IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF THE TOE SPREADER ON THE TONIC TOE FLEXION REFLEX

Background and Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine whet her the use of a toe spreader to inhibit the tonic toe flexion reflex (TTFR) immediately alters temporal-distance gait characteristics, plan tar surface contact, or muscle activity in the limb exhibiting the TTF R of subjects with hemiparesis secondary to supraspinal lesion. Subjec ts. Eighteen adults with hemiparesis secondary, to supraspinal lesions served as subjects for the standing portion of the study. Sixteen of the subjects participated in the gait portion of the study. Methods. T he study was a randomized, within-subject, between-conditions comparis on consisting of standing and gait phases, with four conditions for ea ch phase (shoe off, toe spreader off/on, shoe on, toe spreader off/on) . Measures performed were ink footprint gait analysis and integrated e lectromyography from the limb exhibiting the TTFR. Results. Presence o f the TTFR was reduced significantly with the use of the toe spreader Velocity and cadence were increased significantly by use of the toe sp reader Conclusion and Discussion. The toe spreader may be a useful tre atment option for improving gait. The clinical significance of these f indings, however, will depend on the functional context of toe-spreade r use. [De Saca LR, Catlin PA, Segal RL. Immediate effects of the toe spreader on the tonic toe flexion reflex.