Stretch Reflex Resetting
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When a muscle is stretched suddenly the stretch reflex makes it contract, but training can raise the threshold at which the reflex fires, letting the muscle relax further into the stretch.
Detail
When a muscle is suddenly stretched, the stretch reflex is initiated and the muscle being stretched contracts. However, through training, the critical point at which the stretch reflex is initiated can be "reset" to a higher level. As a consequence, the muscles relax further into the stretch.
This is the first of the three adaptations listed under What Happens When You Stretch. Because the reflex is provoked by sudden stretch, moving slowly and smoothly into a stretch avoids triggering it (see Stretching Guidelines (Alter)), and ballistic (bouncing) stretching tends to initiate it (Ballistic Stretching).
Key facts
- A sudden stretch initiates the stretch reflex, causing the stretched muscle to contract.
- Training can "reset" the threshold of the stretch reflex to a higher level.
- A higher threshold lets the muscle relax further into the stretch.
Connections
- What Happens When You Stretch — parent concept (adaptation 1 of 3).
- Static Stretching — allows adequate time to reset stretch-reflex sensitivity.
- Ballistic Stretching — disadvantage: it initiates the stretch reflex.
Sources
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.