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Unilateral Vibratory Stimulation Inhibits Contralateral Spinal Anterior Horn Cells in Homonymous Muscles for the First 75 Seconds

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate muscle tone changes over time in contralateral homonymous muscles when unilateral muscles are stimulated, using F-wave measurements, we examined whether vibratory stimulation on the contralateral homonymous muscle of the affected side may reduce spasticity, whose optimal duration remains unclear. METHODS: Vibratory stimulation was applied to the right hand of healthy adults, using parameters of 80 Hz frequency, 0.4 mm amplitude, 400 g load, and 195 seconds of duration on the abductor digiti minimi muscle. F-wave was measured in the left hand before stimulation, at seven intervals during stimulation, and immediately after. RESULTS: The F/M amplitude ratio decreased immediately at stimulation onset, at 30 seconds, and at 60 seconds compared to baseline. A least-squares analysis revealed a negative slope from baseline to 60 seconds (f(x)=-0.11x+1.12), while the slope became positive after 90 seconds, continuing after stimulation ended (f(x)=0.04x+0.82). Conclusion: Unilateral vibratory stimulation may decrease excitability in the spinal anterior horn cells of the contralateral homonymous muscle for up to 75 seconds post-stimulation, suggesting a potential mechanism for spasticity management.

Source: Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine

DOI: 10.5535/arm.240107

Authors: Kenta Kunoh, Takahiro Takenaka, Daisuke Kimura, Toshiaki Suzuki

Institutions: Kansai University of Health Sciences, Heisei College of Health Sciences, Nagoya Women's University

Language: English

Topic: Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $153