Changes in the excitability of the H-reflex in wrist flexors related to the prone or supine position of the forearm in man

Abstract

The effect of the forearm position, prone vs. supine, on the excitability of the H-reflex in flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle was tested in nine adult volunteers by comparing the recruitment profiles of the H and M waves. The H-reflex size, normalized to the maximal M response, was lower when the forearm was supine than when it was prone, with an average reduction of about 50% over most of the H-recruitment curve. In three wrist positions, intermediate between prone and supine, the amount of reflex attenuation was related to the prono-supination angle. Control experiments excluded that the changes in the H reflex excitability were due to displacements of the stimulating or recording electrodes.