Effects of head position on static and dynamic responses of the lower limbs

The changes in H-max amplitudes and gaits of seven normal subjects were studied when they adopted different head positions. It was seen that in a static state the adopted head positions effectively altered the pattern of H-reflex transmission in the lower limbs. The head position did not significantly affect the parameters of gait. It is suggested that the changes in H-max amplitude in the lower limbs in a static state were due to the influence of tonic neck and labyrinthine reflexes, and that in the dynamic situation such influences may have been eclipsed by the activation of other neural factors.