Differential Effects of Whole-Body and Focal Achilles Tendon Vibration on H-Reflex Excitability in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/03601293261445443
- Dergi Adı: Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: H-reflex, spasticity, spinal cord injury, spinal motor neuron excitability, tendon vibration, whole-body vibration
- İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: To compare the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and focal Achilles tendon vibration on spinal motor neuron excitability in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Seventeen individuals with chronic SCI and 20 healthy controls participated in this prospective, randomized, within-subject crossover study. Spinal motor neuron excitability was assessed using the soleus H-reflex normalized to the maximal M-wave (Hsubmax/Mmax ratio). For each vibration modality, measurements were obtained immediately before and immediately after the intervention. Within- and between-group analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in spinal motor neuron excitability following each vibration modality. Results: Baseline Hsubmax/Mmax ratios were significantly higher in the SCI group than in healthy controls (both p < 0.01). WBV produced a significant reduction in the Hsubmax/Mmax ratio in both groups (SCI, p = 0.012; controls, p < 0.001), with a larger decrease in controls. Focal Achilles tendon vibration did not significantly alter the Hsubmax/Mmax ratio in the SCI group (p = 0.868) but resulted in a significant increase in healthy controls (p = 0.007). Between-group comparison of percentage change demonstrated a significant difference after WBV (p < 0.001), whereas the difference after tendon vibration did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.074). Conclusion: WBV was associated with an acute inhibitory modulation of spinal motor neuron excitability in individuals with chronic SCI, whereas focal Achilles tendon vibration did not produce a significant reduction in the Hsubmax/Mmax ratio in this group. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance and durability of these effects.