H-reflex as an Outcome Measure in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury - A Systematic Review

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the available evidence and literature regarding the use of H-reflex in patients with Spinal Cord Injury. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted in December 2019 and compilation of literature that is published from 2009 to 2019 was included in the study using common search engine i. e. Pubmed. The Inclusion criteria were 1) Prospective or retrospective cohort studies, 2) studies that included only participants with spinal cord injury 3) studies that included H-reflex in any form were investigated.4) Full text articles from peer-reviewed journals were included. Studies based in the form of Experimental, Quasi experimental and observational studies were included. Exclusion criteria were 1) Studies in any other language than English were excluded.2) Studies which had been carried out on animals were excluded. Result: Thirteen articles were included and analysed in detail in this review on the basis of the selection criteria. It showed that the H-reflex can be a useful tool in evaluating the prognosis, as it assess the excitability below the level of injury. Conclusion: H-reflex is useful in diagnostic and prognostic clinical value that could be used to monitor recovery of motor function after SCI