Force Steadiness: From Motor Units to Voluntary Actions

Voluntary actions are controlled by the synaptic inputs that are shared by pools of spinal motor neurons. The slow common oscillations in the discharge times of motor units due to these synaptic inputs are strongly correlated with the fluctuations in force during submaximal isometric contractions (force steadiness) and moderately associated with performance scores on some tests of motor function. However, there are key gaps in knowledge that limit the interpretation of differences in force steadiness.

Automated summary

Voluntary actions are controlled by synaptic inputs shared by pools of spinal motor neurons, which result in slow common oscillations in discharge times of motor units highly correlated with force fluctuations during submaximal isometric contractions. However, there are key gaps in knowledge limiting the interpretation of differences in force steadiness.