The stretch-shortening cycle effect: History-dependent muscle properties matter

The SSC effect – increased force, work, and power during shortening of stretch-shortening cycles compared with shortening alone – has long been attributed to stretch reflexes, preactivation, elastic recoil, and muscle-tendon unit decoupling. However, we hypothesize that contractile component mechanisms related to residual force enhancement can contribute substantially to the SSC effect. This article reviews current evidence for this history-dependent SSC-effect hypothesis. Summary: The contractile mechanism underlying residual force enhancement, especially titin, can substantially contribute to the stretch-shortening cycle effect.