Soleus H‐reflex operant conditioning changes the H‐reflex recruitment curve |
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| Authors: | Aiko K. Thompson PhD Xiang Yang Chen PhD Jonathan R. Wolpaw MD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Helen Hayes Hospital, New York State Department of Health, , West Haverstraw, New York, 10993 USA;2. Wadsworth Center, Division of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Neural Injury and Repair, New York State Department of Health, , Albany, New York, USA;3. Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, , Albany, New York, USA;4. Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, , New York, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Operant conditioning can gradually change the human soleus H‐reflex. The protocol conditions the reflex near M‐wave threshold. In this study we examine its impact on the reflexes at other stimulus strengths. Methods: H‐reflex recruitment curves were obtained before and after a 24‐session exposure to an up‐conditioning (HRup) or a down‐conditioning (HRdown) protocol and were compared. Results: In both HRup and HRdown subjects, conditioning affected the entire H‐reflex recruitment curve. In 5 of 6 HRup and 3 of 6 HRdown subjects, conditioning elevated (HRup) or depressed (HRdown), respectively, the entire curve. In the other HRup subject or the other 3 HRdown subjects, the curve was shifted to the left or to the right, respectively. Conclusions: H‐reflex conditioning does not simply change the H‐reflex to a stimulus of particular strength; it also changes the H‐reflexes to stimuli of different strengths. Thus, it is likely to affect many actions in which this pathway participates. Muscle Nerve 47: [?show $1534v]–[?show $1535v], 2013 |
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| Keywords: | memory motor learning plasticity rehabilitation spinal cord |
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