[Effects of mechanical stimulation of the soles' support zones on H-reflex characteristics under support unloading...

The aim of the work was to study the effects of mechanical stimulation of the soles' support zones on state of m. soleus motoneurone pool in man under 7-days support unloading conditions, which was provided by "Dry Immersion" model. Before, during and after immersion exposure the excitability of m. soleus motoneurone pool was estimated by H-reflex amplitude normalized by the maximal amplitude of M-wave. The data registered in two groups of volunteers: "control" in which only immersion exposure was used and "experimental" in which stimulation of support zones of sole was carried out during Dry Immersion were compared. During immersion relative amplitude of H-reflex increased in the control group. These alterations were not revealed in the experimental group with daily application of the support stimulation in natural locomotion regimens during immersion.