H-reflex testing to determine the neural basis of movement disorders of neurologically impaired individuals.
Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol, 32 (7-8):
341--349 (1992)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.