The Hoffmann reflex of human plantar foot muscles

Electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa evoked an M wave (10.9 ms) and a late reflex response (38.1 ms) in the plantar foot muscles of all 10 volunteers. The late response had a somewhat lower electrical threshold than the corresponding M wave (8.5 versus 9 mA), and reached a maximum of amplitude when the stimulus intensity was increased, but was strongly suppressed by further increased intensity. A more distal stimulation of the tibial nerve at the ankle shortened the onset latency of the M wave and lengthened that of the late response. The reflex was facilitated by activation of synergists and inhibited by activation of antagonists. We showed that the late respon…