Effect of mechanical stimulation of the support zones of soles on the muscle stiffness in 7-day dry immersion

Abstract

Stiffness of m. soleus (Sol.) and m. tibialis anterior (TA) was evaluated in 16 volunteers during exposure to 7-days dry immersion alone and to the combination of immersion and mechanic stimulation of foot support zones. It was shown that Sol. stiffness decreased progressively starting from day-1 of immersion, whereas TA stiffness, on the contrary, made a sharp rise. Mechanic stimulation of foot support zones slowed down the rate and extent of changes in both muscles.