my stuff search site map help  News   Shop Online   Marketplace   Buyers Guide   Features   Articles   About Us   Search   Audio Segments   Home

Browse Wellness Word Definitions  Wellness Words Detail Page     Word:    Myotatic Reflex Short Definition:   An uncontrolled contraction of the muscle in response to over-stretching Definition: Also known as the "Myotatic Reflex" or the "Stretch Reflex" When a muscle is stretched, so is the muscle spindle. The muscle spindle records the change in length (and how fast) and sends signals to the spine which convey this information. This triggers the myotatic reflex which attempts to resist the change in muscle length by causing the stretched muscle to contract. The more sudden the change in muscle length, the stronger the muscle contractions will be. This helps to protect the body from injury. Without it your muscles would be allowed to overextend and tear easily. But it is also undesirable in cases where it prevents you from fully using your body. The natural reflex can be overcome by slow stretching whereby positions are held and the stretch is just under the reflex threshold. With progressive stretching, the reflex threshold can be raised.

Powered by Blueprint Solution
© 2007 Blueprint Solution, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use. Privacy Statement.