Muscle Stretch Reflex Testing

University of Scranton - Department of Physical Therapy
Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD
send e-mail to Dr. Kosmahl copyright 2000 Edmund M. Kosmahl

PT351 ORTHOPAEDIC PT Dr. E. Kosmahl MUSCLE STRETCH REFLEX TESTING
Orthopaedic physical therapists use muscle stretch (also called tendon tap) reflex testing to detect nerve root compression, peripheral neuropathy, or central nervous system- CNS (upper motor neuron - UMN) pathology

MYOTATIC REFLEX ARC

Components:

Receptor (muscle spindle)
Afferent axon
Spinal cord synapse
Efferent axon
Effector (homonymous muscle)

(see myotatic reflex arc picture)

USEFUL REFLEXES

TECHNIQUE

Quick stretch of tendon via hammer tap

EVALUATING

Compare to normal side

Hypoactive = root compression or peripheral neuropathy
Hyperactive = CNS pathology

GRADING

0; no response
1+ low normal
2+ normal
3+ brisk
4+ very brisk
Clonus

BABINSKI SIGN

When present, suspect CNS pathology
Technique - non painful stroke on lateral border of plantar surface of foot
Response - "present" = dorsiflexion of great toe with fanning of remaining toes

To PT351First Page

If you don't see Dr. K's WebSite Menu, go to Dr. Kosmahl's Home Page