M. Petitjean et B. Maton, PHONOMYOGRAM FROM SINGLE MOTOR UNITS DURING VOLUNTARY ISOMETRIC CONTRACTION, European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 71(2-3), 1995, pp. 215-222
The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the
specific phonomyogram (PMG) of active motor units activated during vol
untary isometric contractions. The electromyogram (EMG) and PMG were r
ecorded from 87 anconeus motor units in 14 subjects. The elementary PM
G from single motor units was analysed with a spike-triggered averagin
g technique. The electro-acoustical delay was 3.5 (SD 1.1) ms, which i
s within the range of values reported in the literature for PMC evoked
by motor nerve stimulation. All motor units demonstrated a pattern of
impulsive sounds with a duration of 87.2 (SD 10.7) ms. These results
would imply that PMG is linked to the contractile activity of the moto
r units. These results also would suggest that PMG recorded from a con
tracting muscle in situ reflects the summation of elementary PMG durin
g voluntary contraction more than the overall mechanical properties of
the muscle.