Premium
CLINICAL METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL RECORDING OF THE MECHANICALLY AND ELECTRICALLY ELICITED ANKLE REFLEX
Author(s) -
Dietrichson Per,
Sørbye Rolf
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1971.tb07461.x
Subject(s) - reflex , isometric exercise , ankle jerk reflex , triceps surae muscle , ankle , biomedical engineering , stretch reflex , stimulus (psychology) , materials science , medicine , anatomy , anesthesia , physical therapy , psychology , psychotherapist
A method for quantitative evaluation of the ankle stretch reflex in man has been developed. The method includes recording of the mechanical and electrical stimulus intensity and of the electrical and mechanical reflex response. In addition, it offers the possibility of reflex latency recording. The size of the tendon tap was recorded by a reflex hammer incorporating an accelerometer which converts the retardation force, experienced by the hammer head when it strikes the tendon, to an electrical signal. The output signal has a linear relationship with the moment of force imposed upon the tendon‐muscle system by the tap and can therefore be used as an indicator of muscle stretch. The strength of the electrical stimulus was estimated in milliamperes by the voltage drop across a serial resistor in the stimulating circuit. The electrical reflex response was recorded by surface electrodes over the triceps surae muscle, and the best recording electrode placement was determined. The reflex contraction was recorded by a general purpose myograph allowing isotonic as well as isometric recordings. The method described is easy to use, is not painful to the patient, and offers considerable precision and accuracy in ankle reflex recording.