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Rate Coding Frequency

Meaning

Rate coding frequency is a fundamental mechanism of the nervous system that controls the force produced by a muscle by modulating the rate, or frequency, at which individual motor neurons fire action potentials to their innervated muscle fibers. A higher firing frequency results in a temporal summation of muscle twitches, leading to greater sustained tension and ultimately a stronger muscle contraction. This neural factor is a key determinant of dynamic strength and power output, often optimized through high-intensity resistance training. The nervous system utilizes this strategy to grade the force of movement.