Figure 4

Elbow stretch reflex responses. Exemplary data from passive elbow stretches as described in methods. Top three panels illustrate torque, position and velocity, respectively, and bottom three panels, EMG from brachioradialis, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii, respectively. Vertical cursors mark trial onset and offset. Position reflects flexion at start (100º) and extension at end (0º). Velocity is constant over the period of passive stretch. Passive torque was measured at 40º elbow flexion for all individuals (noted by asterisk on top panel), which falls in the mid-range of joint position. Horizontal lines overlaid on brachioradialis and biceps EMG denote muscle activity “on” period. The position onset and duration of EMG activity were determined for each individual trial. Improvement in reflex modulation (e.g., reduced hyperreflexia) would reveal a reflex position threshold in a more extended position corresponding with lower values.