Acute effects of orofacial, neck, and shoulder relaxation exercises and chewing on soleus H-reflex and motor unit discharge patterns
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study provides the first evidence that orofacial and neck mobility exercises can acutely reduce spinal excitability in remote lower-limb muscles. By combining high-density surface EMG with both global and single motor unit H-reflex analyses, we demonstrate a decrease in soleus H-reflex amplitude independent of presynaptic inhibition. These findings suggest potential nonpharmacological applications for managing motoneuron hyperexcitability and promoting whole body relaxation in individuals with cervical and orofacial constraints.
Source: Journal of Neurophysiology
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410089131