The H-reflex modulation in lying and a semi-reclining (sitting) position

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare motor pool excitability as measured by the H-reflex during lying prone and sitting in a semi-recli ning position. Design and method: Twelve volunteer subjects were measured for maximum M-wa ve and H-wave during sitting and prone lying to determine an H/M ratio. Lat ency of each H-reflex was also measured. H-reflex responses were recorded d uring a control and a vibration condition in the two positions. A double-st imuli H-reflex recovery curve was also plotted for each subject in each rel axed position of sitting and lying. Results: No significant differences were observed between the prone lying a nd sitting positions fur the any of the variables measured. Conclusions: The present results showed no difference in H-ret-lex response s between sitting or lying and it is suggested that the subject! patient sh ould be tested in a position which is most comfortable. (C) 1999 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.