Enhanced stretch reflex excitability of the soleus muscle in experienced swimmers

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of long-term participation to swimming on adaptations of spinal reflex excitability. To this end, mechanically induced stretch reflex (SR) and electrically induced Hoffmann (H-) reflex of the soleus muscle were investigated between swimmers with experience of more than 10 years and non-trained individuals while sitting at rest. The amplitude and the gain (stretch velocity vs. amplitude of the reflex response) of the SR were significantly greater in the swimming group than in the non-trained control group. Similarly, the responses of the H-reflex were also significantly greater in the swimming group than in the non-trained control group. Results of this study demonstrated that the spinal reflex excitability in experienced swimmers was far more enhanced than in non-trained individuals.