The effects of 7 days of 'dry' water immersion were investigated in six subjects. Changes in the contraction properties were studied in the triceps surae muscle. After immersion, the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was reduced by 18.9 % (P < 0.01), and the electrically evoked (150 impulses s-1) maximal tension during tetanic contraction (Po) was reduced by 8.2 % (P > 0.05). The difference between Po and MVC expressed as a percentage of Po and referred to as force deficiency was also calculated. The force deficiency increased by 44.1 % (P < 0.001) after immersion. The decrease in Po was associated with increased maximal rates of tension development (7.2 %) and relaxation. The twitch time-to-peak was not significantly changed, and half-relaxation and total contraction time were decreased by 5.3 % and 2.8 %, respectively, but the twitch tension (Pt) was not significantly changed and the Pt/Po ratio was decreased by 8.7 %. The 60 s intermittent contractions (50 impulses s-1) decreased tetanic force to 57 % (P < 0.05) of initial values, but force reduction was not significantly different in the two fatigue-inducing tests: fatigue index (the mean loss of force of the last five contractions, expressed as a percentage of the mean value of the first five contractions) was 36.2 ± 5.4 % vs. 38.6 ± 2.8 %, respectively (P > 0.05). While identical force reduction was present in the two fatigue-inducing tests, it would appear that concomitant electrical failure was considerably different. Comparison of the electrical and mechanical alterations recorded during voluntary contractions, and in contractions evoked by electrical stimulation of the motor nerve, suggests that immersion not only modifies the peripheral processes associated with contraction, but also changes central and/or neural command of the contraction. At peripheral sites, it is proposed that the intracellular processes of contraction play a role in the contractile impairment recorded during immersion. Experimental Physiology (2002) 87.1, 101-111.