Fig. 3. Schematic representation of the stretching tests on the descending limb of
the force—length relationship of the cat soleus muscle. Muscles were
stretched for 3, 6 and 9 mm (approx. 7, 14 and 21 % of optimal fibre length)
at speeds of 3, 9 and 27 mm s-1 (approx. 7, 21 and 63 %,
respectively, of optimal fibre length s-1). For all tests, the
muscle was activated for 9 s at 3T (3x the alpha-motoneuron threshold)
starting at time 0 s. Steady-state total force enhancement following
stretching was always determined 4.5 s after the end of the dynamic phase of
contraction (i.e. at 8.5 s, see first arrowhead). Passive force enhancement
following stretching was always determined 3s after activation had been
stopped (i.e. at 12s, see second arrowhead).
