The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of long-term participation to swimming on adaptations of spinal reflex
excitability. To this end, mechanically induced stretch reflex (SR) and electrically induced Hoffmann (H-) reflex of the soleus
muscle were investigated between swimmers with experience of more than 10 years and non-trained individuals while sitting
at rest. The amplitude and the gain (stretch velocity vs. amplitude of the reflex response) of the SR were significantly greater
in the swimming group than in the non-trained control group. Similarly, the responses of the H-reflex were also significantly
greater in the swimming group than in the non-trained control group. Results of this study demonstrated that the spinal reflex
excitability in experienced swimmers was far more enhanced than in non-trained individuals.
Keywords Stretch reflex - H-reflex - Adaptation - Motor training - Swimming - Human - Soleus muscle