A comparison of methods to assess the excitability of lower motoneurones.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare three methods of assessing the excitability of lower motoneurones--TA-reflex, H-reflex and F-wave--in 120 patients with spastic hemiparesis following a stroke. The H-reflex was recorded from the soleus muscle after submaximal electrostimulation of the tibial nerve. The T-Achilles (TA) reflex was recorded from the soleus muscle after percussion of the Achilles tendon. The F-wave was recorded in the distal limb muscles after supramaximal electrostimulation of the median, ulnar, fibular and tibial nerves. The patient's healthy side was used as a control. The TA-reflex, H-reflex and F-wave showed increased amplitudes on the spastic side. All amplitude ratios: TA/M, H/M, Fmax/M and Fmean/M were increased. The H-reflex thresholds were decreased. The F-wave duration, persistence and number of phases were also increased on the spastic side. Despite clinically decreased muscle tone, there were no changes in TA or H-reflex parameters after treatment. On the other hand, F-wave parameters tended to normalize after treatment in all groups. In conclusion, the F-wave is a more sensitive method than the TA and H-reflexes in assessing the excitability of the lower motoneurone.

• Authors: I G Milanov
• Journal: The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques (Can J Neurol Sci) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 64-8 (Feb 1992) ISSN: 0317-1671 [Print] England
• PMID: 1562909 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Achilles Tendon (physiology)
• Adult
• Aged
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (complications, physiopathology)
• Electric Stimulation
• Electromyography
• Female
• H-Reflex (physiology)
• Hemiplegia (etiology, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motor Neurons (physiology)
• Muscles (physiology)
• Neurologic Examination (methods)
• Reflex, Stretch (physiology)