Shortrange stiffness.• The rate of

Shortrange stiffness.• The rate of cross bridge cycling not only depends on contraction velocity, but also on the preceding activity of the muscle.• For example, after a brief isometric contraction the rate increases. When a muscle is stretched while in this state, such as would occur during a postural disturbance, muscle stiffness is enhanced, and the muscle is more effective at resisting the change in length. This property is known as shortrange stiffness.• Conversely, the cross bridge cycling rate decreases after shortening contractions, and the muscle does not exhibit short-range stiffness.