Effect of passive stepping on the H-reflex in the wrist flexor

T. Kitamura, T. Nakajima, K. Kamibayashi, S. I. Yamamoto, M. Akai, K. Nakazawa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

It is possible for patients with spinal cord injury and stroke to regain locomotor-like activity with intense step training on a treadmill. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the reattainment of locomotor activity are unknown. In particular, the principles governing interlimb coordination is not known. Therefore, we investigated modulation of the H-reflex..in the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) of 10 subjects.. during passive stepping of the leg. Passive stepping tasks were performed with the aid of a robotic gait trainer system (Lokomat). The H-reflex in the FCR was elicited by electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the elbow level and recorded during 10 different phases of the walking cycle and static standing condition. The results showed that passive stepping significantly suppresses the FCR H-reflex amplitude as compared with static standing condition. These results suggest that movement-related afferent leg feedback mediates suppression of forearm H-reflex during passive stepping.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationNeuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages201-202
Number of pages2
Edition9
ISBN (Print)9783642038884
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics - Munich, Germany
Duration: 2009 Sept 72009 Sept 12

Publication series

NameIFMBE Proceedings
Number9
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1680-0737

Conference

ConferenceWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period09/9/709/9/12

Keywords

  • H-reflex
  • Interlimb coordination
  • Passive stepping

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of passive stepping on the H-reflex in the wrist flexor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this