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Related Concept Videos

Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

Somatic Spinal Reflexes

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Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
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Reflex Activity01:08

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A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
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Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

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Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
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Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

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Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
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Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

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Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
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The Micturition Reflex01:26

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Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
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Relationship Between Spinal Reflexes and Spastic Movement Disorders.

Aiko K Thompson1, Thomas Sinkjær2

  • 1Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America
|April 30, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spinal reflexes can be modulated to improve central nervous system (CNS) function and motor skills in individuals with spasticity. This technique offers a new approach for treating CNS disorders and spinal cord injuries.

Keywords:
HyperreflexiaMotoneuronsOperant conditioningPlasticitySpinal cord injuryStretch reflexes

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) regulates motor functions through spinal reflex pathway excitability.
  • Impaired reflex modulation in CNS diseases can lead to spastic movement disorders.
  • Spinal reflexes serve as indicators of CNS state, even with chronic lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of operant conditioning of spinal reflexes for improving CNS activity.
  • To explore the application of reflex modulation for enhancing motor function in spastic individuals.
  • To establish reflexes as tools for assessing and treating CNS conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing spinal reflexes as a method to probe CNS function.
  • Applying operant conditioning techniques to modulate reflex excitability.
  • Assessing improvements in CNS activity and motor function post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that spinal reflexes can be operantly conditioned.
  • Showcased the potential for improved CNS activity and motor function through reflex conditioning.
  • Highlighted the efficacy of this approach in spastic individuals with spinal cord lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Spinal reflex modulation through operant conditioning is a viable therapeutic strategy.
  • This method can enhance CNS function and motor recovery in spasticity.
  • Reflex analysis and conditioning offer promising avenues for neurological rehabilitation.