nalogue, the H reflex of the calf muscles (1:71). The responses were measured electronically (1:73). M and H waves of the reflex muscle action potential (MAP) response were used to evaluate motoneuron excitability (1:74). Changes with age in the H and T reflexes were then compared (1:75).
What DeVries et al. found was a "small and nonsignificant difference" between the older and younger subjects in the amplitude of the MAP elicited by the Achilles tendon reflex (1:77). They did note though, that the stimulus value for a given hammer drop might have been higher in the older subjects due to possible decreased elasticity of their Achilles tendons (1:77). Such decreased elasticity might result in a greater rate of stretch for the older subjects' muscle spindles and, therefore, elicit a greater response (1:78).
In addition, the T reflex was found to be absent in only one
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