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Patellar clonus: an autonomous central generator.

E G Walsh1, G W Wright

  • 1Department of Physiology, Edinburgh University, UK.

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Clonus oscillations are not caused by stretch reflex re-excitation. Instead, experimental evidence suggests clonus arises from an autonomous central generator in the nervous system.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Human Physiology
  • Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

  • Clonus is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction often seen in neurological conditions.
  • Current theories propose clonus arises from the self-excitation of stretch reflexes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms of clonus.
  • To differentiate between stretch reflex re-excitation and autonomous central generator theories.

Main Methods:

  • Applied steady and rhythmic forces to the patella using a lever-motor apparatus in hemiplegic patients.
  • Measured the effects of added inertia on oscillation amplitude and frequency.
  • Compared clonus frequencies across ankle, patella, and wrist.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Steady stretching forces initiated clonic oscillations in hemiplegic patients.
  • Rhythmic forces demonstrated resistance to entrainment.
  • Increased inertia amplified oscillation amplitude but not frequency.
  • Clonus frequency was consistent across different joints (ankle, patella, wrist).

Conclusions:

  • The findings do not support the self re-excitation of stretch reflexes as the cause of clonus.
  • Evidence points towards an autonomous central generator as the source of clonus.
  • Clonus mechanisms may involve a common central oscillatory system across multiple joints.