IMPORTANCE OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE ACTIVATION ON FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR PROPERTIES

Abstract

Neuromuscular adaptation following strength training has been widely discussed in the literature. There is common consent that alterations in maximum voluntary contraction can be achieved either by muscular hypertrophic effects or by improvements in neuronal supply of the muscle. Both aspects address primarily the contribution of the efferent part of activation. For combination of muscular action, i.e. for the stretch-shortening cycle, the role of the afferent activation rocesses has been demonstrated. However, the question whether afferent contribution may also modulate the strength development in voluntary contractions has not been discussed in detail. Data are presented that emphasise the concept that, induced by proprioceptive training, the improvement in afferent sensitivity are in close relation to improvements in the capacity of the neuromuscular system for explosive power. Functional considerations are given with respect to rehabilitation and to adaptation in athletic strength training.