Objective: To develop a cempound system with a synchronized kinematical and electrophysiological method fbr measuring tendon reflex responses and to evaluate normal rcflexes ofa volunteer. Design: With the subject relaxed, a hand-held instrumented hammer was used to tap the patellar tendon and record the tapping force, while the refiex linear speed at the ankLe and the quadriceps electremyography (EMG) were recordcd as measures ofthe refiex rcsponse. The subjeet is a healthy volunteer

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... normal refiexes. Main Outcome Measures: The peak tapping force, pcak reflex specd, peak-te-peak T-reflex amplitude, and their dynamic relationship with certain time paramcters. Reslllts: The time parameters providc more repeatable measures. At increasing peak to peak T-refiex amplimde, peak reflex speed increased. The output measurcs indicate their potential values in clinical applications. Conclusions: With appropriate simplifications, the method may be used in clinical practice to quantify more precisely the tendon reflex examination than is currently feasiblc with standard clinieal tests. Kay woncts:Tendon reflex; Muscte stretch reflex; Tri-axial accelerometer; Kinematics, Elcctromyography