Abstract
The influence of increased sympathetic tone on the Achilles reflex time has been studied in different groups of subjects. Patients with the syndrome of vasoregulatory asthenia have a short reflex time that increases after adrenergic beta-receptor blockade. No effect of the blockade was recorded in patients with thyreotoxicosis or in healthy euthyroid controls. Smoking and moderate physical exercise caused a significant decrease in reflex time. This effect disappeared after 20 minutes. Standardization of the conditions of examination in a way similar to those for measurements of BMR seems to decrease the influence of temporary rises in sympathetic tone.
Highlights
The influence of increased sympathetic tone on the Achilles reflex time has been studied in different groups of subjects
Patients with the syndrome of vasoregulatory asthenia have a short reflex time that increases after adreaergic beta-receptor blockade
It is apparent that the reliability of the test has been unsatisfactory in many previous investigations. This would seem to be the reason why some authors have found the test to have little validity. With his more standardized methodology Ringqvist was able to improve the validity of reflex time determination as a measure of thyroid function
Summary
The influence of increased sympathetic tone on the Achilles reflex time has been studied in different groups of subjects. Patients with the syndrome of vasoregulatory asthenia have a short reflex time that increases after adreaergic beta-receptor blockade. Smokmg and moderate physical exercise caused a significant decrease in reflex time. The first part of the study was aimed to cornpar the reflex time in patients with thyreotoxicosis and vasoregulatory asthenia respectively and healthy control subjects before and after a beta-blockade. The third part of the study was aimed at determining whether a residual effect of sympathetic tone on the reflex time was still present after a standardization of the examination procedure.
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