Passive forearm stretching evokes robust and load-dependent muscle sympathetic nerve activity responses in humans

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Georgia C. S. Lehnen, Marcela S. Araújo, Jhenny V. Neri, Rosa V. D. Guerrero, Giovanna M. R. Cunha, B. C. S. Silva, Gabriel Siqueira Trajano, Lauro Casqueiro Vianna
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00021.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 61

Abstract

This study provides the first direct evidence in humans, using microneurography, that passive forearm stretching elicits robust increases in sympathetic burst frequency and incidence. The positive association between torque and the magnitude of the sympathetic response highlights the load-dependent nature of muscle mechanoreceptor activation in shaping autonomic outflow. Together, these findings establish passive forearm stretching as a practical and physiologically robust model for investigating mechanoreflex function and human sympathetic regulation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control Sports injuries and prevention Cardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
5
Pages
R551–R560
Publication date
7 April 2026
Language
EN