Effects of different fabrics on the Hoffmann reflex during local heat exposure.

The study included only thirteen healthy young men, excluding women and older adults. Measurements were taken while participants lay prone at rest, so results may not apply to people moving or in different postures. The outcomes were electrical reflexes, not clinical measures of pain, spasticity, or function. Participants were excluded if the H-reflex could not be elicited, which may bias the sample. Only two specific plain-woven fabrics were tested; blends and other weaves were not examined.

No specific funding was received. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not interpret the reduced spinal excitability ratio with cotton fabric as evidence that cotton heat packs clinically reduce spasticity or improve movement. The study measured electrical reflexes in healthy young men at rest and did not assess patient outcomes or functional changes.