Figure 8. Passive force (F_passive) assessed after the termination of stimulation.

Passive force values were pooled for each stretch condition and across all subjects. A, Protocol 1: passive forces following the isometric reference contractions were significantly smaller than the passive forces following active muscle stretching († P < 0.05). There was no significant difference due to stimulation methods. Means were collapsed across the stimulation methods and significance (* P < 0.05) is presented only for different stretch conditions, as no interaction (stimulation method × stretch condition) was found. B, Protocol 2: passive forces following active muscle stretching were significantly greater than the passive forces following the isometric reference contractions († P < 0.05). There was no significant effect of the stimulation methods or the speed of stretching. F_passive, passive force.