• PNF and Movement
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2003

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to summarize the effect of stretch stimulus on muscle contraction facilitation. Methods : Some studies of the stretch reflex. ${\gamma}-motor$ system, and the effect of stretch stimulus on muscle activation were reviewed. Results : To facilitate muscle contraction, before the movement is started, the prime mover is in stretched position. The patient must be instructed to occur voluntary muscle contraction after quick stretching. It elicits the functional stretch reflex to produce a more powerful and functional contraction. The intensity of muscle contraction depends on two ways. One is firing rate of ${\alpha}-motor$ neuron by sensory information from the periphery induced in stretched position and stretch reflex. The other is excitation level of the cortical motor area and the corresponding motor neurons. Conclusions: To activate central nervous system and to increase firing rate of ${\alpha}-motor$ neuron. the therapist should apply quick stretch for the patient with stretched position and the patient should make voluntary muscle contraction.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.19-24
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• 1970

Since the discovery of the muscle spindle by Hassall (1831), an intensive studies of its anatomical and physiological characteristics had been undertaken. Recent morphological studies of Boyd (1962) demonstrated that the muscle spindles have two different intrafusal muscle fibers, nuclear bag and nuclear chain fiber, and these intrafusal fibers are under independent motor innervation by ${\gamma}_1$ and ${\gamma}_2$ motor neurone. Neurophysiological studies of Hunt and Kuffler (1951) showed regulatory effect of ${\gamma}$ motor neurone upon the excitability of the spindle afferents. Harvey and Mathews (1961) observed the dynamic and static characteristics of the two different spindle afferents, the primary and secondary ending. Furthermore, Mathews (1962) postulated the functional existance of two kind of ${\gamma}$ motor neurones, namely, the dynamic and static fusimotor fiber. Recent report of Kim and Partridge(1969) pointed out that the descending vestibular signals had increased the slope of the length-tension relationship in stretch reflex; Kim (1967) demonstrated that the descending vestibular impulses act upon the stretch reflex loop through the ${\gamma}$ motor pathway. These experimental evidences from the morphological and neurophysiological studies on the muscle spindles support the concept that the stretch reflex action of the skeletal muscle operates as a negative feedback control system. The author had discussed the way by which the f system participates in the control of stretch relfex feed back system. that was taken for a prototype of posture and movement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of exercise types on lower extremity muscle activity in stroke patients. For the purpose, the subjects of this study were classified into three groups such as therapeutic exercise group(n=7), elastic band group(n=7), and stretch reflex group(n=7). The three exercise programs were 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The stretch reflex group revealed higher in iliopsoas and biceps femoris %MVIC than the therapeutic exercise group and elastic band group, whereas elastic band group revealed lower in tibialis anterior %MVIC than therapeutic exercise group in the primary single-limb support. The stretch reflex group revealed higher in iliopsoas %MVIC than the therapeutic exercise group and elastic band group, whereas stretch reflex group revealed lower in medial gastrocnemius %MVIC than therapeutic exercise group in the secondary double support phase.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-28
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• 2005

Spasticity has been defined as "a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increased in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one components of the upper motorneuron syndrome". Spasticity is one of the common symptoms of stroke patients and frequently interferes with the motor functions such as gait, posture and activities of daily living. Therefore, its management is becoming a major issue in physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to determined the effects of reciprocal inhibition by isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle on spasticity in hemiplegic patients through Hoffmann reflex. The subjects were consisted 45 patients who had hemiplegia due to stroke. All subjects randomly assigned to 3 group: manual reciprocal inhibition program group(manual group), neuromuscular electrical stimulation group(NMES group) and control group. The manual group received voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle. The NMES group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation on tibialis anterior. The control group was not received any therapeutic intervention. Before and after experiments, Hoffmann reflex, M-wave and Modified Ashworth scale was measure in all patients. The data of 30 patients who complete experimental course were statistically analysed. Modified Ashworth scale were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.01). The Hmax/Mmax ratios were significantly decreased after experiment in manual group(p<.o1). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in NMES group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with modified Ashworth scale in control group(p>.01). There were no statistical difference between pre-test and post-test with Hmax/Mmax ratios in control group(p>.01). The present results revealed that reciprocal inhibition which produced by voluntary isometric contraction of pre-tibia muscle can be reduce spasticity of gastrocnemius. Therefore, reciprocal inhibition is useful to improve functional activities in hemiplegic patient. Further study should be done to analyse the effects of intervention duration of reciprocal inhibition, appropriate muscle contraction, optimal time to apply the reciprocal inhibition in more long period.