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What effect would orthotics have on sensori-motor reflex arcs and could they play a role in orthotic function ?
Tim

 

Possibly Tim

if this is a good definition - Reflex arcs. A reflex arc is a neural circuit that creates a more or less automatic link between a sensory input and a specific motor output

then I would suggest you read this thread - Leg stiffness

basically if the stiffness of the foot surface interface changes stiffness the body will adjust leg stiffness (k-leg)

softer surface stiffness - higher leg stiffness and vice versa

So if the sensory input changes due to surface stiffness changes there will be motor response ( muscle flexion increases or decreases )

So by changing the foot interface stiffness with a orthotic -----

as read this thread - probably closely related in idea - Nigg's "Preferred Movement Path" Paradigm


Hope that helps - interesting stuff this area

 

Hi Mike
Thanks for replying .My enquiry was caused by a physio friend introducing me to the work of a guy called E. Paul Zeher who is a professor for a biomedical research he is intrested in among other things , in how sesory input from the foot is important for regulating spinal cord motor output for walking.I have only read a couple of his papers , but it is eye opening.I have to admit I havent read the links you mentioned , I will over the weekend(Hopefully ).I would recommend you check this guy out , he has a website , which gives access to his papers
Tim

 

Tim do you have an address - I goggled DR E. Paul Zeher and got a link to Dr Dre?

 

www.Zehr.ca
Tim