The effect of tension on the latent time of the grastrocnemius muscle

Summary and conclusions

Data were collected from 45 normal male subjects relative to the effect of tension on the latent time of the gastrocnemius muscle. Ten records were made from each subject under normal conditions and a like number were made under each experimental condition.

The data justify the following conclusions:

• 1. The normal latent time of the gastrocnemius muscle is 15.9 ± 0.342 milliseconds.

• 2. The latent time of the gastrocnemius muscle under tension is 13.9 ± 0.278 milliseconds.

• 3. The obtained difference between the normal latent time and that when the muscle was under tension is 2.0±0.441 milliseconds.

• 4. Tension significantly decreases the latent time of the gastrocnemius muscle.

• 5. This experiment suggests that the crouch position in the start of the sprint has a physiological advantage, since it brings the muscles involved under tension, thus decreasing the time required for the movements to be executed.