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Article
Relationship between muscle fiber type and reactive balance: A preliminary study
Journal of Motor Behavior
  • Andrew I Miller, Arizona State University
  • Edward M. Heath, Utah State University
  • Jared M Dickinson, Arizona State University
  • Eadric Bressel, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publication Date
3-24-2015
Disciplines
Abstract

The authors’ objective was to quantify the relationship between type II muscle fiber composition and recovery latency from controlled perturbations. Thirty healthy adults performed a Thorstensson test to indirectly determine muscle fiber composition of the knee extensors. On a subsequent day, reactive balance was measured by assessing latency time required to accommodate three controlled perturbations via computerized dynamic posturography. The proportion of type II fibers had a negative correlation with latency caused by a large backward perturbation (r = –.62, p = .001). These data may indicate a higher percentage of type II fibers in the knee extensors are associated with better reactive balance. Further investigation is warranted, in particular as it pertains to populations at risk for balance impairment.

Citation Information
Miller, A., Heath, E., Dickinson, J., and Bressel, E. (2015). Relationship between muscle fiber type and reactive balance: A preliminary study. Journal of Motor Behavior, 47, 497-502.