[Modification of the Hoffmann reflex in function of athletic training (author's transl)]. / Modifications du reflexe de Hoffmann en fonktion de l'entraînement chez le sportif.

The present study measures the values of the Hoffmann reflex and principally the relationship between the maximum reflex response and the maximum direct motor response (H max/M max) and their evolution. The subjects were athletes, performing aerobic and anaerobic type activities, divided into six groups (swimmers; soccer players; tennis players; sprinters; middle and long distance runners; and nonspecific athletes). The results show the average values of the H max/M max (53%) to be not different from those of nonathletes. When separated into aerobic and anaerobic groups, significant differences were found: the values are significantly inferior for subjects participating in anaerobic sports (37%) whereas we found an increase (from 55-75%) in the relationship for swimmers performing aerobic activities after 3 years of regular training. The results suggest, in accordance with previous authors, the possibility of a correlation between the modifications of the H max/M max and the type of activities (aerobic or anaerobic).