTU k was unrelated to voluntary or evoked RTD (r ≤ 0.191, P ≥ 0.184), but some measures of relative MTU k were related to relative voluntary/evoked RTD (e.g. RTD for 25-50% MVT, r = 0.374/0.353, P = 0.007/0.014). In conclusion, relative MTU k explained a small proportion of the variance in relative voluntary and evoked RTD (both ≤19%), despite no association of absolute MTU k or absolute/relative PT k with equivalent RTD measures. Therefore, the muscle-aponeurosis component but not free tendon was associated with relative RTD, although it seems that an overriding influence of MVT negated any relationship of absolute MTU k and absolute RTD.

Single Photon Counting Performance and Noise Analysis of CMOS SPAD-Based Image Sensors.

SPAD-based solid state CMOS image sensors utilising analogue integrators have attained deep sub-electron read noise (DSERN) permitting single photon counting (SPC) imaging. A new method is proposed to determine the read noise in DSERN image sensors by evaluating the peak separation and width (PSW) of single photon peaks in a photon counting histogram (PCH). The technique is used to identify and analyse cumulative noise in analogue integrating SPC SPAD-based pixels. The DSERN of our SPAD image sensor is exploited to confirm recent multi-photon threshold quanta image sensor (QIS) theory. Finally, various single and multiple photon spatio-temporal oversampling techniques are reviewed.

Maximal and explosive strength training elicit distinct neuromuscular adaptations, specific to the training stimulus.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of short-term maximal (MST) vs. explosive (EST) strength training on maximal and explosive force production, and assess the neural adaptations underpinning any training-specific functional changes. METHODS: Male participants completed either MST (n = 9) or EST (n = 10) for 4 weeks. In training participants were instructed to: contract as fast and hard as possible for ~1 s (EST); or contract progressively up to 75% maximal voluntary force (MVF) and hold for 3 s (MST). Pre- and post-training measurements included recording MVF during maximal voluntary contractions and explosive force at 50-ms intervals from force onset during explosive contractions. Neuromuscular activation was assessed by recording EMG RMS amplitude, normalised to a maximal M-wave and averaged across the three superficial heads of the quadriceps, at MVF and between 0-50, 0-100 and 0-150 ms during the explosive contractions. RESULTS: Improvements in MVF were significantly greater (P < 0.001) following MST (+21 ± 12%) than EST (+11 ± 7%), which appeared due to a twofold greater increase in EMG at MVF following MST. In contrast, early phase explosive force (at 100 ms) increased following EST (+16 ± 14%), but not MST, resulting in a time × group interaction effect (P = 0.03), which appeared due to a greater increase in EMG during the early phase (first 50 ms) of explosive contractions following EST (P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for distinct neuromuscular adaptations after MST vs. EST that are specific to the training stimulus, and demonstrate the independent adaptability of maximal and explosive strength.

Motor imagery drives the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery on corticospinal excitability for coordinative lower-limb actions.

Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) facilitates corticospinal excitability (CSE) and may potentially induce plastic-like changes in the brain in a similar manner to physical practice. This study used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to explore changes in CSE for AOMI of coordinative lower-limb actions. Twenty-four healthy adults completed two baseline (BLH, BLNH) and three AOMI conditions, where they observed a knee extension while simultaneously imagining the same action (AOMICONG), plantarflexion (AOMICOOR-FUNC), or dorsiflexion (AOMICOOR-MOVE). Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were recorded as a marker of CSE for all conditions from two knee extensor, one dorsi flexor, and two plantar flexor muscles following TMS to the right leg representation of the left primary motor cortex. A main effect for experimental condition was reported for all three muscle groups. MEP amplitudes were significantly greater in the AOMICONG condition compared to the BLNH condition (p = .04) for the knee extensors, AOMICOOR-FUNC condition compared to the BLH condition (p = .03) for the plantar flexors, and AOMICOOR-MOVE condition compared to the two baseline conditions for the dorsi flexors (ps ≤ .01). The study findings support the notion that changes in CSE are driven by the imagined actions during coordinative AOMI.

Home-based resistance training performed at either fast or slow speeds improves power output in older adults.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of an unsupervised, body mass- home-based resistance training program in older adults performed at either a fast or slow contractile speed on changes to muscle-power, -volume, -architecture, and fatigue resistance of the knee extensors. METHODS: Thirty-two male older adults (age 65-88 years) were separated into 1) fast-speed exercise (Fast-group), 2) slow-speed exercise (Slow-group), and 3) no exercise (Control-group) groups. Participants in the exercise groups performed 30-45 repetitions of knee-extension and sit-to-stand exercises 3 times a week for 8 weeks with different exercise speed between the groups. Before and after the intervention period, the following variables were measured: Isotonic power, isometric strength, twitch contractile properties, muscle-activity, -architecture, and -quality, neuromuscular fatigue resistance of the knee extensors, and thigh muscle volume. RESULTS: Peak power was increased in both the Fast-group (+24 %, P < 0.01, d = 0.65) and Slow-group (+12 %, P < 0.05, d = 0.33) but not in the Control-group. Training increased pennation angle of the vastus lateralis in both the Fast-group (+8 %, P < 0.01, d = 0.42) and Slow-group (+8 %, P < 0.01, d = 0.42), while only the Fast-group showed increase in pennation angle of the rectus femoris (+12 %, P < 0.01, d = 0.64) and thigh muscle volume (+16 %, P < 0.01, d = 0.52). There was no time × group interaction effect for the other neuromuscular measures. CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised, body mass- and home-based resistance training performed at either fast or slow speeds can improve muscle power in older adults, while fast-speed exercise may be preferable over slow-speed owing to the relatively greater improvement of muscle-power, -volume, -architecture, and better time efficiency.

Contraction type influences the human ability to use the available torque capacity of skeletal muscle during explosive efforts.

The influence of contraction type on the human ability to use the torque capacity of skeletal muscle during explosive efforts has not been documented. Fourteen male participants completed explosive voluntary contractions of the knee extensors in four separate conditions: concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC); and isometric at two knee angles (101°, ISO101 and 155°, ISO155). In each condition, torque was measured at 25 ms intervals up to 150 ms from torque onset, and then normalized to the maximum voluntary torque (MVT) specific to that joint angle and angular velocity. Explosive voluntary torque after 50 ms in each condition was also expressed as a percentage of torque generated after 50 ms during a supramaximal 300 Hz electrically evoked octet in the same condition. Explosive voluntary torque normalized to MVT was more than 60 per cent larger in CON than any other condition after the initial 25 ms. The percentage of evoked torque expressed after 50 ms of the explosive voluntary contractions was also greatest in CON (ANOVA; p < 0.001), suggesting higher concentric volitional activation. This was confirmed by greater agonist electromyography normalized to M(max) (recorded during the explosive voluntary contractions) in CON. These results provide novel evidence that the ability to use the muscle's torque capacity explosively is influenced by contraction type, with concentric contractions being more conducive to explosive performance due to a more effective neural strategy.

Short-term training for explosive strength causes neural and mechanical adaptations.

This study investigated the neural and peripheral adaptations to short-term training for explosive force production. Ten men trained the knee extensors with unilateral explosive isometric contractions (1 s 'fast and hard') for 4 weeks. Before and after training, force was recorded at 50-ms intervals from force onset (F(50), F(100) and F(150)) during both voluntary and involuntary (supramaximal evoked octet; eight pulses at 300 Hz) explosive isometric contractions. Neural drive during the explosive voluntary contractions was measured with the ratio of voluntary/octet force, and average EMG normalized to the peak-to-peak M-wave of the three superficial quadriceps. Maximal voluntary force (MVF) was also measured, and ultrasonic images of the vastus lateralis were recorded during ramped contractions to assess muscle-tendon unit stiffness between 50 and 90% MVF. There was an increase in voluntary F(50) (+54%), F(100) (+15%) and F(150) (+14%) and in octet F(50) (+7%) and F(100) (+10%). Voluntary F(100) and F(150), and octet F(50) and F(100) increased proportionally with MVF (+11%). However, the increase in voluntary F(50) was +37% even after normalization to MVF, and coincided with a 42% increase in both voluntary/octet force and agonist-normalized EMG over the first 50 ms. Muscle-tendon unit stiffness between 50 and 90% MVF also increased. In conclusion, enhanced agonist neural drive and MVF accounted for improved explosive voluntary force production in the early and late phases of the contraction, respectively. The increases in explosive octet force and muscle-tendon unit stiffness provide novel evidence of peripheral adaptations within merely 4 weeks of training for explosive force production.

The effects of combined action observation and motor imagery on corticospinal excitability and movement outcomes: Two meta-analyses.

Motor simulation interventions involving motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) have received considerable interest in the behavioral sciences. A growing body of research has focused on using AO and MI simultaneously, termed 'combined action observation and motor imagery' (AOMI). The current paper includes two meta-analyses that quantify changes in corticospinal excitability and motor skill performance for AOMI compared to AO, MI and control conditions. Specifically, the first meta-analysis collated and synthesized existing motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude data from transcranial magnetic stimulation studies and the second meta-analysis collated and synthesized existing movement outcome data from behavioral studies. AOMI had a positive effect compared to control and AO but not MI conditions for both MEP amplitudes and movement outcomes. No methodological factors moderated the effects of AOMI, indicating a robust effect of AOMI across the two outcome variables. The results of the meta-analyses are discussed in relation to existing literature on motor simulation and skill acquisition, before providing viable directions for future research on this topic.

Short-term unilateral resistance training affects the agonist-antagonist but not the force-agonist activation relationship.

In this study we investigated the contribution of neural adaptations to strength changes after 4 weeks of unilateral isometric resistance training. Maximal and submaximal isometric knee extension contractions were assessed before and after training. Surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the agonist and antagonist muscles and normalized to evoked maximal M-wave and maximal knee flexor EMG, respectively. The interpolated twitch technique (ITT) was also used to determine activation at maximum voluntary force (MVF). MVF increased in the trained (+20%) and untrained (+8%) legs. Agonist EMG at MVF increased in the trained leg (+26%), although activation determined via the ITT was unchanged. In both legs the position of the force-agonist EMG relationship was unchanged, but antagonist coactivation was lower for all levels of agonist activation. Strength gains in the trained leg were due to enhanced agonist activation, whereas decreased coactivation may have affected strength changes in both legs.