An Intelligent Computerized Stretch Reflex Measurement System For Clinical And Investigative Neurology

P. M. Flanagan; J. G. Chutkow; M. T. Riggs; V. D. Cristiano

doi:10.1117/12.940653

11 May 1987 An Intelligent Computerized Stretch Reflex Measurement System For Clinical And Investigative Neurology

P. M. Flanagan, J. G. Chutkow, M. T. Riggs, V. D. Cristiano

Proceedings Volume 0786, Applications of Artificial Intelligence V; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940653
Event: 1987 Technical Symposium Southeast on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1987, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We describe the design of a reliable, user-friendly preprototype system for quantifying the tendon stretch reflexes in humans and large mammals. A hand-held, instrumented reflex gun, the impactor of which contains a single force sensor, interfaces with a computer. The resulting test system can deliver sequences of reproducible stimuli at graded intensities and adjustable durations to a muscle's tendon ("tendon taps"), measure the impacting force of each tap, and record the subsequent reflex muscle contraction from the same tendon -- all automatically. The parameters of the reflex muscle contraction include latency; mechanical threshold; and peak time, peak magnitude, and settling time. The results of clinical tests presented in this paper illustrate the system's potential usefulness in detecting neurologic dysfunction affecting the tendon stretch reflexes, in documenting the course of neurologic illnesses and their response to therapy, and in clinical and laboratory neurologic research.

Citation Download Citation

P. M. Flanagan, J. G. Chutkow, M. T. Riggs, and V. D. Cristiano "An Intelligent Computerized Stretch Reflex Measurement System For Clinical And Investigative Neurology", Proc. SPIE 0786, Applications of Artificial Intelligence V, (11 May 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940653

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available