Between-days reliability of H-reflexes in human flexor carpi radialis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess between-day reliability of the latency and peak-to-peak amplitude of a technique to elicit the H-reflex and M response of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and the ratio of maximum H-reflex and M-response amplitude (Hmax/Mmax).


METHODS
Test-retest reliability study.


METHODS
Electrophysiology laboratory at a university.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutively recruited healthy volunteers (8 men, 7 women; age range, 22-65y).


METHODS
Volunteers were tested on 2 separate days at the same time of day for H-reflex and M response by stimulating the median nerve in the cubital fossa in the presence of a standardized voluntary contraction of the FCR muscle.


METHODS
Onset latencies, peak-to-peak amplitudes, and Hmax/Mmax.


RESULTS
Latency measurements of H-reflex and M response showed excellent reliability between days, as did the maximum amplitude of the M response. The maximum amplitudes of the H-reflex and Hmax/Mmax ratio were less reliable but still within acceptable limits.


CONCLUSIONS
The H-reflex and M response can be reliably elicited in the FCR. This technique provides a useful clinical tool for diagnostic purposes during the course of neurologic disorders and in preclinical and postclinical intervention studies.
Jaberzadeh
Shapour
S
Department of Physiology, Medical School, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. shapour.jaberzadeh@adelaide.edu.au
Scutter
Sheila
S
Warden-Flood
Andrea
A
Nazeran
Homer
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological