The effect of elbow position on biceps tendon reflex.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Testing of tendon (T) reflex is the basic method used in the diagnostic procedure of clinical neurology. Measurement of T reflexes precisely can be a valuable adjunct to clinical examination. Quantification of T reflexes may provide more accurate results. AIMS: To analyze the effect of elbow position on biceps T reflex. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A self-controlled clinical trial of biceps T reflex testing at the Electrophysiology Unit of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. METHODS AND MATERIALS Biceps T reflex was obtained utilizing a hand-held electronic reflex hammer in 50 extremities of 25 healthy volunteers and the effect of elbow position (at 90 degrees , 120 degrees and 150 degrees ) on reflex response was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Repeated-measures analysis of variance by the General Linear Model and Pearson correlation test procedures. RESULTS: Onset latency was significantly shorter at 120 degrees of elbow position. The maximum amplitude value of biceps T reflex was obtained at 90 degrees of elbow position. Onset latency of the reflex correlated significantly with the height and arm length but not with age. CONCLUSIONS: The electrophysiological measurement of T reflexes is an easy and useful method in the quantification of reflexes, supplying more objective data. However, when performing T reflex studies, the position of the extremity should be taken into consideration to achieve more reliable results.