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Normal values of patellar and ankle tendon reflex latencies
C J Frijns1, D M Laman, M A van Duijn
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St Lucas Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Establishing normal values for tendon reflex latencies is crucial for neurological assessment. This study provides reliable reference data for patellar (PTR) and ankle tendon reflexes (ATR) in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Clinical utility of tendon reflex latency measurement in neurological patients is established.
- Lack of standardized normal values hinders comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reliable normal values for patellar tendon reflex (PTR) and ankle tendon reflex (ATR) latencies and amplitudes.
- To assess the influence of height and age on these reflex parameters.
- To evaluate the intra-individual variability of reflex latencies.
Main Methods:
- Measured latencies and amplitudes of PTR and ATR in 102 healthy controls at rest and after facilitation.
- Utilized a manually operated reflex hammer with conductive rubber tip for precise timing.
- Correlated reflex parameters with anthropometric data (height, age) and compared with H-reflex latency.
Main Results:
- Reflex latencies demonstrated significant positive correlations with height and moderate correlations with age.
- Amplitudes were highly variable and less diagnostically useful compared to latencies.
- Latencies exhibited minimal intra-individual variability (CV < 2%).
- ATR latency showed a very high correlation with soleus H-reflex latency (r=0.97).
Conclusions:
- Established normative data for PTR and ATR latencies, highlighting their reliability due to low intra-individual variability.
- Height is a significant determinant of tendon reflex latencies.
- Standardized measurement techniques are essential for accurate neurological assessment using reflex testing.