Purpose- Spasticity can
be defined in terms of its characteristics, the most salient of which is an
exaggerated stretch reflex. Previous work has shown that it is possible to inhibit
the stretch reflex of triceps surae by electrically stimulating the antagonist
tibialis anterior muscle. With recent evidence suggesting the influence of the
monosynaptic stretch reflex during gait, the aim of this project is to modify
spastic gait by inhibiting the stretch reflex.
The project can be divided into two parts, each with its own specific goal.
These goals are: 1) to determine the relationship between latency of stimulation,
number of pulses in one stimulus burst, pulse frequency, pulse amplitude, and
amount of inhibition; and, 2) assuming that the stretch reflex of the triceps
surae influences gait, to develop a stimulation strategy during gait which would
modulate triceps surae tone.