Added load increases the peak frequency of intermuscular coherence

Cortical motor neuron activity appears to drive lower motor neurons through two distinct frequency bands: the β range (15–30 Hz) during weak muscle contractions and γ range (30–50 Hz) during strong contractions. It is unknown whether the frequency of cortical drive shifts continuously or abruptly between the β and γ frequency bands as contraction strength changes. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) between synergistic arm muscles was used to assess how the frequency of common neuronal drive shifts with increasing contraction strength. Muscle activity was recorded by surface electromyography (EMG) from the biceps and brachioradialis in nine healthy adults performing 30-second isometric holds with added loads. IMC was calculated across the two muscle groups during the isometric contraction. Significant IMC was present in the 20 to 50 Hz range with all loads. Repeated measures ANOVA show the peak frequency of IMC increased significantly when load was added, from a peak of 32.7 Hz with no added load, to 35.3 Hz, 35.7 Hz, and 36.3 Hz with three-, five-, and ten-pound loads respectively. An increase in IMC frequency occurs in response to added load, suggesting that cortical drive functions over a range of frequencies as a function of an isometric contraction against load.