Delayed muscle onset soreness in the gastrocnemius muscle attenuates the spinal contribution to interlimb communication

Abstract

Purpose: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) has been shown to induce changes in muscle activity during walking. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether DOMS also affects interlimb communication during walking by investigating its effect on short-latency crossed responses (SLCRs).

Methods: SLCRs were elicited in two recording sessions by electrically stimulating the tibial nerve of the ipsilateral leg, and quantified in the contralateral gastrocnemius muscle. The second recording session occurred 24-36 h after the participants (n = 11) performed eccentric exercises with the ipsilateral calf.

Results: DOMS caused a decreased magnitude of the spinally mediated component of the SLCR in the contralateral gastrocnemius medialis.

Conclusions: The results of the current study provide insight on the relationship between pain and motor control. Muscle pain affects the spinal pathway mediating interlimb communication, which might result in a reduced ability to maintain dynamical stability during walking.

Keywords: DOMS; Human locomotion; Interlimb communication; Interlimb coordination; Reflexes.