H-reflexes during a motor skill acquisition task.
H-reflex amplitudes were studied during the acquisition of a motor skill involving coordinated isometric plantarflexion at the ankle joints as subjects learned to trace a triangular pattern on an oscilloscope screen by controlling plantarflexion torque applied against load cells. Torque feedback was presented on a subject oscilloscope with the right foot controlling a vertical cursor and the left foot a horizontal cursor. Eleven subjects reached criterion performance. H-reflexes were recorded from the right soleus and timed to the initiation of soleus muscle activity to plantarflex the foot. Average time to complete one trial decreased from 9 sec. in the prelearning block to 4 sec. postlearning. No single learning strategy was evident as subjects varied widely in their levels of H-reflex amplitude, but during postlearning, H-reflex amplitude became consistent within subjects as tracing performance became faster and accurate.
Baylor
A M
AM
Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas, Austin 78712.
Benjuya
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D012023:Reflex, Monosynaptic