Explanation of the Stretch Reflex
Explanation of the Stretch Reflex
When a muscle is stretched (lengthened), sensory
organs in the tendon send a signal to the spinal cord which causes a reflex contraction (shortening) of the muscle. This reflex restricts initial efforts at stretching; however, if the stretch is maintained for 10- 30 seconds, the stretch reflex will subside and permit gains.
Notes:
This slide illustrates the mechanism of the stretch reflex. This reflex is important to understand because it explains why it is important to hold a stretch for an extended period of time (10-30 seconds). Attempts to stretch for shorter durations are limited by the opposing action of the stretch reflex.
Image reproduced with permission from Hole’s Anatomy and Physiology (Shiers, Butler and Lewis) - McGraw Hill Publishers