VIBRATION-INDUCED FINGER FLEXION REFLEX AND INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THIS REFLEX IN CERVICAL SPINAL-CORD INJURY PATIENTS

The vibration-induced finger flexion reflex (VFR) and the inhibitory e ffect of acupuncture on this reflex were studied in five cervical spin al cord injury patients (C-SCIs). VFR, which is a tonic finger flexion reflex induced by vibratory stimulation on the finger tip, was induce d before and after acupuncture was carried out on the same hand. A sta inless steel needle was inserted to the Hoku point. As in healthy subj ects, VFR was performed and it was significantly inhibited by acupunct ure in the C-SCIs; mean maximum VFR was 204.2 +/- S.E. 68.6 g before a nd 119.8 +/- S.E. 42.2 g after acupuncture. The present results sugges t that at least part of the reflex center for VFR is located in the sp inal cord and that part of VFR inhibition by acupuncture may be mediat ed via the spinal cord. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d