title: H-reflex testing to determine the neural basis of movement disorders of neurologically impaired individuals.
abstract: The H-reflex is an indirect measure of the excitability levels of alpha motoneurons. The authors have developed an adaptation of H-reflex testing which allows the continuous monitoring of human alpha motoneuron activity during movement. The technique differs from previously used H-reflex testing techniques in that it utilizes a 5 Hz stimulation to elicit the H-reflex. This allows for continuous and concomitant H- and M-wave recordings during a movement. This is an improvement over past single stimulus techniques in that the time and discomfort associated with this type of experimentation is greatly decreased. The repetitive stimulation technique enables H-reflex testing to be used clinically with neurologically impaired patient populations. Thus far, the authors have used the repetitive H-reflex testing procedures to assess alpha motoneuron activation and reciprocal inhibition of antagonist musculature during voluntary movement and anticipatory postural control responses of non-disabled individuals and of individuals with cerebral palsy. This paper describes the methodology involved in this technique and reports the results obtained.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Dept., University of Montana, Missoula 59812.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Moritani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology