Examination of pain ratings associated with elicitation of the maximal H-wave and maximal M-wave in the soleus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

ABSTRACT

The present study involved an examination of pain ratings associated with elicitation of the maximal H-wave and maximal M-wave in the soleus and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles. Sixteen male students provided pain intensity ratings associated specifically with elicitation of the maximal H-wave and maximal M-wave in the soleus and FCR muscles before and after a 1 h period of seated rest on two trials separated by 1 wk. There were no significant interactions or main effects of Muscle Group, Time, or Trials for the pain ratings associated with the maximal H-wave and maximal M-wave in the soleus and FCR muscles. Pain ratings and current were higher for the maximal M-wave than the maximal H-wave in both the soleus and FCR muscles. We concluded that pain ratings associated with the maximal H-wave and maximal M-wave do not differ between the soleus and the FCR muscles, and that pain ratings are higher for the maximal M-wave than the maximal H-wave.