Introduction: The Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) is a valuable tool for assessing motor neuron excitability, especially in diagnosing peripheral neuropathies. While it is well known that limb length influences H-reflex latency, the relationship between a person’s height and H-reflex latency, particularly in neuropathic patients, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the correlation between height and H-reflex latency in normal subjects and neuropathic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 participants (25 healthy controls and 25 neuropathic patients) aged 20 to 70 years were recruited. Neuropathic patients included those with diabetic neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and radiculopathies. H-reflex latencies were recorded via electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve, and correlations with height were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. An unpaired t-test was used to compare H-reflex latencies between normal and neuropathic groups. Results: The average H-reflex latency in normal subjects was 28.92 ± 1.38 ms for the right leg and 28.86 ± 1.29 ms for the left leg. In neuropathic patients, the latency was significantly prolonged, with 37.14 ± 2.10 ms for the right leg and 37.31 ± 1.94 ms for the left leg (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation between height and H-reflex latency was observed in healthy subjects, but this correlation was absent in neuropathic patients. Discussion: In healthy individuals, height significantly influences H-reflex latency, consistent with previous studies on limb length and neural conduction. However, the absence of a correlation in neuropathic patients suggests that neuropathies disrupt the normal reflex arc, masking the effect of height on latency. Factors such as demyelination and axonal damage may account for the prolonged H-reflex latency in neuropathic subjects. Conclusion: Height is a significant determinant of H-reflex latency in normal individuals, but this relationship is disrupted in neuropathic patients. These findings highlight the diagnostic utility of the H-reflex in evaluating neuropathies, where latency prolongation indicates neural damage. Further research is recommended to explore the specific effects of different neuropathies on H-reflex latency.

H-reflex, Hoffmann reflex, latency, height, neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, radiculopathy, motor neuron excitability, peripheral neuropathy.