Effect on Spinal Cord Excitability of Two Exercises for Cool-down of the Triceps Surae

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the effects on spinal cord excitability, as measured by evoked electromyography H waves, of a continuous stretching exercise and a repeated dynamic exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The lower limbs of 14 healthy adults with no history of neurological disorders were investigated. The H wave of the soleus muscle was measured using evoked electromyography under three conditions: at rest, continuous stretching, and repeated dynamic exercise.[Results] After continuous stretching, no significant difference was found from at rest; however, a significant decrease in H wave amplitude was found after repeated dynamic exercise. Also, after the repeated dynamic exercise, the percentage change in H wave amplitude was significantly lower than that after continuous stretching.[Conclusion] The results showed that spinal cord excitability under the repeated dynamic exercise was significantly lower than that under the continuous stretching exercise.