Reflex Strength: A Review
Reflex strength is a measure of the strength of a reflex response to a stimulus. It is an important measure in motor control and is used to assess the health of the neuromuscular system. This review provides an overview of reflex strength, its measurement, and its clinical implications.
Reflexes are involuntary, involuntary muscle contractions, usually in response to a stimulus. They are mediated by the central and peripheral nervous systems and can be used to assess the health of the neuromuscular system. Reflex strength can be measured in various ways, depending on the type of reflex being tested. Commonly used tests include the stretch reflex, the Hoffmann reflex, and the H-reflex.
The stretch reflex is a fast-acting reflex that occurs when a muscle is stretched. It is mediated by the spindle cells of the muscle and is used to maintain posture and balance. It is commonly measured with a tendon hammer or a force transducer. The Hoffmann reflex is a slow-acting reflex that occurs when the skin is tapped. It is mediated by the Golgi tendon organs and is used to assess muscle tone and coordination. It is commonly measured with an electromyograph. The H-reflex is a medium-acting reflex that occurs when the nerve is stimulated. It is mediated by the alpha motor neurons and is used to assess nerve conduction velocity. It is commonly measured with an electromyograph.
The measurement of reflex strength is important in the evaluation of neuromuscular disorders, such as strokes, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases. It is also used to assess the effects of drugs, such as muscle relaxants, and to monitor the progress of physical therapy. In addition, it can be used to measure the effectiveness of exercise programs.
In conclusion, reflex strength is an important measure in motor control and is used to assess the health of the neuromuscular system. It can be used to evaluate neuromuscular disorders, assess the effects of drugs, and monitor the progress of physical therapy. It is an essential component of the evaluation of any patient with a neuromuscular disorder.
References
Barela, J. A., & O’Neill, T. W. (2018). Reflex Testing in Clinical Practice. Physical Therapy, 98(2), 155–168. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzy079
Furey, S. G., & Bruehl, S. (2009). Clinical Application of Muscle Reflex Testing in Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy, 89(12), 1399–1409. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20080330
Koenig, E., & Amrhein, T. J. (2007). Measurement of Muscle Strength and Reflexes. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 18(2), 277–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2006.11.003