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Effects of compression stockings on ankle muscle H‐reflexes during standing
Author(s) -
Espeit Loic,
Pavailler Sebastien,
Lapole Thomas
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.25455
Subject(s) - h reflex , ankle , reflex , barefoot , electromyography , medicine , tibialis anterior muscle , ankle jerk reflex , soleus muscle , concomitant , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anesthesia , heel , anatomy , skeletal muscle
Wearing compression stockings (CS) may improve postural stability through additional cutaneous feedback. The aim of this study was to further determine how wearing CS could influence spinal excitability by investigating ankle muscle H‐reflexes. Methods Fifteen subjects were asked to stand barefoot on a rigid floor with their eyes open. H‐reflex amplitude was measured in the soleus (SOL), fibularis longus (FL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, with and without CS. Concomitant M‐waves and baseline electromyographic activity (EMG) were monitored. Results Baseline EMG activity and concomitant M‐wave amplitude remained stable across conditions in all tested muscles. Although CS did not affect the H‐reflex in the SOL (+0.8 ± 19.2%; P = 0.77) and FL (–10.0± 33.2%; P = 0.28) muscles, the TA H‐reflex was significantly depressed (–21.9% ± 24.0%; P = 0.03). Conclusions These results suggest decreased spinal motoneuron excitability and/or increased presynaptic inhibition of Ia‐afferent terminals through increased cutaneous inputs provided by CS while standing. Muscle Nerve 55 : 596–598, 2017