Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Proprioception in the knee and reflex hamstring contraction latency
1Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds, UK.
Abstract:
There are various methods of measuring proprioception at the knee. Beard et al (1993) have described a delay in reflex hamstring contraction in anterior cruciate deficient knees. We have repeated their experiment and were unable to detect any significant difference in reflex hamstring contraction between the injured and uninjured legs. We discuss possible neurophysiological and biomechanical causes for the conflicting results and conclude that this method may not be a valid measure of proprioception.
Related Concept Videos
Somatic Spinal Reflexes
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...
Muscles that Move the Leg
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed...
Reflex Activity
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...

