Modification of Motor Output to Compensate for Unanticipated Load Conditions During Rapid Voluntary Movements

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Abstract
Mechanisms responsible for load compensation during fast voluntary movements were investigated in 20 normal subjects trained to carry out rapid wrist flexions against a standard load. When an unanticipated increase in load occurred, there was a compensatory increase in agonist EMG and decrease in antagonist EMG. Unanticipated decreases in load produced reciprocal changes with a decrease in agonist EMG and an increase in antagonist EMG. The latency of these EMG changes was quite short and compatible with a spinal reflex mechanism rather than a long loop response. The results suggest that mechanisms exist at the spinal level to allow rapid modification of motor programs when unanticipated load conditions are encountered on initiation of movement.