FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSCLE CO-ACTIVATION AND RECURRENT INHIBITION ACTIVITY AT MOTOR SKILL LEARNING

Muscle co-activation which is one of the central nervous system’s action mechanisms is a phenomenon characterised by simultaneous activation of two or more muscles around a joint. Previous studies have reported that muscle co-activation levels could be different in athletes of different skill levels. In addition, skilled athletes should show a specific muscle activation pattern with a low level of co-activation of muscles which are typically involved in their discipline. Recent research suggests that high-level athletes (elite) have a different activation- relaxation and/or co-activation strategies than those of beginner and intermediate level athletes. Skilled athletes should show a different muscular-activation strategy, which is the result of changes in the spinal and supraspinal levels by mastering a specific movement pattern. Recurrent activity help acquire a specific movement pattern and causes a decrease in muscle co-activation. The purpose of the review is to discuss the functional significance of recurrent inhibition and co-activation modes of motor control on sporting performance.