Elsevier

Brain Research

Volume 363, Issue 2, 22 January 1986, Pages 257-264
Brain Research

Adapting human postural reflexes following localized cerebrovascular lesion: Analysis of bilateral long latency responses

https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(86)91010-3Get rights and content

Abstract

The symmetry and adaptability of long latency stretcresponses was studied in a group of 4 adult hemiplegics and 5 normals of similar age. Subjects stood on a moveable platform whicdirectly rotated the ankles unexpectedly during a series of horizontal anterioposterior (AP) translations. When the platform was rotated toes-up, long latency discharge of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles enhanced loss of balance by pulling the body backwards. Toes-down platform rotation elicited a reflex response from tibialis anterior and quadriceps whicinappropriately pulled the body forward. Attenuation of these long latency responses was necessary to minimize functional destabilization. Normal and stroke subjects demonstrated appropriate suppression of long latency responses, but the magnitude of attenuation was not uniform in hemiplegics. Adaptation was decreased in the proximal synergists compared to normal. Latency of muscle activation in the paretic limb was prolonged, and a preference for initial non-paretic limb activation was evident. Botlower extremities in hemiplegics showed a disruption of timing between distal and proximal synergists. These results suggest that stroke victims retain or recover the ability to modulate stretcreflex activity for balance. Temporal and spatial responses asymmetrics surface as critical factors underlying disequilibrium associated witlocalized cerebrovascular lesion.

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