Achilles Reflex Time and Sympathetic Tone

Abstract

The influence of increased sympathetic tone on the Achilles reflex time has been studied in different groups of subjects. Patients with the syndrome of vasoregulatory asthenia have a short reflex time that increases after adrenergic beta-receptor blockade. No effect of the blockade was recorded in patients with thyreotoxicosis or in healthy euthyroid controls. Smoking and moderate physical exercise caused a significant decrease in reflex time. This effect disappeared after 20 minutes. Standardization of the conditions of examination in a way similar to those for measurements of BMR seems to decrease the influence of temporary rises in sympathetic tone.