The effect of loss of foot sole sensitivity on H-reflex of triceps surae muscles and functional gait

Fangtong Zhang; Mengzi Sun; Feng Qu; Kelsey Lewis; Jung Hun Choi; Qipeng Song; Li Li

doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.1036122

The effect of loss of foot sole sensitivity on H-reflex of triceps surae muscles and functional gait

Front Physiol. 2023 Jan 5:13:1036122. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1036122. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Fangtong Zhang¹, Mengzi Sun^{2

3}, Feng Qu¹, Kelsey Lewis², Jung Hun Choi⁴, Qipeng Song⁵, Li Li²

Affiliations

¹ Biomechanics Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
² Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, United States.
³ School of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, United States.
⁵ College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, Shandong, China.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of foot sole insensitivity on the outcomes of the triceps surae muscle H-reflex and functional gait. Material and Methods: People with peripheral neuropathy were recruited and divided into two groups: people with more (n = 13, 73.3 ± 4.3 years old) or less (n = 10, 73.5 ± 5.3) sensitive tactile sensation. Their monofilament testing scores were 9.0 ± 1.5 (range: 7-10) and 2.3 ± 2.4 (range: 0-6) out of 10, respectively. H-reflex of the triceps surae muscles during quiet standing and their relationship with functional gait, 6 min walking distance (6MWD), and timed-up-and-go duration (TUG), were compared between groups. Results: No significant difference was detected for H-reflex parameters between the groups. The less sensitive group showed reduced (p < .05) functional gait capacity compared to the other group, 38.4 ± 52.7 vs. 463.5 ± 47.6 m for 6MWD, and 9.0 ± 1.5 vs. 7.2 ± 1.1s for TUG, respectively. A significant correlation (p < .05), worse functional gait related to greater H/M ratio, was observed in the less sensitive group, not the other group. Conclusion: Although there was no significant H-reflex difference between the groups, more pronounced tactile sensation degeneration affected functional gaits and their relationship with H-reflex.

Keywords: H-reflex; foot sole sensitivity; functional gait; motor control; triceps surae muscles.