A new method to determine stretch reflex latency

Abstract

Introduction/aims: Motion artifact signals (MASs) created by the relative movement of intramuscular wire electrodes are an indicator of the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly. This study proposes a method that uses wire electrodes as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the stretch reflex (SR) latency without lag time.

Methods: Gastrocnemius SR was induced by tendon tap, heel tap, and forefoot tap. The MASs recorded by intramuscular wire electrodes were extracted from background electromyographic activity using the spike-triggered averaging technique. Simultaneous recordings were obtained from multiple sites to validate the MAS technique.

Results: Using intramuscular wire electrodes, the MASs were successfully determined and extracted for all stimulus sites. In the records from the rectus femoris, MASs were also successfully extracted; thus, the reflex latency could be calculated.

Discussion: Wire electrodes can be used as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly.

Keywords: T-reflex; conduction time; reflex latency; tonic vibration reflex; whole-body vibration.