Effects of high-frequency initial pulses and posttetanic potentiation on power output of skeletal muscle

The effects of high-frequency initial pulses (HFIP) and posttetanic potentiation on mechanical power output during concentric contractions were examined in the in situ medial gastrocnemius of the rat with an intact origin on the femur and blood supply. Stimulation of the muscle was performed via the severed sciatic nerve. In the experiments, HFIP or the potentiating tetanus was followed by a stimulation of 80, 120, or 200 Hz. The results showed that both HFIP and the tetanus increased power output at high contraction velocities (>75 mm/s) when followed by a train of 80 or 120 Hz (200 Hz resulted in no effects). Mechanical power output was increased maximally by HFIP to 120 and 168% by the tetanus. Furthermore, when HFIP or the tetanus were followed by a train of 80 Hz, the peak power in the power-velocity curve tended to be shifted to a higher velocity.