Afferent stimulation inhibits abnormal cutaneous reflex activity in patients with spinal cord injury spasticity syndrome

BACKGROUND: Tibialis Anterior (TA) cutaneous reflex (CR) activity evoked following cutaneous stimulation of the plantar (Pl) surface (Pl-TA CR) has demonstrated hyperreflexia and damage of inhibitory mechanisms in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) and spasticity. OBJECTIVES: To modulate Pl-TA CR and Soleus H-reflex activity with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and vibratory stimulation of the plantar pad during rest and controlled isometric plantarflexion. METHODS: Non-injured subjects (n = 11) and individuals with incomplete SCI with (n = 14) and without spasticity (n = 14) were recruited. The effect of TENS and vibratory stimuli on Pl-TA CR and soleus H-reflex activity were assessed during rest and controlled ramp-and-hold plantarflexion. RESULTS: Vibration failed to inhibit H-reflex activity during rest or plantarflexoin following SCI compared to healthy subjects. In contrast, vibration-induced inhibition of Pl-TA CR was specifically detected in SCI spastic subjects during both rest and the hold phase of plantarflexion. TENS inhibited Pl-TA CR activity in the SCI spasticity group only during hold plantarflexion. CONCLUSIONS: Plantar vibratory stimuli inhibited the pl-TA CR, but not the H reflex, during rest and controlled movement in SCI spastic subjects. Assessment of Pl-TA CR modulation should contribute to the development of modality-specific sensory stimuli programmes for the neurorehabilitation of SCI spasticity.