title: A comparative study on the presence of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex in adult hemiplegia.
abstract: In this study, the intensity of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) was measured in post-cerebrovascular accident (CVA) adults with hemiplegia and in neurologically intact adults to determine if the reflex exaggerated following CVA. Fourteen subjects with right and left hemiplegia were matched to neurologically intact subjects by age and sex and tested for the ATNR. Intensity of the reflex was measured using electromyography (EMG) biofeedback. The results indicate that no difference exists between the two groups in intensity of the reflex. The method of rotation used to elicit the reflex did significantly affect the strength of the muscle response. A possible explanation for observation of the reflex in the hemiplegic individual's movement and its significance in neuromuscular re-education programs is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009333:Neck; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D012018:Reflex