Human soleus H-reflex gain was measured in supine lying and in standing vertically while stabilised by a backboard. H-reflex amplitude was less in stabilised standing than in supine lying. The reduction was partly due to the effect of gravitational load. When the same load was applied (by compression of the body between shoulders and feet) while lying supine the corresponding reduction was 70%. The results are discussed in relation to possible gravitational load receptors. In a second series of experiments a collapsible landing platform was used to differentiate between reflex and programmed contributions to EMG activity in landing from a jump. Post-landing activity of the calf muscles was a short latency spinal reflex triggered by ankle rotation. In the rectus femoris muscle, activity was programmed for short falls and had a reflex component in longer falls. When the collapsible platform caused a landing to occur at a time later than anticipated, reflex gain was increased in the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris and rectus femoris muscles. Experimental results were consistent with the time that would be required for descending pathways to modulate the reflex gain and an appropriate model is proposed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:367627 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Duncan, Audrey |
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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