A single sequence of intermittent hypoxia does not alter stretch reflex excitability in able‐bodied individuals

• DOI: 10.1113/ep091531
• Publication Date: 2024-02-15T06:07:45Z
• Authors: Andrew Q. Tan; Christopher Tuthill; Anthony N. Corsten; Stella Barth; Randy D. Trumbower
• Keywords: Stretch reflex

Abstract Spasticity attributable to exaggerated stretch reflex pathways, particularly affecting the ankle plantar flexors, often impairs overground walking in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. Compelling evidence from rodent models underscores how exposure acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) can provide a unique medium induce plasticity key inhibitory pathways mediating excitability and potentially affect spasticity. In this study, we quantify effects of single AIH on able‐bodied individuals. We hypothesized that sequence will increase soleus muscle during ramp‐and‐hold angular perturbations applied joint while participants perform passive volitionally matched contractions. Our results revealed did not significantly change both active matching conditions. Furthermore, found individuals increased their response conditions after sham exposures. Together, these findings suggest might engage sufficiently alter responses persons. However, generalizability our present requires further examination repetitive exposures along potential modulation functional movements, such as walking.