Arthrokinetic reflex
Encyclopedia
The terms "arthrokinetic reflex" was coined by medical researchers at the University of Pittsburgh
's Medical School, department of Physiology
, in 1956 to refer to the way in which joint
movement can reflexively cause muscle activation or inhibition.
The prefix "Arthro-" means joint
, "kinetic" signifies motion, and a reflex
in humans refers to an involuntary movement in response to a given stimulus. Thus, the arthrokinetic reflex refers to the involuntary response that happens when a joint is moved, namely that relevant muscles fire reflexively.
In 1956, Leonard Cohen and Manfred Cohen discovered that moving a decerebrate cat's knee joint resulted in muscle activation of the quadriceps or semitendinosus, depending on whether the knee joint was moved into flexion
or extension
. The results were published in the American Journal of Physiology (volume 184) . The arthrokinetic reflex was later documented in other joints and muscle groups such as the Temporomandibular joint
and mandibular musculature.
In recent years, practitioners of physical therapy and rehabilitation have suggested that the existence of the arthrokinetic reflex implies that joint mobilization may be useful in addressing chronic pain conditions such as lower-back pain or as a way to improve sports-related performance . Recent research has also hypothesized arthrokinetic reflex activity as the mechanism by which hip joint mobilization can positively aid training of hip abductor torque , whereby Type I and II articular mechanoreceptors inhibit or facilitate muscle tone .
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
's Medical School, department of Physiology
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
, in 1956 to refer to the way in which joint
Joint
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
movement can reflexively cause muscle activation or inhibition.
The prefix "Arthro-" means joint
Joint
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
, "kinetic" signifies motion, and a reflex
Reflex
A reflex action, also known as a reflex, is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus. A true reflex is a behavior which is mediated via the reflex arc; this does not apply to casual uses of the term 'reflex'.-See also:...
in humans refers to an involuntary movement in response to a given stimulus. Thus, the arthrokinetic reflex refers to the involuntary response that happens when a joint is moved, namely that relevant muscles fire reflexively.
In 1956, Leonard Cohen and Manfred Cohen discovered that moving a decerebrate cat's knee joint resulted in muscle activation of the quadriceps or semitendinosus, depending on whether the knee joint was moved into flexion
Flexion
In anatomy, flexion is a position that is made possible by the joint angle decreasing. The skeletal and muscular systems work together to move the joint into a "flexed" position. For example the elbow is flexed when the hand is brought closer to the shoulder...
or extension
Extension (kinesiology)
In kinesiology, extension is a movement of a joint that results in increased angle between two bones or body surfaces at a joint. Extension usually results in straightening of the bones or body surfaces involved. For example, extension is produced by extending the flexed elbow. Straightening of...
. The results were published in the American Journal of Physiology (volume 184) . The arthrokinetic reflex was later documented in other joints and muscle groups such as the Temporomandibular joint
Temporomandibular joint
The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw and is frequently referred to as TMJ. There are two TMJs, one on either side, working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium , and the lower jaw bone called the...
and mandibular musculature.
In recent years, practitioners of physical therapy and rehabilitation have suggested that the existence of the arthrokinetic reflex implies that joint mobilization may be useful in addressing chronic pain conditions such as lower-back pain or as a way to improve sports-related performance . Recent research has also hypothesized arthrokinetic reflex activity as the mechanism by which hip joint mobilization can positively aid training of hip abductor torque , whereby Type I and II articular mechanoreceptors inhibit or facilitate muscle tone .