Capacity to match a low level of elbow flexion force maintained in the
control arm was measured in the experimental arm in 16 subjects befor
e and after maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Prior to a 1-min. MVC
, the mean force exerted by the experimental arm was 3.4 +/- 1.0 kg wh
en attempting to match the tension of a 2.3-kg weight in the control a
rm. After the MVC, the mean force exerted in the experimental arm was
4.4 +/- 2.6 kg. The change in perception of force after a prolonged MV
C as demonstrated in this study may be due to postcontraction potentia
tion of contraction, which has been demonstrated by others after a bri
ef MVC.