Musculotendon translational stiffness and muscle activity are modified by shear forces

BACKGROUND: In this study we investigate whether the nervous system is responsive to anterior-posterior shearing forces applied to the knee. Specifically, we examine whether the nervous system will increase musculotendon stiffness along the anterior-posterior degree-of-freedom via relative changes in muscle activation. METHODS: While seated on a Biodex, 12 male participants performed knee extensor moments against a cuff at three different …