Effects on the Excitability of Spinal Neural Function by Relaxation Imagery Using Hold-Relax: the F-wave Study

• Published in: Rigaku ryoho kagaku Vol. 29; no. 6; pp. 979 - 982
• Main Authors: AMIMOTO, Reiko, BUNNO, Yoshibumi, KATANAZAKA, Futoshi, SUZUKI, Toshiaki, MATSUI, Kohei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Society of Physical Therapy Science 14.03.2015
• Subjects: F-waves; hold–relax; relaxation imagery
• ISSN: 1341-1667; 2434-2807
• DOI: 10.1589/rika.29.979

[Purpose] To study spinal neuron excitability during relaxation imagery, we studied F-waves using the relaxation period of hold-relax. [Subjects] Twenty-six healthy volunteers (21.5 ± 2.0 years) participated in this study. [Methods] F-waves were recorded in a resting position and during relaxation imagery using hold-relax. They were recorded at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min of the relaxation imagery period. We analyzed persistence, the F/M amplitude ratio, and latency of the recorded F-waves. [Results] The F/M amplitude ratio and F-wave frequency did not differ significantly between the resting and relaxation imagery conditions; however, F-wave persistence after 15 min of relaxation imagery was significantly lower than that at rest. [Conclusion] Relaxation imagery can decrease spinal nerve excitability.