Journal des nouvelles physiothérapies

Abstrait

The Effects of Different Force Directions and Resistance Levels during Unilateral Resistive Static Contraction of the Lower Trunk Muscles on the Ipsilateral Soleus H-reflex in the Side-lying Position

Arai Mitsuo, Shiratani Tomoko and Kuruma Hironobu

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of resistive static contraction of the pelvic depressor (RSCPD) with different direction–strength combinations on the H-reflex of the ipsilateral soleus. The participants were 16 normal subjects with a mean (SD) age of 21.6 (0.8) years. The subjects performed RSCPD under four distinct direction–strength combinations (straight-weak, straight-strong, diagonal-weak, and diagonal-strong) in a random order. Three-way analysis of variance of the H/Mmax ratio and Scheffé's post-hoc test revealed that the RSCPD caused an initial reflexive facilitatory phase on the H-reflex of the soleus during RSCPD followed by subsequent gradual inhibitory phases after completion of the RSCPD, excluding the interval 80–100 s after RSCPD. Compared with diagonal-weak RSCPD, neutral-strong RSCPD also significantly influenced the facilitatory effects on the H-reflex of the soleus, reflecting facilitation of the reflex excitability of the motor neurons.