Parallel facilitatory reflex pathways from the foot and hip to flexors and extensors in the injured human spinal cord

This study investigates how sensory information from the foot and hip affects reflexes in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The researchers looked at how stimulating the sole of the foot and moving the hip joint influenced the Hoffmann (H) reflex and the flexion reflex, which are important for movement. The findings suggest that sensory feedback from the foot and hip interact to regulate reflexes in the injured spinal cord, potentially impacting gait and recovery after SCI.

• 1
  Excitation of plantar cutaneous afferents facilitated the soleus H-reflex and the long latency flexion reflex during hip extension in SCI subjects.
• 2
  The short latency flexion reflex was depressed by plantar cutaneous stimulation during hip flexion.
• 3
  Oscillatory joint forces were observed during the transition from hip flexion to extension when stimuli were delivered during hip flexion.