What is the Jendrassik maneuver?
A reinforcement technique that can help elicit deep tendon reflexes in apprehensive and tense patients,
who, either voluntarily or unconsciously, may be bracing their muscles. During the patellar reflex, have the patient hook together the flexed fingers of the two hands and then pull them apart at the
moment the reflex is being elicited. Other reenforcement maneuvers include having the patient look
up at the ceiling, count numbers, read, or cough—all aimed at redirecting the patient’s attention, thus
relaxing the tested muscles.
A reinforcement technique that can help elicit deep tendon reflexes in apprehensive and tense patients,
who, either voluntarily or unconsciously, may be bracing their muscles. During the patellar reflex, have the patient hook together the flexed fingers of the two hands and then pull them apart at the
moment the reflex is being elicited. Other reenforcement maneuvers include having the patient look
up at the ceiling, count numbers, read, or cough—all aimed at redirecting the patient’s attention, thus
relaxing the tested muscles.