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Terminal H-reflex Measurements in Mice
Published on: June 16, 2022
Between-day reliability of upper extremity H-reflexes
Ann Marie Stowe1, Laura Hughes-Zahner, Antonis Pantakis Stylianou
1Landon Center on Aging, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3599 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 1005, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|April 2, 2008
Summary
This study establishes a reliable protocol for measuring H-reflex excitability in upper extremity muscles like the extensor carpi radialis longus. This method ensures consistent H-reflex measurements between days for UE muscles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
Background:
- H-reflexes assess Ia monosynaptic reflex excitability in limbs.
- No standardized between-day protocol exists for upper extremity (UE) H-reflexes, specifically the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable between-day protocol for measuring H-reflex excitability in the UE ECRL and its antagonist, the flexor carpi radialis (FCR).
Main Methods:
- H-reflex recruitment curves were recorded over 3 consecutive days from 8 healthy young adults.
- Measurements included maximum amplitude (Hmax), gain (HGN), and threshold (HTH) for ECRL and FCR, normalized to M-wave.
- Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Main Results:
- No significant between-day differences were found for group measurements (p>0.05).
- Variables demonstrated fair to good reliability (ICC=0.57-0.99) within individual muscles.
- The developed protocol showed consistent results across days.
Conclusions:
- A reliable between-day protocol for measuring H-reflex excitability in UE muscles (ECRL and FCR) has been established.
- This methodology will aid in studying the impact of neurological conditions and rehabilitation on upper limb monosynaptic reflexes.
