Reliability of a new measure of H-reflex excitability

摘要: Objective: This study examined the intraclass reliability of different measures extracted from Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) stimulusresponse curve that are used to assess neuromuscular excitability. The following were compared: (1) peak-to-peak amplitude H-reflex at a stimulus intensity associated with 5% maximum M-wave; (2) slope regression line curve; and (3) peak first derivative stimulus-response curve, new measure introduced in this paper. Methods: was elicited soleus for 24 subjects (12 males 12 females) on 5 separate days. Vibration applied Achilles tendon prior stimulation test sensitivity day 4. gradually increased below threshold an response above M-wave (Mmax) response. means evoked potentials each level create both curves subject across Determination involves consideration stability consistency measures. A repeated analysis variance evaluated group sessions. scores within individuals determined by calculating correlation coefficient (ICC). Calculation 95% confidence interval estimation significant differences between ICCs. Results: stable consistent 3 vibration resulted profound reduction (59‐ 70%) 4, then there return baseline levels 5. ICC 0.85. 0.79, while it 0.89 curve. However, no statistical significance (P . 0:05) EMG arc. Maximum had 0.96 attesting careful methodological controls. Conclusions: shown have comparable as other more established Significance: provides rate change, rather than amplitude, making robust arc higher offers greater power, which is practical significance.