Fig. 1

Experimental protocol. Rectangles, above the horizontal line, show the order of isometric force tasks performed with the plantar flexor muscles by each participant. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) were performed before and immediately after the fatiguing contraction. Cuff pressure values applied to the non-dominant arm and leg during the ischemic conditioning and sham sessions are shown below the horizontal line. For the ischemic preconditioning session, the cuffs were inflated for 5 min and later deflated for 5 min and this was repeated 3 times. During the sham session, the cuffs were inflated for only 1 min and later deflated for 9 min and this was repeated 3 times. During the control session, each individual sat quietly for the same time period and no cuffs were used. The horizontal arrows indicate variables measured continuously (blood pressure, ratings of perceived exertion, and presynaptic inhibition) and upward arrows indicate times when voluntary activation and pain were assessed. Note that the schematic is not to scale for time or force