Concepción teórica para favorecer la transferencia de la rapidez de movimientos técnicos en el lanzamiento del martillo

El presente artículo se realizó a partir de detectar insuficiencias teórico-metodológicas y prácticas en el proceso de preparación técnica del lanzador de martillo categoría escolar; por tal razón, se propuso como objetivo general elaborar una concepción teórica para favorecer el entrenamiento en la transferencia de la rapidez de movimientos técnicos de los giros al instante final del lanzamiento del martillo, en atletas categoría escolar de la Eide "Pedro Batista Fonseca" de la provincia de Granma. Para el logro del objetivo antes expuesto se emplearon métodos de la investigación científica como los teóricos, el análisis y síntesis, el hipotético-deductivo y el sistémico estructural funcional; dentro de los empíricos, el análisis de documentos, la observación y la medición y como método matemático-estadístico la estadística descriptiva, además, se utilizó como técnica de investigación la entrevista. La propuesta permitió la sistematización de aquellos elementos relacionados directamente con la transferencia en el deporte y el proceso de entrenamiento del lanzador de martillo; de tal manera se previó, con su aplicación, el perfeccionamiento técnico de los atletas implicados en la investigación, así como un incremento en su rendimiento y resultados deportivos.

O presente artigo foi realizado a partir da detecção de insuficiências teórico-metodológicas e práticas no processo de preparação técnica do arremessador de martelos da categoria escola; por esta razão, foi proposto como objetivo geral elaborar uma concepção teórica para favorecer o treinamento na transferência da velocidade dos movimentos técnicos das voltas para o instante final do arremesso do martelo, na categoria escola atletas do Eide "Pedro Batista Fonseca" da província de Granma. Para alcançar o objetivo acima mencionado, foram utilizados métodos de pesquisa científica, tais como métodos teóricos, de análise e síntese, hipotéticos-dedutivos e estruturais-funcionais sistêmicos; dentro dos métodos empíricos, análise de documentos, observação e medição, e estatística descritiva como método matemático-estatístico; além disso, a entrevista foi utilizada como técnica de pesquisa. A proposta permitiu a sistematização daqueles elementos diretamente relacionados com a transferência no esporte e o processo de treinamento do martelo lançador; de tal forma que, com sua aplicação, foi previsto o aperfeiçoamento técnico dos atletas envolvidos na pesquisa, bem como um aumento de seu desempenho e resultados esportivos.

The present article was carried out from the detection of theoretical-methodological and practical insufficiencies in the process of technical preparation of the school category hammer thrower; For this reason, it was proposed as a general objective to develop a theoretical conception to favor training in the transfer of the speed of technical movements of the turns to the final moment of the hammer throw, in school category athletes of the Eide" Pedro Batista Fonseca" of Granma province. To achieve the aforementioned objective, scientific research methods such as theoretical, analysis and synthesis, hypothetical-deductive and structural-functional systemic were used; within the empirical, the analysis of documents, observation and measurement and as a mathematical-statistical method descriptive statistics, in addition, the interview was used as a research technique. The proposal allowed the systematization of those elements directly related to the transfer in sport and the training process of the hammer thrower; In this way, with its application, the technical improvement of the athletes involved in the research was foreseen, as well as an increase in their performance and sports results.

Comparative Study of Iron, Manganese and Nickel Contamination Potential of Disc and Hammer Milling Equipment and their Toxic Effect on Rat Kidney

Aim: To investigate the effect of hammer and disc milling equipment on the levels of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) contents in maize (Zea mays) flour and the consequent impact on the kidney of albino rats. Study Design: The rats were randomly divided into groups of five rats per group. Six of the groups were fed with maize flour milled with a hammer mill, while the other six groups were fed with maize flour milled with a disc mill, and the thirteenth group was fed with crushed flour in a mortar and pestle as a control. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation under anesthesia on the 14th and 28th days. Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Biochemistry and Histology laboratories of the University of Jos, Nigeria, between, January to June, 2021. Methodology: For six days, a portion of the maize grains was milled with a hammer mill, another with a disc mill, and a third fraction was crushed into flour with a wooden mortar. The inductive coupled plasma mass spectrophotometric method was used to determine the levels of Fe, Mn, and Ni in maize flour. To avoid lysing the blood, blood samples were carefully collected by allowing it to run down the test tube's wall. The blood was allowed to coagulate at room temperature before being centrifuged and the serum collected and frozen until it was time for biochemical analysis. The kidneys of the rats were excised, cleaned, and preserved in chloroform until histological examinations were required. Results: The results show that Fe (325.16 ± 30.00 mg/kg and 205.05 ± 30.20 mg/kg) and Ni (20.92 ± 5.92 mg/kg and 18.00 ± 2.70 mg/kg) levels were extremely high in both disc and hammer milling machines. The Fe and Mn values in disc milled maize flour were higher than those in hammer milled maize flour. Rats in all groups had significantly higher serum urea, creatinine, K+, Na+, and Cl- levels than the control group. The kidney tissues of all the rats in the control and hammer-milled flour groups were normal, except for group 1 of the disc mill, which showed mild damage, according to the histopathological analysis. Conclusion: The Day 1 group fed with disc-milled flour showed a dense cast, atrophy, and nuclei loss in their kidney tissue. According to the results of the study, hammer milled maize flour is less harmful than disc milled maize flour, as shown by kidney histopathology.

Making collapsing pulse user-friendly

@#Collapsing pulse is generally elicited by elevating the patient’s arm. However, the pulse becoming stronger on arm elevation is a physiological phenomenon, which is bound to create confusion, if routine lifting of the arm in search of collapsing pulse is practiced. The name ‘collapsing pulse’ represents only the second component of this sign. It masks the more important first component - the slapping, bounding upstroke, characterised by its other name ‘water-hammer pulse’. It is possible to elicit this sign by appreciating the slapping character on routine pulse examination. The insistence on arm lifting in medical school teaching is better avoided.

Research progress of interphalangeal arthrodesis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To review the research progress of interphalangeal arthrodesis in the treatment of interphalangeal joint deformity. Methods: The literature about interphalangeal arthrodesis at home and abroad was extensively consulted, and the indications, fusion methods, fixation methods, complications, and so on were summarized and analysed. Results: The indications of interphalangeal arthrodesis are hammer toe, claw toe, and mallet toe. From the different forms of fusion surface, fusion methods include end-to-end, peg-in-hole, conical reamer type, and V-shape arthrodesis. There are three kinds of fixation methods: Kirschner wire fixation, stainless-steel wire suture fixation, and intramedullary fixation, and there are many kinds of intramedullary fixation. The complications of interphalangeal arthrodesis include vascular injury, fixation related complications, and postoperative complications. Conclusion: Interphalangeal arthrodesis is a good way to correct some deformities of toes, but the incidence of various complications can not be ignored, and there is still a lack of clinical research on interphalangeal arthrodesis.

Experiences in the treatment of tendinous mallet finger / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of reconstructing the finger extension function by using partial flexor digitorum profundus tendon transposition.@*Methods@#Twelve patients were treated by using the partial proximal end of the tendon core of flexor digitorum profundus tendon regionⅠand part of region Ⅱ to cut off to the base of the distal digital phalanx, and puncturing at the end of the phalanx with a 2.0 drill. The tendon strips were pierced to the back overlap sutured to the proximal end of the avulsion of the extensor tendon .@*Results@#In 3-18 month follow-up, the average follow-up duration was 10.6 months. According to Dargan function evaluation method, 12 cases were excellent and one case was poor.@*Conclusions@#The method of reconstructing the extensor tendon by partial flexor deep tendon is a reliable method for the treatment of Mallet finger.

How to classify plantar plate injuries: parameters from history and physical examination / Como classificar as lesões da placa plantar: parâmetros de história e exame físico

To find the best clinical parameters for defining and classifying the degree of plantar plate injuries. METHOD: Sixty-eight patients (100 metatarsophalangeal joints) were classified in accordance with the Arthroscopic Anatomical Classification for plantar plate injuries and were divided into five groups (0 to IV). Their medical files were reviewed and the incidence of each parameter for the respective group was correlated. These parameters were: use of high heels, sports, acute pain, local edema, Mulder's sign, widening of the interdigital space, pain in the head of the corresponding metatarsal, touching the ground, "drawer test", toe grip and toe deformities (in the sagittal, coronal and transversal planes). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant associations between the degree of injury and use of high-heel shoes, sports trauma, pain at the head of the metatarsal, Mulder's sign, deformity in pronation or displacement in the transversal and sagittal planes (although their combination, i.e. "cross toe", showed a statistically significant correlation). Positive correlations with the severity of the injuries were found in relation to initial acute pain, progressive widening of the interdigital space, loss of "touching the ground", positive results from the "drawer test" on the metatarsophalangeal joint, diminished grip strength and toe deformity in supination. CONCLUSIONS: The "drawer test" was seen to be the more reliable and precise tool for classifying the degree of plantar plate injury, followed by "touching the ground" and rotational deformities. It is possible to improve the precision of the diagnosis and the predictions of the anatomical classification for plantar plate injuries through combining the clinical history and data from the physical examination.

Encontrar os melhores parâmetros clínicos para definir e classificar o grau das lesões da placa plantar. MÉTODO: Foram classificados 68 pacientes (100 articulações metatarsofalângicas [MTF]) de acordo com a classificação anatômica artroscópica para lesão de placa plantar e divididos em cinco grupos (0 a IV). Seus registros médicos foram revisados e se correlacionou a incidência de cada parâmetro no respectivo grupo. Os parâmetros foram: uso de saltos altos, esportes, dor aguda, edema local, sinal de Mulder, alargamento do espaço interdigital, dor na cabeça do metatarso correspondente, toque ao solo, "teste da gaveta", preensão dos dedos e deformidades dos dedos (plano sagital, coronal e transversal). RESULTADOS: Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o grau de lesão e o uso de sapatos de salto alto, trauma esportivo, dor de cabeça do metatarso, sinal de Mulder, deformidade em pronação, desvio no plano transversal e sagital (embora a sua combinação, o crossover toe, tenha mostrado correlação estatisticamente significativa). A correlação positiva com a severidade das lesões foi encontrada em: dor aguda no início, alargamento progressivo do espaço interdigital, perda de "toque ao solo"; positividade do "teste de gaveta" da MTF; diminuição da força de preensão e deformidade em supinação do dedo. CONCLUSÕES: O "teste de gaveta" se apresenta como a ferramenta mais confiável e precisa para classificar o grau da lesão da placa plantar, seguido pelo "toque ao solo" e as deformidades rotacionais. É possível melhorar a precisão do diagnóstico, bem como a previsão da classificação anatômica de lesão da placa plantar, por meio da combinação de história clínica e de dados de exame físico.

An Important Consideration when Using Botulinum Toxin Injections for Treating Claw Foot Deformity / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objectives : In this study, we assessed the muscle contraction pattern of each toe by stimulating the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) muscles in patients with claw foot deformity caused by spasticity in the lower extremity in order to increase the benefit of their botulinum toxin treatments. Subjects and Methods : Fifteen post-stroke patients (11 male and 4 female ; mean age, 62.3 years) were recruited for the study. In this observational study, the muscle contraction patterns of the hallux and digits on electrical stimulation of the FHL or FDL were examined by two doctors, and the data was then analyzed. In addition, the FHL and FDL were identified in 6 feet from 3 cadaver specimens below the ankle to near the end of each muscle on each toe. Results : In muscles that could be observed, muscle contraction was observed in the hallux in every subject and in the second digit in 92.3% subjects when the FHL was stimulated electrically. Muscle contraction was not observed in the second digit in 64.3% of the subjects when the FDL was stimulated electrically. In the cadaver dissections, the tendons of the FHL sent fibers to the FDL tendons in all 6 feet examined. Conclusion : In conclusion, when botulinum toxin is to be injected into the FHL or FDL muscle for treating claw foot deformity in patients with lower extremity spasticity, especially when the treatment target is the second digit, the injection should be performed not only in the FDL muscle, but also in the FHL muscle to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Treatment of Lesser Toe Deformities / 대한족부족관절학회지

Lesser toe deformities such as mallet toe, hammer toe and claw toe are annoying problems not only to patients but also to orthopaedic surgeons because they are not easy to manage or treat. Though they occupy very small portion in whole body, they are notorious for unpredictable surgical results. It can make clinical results better to understand these deformities more comprehensively and to make strategic surgical plan for each target deformity.

Ortesis para el tratamiento del dedo en martillo traumático: experiencia en la parroquia Guasdualito (Venezuela) / Orthesis for the treatment of traumatic hammer finger: experience in Guasdualito jurisdiction (Venezuela) / Orthèse pour le traitement du doigt en marteau, un cas à la paroisse Guasdualito (Venezuela)

INTRODUCCIÓN. El dedo en martillo constituye una discontinuidad del mecanismo extensor de la articulación interfalángica distal y es una de las lesiones más comunes en los extremos de los dedos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo mostrar los resultados preliminares obtenidos con una ortesis de alambre de Kirschner (ideada por A. F. Fernández Abreu), confeccionada y colocada de urgencia en el cuerpo de guardia a pacientes con dedo en martillo traumático. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio de 18 pacientes, con edades entre 14 y 56 años, que fueron atendidos durante 10 meses en el Centro de Atención Integral de la Parroquia Guasdualito, en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Los pacientes tenían diagnóstico de dedo en martillo traumático y para su tratamiento se utilizó la ortesis presentada por Fernández Abreu y cols. Ésta se confeccionó con alambre de calibre de 1 mm, en el cuerpo de guardia por el propio traumatólogo, pues acelera el proceso de curación e implica un bajo costo para el paciente y la institución. El período de inmovilización promedio fue de 6 semanas. RESULTADOS. Predominó el sexo masculino (12 pacientes; 66,7 por ciento) y el dedo anular fue el más afectado (66,7 por ciento). Los accidentes deportivos fueron la causa más frecuente (10 pacientes; 55,6 por ciento). Según la clasificación de Bunnel, 10 pacientes presentaron lesiones de grado II (55,6 por ciento) y 8 de grado III (44,4 por ciento). Los resultados fueron buenos en 14 pacientes (77,8 por ciento), regular y malo, con 2 pacientes cada uno. Solo un paciente presentó rigidez articular al término del tratamiento y se encuentra en rehabilitación. CONCLUSIONES. Proponemos generalizar el tratamiento inmediato para el dedo en martillo traumático con esta ortesis que, además de ser de bajo costo, es muy cómoda para los pacientes. Constituye una opción de tratamiento ideal para los pacientes de esta parroquia.

INTRODUCTION. The hammer finger is a lack of continuity of extensor mechanism of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) and also is a commonest lesions of finger's terminal phalanx. The aim of present paper was to show the preliminary results obtained with a Kirschner's wire Orthesis (designed by A.F. Fernández Abreu), drawed up and placed in Emergency Room to patients with hammer fingers that urgently needed these device. METHODS. Authors made an study in eighteen patients aged between 14 and 56 seen during 10 months in Integral Care Center of Guasdualito jurisdiction in Venezuela. Patients were diagnosed with traumatic hammer fingers using for treatment the Orthesis of Fernández Abreu et al. It was a1mm diameter wire designed in Emergency Room by the traumatologist himself, thus it accelerates the cure process and has a low cost for patient and for institution. The mean immobilization period was of 6 weeks. RESULTS. There was a sex male predominance (12 patients, 66,7 percent) and the annular finger was the more affected (66,7 percent). Sports accidents were the more frequent cause (10 patients, 55,6 percent). According to Bunnel classification, 10 patients had II degree lesions (55,6 percent) and 8 had III degree lesions (44,4 percent). Results were good in 14 patients (77,8 percent), regular and poor in two patients each. Only one patient had articular stiffness at the end of treatment and is under rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS. Our proposal is to generalize the immediate treatment for traumatic hammer finger using this Orthesis because of its low cost and it is very comfortable for patients and is an ideal treatment choice for patients of this jurisdiction.

INTRODUCTION. Le doigt en marteau constitue une perte de l'extension active de l'articulation interphalangienne distale, et c'est l'une des lésions les plus fréquentes des doigts. Ce travail a pour but de montrer les résultats préliminaires obtenus par la orthèse à fil (Kirschner) (sous l'idée de A. F. Fernández Abreu), fabriquée et mise en place au service des urgences chez des patients atteints de doigt en marteau. MÉTHODES. Une étude de 18 patients âgés de 14 à 56 ans, ayant été sous traitement pendant 10 mois au Centre des soins intégraux de la paroisse Guasdualito, à Venezuela, a été réalisée. Les patients ont été diagnostiqués de doigt en marteau, et traités par une orthèse présentée par Fernández Abreu et col. Cette orthèse a été fabriquée au service des urgences par le même traumatologiste, avec un fil de 1 mm de diamètre, afin d'accélérer la guérison et de baisser les coûts pour le patient et le service. La période d'immobilisation a été de 6 semaines en moyenne. RÉSULTATS. Le sexe masculin a été en prédominance (12 patients = 66,7 percent); et c'est le doigt annulaire le plus fréquemment affecté (66,7 percent). La cause la plus fréquente a été l'accident des sports (10 patients: 55,6 percent). D'après la classification de Bunnel, dix patients ont subi des lésions grade II (55,6 percent), et 8 des lésions grade III (44,4 percent). Les résultats ont été bons chez 14 patients (77,8 percent), passables chez 2 patients, et mauvais chez 2 patients aussi. Un seul patient a été atteint de rigidité articulaire à la fin du traitement, et il est en rééducation. CONCLUSIONS. On a conseillé de généraliser le traitement immédiat du doigt en marteau par cette orthèse, étant en plus bon marché et très confortable pour les patients. Cette technique constitue une traitement alternatif idéal pour les patients de cette paroisse.

A Case of Primary Osteoarthritis of Both Elbow Joints in a Worker Using Sledge-hammers / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: The incidence of primary osteoarthritis of elbow is very low in individuals without work-related risk factors, and primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is rarely symptomatic. Because it is difficult to prove these conditions are work-related, the patients with work-related elbow osteoarthritis don't tend to be compensated in Korea. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 51-year old male, with an occupational history as a sledgehammer user for 23 years. He has been complaining of pain for 3 years. Physical examination of the elbow showed painful end-range motion and the radiographs showed osteophytes and, loose bodies, but relatively-preserved joint spaces, which were typical characteristic of primary osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The authors report on a case of primary osteoarthritis of both elbows that was associated with repetitive high shear force due to long-term use of the sledgehammer.

Peripheral Arterial Bypass Using Interpositional Vein Graft in the Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome

PURPOSE: The clinical syndrome of unilateral finger ischemia, caused by digital artery occlusions from embolization from the palmar ulnar artery associated with repetitive striking of the palm, has been called the hypothenar hammer syndrome(HHS). We report the case of a man with this unique disease probably caused by manual work. METHODS: A 52-year-old male left-hand dominant manual worker complained of pain and coldness in the left 4,5th finger. On physical examination, there was a tip necrosis and the result of Allen's test was mildly positive(sluggish filling of hand from the ulnar artery). Arteriograms confirmed occlusion of the distal ulnar artery without direct perfusion of the superficial palmar arch and distal digital artery. Surgical bypass with reverse autologous vein grafting was performed between ulnar artery and superficial palmar arch, common digital artery. RESULTS: He had an uneventful postoperative course and has remained asymptomatic for 18 months since discharge. Patency has been confirmed by color doppler with resolution of cold intolerance and successful digital preservation. CONCLUSION: We introduce a very unique pattern of vascular ischemic disease and recommend the arterial bypass with vein interpositional grafting.

A Case of Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome Presented as Digital Ulcerations / 대한류마티스학회지

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease that causes a digital ischemia as a result of the occlusion of distal ulnar artery adjacent to the hook of hamate. This syndrome is usually observed in men who use the hypothenar eminence of the hand to grip devices such as a hammer. As a consequence of repeated blunt trauma, the ulnar artery beneath hypothenar eminence may lead to pathologic changes, such as intima-medial hyperplasia and reactive inflammatory infiltrates, which lead to the digital ischemia. We experienced a case of HHS with digital ulcerations which occurred after intensive work with nail remover for 10 days. Selective angiography of right forearm showed complete occlusion of the ulnar artery at the level of hook of hamate with deficient superficial palmar arch. After treatment with intravenous prostaglandin E1 and heparin, the ulcerative lesions of fingers improved without surgical intervention, which implicates that medical management of HHS should be considered prior to the surgical treatment.

Complication of the Augmented Vertebral Body after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Patients with Osteoporotic Compression Fracture: Hammer Effect: Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty has been known to be one of the most effective procedure for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, providing immediate relief of the pain and early mobilization. The goal of this study is to find out the influence of the augmented vertebral body on the adjacent bodies after percutaneous vertebroplasty. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty from 1998 to 2000. 10 patients were suffered from severe back pain without any obvious traumatic event during the follow-up period and underwent magnetic resonance(MR) images. RESULTS: Despite of absence of the traumatic events, MR imagies showed compression fracture of the adjacent vertebral body with low signal on T1WI. Among 10 patients, percutaneous vertebroplasty was repeated in 8 patients, One case was treated with conservative treatment and 1 case with refusal of vertbroplasty. All patients result in good relief of the pain except refusal case. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that the spontaneous vertebral compression fracture might be developed due to'Hammer effect'without any obvious traumatic event after percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporosis.

Sternocleidomastoid Tendon Reflex in Normal Korean Adults

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to establish the normal values of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) tendon reflex in normal Korean adults. METHOD: The study for SCM tendon reflex was performed in 41 normal adults using electric reflex hammer. The compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) of SCM muscle were obtained by SCM tendon tapping. From 5 repeated trials of each subject, the shortest latency and the largest peak-to-peak amplitude of CMAP were chosen for the representative value. RESULTS: Mean values of latency and amplitude were 2.19+/-0.27 msec and 0.70+/-0.38 mV for SCM tendon reflex. There was no significant difference in the latency and amplitude regardless of side or sex (p>0.05). The age and height showed no signifiant correlation with latency and amplitude of SCM tendon reflex (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We believe that our results can be used as an evaluation method of upper cervical spinal cord.

Diagnostic Value of Tendon Reflex in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of tendon reflex test in the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHOD: Patellar tendon reflex (PTR) and achilles tendon reflex (ATR) were recorded in forty six diabetic patients and thirty seven normal adults by delivering tendon taps with an electric reflex hammer. Forty six diabetic patients were divided into two groups based on nerve conduction study and diabetic neuropathy score: group 1 consisted of nineteen patients with peripheral neuropathy, group 2 consisted of twenty seven patients without peripheral neuropathy. Multiple regression equations using latency as a variable dependent on age and height were used and upper crossing of the 3 standard deviation level with regression on height and age was considered abnormal. RESULTS: Mean latencies of PTR and ATR were prolonged in the diabetic patients in comparison with the controls (p<0.01) and were prolonged in group 1 compared to group 2. In group 1, PTR was abnormal in 14 cases (sensitivity: 73.6%, specifity: 88%) and ATR was abnormal in 13 cases (sensitivity: 68.4%, specifity: 85.1%). In group 2, PTR was abnormal in 3 cases and ATR was abnormal in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Tendon reflex test would be a valuable supplement to conventional nerve conduction studies for detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, especially in the proximal segment.

Quantitative Analysis of Tendon Reflexes of Upper Extremities in Normal Volunteers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the normal values of tendon reflexes (T-reflex) in upper extremities of normal Korean adults. METHOD: T-reflex responses were recorded in 30 normal volunteers by delivering tendon taps with a hand operated electric reflex hammer. From 5 repeated trials of each subject, the shortest onset latency and duration, the largest peak to peak amplitude of compound muscle action potentials were chosen for representative values. RESULTS: 1) There was no significance in the side-to-side differences for all values. 2) Mean values of latency were 13.8+/-1.1 msec in males, 12.4+/-0.9 msec in females for biceps T-reflex and 13.0+/-1.1 msec in males, 11.3+/-1.0 msec in females for triceps T-reflex and there were significant differences between males and females. 3) Height and upper arm length showed a significant positive correlation with biceps and triceps T-reflex latency (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We believe that our results can be used as a guideline researching the tendon reflexes in upper extremities.

Quantitative Analysis of Patellar Tendon Reflexes with Newly Designed Percussion Instrument

OBJECTIVE: There has been some existing problems with the electrical reflex hammer. The occurrence of pressure build up with percussion and change of hammering points is one example. In order to make improvements on this device, we conducted studies with a newly designed percussion instrumental stimulator. METHOD: The data collected from the first group was based on the manual percussion of electrical reflex hammer on the patella ligament. The data collected from the second group by usage of a newly designed instrumental stimulator maintained steady pressure and time and target position on the electrical reflex hammer. Comparisons were made between the two group. RESULTS: Our single measure of latency and amplitude on the manual and instrumental percussion group resulted in the reliability of 84.67%, 91.23%, 73.63%, and 83.29%. The 10 repeated measure of latency and amplitude on the manual and instrumental percussion group resulted in the reliability of 99.95%, 99.97%, 99.90%, and 99.94%. CONCLUSION: From our experiment on the tendon reflex, we found out that it is important to have an instrumental stimulator that can maintain steady pressure while it is applying percussion to accurate data. On manual percussion, it is important to obtain data based on mean value of repeated measurements.

Normal Values of Tendon Reflexes in Normal Korean Adults

The purpose of this study was to establish the normal values of tendon reflex in normal Korean adults. Ankle tendon reflex(ATR), patellar tendon reflex(PTR) and medial hamstring tendon reflex (MHTR) responses were recorded in 96 limbs of 48 normal Korean adults by delivering tendon taps with an electric reflex hammer. Latency to the onset of the triggered response, peak to peak amplitude and duration of the wave were measured after several repetitions. Minimum latency and duration of the elicited response were chosen to calculate normal means. Side differences were also evaluated. As amplitude showed a marked interindividual variation and side to side variation, lowest recorded value was selected to represent the lower limit of normal. Mean values of latency, duration and amplitude were 30.27?3.18 msec, 11.05?1.08 msec and 1.98?0.89 mV for ATR, 16.37?1.58 msec, 20.63?1.68 msec and 1.56?0.76 mV for PTR and 20.25?2.14 msec, 10.95?1.57 msec and 0.71?0.56 mV for MHTR. Age, height, and leg length showed significant correlation with the latency of ATR, PTR and MHTR latency(P<0.001). We believe our results can be used as guideline researches in clinical practice.