Abstract
This paper describes a method of evaluating α excitability using muscleforce-frequency curve (F-f curve).
The F-f curve is measured as the relation between the frequency and torque when the human abductor digiti quinti muscle is driven by percutaneous stimuli. Here, the frequency can be varied continuously and linearly and the F-f curve recorded automatically.
The α excitability is evaluated with the frequency where the muscleforce on the F-f curve reaches one-half of its maximum value. These evaluated values show fairly close correlation with the results obtained by the physical methods.
Furthermore, the behavior of the neuromuscular control system can be explained with a model under the assumption that the muscle and receptors are excited synchronously with the stimuli.
