Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 39, Issue 5 714-717, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Tetanic force development of adductor pollicis muscle in anesthetized man
N. Sugai, R. Worsley and J. P. Payne
The tetanic force development of the human adductor pollicis muscle was
studied under light anesthesia with nitrous oxide, oxygen, and Demerol, by
the use of tetanic stimulation of the ulnar nerve at frequencies ranging
from 10 to 100 Hz. The time necessary for the tetanic contraction to reach
a plateau was longest at frequencies between 15 and 20 Hz. Fusion of
tetanus occurred between 40 and 45 Hz. The mean maximal force of 6.92 kg
was developed at a mean frequency of approximately 75 Hz. The maximal force
was well maintained up to a stimulation frequency of 100 Hz. The results
indicate that in lightly anesthetized man, the maximal force is developed
at higher stimulation frequencies than those observed in conscious man and
that it is well sustained at higher frequencies.
