Article

OBJECTIVES: To quantify tendon tap response (TTR) properties and their position
dependence using multiple neuromechanical parameters, and to analyze correlations
among neuromechanical and clinical measures. DESIGN: Hyperexcitable dynamics of TTR were investigated in a case-control manner. An instrumented hammer was used
to induce the patellar deep tendon reflex (DTR), with reflex-mediated
electromyography and torque responses measured across a range of knee flexion.
Research laboratory in a rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Chronic
hemiplegic stroke survivors (n=9) and healthy subjects (n=13). INTERVENTIONS: Not
applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neuromechanical measures (system gain,
contraction rate, half-relaxation rate, reflex loop delay, peak reflex torque,
peak reflex electromyography, and reflex threshold in tapping force) were
measured to characterize neuromuscular properties of patellar TTR. Clinical
measurements were taken using the DTR scale and the Modified Ashworth Scale.
RESULTS: The system gain, contraction rate, half-relaxation rate, and peak
reflex-mediated torque in the stroke group were generally higher, whereas the
reflex threshold in the stroke group was significantly lower than their
counterparts in the control group across 45 degrees to 90 degrees of knee flexion
(P<.05). The 4 parameters were significantly higher at 60 degrees and 75 degrees
of flexion than at 15 degrees , 30 degrees , 45 degrees , and 90 degrees , and
their correlations with the 2 clinical scales at 60 degrees , 75 degrees , and 90
degrees of flexion were also significantly higher than those at 15 degrees , 30
degrees , and 45 degrees (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS:
The results showed
hyperexcitability of TTR in stroke, quantified using a number of neuromechanical
measures. Those measures peak around 60 degrees to 75 degrees of knee flexion and
were correlated with clinical scales.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS