Modulation of the excitatory phase following the cutaneous silent period by vibration

Abstract

Introduction The post-inhibition excitatory phase (E3) of the cutaneous silent period (CSP) is attributed to the resynchronization of motoneuron activity following the inhibitory period but there is also evidence that a somatosensory startle reflex may contribute to this phase. We hypothesized that the startle reflex component contained in E3 will decrease during vibration. Methods Sixteen healthy individuals were included in the study. CSP was recorded from slightly contracted right thenar muscles after painful index finger stimulation, before, during, and immediately after vibration. The values of the percentage change of E3 relative to pre-stimulus baseline (E3%) were compared before, during, and after vibration for each individual. Results There was a reduction in E3% during vibration and the values returned to normal immediately after vibration (153.1 +/- 43.5%, 115.2 +/- 30.2%, 154.9 +/- 68.2%, respectively;p = 0.030). Discussion E3 is reduced during vibration in healthy individuals, presumably due to suppression of a reflex component, which is superimposed upon the known resynchronization of motoneurons.