Reciprocal Arm Research Articles

Trueness of 3D-printed cobalt chromium versus titanium removable partial denture clasps.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness of removable partial denture clasps fabricated with titanium (Ti) through the selective laser melting (SLM) technique compared to cobalt-chromium alloys (CoCr). A virtual Aker clasp was designed on a scanned tooth, and SLM printers were used to print 20 claps using cobalt chromium (n = 10) and titanium alloy (n = 10). The deviation between the printed clasps and reference design was measured using the surface matching software (Geomagic control x) at rest, retentive tip, reciprocal tip, retentive shoulder, and reciprocal shoulder. An Independent t-test was used to determine the influence of 3D-printed material on the trueness (a = 0.05). The gap distance in mm between the reference design and printed in titanium showed an average of 0.0001 ±0.0544, 0.0256 ±0.1309, 0.0230 ±0.1028, 0.0701 ±0.1234, and 0.0013 ±0.0735mm in rest, reciprocal arm tip, retentive arm tip, retentive arm shoulder, and reciprocal arm shoulder, respectively. The gap distance in mm between the reference design and printed clasps in CoCr alloy showed an average of 0.0316 ±0.0692, 0.2783 ±0.1678, 0.1446 ±0.1528, 0.0315 ±0.0906, and 0.0419 ±0.1088mm in rest, reciprocal arm tip, retentive arm tip, retentive arm shoulder, and reciprocal arm shoulder, respectively. The difference between titanium and CoCr alloys at each observation site was significant. Clasps fabricated from titanium with SLM printing have the least deviation and better trueness compared to those fabricated from cobalt chromium.

Deformation and retentive forces variations of the additively manufactured cobalt-chromium and titanium alloys dental clasps

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the additive manufacturing (AM) of cobalt chromium Co-Cr and titanium Ti alloy clasps for clinical use. After scanning the Ni-Cr die of the first molar, Akers' clasps were designed using computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The clasps were manufactured from Co-Cr-W dental alloy and Ti-6Al-4V alloy powder using AM machines. Then, they were divided into two groups. The initial retentive force of the clasps was measured using a universal testing machine. Cyclic loading of the clasps was carried out by a specially designed insertion-removal testing apparatus in wet condition up to 5000 cycles. Retentive force was measured at 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 cycles. Moreover, the intaglio surface of each clasp was scanned using the scanner; and superimposition between the pre- and post-cycling clasp files was performed to evaluate deformation after cyclic loading. The fitting surfaces of retentive clasp tips were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, it has been found that the initial retentive force for the Co-Cr group was 10.81 ± 0.37 N, and for the Ti group was 5.41 ± 0.18 N. Additionally, during the testing periods, both Co-Cr and Ti clasps continued to lose retentive force within the cycles of placement and removal. This effect was more prominent in the Co-Cr than in the Ti clasps. The distances between pre- and post-cycling in the retentive arm were −0.290 ± 0.11 mm and −0.004 ± 0.01 mm in Co-Cr and Ti alloys, respectively, and in the reciprocal arm were −0.072 ± 0.04 mm and −0.032 ± 0.04 mm in Co-Cr and Ti alloys, respectively. The retentive force required to remove the Ti clasps was found to be significantly lower than those required to dislodge the Co-Cr clasps. Co-Cr and Ti clasps lost significant amounts of retentive force from the initial use to the 3.5-year periods of simulated clinical use.

Efficacy of scapular and upper limb proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on scapular alignment, upper limb function, and gait in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Background: Stroke is a neurological disability produced by vascular-related acute focal injury to the central nervous system and is one of the leading causes of disability in adults, and it is frequently accompanied by motor skill loss. Patients suffering from hemiplegia after a stroke are more prone to have fall and are more likely to experience further injury due to irregular gait, diminished muscular strength, and functional impairment. In the affected upper limb of the hemiplegic stroke, spasticity in the shoulder girdle causes scapular malalignment, which reduces the functional mobility and stability of the upper limb. This is reflected as the reduced reciprocal arm swing during walking, which is further reinforced by an abnormal synergy pattern on the affected side. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a treatment strategy that stimulates motor activity and enhances control and function of the neuromuscular system. This research protocol is intended to assess and evaluate the effects of applying scapular and upper limb PNF along with conventional physiotherapy treatment to subacute-stroke patients on their scapular alignment, upper limb function, and gait. Methods: A total of 40 individuals in total will be allocated equally into two groups, group-A (experimental) and group-B (control). Both groups will be receiving treatment for six weeks with five sessions per week. Each patient will be examined both before and after therapy using the Palpation Meter (PALM), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), 10-Meter Walk Test, Handheld dynamometer (10MWT), and Dynamic gait index (DGI). After six weeks of therapy, the results will be assessed and the data will be analyzed before and after the intervention using a paired t-test to discover within-group differences in measurements. Conclusions: This physiotherapy method may be used in the management of stroke patients if our study's hypothesis is found to be valid. Registration: CTRI (CTRI/2023/05/052930, 19/05/2023).

Intaglio Surface Adaptation of Removable Partial Denture Framework Fabricated by Various Data Acquisition Techniques and Fabrication Approaches.

The aim of this study was to compare intaglio surface adaptation of the removable partial denture framework among various data acquisition techniques and fabrication approaches using three-dimensional comparison by metrology software. The partial edentulous typodont model with five digital superimposition landmarks was duplicated and scanned for the digital reference model. Three approaches were the conventional lost-wax (group I; LWT, n = 5), intraoral digital impressions combined with PolyJet printing and lost-wax (group II; IP-LWT, n = 5), and extraoral digital impressions combined with PolyJet printing and lost-wax (group III; EP-LWT, n = 5). Each framework was scanned and superimposed with the reference model. The misfits at 53 locations were measured. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference for pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between three approaches at the reciprocal arm, terminal part of the retentive arm, rest, and major connector (p < 0.05). In the LWT group, the reciprocal arm and palatal vault region of major connector had the lowest misfits, but the highest misfit was found in the midline region (p < 0.001). In the IP-LWT group revealed the most excessive contact at the terminal part of the retentive arm (-0.111 ± 0.038 mm, p = 0.031), with the highest misfit at the rest area (p < 0.001). A difference in adaptation was found in several removable partial denture framework components among three approaches. The LWT group had a better adaptation than other groups. Nevertheless, a clinically acceptable adaptation was seen in all three approaches.

Investigation of the parameters affecting Fitts' law on reciprocal arm movements

Investigation of the parameters affecting Fitts' law on reciprocal arm movements

Impact of Teaching Style and Arm Muscle Strength on Bulletproof Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of command and reciprocal teaching styles and arm muscle strength on learning outcomes of shot put. This research was conducted on students of SMP Negeri 2 Kuala Langkat, this study used treatment by level 2 x 2. The sample consisted of 44 students divided into four groups, each consisting of 11 pesilat. The data analysis technique is the analysis of two-lane variance (ANOVA) and then followed by the Tukey test at the significance level α = .05. The results of this study indicate that (1) 1. There are differences in learning outcomes of shot putting between reciprocal teaching styles and command teaching styles. (2) Learning Outcomes Shot of students with high arm muscle strength taught by using reciprocal teaching styles is no better than command teaching style. (3) Learning Outcomes Refuse bullets of students with low arm muscle strength taught by using the command teaching style is better than the reciprocal teaching style. (4) There is an interaction between the Learning Model and Arm Muscle Strength on Shot Ability.

Parallel Signaling through IRE1α and PERK Regulates Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Growth and Survival.

Master regulators of the unfolded protein response (UPR), IRE1α and PERK, promote adaptation or apoptosis depending on the level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Although the UPR is activated in many cancers, its effects on tumor growth remain unclear. Derived from endocrine cells, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) universally hypersecrete one or more peptide hormones, likely sensitizing these cells to high ER protein-folding stress. To assess whether targeting the UPR is a viable therapeutic strategy, we analyzed human PanNET samples and found evidence of elevated ER stress and UPR activation. Genetic and pharmacologic modulation of IRE1α and PERK in cultured cells, xenograft, and spontaneous genetic (RIP-Tag2) mouse models of PanNETs revealed that UPR signaling was optimized for adaptation and that inhibiting either IRE1α or PERK led to hyperactivation and apoptotic signaling through the reciprocal arm, thereby halting tumor growth and survival. These results provide a strong rationale for therapeutically targeting the UPR in PanNETs and other cancers with elevated ER stress. SIGNIFICANCE: The UPR is upregulated in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and its inhibition significantly reduces tumor growth in preclinical models, providing strong rationale for targeting the UPR in these cancers.

Age-related changes in arm motion during typical gait

BackgroundWhen toddlers learn to walk, they do so with a typical high guard position of the arms. As gait matures, children develop a reciprocal arm swing. So far, there have been no attempts to describe age-related changes of arm movements during walking after this first rapid development. Research questionThe purpose of this study was to investigate age-related changes in arm movement during typical gait. MethodsAll participants (n = 102) received gait analysis using a full-body marker set (Plug-in Gait). Participants were divided into five age-groups: young children (G1: n = 20; 3.0–5.9y), children (G2: n = 24; 6.0–9.9y), pubertal children (G3: n = 26; 10.0–13.9y), adolescents (G4: n = 16; 14.0–18.9y) and adults (G5: n = 16; 19.0–35.2y). Age-related changes in arm movements were investigated by comparing continuous joint angular waveforms (spm1d) between all groups, as well as by comparing the mean joint angle and range of motion of the different joints between age-groups. ResultsThe overall shape of movement patterns was comparable across all age groups. Nevertheless, with advancing age, consistency increased. At the shoulder, G1&2 showed a larger mean extension angle compared to older children and adults. The range of shoulder axial rotation was significantly larger in adults compared to all other age groups. In the youngest groups (G1-G2), an increased mean elbow flexion and mean wrist extension angle was found. SignificanceDetermining an exact age of maturation of arm swing remains difficult as parameter specific adult-like values were not reached at the same age but should not be set before the age of ten to fourteen years for any parameter.

Behavior of mandibular canines as abutment teeth and indirect retainers in Kennedy class II Removable Partial Denture Prosthesis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of mandibular canines acting as abutment teeth and indirect retainers of a Kennedy class II according to different designs: lingual rest and lingual rest associated with a reciprocal arm. Materials & methodsA resin cast with two simulated canine teeth was made in Ni-Cr alloy, representing a Kennedy class II mandibular arch. With the objective of simulating the resilience of the periodontal ligament, a polyurethane layer was added at the canine tooth's root. A metallic framework of Co-Cr alloy was fabricated with a T bar clasp and a lingual rest associated with a reciprocal arm. To obtain the second framework, the reciprocal arm was removed using a tungsten bur. Each framework was submitted to tensile force using a VersaTest machine. The magnitude and direction of canine movement during removal of the framework was measured using two dial gauges (mm). The axial tensile force required to remove the experimental framework (N) was also evaluated. The data were compared using the paired t-test with 95% confidence intervals. Differences were considered significant at P < .05. ResultsThe mean retentive force of the modified design framework with the reciprocal arm was significantly higher (P < .0001) than that of the framework with the lingual rest. The abutment teeth showed movement in the lingual and mesial directions, and this movement was less when associated with the reciprocal arm design. ConclusionThe reciprocal arm in association with a lingual rest in the framework decreased the movement of the abutment teeth when analyzed in the bucco-lingual and mesio-distal directions and contributed to increased retention by friction.

The effect of simulated elbow contracture on temporal and distance gait parameters

BackgroundElbow contractures can be functionally debilitating. Extensive research has been published on treatments to restore elbow motion, but few have discussed clinical implications beyond the affected extremity. Reciprocal arm swing in normal gait has been shown to increase stability and reduce energy expenditure. The importance of arm swing has been clinically demonstrated in patients with cerebral palsy, stroke and Parkinson's disease. We hypothesized that elbow contractures would result in an abnormal spatio-temporal gait parameters. MethodsForty volunteer subjects walked on the Gaitmat II which provided real-time analysis of temporal and distance gait parameters. Five conditions were tested: no brace (control 1), elbow brace unlocked (control 2) and brace locked in 30°, 90° or 120° flexion (simulating fixed elbow contractures). Condition order was randomized for each subject. Each condition consisted of five walking trials. ResultsAll three fixed elbow conditions (120°, 90° and 30°) demonstrated significantly decreased gait velocity (1.37, 1.39 and 1.39m/s) and stride length (1.45, 1.46 and 1.46m) compared to the control condition (1.42m/s and 1.48m, respectively). Single limb stance and double support times were decreased and increased, respectively, compared to control. There was no significant difference in cadence or limb asymmetry in the three fixed elbow conditions. ConclusionsDespite well-established functional limitations in elbow contracture patients and importance of arm swing in normal gait, the impact of elbow contractures on gait is unknown. This study demonstrates that simulated elbow contracture results in significant differences in spatio-temporal gait parameters suggesting that elbow contractures have a broader functional impact beyond the affected extremity. Level of evidenceII.

Effects of custom-made rigid foot orthosis on pes planus in children over 6 years old.

ObjectiveTo identify the effects of a custom-made rigid foot orthosis (RFO) in children over six years old with pes planus.MethodsThe medical records of 39 children (mean age, 10.3±4.09 years) diagnosed with pes planus, fitted with RFOs, and had who more than two consecutive radiological studies were reviewed. The resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP), anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle (APTCA), lateral talocalcaneal angle (LTTCA), the lateral talometatarsal angle (LTTMA), and calcaneal pitch (CP) of both feet were measured to evaluate foot alignment. After diagnosis, children were fitted with a pair of RFOs and recommended to walk with heel strike and reciprocal arm swing to normalize the gait pattern. A follow-up clinical evaluation with radiological measurements was performed after 12-18 months and after 24 months of RFO application. Post-hoc analysis was used to test for significant differences between the radiological indicators and RCSP.ResultsWith RFOs, all radiological indicators changed in the corrective direction except LTTCA. RCSP and CP in the third measurement showed significant improvement in comparison with the second and baseline measurements. Additionally, APTCA and LTTMA revealed improvements at the third measurement versus the baseline measurements.ConclusionThis study revealed that radiological indicators improved significantly after 24 months of RFO application. A prospective long-term controlled study with radiographical evaluation is necessary to confirm the therapeutic effects of RFOs and to determine the optimal duration of wear in children with pes planus.

The effects of talus control foot orthosis in children with flexible pes planus

Fourty children were participated in this study who had been diagnosed as flexible pes planus, and had more than two consecutive radiologic studies. The anteroposterior talocalcaneal angles (APTCA) and lateral talocalcaneal angles (LTTCA), the lateral talometatarsal angles (LTTMA) and the calcaneal pitch (CP) of both feet were measured to evaluate foot alignment. Severe flexible pes planus was diagnosed when Beighton hypermobility score was greater than 4 points and when either of the feet had greater than 10 degrees valgus of resting calcaneal stance position angle and indicators showed greater than 55 degrees in APTCA and LTTCA, greater than 10 degrees in LTTMA, lesser than 10 degrees of CP. Twenty children with flexible flat foot were fitted with a pair of RFO and another 20 children were fitted with TCFO. They were recommended to put on orthosis more than 8 hrs a day, to walk with heel strike at initial contact and reciprocal arm swing to normalize gait pattern. The follow up clinical evaluation with radiologic study was done after 12 months. Result With TCFO, all radiologic indicators changed toward corrective direction than with RFO. There were statistically significant improvements in CP and RCSP in both groups. (p < 0.05) In TCFO group, APTCA, RCSP improved significantly compared with RFO group. Conclusion This study showed that TCFO is effective in the treatment of children with severe flexible pes planus than RFO. The evaluation with long term follow up of radiographic study would be necessary to confirm the therapeutic effect of TCFO in children with pes planus.

Gait Component Changes Observed During Independent Ambulation in Young Children

The components of gait of the new independent ambulator can differ from that of the more experienced ambulator. The purposes of this review were to describe observable gait components exhibited at the onset of independent ambulation, the progression of changes in these components, and the time when a more mature pattern should be present consistently. Cross-sectional, longitudinal and single-recording studies, which analyzed children's gait at the onset of independent ambulation and followed changes in the components, were reviewed. Only components that can be observed by clinicians were included. The changes were reported as a function of time after independent ambulation onset or chronological age. The gait components evolved from (1) initial contact with toes, footflat or heel to consistent heel strike 1y after independent ambulation onset or by 2.5y of age, (2) a wide base of support to a narrower one 11mo after independent ambulation onset or by 22mo of age, and (3) upper extremities held in high guard position to reciprocal arm swing 11mo after independent ambulation onset or by 3.5y of age. Other components, such as the maintenance of squatted position and trunk flexion, were studied less extensively, but general descriptions are included. This review provides the length of time after independent ambulation onset or chronological age when the more mature form of a gait component should be present. The continued exhibition of a less mature form beyond these times may be indicative of a pathological gait pattern.

Additional load decreases movement time in the wrist but not in arm movements at ID 6

An experiment using reciprocal arm and wrist aiming movements with an amplitude of 16(o) and target width of .5° (ID=6) was conducted to determine the impact of adding external loads. We predicted that wrist and arm performance may be differentially impacted by the added mass. Participants were asked to flex/extend their limb/lever in a horizontal plane at the wrist (arm stabilized) or elbow joint (wrist stabilized) in an attempt to move back and forth between the two targets as quickly and accurately as possible. External loads of 0, .568, or 1.136kg were fixed at the distal end of the limb/lever. The targets and the current position of the limb were projected on the screen in front of the participant. The results indicated significant Group×Load interactions for movement time and percent time to peak velocity. Movement time decreased as load increased for the wrist but remained stable across loads for arm movements. Percent movement time utilized to accelerate the limb increased as load increased for wrist movements but only increased from 0 to .568kg load for the arm movements. For both groups increased load had no significant effect on endpoint variability. The present findings suggest that the additional load allowed the control advantages of the wrist muscles to be exploited.

A distributed three-channel wireless Functional Electrical Stimulation system for automated triggering of stimulation to enable coordinated task execution by patients with neurological disease

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique used to improve mobility and function for patients suffering some neurological related diseases such us Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and stroke. Some patients might require FES applied in more than one location depending on the extent of the neurological condition. Currently, this can be achieved using multi-channel FES systems. However, these systems can be bulky and impractical in daily usage. This research investigates using a wireless distributed FES system to overcome some of the limitations of the current multi-channel systems. A prototype of a three-channel FES system was built and tested. The prototype is used for drop foot stimulation and reciprocal arm swing stimulation while the user is walking, and for elbow extension and wrist/fingers opening stimulation if triggered while standing or sitting. A pilot study was designed to evaluate the reliability and repeatability of the system with 11 healthy volunteers without applying stimulation. This was followed by a case study with a hemiplegic person. The results indicate that the system can successfully detect and generate output responses appropriate to the input signals from the body sensors.

Cytogenetics of hepatoblastoma

The cytogenetics of hepatoblastoma demonstrate recurring events which include whole chromosome trisomies, most commonly trisomy of chromosome 2, 8, or 10. In addition, unbalanced translocations involving a breakpoint on the proximal short arm of chromosome 1 are observed which result in a duplication of the long arm of chromosome 1q. The most commonly involved reciprocal chromosomal arm is 4q, although the reciprocal chromosome is highly variable and always results in a loss of chromosomal material. The full significance of these chromosomal changes has yet to be confirmed in large studies, however a suggestion of an association of duplication of regions of 2q with a poor prognosis. A rare sub-type of hepatoblastoma, known as the small cell undifferentiated variant, is associated with deletion or translocation of 22q, the locus of the rhabdoid tumor gene, SMARCB1.

THE EFFECT OF A PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME ON FLEXIBILITY OF UPPER BODY AND TRUNK IN VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND DEAF-BLIND PERSONS

Optimal twist of the trunk, shoulder rotation and reciprocal arm swings are necessary for good balance and gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a multidimensional physical training programme on flexibility of the upper body and trunk in visually impaired and deaf-blind persons. Participants were assigned randomly to the experimental and the control group. Fifteen participants (12 visually impaired and three deaf-blind, mean age 55 years, SD 9.0) completed the 5-6-week long physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week). The control group consisted of 14 participants (nine visually impaired and five deaf-blind, mean age 57 years, SD 7.2). Two flexibility tests from the Health-Related Fitness Test battery of the UKK Institute were used to assess the results. The experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in flexibility of the trunk (mean of side-bending to the left and right, p= .0068 Wilcoxon signed rank test). In the experimental group a pre-test showed unrestricted flexibility of the upper body in seven participants. In a post-test four participants showed improved flexibility. The test-retest of the control group showed good reliability of these two tests. The Fligner & Policello rank test did not show any statistical difference between the participants with and without regular physical activity (p= .49)

Anticipatory postural adjustments in children with typical motor development

Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) play an important role in the performance of many activities requiring the maintenance of vertical posture. However, little is known about how children utilize APAs during self-induced postural perturbations. A group of children, aged 7-16 years, with typical motor development, performed various arm movements while standing on a force platform. APAs were measured by recording the electromyographic activity of six trunk and leg muscles on both sides of the body and displacement of center of pressure (COP). Anticipatory bursts of activity in the dorsal muscle groups of the trunk and legs and suppression in the ventral muscle groups as well as posterior COP displacement were found during the performance of bilateral shoulder flexion. Conversely, during bilateral shoulder extension, the COP displacement was anterior, and APAs were reversed showing bursts of activity in the ventral muscle groups and suppression in the dorsal muscles. During right and left reciprocal arm movements, COP displacement was minimal and APAs were generated in the dorsal muscle groups on the side of the forward moving arm and in the ventral muscle groups on the side of the arm moving into extension. However this pattern reversed for lower leg muscles, where APAs were generated in the ventral muscles on the side of forward moving arm and in the dorsal muscle on the side of the arm moving into extension. The results of this study indicate that children with typical motor development are able to generate APAs, produce task-specific sequencing of muscle activity and differentiate between perturbations in the sagittal and transverse planes. The results of this study indicate that by at least age 7, children who are typically developing demonstrate the ability to generate patterns of anticipatory muscle activation and suppression, along with center of pressure changes, similar to those reported in healthy adults.

Motivating visually impaired and deaf-blind people to perform regular physical exercises

The aim of this study was to examine the different ways in which visually impaired and deaf-blind people can be motivated to perform regular physical exercises through the use of a physical training programme. The programme was designed for visually impaired and deaf-blind people with the aim of reducing their most common physical problems: those of balance, posture, coordination, tense neck and shoulder muscles, and loss of spinal rotation and reciprocal arm swing. Twenty-seven participants (23 visually impaired, 4 deaf-blind; mean age 54 years, range 31 to 75) participated in a 5—6 week physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week) in four groups. Twenty-four participants completed the programme, 12 of whom had a `physically active' lifestyle and 12 a `sedentary' lifestyle. After the intervention, the participants assessed the effect of it through a questionnaire. Drawing upon their responses, three different indicators were examined further: physical condition, mental state and balance. All except one of the 24 participants who completed the programme reported that at least one of these indicators had improved.

Soleus H-reflex Modulation During Stance Phase of Walking with Altered Arm Swing Patterns

PURPOSE: Rhythmic arm swing assists in propulsion, balance, and posture while walking; whereas inhibition of arm swing during walking leads to abnormal leg movements, decreased forward propulsion, and decrease in walking speed. Apart from these biomechanical effects, the neural contribution of arm swing to walking is not well-understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of various arm swing patterns on soleus H-reflex excitability during the stance phase of walking. We hypothesized that restraining the rhythmic arm swing would lead to an increase in soleus H-reflex amplitude during stance. METHODS: Fifteen non-injured subjects walked over the treadmill at 1.2 m/s speed with four different pseudo-randomly ordered arm swing conditions: 1) Control condition: natural reciprocal arm swing; Altered arm swing patterns - 2) active restraint of arm swing (arms by the side; voluntarily inhibiting arm swing); 3) passive restraint of arm swing (arms lightly strapped to the trunk); and 4) passive-assisted arm swing (subjects asked to relax arms and a trainer provided rhythmic reciprocal arm swing). In the mid-stance phase of walking, the tibial nerve was electrically stimulated in the popliteal fossa and surface EMG was recorded from the soleus muscle. RESULTS: H-reflex amplitudes in the altered arm swing conditions were not significantly different from the (control) natural reciprocal arm swing condition (p>0.05). However, H-reflex amplitudes in the active restraint condition was significantly greater than the passive restraint condition (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Walking H-reflexes are centrally modulated to cope with the task demands. Our results suggest that soleus H-reflex depression in the mid-stance phase of walking at normal speed does not change significantly with the three arm swing alterations we used in this study. To further our understanding of neurological contribution of arm swing during locomotion, future studies need to be conducted during faster walking speeds/running and in subjects with neurological injury examined across all phases of walking.