Muscle Sensors (Part II) - The Golgi Tendon Organ

In this video, I discuss how the Golgi tendon organ detects tension generated in the muscle-tendon complex and how it serves a protective function in our body. I explain how this muscle sensor helps sense heaviness and force during muscle contractions.
Part III introduces proprioception during human movement: • Muscle Sensors (Part I...

[@estiakshakil2663]

Smart way of teaching.... Decent person.

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Thanks Estiak for this comment. I am working on new content to be uploaded ready for the start of the upcoming academic year.

[@genoortiz743]

I have used manual therapy directed at the golgi tendon organ to cease muscle cramps within 10-15 seconds. I cannot find any other research that utilizes this GTO method. A D.C. I worked for showed me these techniques. I have had amazing results. Have you ever heard of anything similar?

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Hi Oneg, thanks for dropping by to leave a comment. I haven't come across any literature related to manual therapy of the GTO. Could you tell me about the technique the therapy involves?

[@Liquoricefy]

Great video, short but helpful :)

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Thanks for the positive comment Elena. All the best with your studies!

[@2007dodi]

can you make a video urgently about the different between motor control - balance - proprioceptive? are they all the same??

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Hi PDC Ghada,
At the moment, I have a backlog of videos I need to make. To answer your question, proprioception is one element of the developing motor programmes and maintaining balance. The vestibular system also plays an important role. I would suggest you read up on this system in any good Physiology text to help with your studies. Best of luck.

[@mdam1543]

Hi army

[@Jmack7861]

Anyone know if there is a way(acute or chronic) to desensitize the golgi tendon? For powerlifters it is a very limiting factor(not saying it isn’t needed, but it is an inhibitor). Just curious

[@gigabuyceps]

getting adrenaline levels up using WHM imagining within your mind that you have to lift to survive or die. takes a lot of mental practice too. All elite olympic weightlifters while walking on platform performs similar stuff, tho not sure if they are in survival mode. That is why after major competitions they take 2 weeks of rest from emotional stress not physical.

[@AuggieX1]

Very simple. Thank you!

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emtenana5953]

Thank you doctor
Very useful video

[@ДимаМ-з3ж]

can greater stretching of the biceps tendon during MVIC at greater angles of forearm extension (during flexion) reduce CNS signal due to the effect on the golgi tendon organ compared to MVIC test when the forearm is flexed at 90 degrees?

[@surabhiruia4364]

So the muscle tone is maintained by GTO?

[@Nico55RS]

Excellent! Thank you very much

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emiliabug]

Would a muscle go into spasm if the tension in is too much and the GTO reflex is 'ignored' (if that's possible) during a muscle contracting movement which is being repeated?

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

This is a really good question Emilia. In essence, cramping depends on the interaction of the activity of the muscle spindle (which causes alpha motor neuron to fire when stretched) and the golgi tendon organ (which inhibits alpha neuron when excessive tension is transmitted through the GTO complex). When we perform repeated muscle movements, the muscle will eventually fatigue. In this state, we often over-ride our GTO reflex, while simultaneously stretching the muscle spindle. The net effect is that the inhibitory signals of the GTO are reduced, while there is an increase in alpha motor neuron firing from the muscle spindle. This means that the muscle receives multiple electrical signals which eventually lead to a spasm (or cramp). In general, whenever inhibitory signals from GTO are decreased, the default will be continued stimulatory signals from muscle spindles.
PS: Stretching can help reduce the firing of the alpha motor neuron and reduce the cramp!

[@emiliabug]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@mary-ks4pz]

Thank you soo much

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Your very welcome!

[@praveshdhankhar444]

Very useful sir

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Thanks Pravesh. Good luck with your studies.

[@24hourslatermoon]

very nice 👌👍🏻

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

Thank you Mahrukh!

[@mandlakei3053]

how can one bypass the GTO to unlock imprressive strength?

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

I don't think there is strong scientific evidence (or even enough studies performed) where we can come to a consensus about a training approach which reduces inhibition from the GTO. Thus, I cannot really suggest an approach, other than regular resistance training/plyometrics to ensure you have strong (well-developed) tendons which allow greater force transmission before inhibitory signals are generated.

[@brightphoenixmind302]

mandla kei max Strength Training.. the Reason for this "Super Human Strength" is just that our Brain can not target every Muscle Fiber to the fullest, so that Super Human Strength is just ~100% max Strength and this can be trained as well

[@mohamedorayith4626]

GTO inhibits muscle spindle activity- so to activate GTO, just maintain a stretch for 10-12 seconds

[@Elm98]

Every gymbro: so if I were to remove all my gto I wouldn’t even feel the weight in lifting? I can throw six plates up with one arm!

[@physiologymadeeasy216]

I am sure that would be there interpretation of the info!

[@tselvan2846]