The activation of muscle spindles enhances the thixotropic behavior of rib cage respiratory muscles.
Rib cage inspiratory muscle contractions at a deep inflated position caused a subsequent increase in rib cage cross-sectional area at the end-expiratory phase. The increase in this area was enhanced by the activation of muscle spindles in the inspiratory muscles by a mechanical vibration combined with muscle contractions.
Shibata
Masahiko
M
Second Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 142-8555 Japan. masahiko@med.showa-u.ac.jp
Izumizaki
Masahiko
M
Homma
Ikuo
I
D000328:Adult; D045853:Exhalation; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009470:Muscle Spindles / Q000502:physiology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D012272:Ribs; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000502:physiology; D014732:Vibration