Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross-over study in healthy people.

Background: The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally-mediated withdrawal reflex occurring in response to noxious stimuli and is used as an electrophysiological marker of spinal nociception. Although it is well-documented that the NFR is subject to powerful modulation of several personal factors, the effects of experimentally induced fatigue on the NFR have not yet been examined. Hence, this study aimed to characterize if and how fatigue affects spinal nociception in healthy adults.

The influence of physical activity on the nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy people.

Background: The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinal reflex induced by painful stimuli resulting in an appropriate withdrawal response. The NFR is considered to be an objective physiological correlate of spinal nociception. Previous research has already demonstrated that physical activity (PA) can influence pain assessments.

Intratest reliability in determining the subtalar joint axis using the palpation technique described by K. Kirby.

Background: Exact determination and classification of the spatial position of the subtalar joint axis could be a predictive clinical variable in biomechanical analysis and a valuable tool in the design of functional foot orthoses.

Methods: Three clinicians with different levels of experience determined and classified the subtalar joint axis location, three times, on 52 individuals, using the clinical palpation, allocation and interpretation technique, as described by K. Kirby.

Construct validity of the assessment of balance in children who are developing typically and in children with hearing impairments.

Background: Children with hearing impairments have a higher risk for deficits in balance and gross motor skills compared with children who are developing typically. As balance is a fundamental ability for the motor development of children, a valid and reliable assessment to identify weaknesses in balance is crucial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of posturography and clinical balance tests in children with hearing impairments and in children who are developing typically.