Steineman Brett D, Karra Pavan, Park Kiwon
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Trine University, Angola, IN 46703, USA.
Appl Bionics Biomech. 2016;2016:7172948. doi: 10.1155/2016/7172948. Epub 2016 Feb 14.
Deep tendon reflex tests, such as the patellar tendon reflex (PTR), are widely accepted as simple examinations for detecting neurological disorders. Despite common acceptance, the grading scales remain subjective, creating an opportunity for quantitative measures to improve the reliability and efficacy of these tests. Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of quantified measurement variables; however, little work has been done to correlate experimental data with theoretical models using entire PTR responses. In the present study, it is hypothesized that PTR responses may be described by the exponential decay rate and damped natural frequency of a theoretical second-order system. Kinematic data was recorded from both knees of 45 subjects using a motion capture system and correlation analysis found that the mean R (2) value was 0.99. Exponential decay rate and damped natural frequency ranges determined from the sample population were -5.61 to -1.42 and 11.73 rad/s to 14.96 rad/s, respectively. This study confirmed that PTR responses strongly correlate to a second-order system and that exponential decay rate and undamped natural frequency are novel measurement variables to accurately measure PTR responses. Therefore, further investigation of these measurement variables and their usefulness in grading PTR responses is warranted.
深部腱反射测试，如髌腱反射（PTR），作为检测神经系统疾病的简单检查方法被广泛接受。尽管被普遍认可，但分级量表仍然主观，这为定量测量创造了机会，以提高这些测试的可靠性和有效性。先前的研究已经证明了量化测量变量的有用性；然而，利用整个髌腱反射反应将实验数据与理论模型进行关联的工作做得很少。在本研究中，假设髌腱反射反应可以用理论二阶系统的指数衰减率和阻尼固有频率来描述。使用运动捕捉系统记录了45名受试者双膝的运动学数据，相关性分析发现平均R（2）值为0.99。从样本总体确定的指数衰减率和阻尼固有频率范围分别为-5.61至-1.42和11.73弧度/秒至14.96弧度/秒。本研究证实髌腱反射反应与二阶系统密切相关，指数衰减率和无阻尼固有频率是准确测量髌腱反射反应的新测量变量。因此，有必要进一步研究这些测量变量及其在髌腱反射反应分级中的有用性。
