Lecture 5

Question 1

how are neural changes demonstrated with strength training

Answer 1

• in coordinating movements with practice, the nervous system learns to reduce the amount of coactivation about a joint and increase net torque of agonist muscles
• training with imaginary contractions
• cross education

Question 2

what happens in imaginary contractions

Answer 2

the alteration occurs in the brain in planning and execution of movement as motor neurons were not recruited

Question 3

what is cross education

Answer 3

increase in muscle strength can occur without muscle activation from effects of training the contralateral limb

Question 4

describe the technique involving a Hoffman reflex

Answer 4

measures neuron excitability through an artificially evoked stretch reflex which elicits muscle contraction

Question 5

what is the significance of an increased Hoffman reflex

Answer 5

increased Hoffman reflex at a stimulus represents increase in motor neuron excitability