Effect of Surface Spinal Stimulation(SSS) on H-reflex in Normal Individuals

Surface spinal stimulation is a well known technique that uses electrical currents in order to activate nerves and innervating muscles, it is one of the primary tools used to restore functions in various neurological disorders by reducing spasticity. There are many previous studies where surface spinal stimulation has been used in various neurological disorders and purposes but still there is no study to explain how surface spinal stimulation influences on monosynaptic reflex. The present study has used 2500Hz as a carrying frequency and 20 Hz as a beat frequency. Electrodes are attached 5 cm apart at the para spinal area at the T10-L2 level and electrode size (9x4.5 cm). The present study applied medium frequency currents to produce only sensory stimulation and was applied for duration of 45 minutes. H reflexes are taken pre and post spinal stimulation measure the soles muscle. The mean, standard deviation and t value for all the variables were calculated and was concluded that spinal stimulation had a significant effect on monosynaptic reflex as there was significant decrease in H/M ratio and H amplitude, however, there elongation of H latency but not up to significant levels was observed.