H-reflex testing to determine the neural basis of movement disorders of neurologically impaired individuals.
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.
Leonard
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Physical Therapy Dept., University of Montana, Missoula 59812.
Moritani
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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