Faculty Collaboration Database

Pedaling alters the excitability and modulation of vastus medialis H-reflexes after stroke. Clin Neurophysiol 2011 Oct;122(10):2036-43

Date

04/22/2011

Pubmed ID

21507713

DOI

10.1016/j.clinph.2011.03.010

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-80052403393 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Individuals post-stroke display abnormal Group Ia reflex excitability. Pedaling has been shown to reduce Group Ia reflexes and to normalize the relationship between EMG and reflex amplitude in the paretic soleus (SO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether these changes extend to the paretic quadriceps.

METHODS: H-reflexes were used to examine Group Ia reflex excitability of the vastus medialis (VM). H-reflexes were elicited in paretic (n=13) and neurologically intact (n=13) individuals at 11 positions in the pedaling cycle and during static knee extension at comparable limb positions and levels of VM EMG.

RESULTS: VM H-reflexes were abnormally elevated in the paretic limb of stroke survivors. During static muscle activation, H-reflex amplitude did not change with the level of background VM activity. Pedaling reduced the amplitude of paretic VM H-reflexes and restored the normal relationship between VM EMG and H-reflex amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS: Pedaling-induced changes in Group Ia reflex excitability that have been reported for the paretic SO are evident in the paretic VM. Pedaling may have a generalized effect on lower extremity Group Ia reflexes post-stroke.

SIGNIFICANCE: Pedaling may be therapeutic for reducing Group Ia reflexes after stroke.

Author List

Fuchs DP, Sanghvi N, Wieser J, Schindler-Ivens S

Author

Sheila Schindler-Ivens PhD Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Bicycling
Electromyography
Exercise Test
Female
H-Reflex
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Paresis
Quadriceps Muscle
Stroke
Stroke Rehabilitation