Soleus H-reflex modulation pattern for a fine angle of hip and knee joint passive movement

Objective. To elucidate whether hip and knee joint movement modulate soleus H-reflex, the authors measured the soleus H-reflex for a very fine angle during movement. Methods. Eight healthy subjects participated. The knee and hip joints were passively flexed and extended ranging from O° to 120° simultaneously. Results. In the flexion phase, H-reflex decreased. It decreased more during fast movement. In the extension phase, H-reflex increased markedly. Conclusion. By measuring for a fine angle, it was clearly found that the stretch of the muscles around the knee and hip joints caused the changes in soleus H-reflex.