The Relationship between Submental Surface Electromyography and Hyo-Laryngeal Kinematic Measures of Mendelsohn Maneuver Duration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azola, Alba M.; Greene, Lindsey R.; Taylor-Kamara, Isha; Macrae, Phoebe; Anderson, Cheryl; Humbert, Ianessa A.

2015-01-01

Purpose: The Mendelsohn Maneuver (MM) is a commonly prescribed technique that is taught to individuals with dysphagia to improve swallowing ability. Due to cost and safety concerns associated with videofluoroscopy (VFS) use, submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) is commonly used in place of VFS to train the MM in clinical and research…

Electromyographic analysis of lower limb muscles during the golf swing performed with three different clubs.

PubMed

Marta, Sérgio; Silva, Luís; Vaz, João Rocha; Castro, Maria António; Reinaldo, Gustavo; Pezarat-Correia, Pedro

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the EMG patterns of select lower limb muscles throughout the golf swing, performed with three different clubs, in non-elite middle-aged players. Fourteen golfers performed eight swings each using, in random order, a pitching wedge, 7-iron and 4-iron. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded bilaterally from lower limb muscles: tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis. Three-dimensional high-speed video analysis was used to determine the golf swing phases. Results showed that, in average handicap golfers, the highest muscle activation levels occurred during the Forward Swing Phase, with the right semitendinosus and the right biceps femoris muscles producing the highest mean activation levels relative to maximal electromyography (70-76% and 68-73% EMG(MAX), respectively). Significant differences between the pitching wedge and the 4-iron club were found in the activation level of the left semitendinosus, right tibialis anterior, right peroneus longus, right vastus medialis, right rectus femuris and right gastrocnemius muscles. The lower limb muscles showed, in most cases and phases, higher mean values of activation on electromyography when golfers performed shots with a 4-iron club.

Effects of ethyl chloride spray on pain and parameters of needle electromyography in the upper extremity.

PubMed

Moon, Young-Eun; Kim, Sang-Hyun

2014-10-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ethyl chloride and placebo sprays for reducing pain induced by needle electromyography and changes in parameters of the motor unit action potential during needle electromyography of the upper extremity. Sixty patients were randomized into the ethyl chloride or placebo spray groups. In both groups, spray was applied just before needle electromyography of the flexor carpi radialis, and a visual analog scale to evaluate the pain of needle electromyography and a five-point Likert scale for patient satisfaction and preference for reexamination were compared between the two groups. Then, changes in the amplitude, phases, turns, and duration of the motor unit action potential during needle electromyography of the biceps brachii were compared before and after spraying in each group. The visual analog scale was significantly lower, and patient satisfaction and preference for reexamination were significantly higher in the ethyl chloride spray group. Among the parameters of the motor unit action potential, there were no significant changes except for an increased duration after spraying with ethyl chloride. Ethyl chloride spray can effectively reduce pain, but it must be used with caution because it may affect parameters of the motor unit action potential during needle electromyography.

Assessing the validity of surface electromyography for recording muscle activation patterns from serratus anterior.

PubMed

Hackett, Lucien; Reed, Darren; Halaki, Mark; Ginn, Karen A

2014-04-01

No direct evidence exists to support the validity of using surface electrodes to record muscle activity from serratus anterior, an important and commonly investigated shoulder muscle. The aims of this study were to determine the validity of examining muscle activation patterns in serratus anterior using surface electromyography and to determine whether intramuscular electromyography is representative of serratus anterior muscle activity. Seven asymptomatic subjects performed dynamic and isometric shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and dynamic bench press plus tests. Surface electrodes were placed over serratus anterior and around intramuscular electrodes in serratus anterior. Load was ramped during isometric tests from 0% to 100% maximum load and dynamic tests were performed at 70% maximum load. EMG signals were normalised using five standard maximum voluntary contraction tests. Surface electrodes significantly underestimated serratus anterior muscle activity compared with the intramuscular electrodes during dynamic flexion, dynamic abduction, isometric flexion, isometric abduction and bench press plus tests. All other test conditions showed no significant differences including the flexion normalisation test where maximum activation was recorded from both electrode types. Low correlation between signals was recorded using surface and intramuscular electrodes during concentric phases of dynamic abduction and flexion. It is not valid to use surface electromyography to assess muscle activation levels in serratus anterior during isometric exercises where the electrodes are not placed at the angle of testing and dynamic exercises. Intramuscular electrodes are as representative of the serratus anterior muscle activity as surface electrodes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is there correlation between electromyography and digital palpation as means of measuring pelvic floor muscle contractility in nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum women?

PubMed

Botelho, Simone; Pereira, Larissa Carvalho; Marques, Joseane; Lanza, Ana Helena; Amorim, Cesar Ferreira; Palma, Paulo; Riccetto, Cassio

2013-06-01

The continence mechanisms depend on the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles. It is therefore important to find simple, reliable, and safe methods to assess its contractility in a clinical setting. This study aims to investigate if digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscles presents correlation with its electromyographic activity. The sample consisted of 307 women with mean age of 23.93 years, including 39 nulliparous, 117 primigravid pregnant, 64 primiparous, in post-vaginal delivery, and 87 primiparous women, in post-cesarean section delivery. The assessment consisted of both digital palpation and surface electromyography. One, and the same, highly skilled and experienced physiotherapist, who was able to classify the different grades of contractility accurately, performed digital palpation using the Modified Oxford Grading Scale. Surface electromyography was performed using an intravaginal probe. For electromyography evaluation, three contractions of 5 sec each were recorded, and an average of three Root Mean squares was considered for analysis. Spearman's Coefficient, Jonckheere-Terpstra Test, Kruskal-Wallis as well as Dunn Test were used for statistical analysis. The strong correlation found between the two methods (P < 0.001) indicates that both digital palpation and electromyography can be used in everyday practice, both for clinical use and scientific research, although both have their specific limitations and requirements to avoid the risk of biases. There was a correlation between pelvic floor muscle contractility measured by surface electromyography and by digital palpation. Both methods can be used to validate data in research and clinical setting. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of Workstation Accommodation on Fatigue and Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

Surface electromyography was collected on the left and right trapezius and deltoid muscles. Cerebral oxygenation levels were monitored via non... trapezius muscles using a static contraction testing device that consisted of a load cell to which the subject’s right arm was tethered and an output...experimental conditions. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals of the deltoid and trapezius were recorded during the contractions. In addition to

Random Forest-Based Recognition of Isolated Sign Language Subwords Using Data from Accelerometers and Surface Electromyographic Sensors.

PubMed

Su, Ruiliang; Chen, Xiang; Cao, Shuai; Zhang, Xu

2016-01-14

Sign language recognition (SLR) has been widely used for communication amongst the hearing-impaired and non-verbal community. This paper proposes an accurate and robust SLR framework using an improved decision tree as the base classifier of random forests. This framework was used to recognize Chinese sign language subwords using recordings from a pair of portable devices worn on both arms consisting of accelerometers (ACC) and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. The experimental results demonstrated the validity of the proposed random forest-based method for recognition of Chinese sign language (CSL) subwords. With the proposed method, 98.25% average accuracy was obtained for the classification of a list of 121 frequently used CSL subwords. Moreover, the random forests method demonstrated a superior performance in resisting the impact of bad training samples. When the proportion of bad samples in the training set reached 50%, the recognition error rate of the random forest-based method was only 10.67%, while that of a single decision tree adopted in our previous work was almost 27.5%. Our study offers a practical way of realizing a robust and wearable EMG-ACC-based SLR systems.

Mcconnell's patellar taping does not alter knee and hip muscle activation differences during proprioceptive exercises: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

PubMed

Araújo, Cynthia Gobbi Alves; de Souza Guerino Macedo, Christiane; Ferreira, Daiene; Shigaki, Leonardo; da Silva, Rubens A

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of patellar taping on muscle activation of the knee and hip muscles in women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome during five proprioceptive exercises. Forty sedentary women with syndrome were randomly allocated in two groups: Patellar Taping (based in McConnell) and Placebo (vertical taping on patella without any stretching of lateral structures of the knee). Volunteers performed five proprioceptive exercises randomly: Swing apparatus, Mini-trampoline, Bosu balance ball, Anteroposterior sway on a rectangular board and Mediolateral sway on a rectangular board. All exercises were performed in one-leg stance position with injured knee at flexion of 30° during 15s. Muscle activation was measured by surface electromyography across Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis and Gluteus medius muscles. Maximal voluntary contraction was performed for both hip and knee muscles in order to normalize electromyography signal relative to maximum effort during the exercises. ANOVA results reported no significant interaction (P>0.05) and no significant differences (P>0.05) between groups and intervention effects in all exercise conditions. Significant differences (P<0.01) were only reported between muscles, where hip presented higher activity than knee muscles. Patellar taping is not better than placebo for changes in the muscular activity of both hip and knee muscles during proprioceptive exercises. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02322515. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface electromyography activity of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles during forced expiration in healthy adults.

PubMed

Ito, Kenichi; Nonaka, Koji; Ogaya, Shinya; Ogi, Atsushi; Matsunaka, Chiaki; Horie, Jun

2016-06-01

We aimed to characterize rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscle activity in healthy adults under expiratory resistance using surface electromyography. We randomly assigned 42 healthy adult subjects to 3 groups: 30%, 20%, and 10% maximal expiratory intraoral pressure (PEmax). After measuring 100% PEmax and muscle activity during 100% PEmax, the activity and maximum voluntary contraction of each muscle during the assigned experimental condition were measured. At 100% PEmax, the external oblique (p<0.01) and internal oblique (p<0.01) showed significantly elevated activity compared with the rectus abdominis muscle. Furthermore, at 20% and 30% PEmax, the external oblique (p<0.05 and<0.01, respectively) and the internal oblique (p<0.05 and<0.01, respectively) showed significantly elevated activity compared with the rectus abdominis muscle. At 10% PEmax, no significant differences were observed in muscle activity. Although we observed no significant difference between 10% and 20% PEmax, activity during 30% PEmax was significantly greater than during 20% PEmax (external oblique: p<0.05; internal oblique: p<0.01). The abdominal oblique muscles are the most active during forced expiration. Moreover, 30% PEmax is the minimum intensity required to achieve significant, albeit very slight, muscle activity during expiratory resistance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Muscle Onset Activation Sequences between a Golf or Tennis Swing and Common Training Exercises Using Surface Electromyography: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Vasudevan, John M; Logan, Andrew; Shultz, Rebecca; Koval, Jeffrey J; Roh, Eugene Y; Fredericson, Michael

2016-01-01

Aim. The purpose of this pilot study is to use surface electromyography to determine an individual athlete's typical muscle onset activation sequence when performing a golf or tennis forward swing and to use the method to assess to what degree the sequence is reproduced with common conditioning exercises and a machine designed for this purpose. Methods. Data for 18 healthy male subjects were collected for 15 muscles of the trunk and lower extremities. Data were filtered and processed to determine the average onset of muscle activation for each motion. A Spearman correlation estimated congruence of activation order between the swing and each exercise. Correlations of each group were pooled with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects meta-analytic strategy. Results. The averaged sequences differed among each athlete tested, but pooled correlations demonstrated a positive association between each exercise and the participants' natural muscle onset activation sequence. Conclusion. The selected training exercises and Turning Point™ device all partially reproduced our athletes' averaged muscle onset activation sequences for both sports. The results support consideration of a larger, adequately powered study using this method to quantify to what degree each of the selected exercises is appropriate for use in both golf and tennis.

Comparison of Muscle Onset Activation Sequences between a Golf or Tennis Swing and Common Training Exercises Using Surface Electromyography: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Shultz, Rebecca; Fredericson, Michael

2016-01-01

Aim. The purpose of this pilot study is to use surface electromyography to determine an individual athlete's typical muscle onset activation sequence when performing a golf or tennis forward swing and to use the method to assess to what degree the sequence is reproduced with common conditioning exercises and a machine designed for this purpose. Methods. Data for 18 healthy male subjects were collected for 15 muscles of the trunk and lower extremities. Data were filtered and processed to determine the average onset of muscle activation for each motion. A Spearman correlation estimated congruence of activation order between the swing and each exercise. Correlations of each group were pooled with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects meta-analytic strategy. Results. The averaged sequences differed among each athlete tested, but pooled correlations demonstrated a positive association between each exercise and the participants' natural muscle onset activation sequence. Conclusion. The selected training exercises and Turning Point™ device all partially reproduced our athletes' averaged muscle onset activation sequences for both sports. The results support consideration of a larger, adequately powered study using this method to quantify to what degree each of the selected exercises is appropriate for use in both golf and tennis. PMID:27403454

Undifferentiated Facial Electromyography Responses to Dynamic, Audio-Visual Emotion Displays in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rozga, Agata; King, Tricia Z.; Vuduc, Richard W.; Robins, Diana L.

2013-01-01

We examined facial electromyography (fEMG) activity to dynamic, audio-visual emotional displays in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically developing (TD) individuals. Participants viewed clips of happy, angry, and fearful displays that contained both facial expression and affective prosody while surface electrodes measured…

Prosthesis Control with an Implantable Multichannel Wireless Electromyography System for High-Level Amputees: A Large-Animal Study.

PubMed

Bergmeister, Konstantin D; Hader, Marie; Lewis, Soeren; Russold, Michael-Friedrich; Schiestl, Martina; Manzano-Szalai, Krisztina; Roche, Aidan D; Salminger, Stefan; Dietl, Hans; Aszmann, Oskar C

2016-01-01

Myoelectric prostheses lack a strong human-machine interface, leading to high abandonment rates in upper limb amputees. Implantable wireless electromyography systems improve control by recording signals directly from muscle, compared with surface electromyography. These devices do not exist for high amputation levels. In this article, the authors present an implantable wireless electromyography system for these scenarios tested in Merino sheep for 4 months. In a pilot trial, the electrodes were implanted in the hind limbs of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats. After 8 or 12 weeks, impedance and histocompatibility were assessed. In the main trial, the system was tested in four Merino sheep for 4 months. Impedance of the electrodes was analyzed in two animals. Electromyographic data were analyzed in two freely moving animals repeatedly during forward and backward gait. Device implantation was successful in all 28 animals. Histologic evaluation showed a tight encapsulation after 8 weeks of 78.2 ± 26.5 µm subcutaneously and 92.9 ± 31.3 µm on the muscular side. Electromyographic recordings show a distinct activation pattern of the triceps, brachialis, and latissimus dorsi muscles, with a low signal-to-noise ratio, representing specific patterns of agonist and antagonist activation. Average electrode impedance decreased over the whole frequency range, indicating an improved electrode-tissue interface during the implantation. All measurements taken over the 4 months of observation used identical settings and showed similar recordings despite changing environmental factors. This study shows the implantation of this electromyography device as a promising alternative to surface electromyography, providing a potentially powerful wireless interface for high-level amputees.

Pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of aquatic and land physical therapy on musculoskeletal dysfunction of sickle cell disease patients

PubMed Central

Zanoni, Camila Tatiana; Galvão, Fábio; Cliquet Junior, Alberto; Saad, Sara Teresinha Olalla

2014-01-01

Objective To compare the effect of aquatic and land-based physiotherapy in reducing musculoskeletal hip and lower back pain and increasing overall physical capabilities of sickle cell disease patients. Methods Informed written consent was obtained from all volunteers who were submitted to evaluations using different functional scales: Lequesne's Algofunctional Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, trunk and hip range of motion, goniometry, trunk and hip muscle strength assessment using load cell, and surface electromyography of the iliocostalis, long dorsal (longissimus), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles. Ten patients were randomized into two groups: aquatic physiotherapy with a mean age of 42 years (range: 25–67) and conventional physiotherapy with a mean age of 49 years (range: 43–59). Both groups were submitted to a twelve-week program of two sessions weekly. Results After the intervention, significant improvements were observed regarding the Lequesne index (p-value = 0.0217), Oswestry Disability Index (p-value = 0.0112), range of motion of trunk extension (p-value = 0.0320), trunk flexion muscle strength (p-value = 0.0459), hip extension and abduction muscle strength (p-value = 0.0062 and p-value = 0.0257, respectively). Range of motion of trunk and hip flexion, extension, adduction and abduction, trunk extensor muscle strength and all surface electromyography variables showed no significant statistical difference. Conclusion Physical therapy is efficient to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions in sickle cell disease patients, irrespective of the technique; however, aquatic therapy showed a trend toward improvement in muscle strength. Further studies with a larger patient sample and longer periods of therapy are necessary to confirm these results. PMID:25818817

Pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of aquatic and land physical therapy on musculoskeletal dysfunction of sickle cell disease patients.

PubMed

Zanoni, Camila Tatiana; Galvão, Fábio; Cliquet Junior, Alberto; Saad, Sara Teresinha Olalla

2015-01-01

To compare the effect of aquatic and land-based physiotherapy in reducing musculoskeletal hip and lower back pain and increasing overall physical capabilities of sickle cell disease patients. Informed written consent was obtained from all volunteers who were submitted to evaluations using different functional scales: Lequesne's Algofunctional Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, trunk and hip range of motion, goniometry, trunk and hip muscle strength assessment using load cell, and surface electromyography of the iliocostalis, long dorsal (longissimus), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles. Ten patients were randomized into two groups: aquatic physiotherapy with a mean age of 42 years (range: 25-67) and conventional physiotherapy with a mean age of 49 years (range: 43-59). Both groups were submitted to a twelve-week program of two sessions weekly. After the intervention, significant improvements were observed regarding the Lequesne index (p-value=0.0217), Oswestry Disability Index (p-value=0.0112), range of motion of trunk extension (p-value=0.0320), trunk flexion muscle strength (p-value=0.0459), hip extension and abduction muscle strength (p-value=0.0062 and p-value=0.0257, respectively). Range of motion of trunk and hip flexion, extension, adduction and abduction, trunk extensor muscle strength and all surface electromyography variables showed no significant statistical difference. Physical therapy is efficient to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions in sickle cell disease patients, irrespective of the technique; however, aquatic therapy showed a trend toward improvement in muscle strength. Further studies with a larger patient sample and longer periods of therapy are necessary to confirm these results. Copyright © 2014 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Tensor veli palatini electromyography for monitoring Eustachian tube rehabilitation in otitis media.

PubMed

Picciotti, P M; Della Marca, G; D'Alatri, L; Lucidi, D; Rigante, M; Scarano, E

2017-05-01

The pathogenesis of otitis media is related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tensor veli palatini muscle actively opens the Eustachian tube and promotes middle-ear ventilation. This study describes a technique for paratubal electromyography that uses a surface, non-invasive electrode able to record tensor veli palatini muscle activity during swallowing. Twenty otitis media patients and 10 healthy patients underwent tensor veli palatini electromyography. Activity of this muscle before and after Eustachian tube rehabilitation was also assessed. In 78.5 per cent of patients, the electromyography duration phase and/or amplitude were reduced in the affected side. The muscle action potential was impaired in all patients who underwent Eustachian tube rehabilitation. This study confirmed that Eustachian tube muscle dysfunction has a role in otitis media pathogenesis and showed that muscle activity increases after Eustachian tube rehabilitation therapy.

Entropic Analysis of Electromyography Time Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaufman, Miron; Sung, Paul

2005-03-01

We are in the process of assessing the effectiveness of fractal and entropic measures for the diagnostic of low back pain from surface electromyography (EMG) time series. Surface electromyography (EMG) is used to assess patients with low back pain. In a typical EMG measurement, the voltage is measured every millisecond. We observed back muscle fatiguing during one minute, which results in a time series with 60,000 entries. We characterize the complexity of time series by computing the Shannon entropy time dependence. The analysis of the time series from different relevant muscles from healthy and low back pain (LBP) individuals provides evidence that the level of variability of back muscle activities is much larger for healthy individuals than for individuals with LBP. In general the time dependence of the entropy shows a crossover from a diffusive regime to a regime characterized by long time correlations (self organization) at about 0.01s.

Decline eccentric squats increases patellar tendon loading compared to standard eccentric squats.

PubMed

Kongsgaard, M; Aagaard, P; Roikjaer, S; Olsen, D; Jensen, M; Langberg, H; Magnusson, S P

2006-08-01

Recent studies have shown excellent clinical results using eccentric squat training on a 25 degrees decline board to treat patellar tendinopathy. It remains unknown why therapeutic management of patellar tendinopathy using decline eccentric squats offer superior clinical efficacy compared to standard horizontal eccentric squats. This study aimed to compare electromyography activity, patellar tendon strain and joint angle kinematics during standard and decline eccentric squats. Thirteen subjects performed unilateral eccentric squats on flat-and a 25 degrees decline surface. During the squats, electromyography activity was obtained in eight representative muscles. Also, ankle, knee and hip joint goniometry was obtained. Additionally, patellar tendon strain was measured in vivo using ultrasonography as subjects maintained a unilateral isometric 90 degrees knee angle squat position on either flat or 25 degrees decline surface. Patellar tendon strain was significantly greater (P<0.05) during the squat position on the decline surface compared to the standard surface. The stop angles of the ankle and hip joints were significantly smaller during the decline compared to the standard squats (P<0.001, P<0.05). Normalized mean electromyography amplitudes of the knee extensor muscles were significantly greater during the decline compared to the standard squats (P<0.05). Hamstring and calf muscle mean electromyography did not differ, respectively, between standard and decline squats. The use of a 25 degrees decline board increases the load and the strain of the patellar tendon during unilateral eccentric squats. This finding likely explains previous reports of superior clinical efficacy of decline eccentric squats in the rehabilitative management of patellar tendinopathy.

Swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease: a surface electromyography study.

PubMed

Ws Coriolano, Maria das Graças; R Belo, Luciana; Carneiro, Danielle; G Asano, Amdore; Al Oliveira, Paulo José; da Silva, Douglas Monteiro; G Lins, Otávio

2012-12-01

Our goal was to study deglutition of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and normal controls (NC) using surface electromyography (sEMG). The study included 15 patients with idiopathic PD and 15 age-matched normal controls. Surface electromyography was collected over the suprahyoid muscle group. Conditions were the following: swallow at once 10 and 20 ml of water and 5 and 10 ml of yogurt of firm consistency, and freely drink 100 ml of water. During swallowing, durations of sEMG were significantly longer in PD patients than in normal controls but no significant differences of amplitudes were found. Eighty percent of the PD patients and 20 % of the NC needed more than one swallow to consume 20 ml of water, while 70 % of the PD patients and none of the NC needed more than one swallow to consume 5 ml of yogurt. PD patients took significantly more time and needed significantly more swallows to drink 100 ml of water than normal controls. We conclude that sEMG might be a simple and useful tool to study and monitor deglutition in PD patients.

Potential clinical application of surface electromyography as indicator of neuromuscular recovery during weaning tests after organophosphate poisoning.

PubMed

Sánchez, Maria Bernarda Salazar; Valdivieso, Alher Mauricio Hernández; Villanueva, Miguel Ángel Mañanas; Salazar, Andrés Felipe Zuluaga

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the usefulness of measuring respiratory muscle activity in mechanically ventilated patients suffering from acute organophosphate poisoning, with a view towards providing complementary information to determine the best time to suspend ventilatory support. Surface electromyography in respiratory muscles (diaphragm, external intercostal and sternocleidomastoid muscles) was recorded in a young man affected by self-poisoning with an unknown amount of parathion to determine the muscle activity level during several weaning attempts from mechanical ventilation. The energy distribution of each surface electromyography signal frequency, the synchronization between machine and patient and between muscles, acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and work of breathing and rapid shallow breathing indices were calculated in each weaning attempt. The work of breathing and rapid shallow breathing indices were not correlated with the failure/success of the weaning attempt. The diaphragm gradually increased its engagement with ventilation, achieving a maximal response that correlated with successful weaning and maximal acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity; in contrast, the activity of accessory respiratory muscles showed an opposite trend.

Potential clinical application of surface electromyography as indicator of neuromuscular recovery during weaning tests after organophosphate poisoning

PubMed Central

Sánchez, Maria Bernarda Salazar; Valdivieso, Alher Mauricio Hernández; Villanueva, Miguel Ángel Mañanas; Salazar, Andrés Felipe Zuluaga

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the usefulness of measuring respiratory muscle activity in mechanically ventilated patients suffering from acute organophosphate poisoning, with a view towards providing complementary information to determine the best time to suspend ventilatory support. Surface electromyography in respiratory muscles (diaphragm, external intercostal and sternocleidomastoid muscles) was recorded in a young man affected by self-poisoning with an unknown amount of parathion to determine the muscle activity level during several weaning attempts from mechanical ventilation. The energy distribution of each surface electromyography signal frequency, the synchronization between machine and patient and between muscles, acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and work of breathing and rapid shallow breathing indices were calculated in each weaning attempt. The work of breathing and rapid shallow breathing indices were not correlated with the failure/success of the weaning attempt. The diaphragm gradually increased its engagement with ventilation, achieving a maximal response that correlated with successful weaning and maximal acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity; in contrast, the activity of accessory respiratory muscles showed an opposite trend. PMID:28977266

Reliability of surface electromyography in the assessment of paraspinal muscle fatigue: an updated systematic review.

PubMed

Mohseni Bandpei, Mohammad A; Rahmani, Nahid; Majdoleslam, Basir; Abdollahi, Iraj; Ali, Shabnam Shah; Ahmad, Ashfaq

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study was to review the literature to determine whether surface electromyography (EMG) is a reliable tool to assess paraspinal muscle fatigue in healthy subjects and in patients with low back pain (LBP). A literature search for the period of 2000 to 2012 was performed, using PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, EMBASE, OVID, CINAHL, and MEDLINE databases. Electromyography, reliability, median frequency, paraspinal muscle, endurance, low back pain, and muscle fatigue were used as keywords. The literature search yielded 178 studies using the above keywords. Twelve articles were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. In 7 of the 12 studies, the surface EMG was only applied in healthy subjects, and in 5 studies, the reliability of surface EMG was investigated in patients with LBP or a comparison with a control group. In all of these studies, median frequency was shown to be a reliable EMG parameter to assess paraspinal muscles fatigue. There was a wide variation among studies in terms of methodology, surface EMG parameters, electrode location, procedure, and homogeneity of the study population. The results suggest that there seems to be a convincing body of evidence to support the merit of surface EMG in the assessment of paraspinal muscle fatigue in healthy subject and in patients with LBP. Copyright © 2014 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of electromyography-triggered electrical stimulation on shoulder subluxation, muscle activation, pain, and function in persons with stroke: A pilot study.

PubMed

Jeon, Somyung; Kim, Young; Jung, Kyoungsim; Chung, Yijung

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of task-oriented electromyography-triggered stimulation for shoulder subluxation, muscle activation, pain and upper extremity function in hemiparetic stroke patients. Twenty participants with subacute hemiparetic stroke were recruited for this study and were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Subjects in the experimental group participated in task-oriented electromyography triggered stimulation for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks, whereas the control group received cyclic functional electrical stimulation for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks. Subjects in both groups received conventional physical therapy for four weeks (30 min/day, five times/week). Data collected included the degree of shoulder subluxation which had been confirmed by X-ray, muscle activation of the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles by electromyography, pain by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and hand function by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after the four week exercise period. The results showed significant improvement in shoulder subluxation, muscle activation, and VAS results in the experimental group, compared with the control group(p < 0.05). FMA scores showed no significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, task-oriented electromyography-triggered stimulation improved shoulder subluxation, muscle activation, pain and upper extremity function. These results suggest that task-oriented electromyography-triggered stimulation is effective and beneficial for individuals with subacute stroke, and that further studies should be conducted on multivarious anatomical regions.

[Evaluation of swallowing function with surface electromyography before and after tonsillectomy].

PubMed

Gürkan, Emre; Veyseller, Bayram; Açıkalın, Reşit Murat; Elbistanlı, Suphi; Yurtsever, Serveren; Acar, Hürtan

2011-01-01

In this study, we evaluated the swallowing function with surface electromyography before and after tonsillectomy. Twenty patients (12 males, 8 females; mean age 23.8 years; range 17 to 30 years) who had tonsillectomy indication as study group, and 10 healthy individuals (8 males, 2 females; mean age 26 years; range 18 to 35 years) as control group were included in this prospective study between October 2008 and February 2009. Due to their significant role on oral and faringeal phases of swallowing; the surface electromyography prosedure is performed on the masseter muscle, the submental-submandibular muscle group and the infrahyoid muscles to measure their electrical activity and duration of contraction. For this purpose, single swallow and continuous drinking of 100 cc water tests were applied to each patient preoperatively and; in the postoperative 1st week and the 1st month. The preoperative duration of drinking periods were significanly longer in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.05). At the end of the first postoperative week the duration of drinking 100 cc water test was significantly longer than the preoperative mean of the study group (p<0.05). After one month single- swallow durations of study group were significantly shorter then the preoperative mean (p<0.05). The electrical activity of the masseter and infrahyoid muscles were significantly higher in study group compared with control group (p<0.05). The close proximity of the surgical area to the muscles affects swallowing after tonsillectomy. The surface electromyography is a simple, non-invasive and reliable method for postoperative evaluation of the swallowing functions of the throat muscles and thereby allows monitoring of the recovery and functional improvement of these muscles.

Nonlinear Analysis of Surface EMG Time Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurcher, Ulrich; Kaufman, Miron; Sung, Paul

2004-04-01

Applications of nonlinear analysis of surface electromyography time series of patients with and without low back pain are presented. Limitations of the standard methods based on the power spectrum are discussed.

Automatic analysis and classification of surface electromyography.

PubMed

Abou-Chadi, F E; Nashar, A; Saad, M

2001-01-01

In this paper, parametric modeling of surface electromyography (EMG) algorithms that facilitates automatic SEMG feature extraction and artificial neural networks (ANN) are combined for providing an integrated system for the automatic analysis and diagnosis of myopathic disorders. Three paradigms of ANN were investigated: the multilayer backpropagation algorithm, the self-organizing feature map algorithm and a probabilistic neural network model. The performance of the three classifiers was compared with that of the old Fisher linear discriminant (FLD) classifiers. The results have shown that the three ANN models give higher performance. The percentage of correct classification reaches 90%. Poorer diagnostic performance was obtained from the FLD classifier. The system presented here indicates that surface EMG, when properly processed, can be used to provide the physician with a diagnostic assist device.

Quality improvement of diagnosis of the electromyography data based on statistical characteristics of the measured signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selivanova, Karina G.; Avrunin, Oleg G.; Zlepko, Sergii M.; Romanyuk, Sergii O.; Zabolotna, Natalia I.; Kotyra, Andrzej; Komada, Paweł; Smailova, Saule

2016-09-01

Research and systematization of motor disorders, taking into account the clinical and neurophysiologic phenomena, are important and actual problem of neurology. The article describes a technique for decomposing surface electromyography (EMG), using Principal Component Analysis. The decomposition is achieved by a set of algorithms that uses a specially developed for analyze EMG. The accuracy was verified by calculation of Mahalanobis distance and Probability error.

Listening to music during electromyography does not influence the examinee's anxiety and pain levels.

PubMed

Abraham, Alon; Drory, Vivian E

2014-09-01

Listening to music is a low-cost intervention that has demonstrated ability to reduce pain and anxiety levels in various medical procedures. Subjects undergoing electrophysiological examinations were randomized into a music-listening group and a control group. Visual analog scales were used to measure anxiety and pain levels during the procedure. Thirty subjects were randomized to each group. No statistically significant difference was found in anxiety or pain levels during the procedure between groups. However, most subjects in the music-listening group reported anxiety and pain reduction and would prefer to hear music in a future examination. Although listening to music during electrophysiological examinations did not reduce anxiety or pain significantly, most subjects felt a positive effect and would prefer to hear music; therefore, we suggest that music may be offered optionally in the electromyography laboratory setting. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Muscle activation when performing the chest press and shoulder press on a stable bench vs. a Swiss ball.

PubMed

Uribe, Brandon P; Coburn, Jared W; Brown, Lee E; Judelson, Daniel A; Khamoui, Andy V; Nguyen, Diamond

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a stable surface (bench) vs. an unstable surface (Swiss ball) on muscle activation when performing the dumbbell chest press and shoulder press. Sixteen healthy men (24.19 +/- 2.17 years) performed 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests for the chest press and shoulder press on a stable surface. A minimum of 48 hours post 1RM, subjects returned to perform 3 consecutive repetitions each of the chest press and shoulder press at 80% 1RM under 4 different randomized conditions (chest press on bench, chest press on Swiss ball, shoulder press on bench, shoulder press on Swiss ball). Electromyography was used to assess muscle activation of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, and rectus abdominus. The results revealed no significant difference in muscle activation between surface types for either exercise. This suggests that using an unstable surface neither improves nor impairs muscle activation under the current conditions. Coaches and other practitioners can expect similar muscle activation when using a Swiss ball vs. a bench.

[Surface electromyography signal classification using gray system theory].

PubMed

Xie, Hongbo; Ma, Congbin; Wang, Zhizhong; Huang, Hai

2004-12-01

A new method based on gray correlation was introduced to improve the identification rate in artificial limb. The electromyography (EMG) signal was first transformed into time-frequency domain by wavelet transform. Singular value decomposition (SVD) was then used to extract feature vector from the wavelet coefficient for pattern recognition. The decision was made according to the maximum gray correlation coefficient. Compared with neural network recognition, this robust method has an almost equivalent recognition rate but much lower computation costs and less training samples.

Diaphragm Muscle Surface Electromyography in Patients Submitted to Liver Transplant and Eligible for Extubation.

PubMed

Duarte, R P; Sentanin, A C; da Silva, A M O; Tonella, R M; Duarte, G L; Ratti, L S R; Boin, I F S F

2017-05-01

Liver disease induces many organic and metabolic changes, leading to malnutrition and weight and muscular function loss. Surface electromyography is an easily applicable, noninvasive study, through which the magnitudes of the peaks on the charts depict voluntary muscle activity. To evaluate the diaphragmatic surface electromyography of postoperative liver transplantation subjects. Subjects were patients who underwent liver transplantation and extubation in the Clinical Hospital of State University of Campinas. Electromyography data were collected with support pressure of ≤10 cm H 2 O, Glasgow Coma Scale = 11, and minimum dosages of vasoactive drugs, and data were collected again 30 minutes after extubation. Signal collection was performed with sEMG System Brazil SAS1000V3 electromyograph and electrode stickers. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. The average time of surgery was 345.36 ± 125.62 minutes. Time from spontaneous mode until extubation was 417.14 ± 362.97 minutes. The RMS (root mean square) values of the right and left domes in spontaneous mode with minimal ventilation parameters were 26.68 ± 10.92 and 26.55 ± 10.53, respectively, and the RMS values after extubation were 31.93 ± 18.69 to 34.62 ± 13.55, for right and left domes. The last calculated pretransplant Model for End-stage Liver Disease score averaged 19.64 ± 8.41. There were significant differences between the RMS of the diaphragm domes under mechanical ventilation and after extubation, showing lower effectiveness of the diaphragm muscle against resistance, without the aid of positive pressure and the existing overload of the left dome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elbow joint angle and elbow movement velocity estimation using NARX-multiple layer perceptron neural network model with surface EMG time domain parameters.

PubMed

Raj, Retheep; Sivanandan, K S

2017-01-01

Estimation of elbow dynamics has been the object of numerous investigations. In this work a solution is proposed for estimating elbow movement velocity and elbow joint angle from Surface Electromyography (SEMG) signals. Here the Surface Electromyography signals are acquired from the biceps brachii muscle of human hand. Two time-domain parameters, Integrated EMG (IEMG) and Zero Crossing (ZC), are extracted from the Surface Electromyography signal. The relationship between the time domain parameters, IEMG and ZC with elbow angular displacement and elbow angular velocity during extension and flexion of the elbow are studied. A multiple input-multiple output model is derived for identifying the kinematics of elbow. A Nonlinear Auto Regressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) structure based multiple layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) model is proposed for the estimation of elbow joint angle and elbow angular velocity. The proposed NARX MLPNN model is trained using Levenberg-marquardt based algorithm. The proposed model is estimating the elbow joint angle and elbow movement angular velocity with appreciable accuracy. The model is validated using regression coefficient value (R). The average regression coefficient value (R) obtained for elbow angular displacement prediction is 0.9641 and for the elbow anglular velocity prediction is 0.9347. The Nonlinear Auto Regressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) structure based multiple layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) model can be used for the estimation of angular displacement and movement angular velocity of the elbow with good accuracy.

Estimating contraction level using root mean square amplitude in control subjects and patients with neuromuscular disorders.

PubMed

Boe, Shaun G; Rice, Charles L; Doherty, Timothy J

2008-04-01

To assess the utility of the surface electromyographic signal as a means of estimating the level of muscle force during quantitative electromyography studies by examining the relationship between muscle force and the amplitude of the surface electromyographic activity signal; and to determine the impact of a reduction in the number of motor units on this relationship, through inclusion of a sample of patients with neuromuscular disease. Cross-sectional, cohort study design. Tertiary care, ambulatory, electromyography laboratory. A volunteer, convenience sample of healthy control subjects (n=10), patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=9), and patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type X (n=5). Not applicable. The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and biceps brachii muscles were examined. Force values (at 10% increments) were calculated from two 4-second maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Surface electromyographic activity was recorded during separate 4-second voluntary contractions at 9 force increments (10% -90% of MVC). Additionally, a motor unit number estimate was derived for each subject to quantify the degree of motor unit loss in patients relative to control subjects. The relationships between force and surface electromyographic activity for both muscles (controls and patients) were best fit by a linear function. The variability about the grouped regression lines was quantified by 95% confidence intervals and found to be +/-6.7% (controls) and +/-8.5% (patients) for the FDI and +/-5% (controls) and +/-6.1% (patients) for the biceps brachii. These results suggest that the amplitude of the surface electromyographic activity signal may be used as a means of estimating the level of muscle force during quantitative electromyography studies. Future studies should be directed at examining if the variability associated with these force and surface electromyographic activity relationships is acceptable in replacing previous methods of measuring muscle force.

Effects of electroacupuncture therapy for Bell's palsy from acute stage: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Liu, Zhi-dan; He, Jiang-bo; Guo, Si-si; Yang, Zhi-xin; Shen, Jun; Li, Xiao-yan; Liang, Wei; Shen, Wei-dong

2015-08-25

Although many patients with facial paralysis have obtained benefits or completely recovered after acupuncture or electroacupuncture therapy, it is still difficult to list intuitive evidence besides evaluation using neurological function scales and a few electrophysiologic data. Hence, the aim of this study is to use more intuitive and reliable detection techniques such as facial nerve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nerve electromyography, and F waves to observe changes in the anatomic morphology of facial nerves and nerve conduction before and after applying acupuncture or electroacupuncture, and to verify their effectiveness by combining neurological function scales. A total of 132 patients with Bell's palsy (grades III and IV in the House-Brackmann [HB] Facial Nerve Grading System) will be randomly divided into electroacupuncture, manual acupuncture, non-acupuncture, and medicine control groups. All the patients will be given electroacupuncture treatment after the acute period, except for patients in the medicine control group. The acupuncture or electroacupuncture treatments will be performed every 2 days until the patients recover or withdraw from the study. The primary outcome is analysis based on facial nerve functional scales (HB scale and Sunnybrook facial grading system), and the secondary outcome is analysis based on MRI, nerve electromyography and F-wave detection. All the patients will undergo MRI within 3 days after Bell's palsy onset for observation of the signal intensity and facial nerve swelling of the unaffected and affected sides. They will also undergo facial nerve electromyography and F-wave detection within 1 week after onset of Bell's palsy. Nerve function will be evaluated using the HB scale and Sunnybrook facial grading system at each hospital visit for treatment until the end of the study. The MRI, nerve electromyography, and F-wave detection will be performed again at 1 month after the onset of Bell's palsy. Chinese Clinical Trials Register identifier: ChiCTR-IPR-14005730. Registered on 23 December 2014.

Electromyography assessment in zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

PubMed

Waheed El-Anwar, Mohammad; Elsheikh, Ezzeddin; Sweed, Ahmed Hassan; Ezzeldin, Nillie

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to assess the activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles using surface electromyography (EMG) in patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. This prospective study was carried out on 25 patients who had ZMC fractures. Fifteen patients were managed by open reduction and rigid fixation (ORIF) using titanium miniplates. This study, using surface electromyography, analyzed the activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles of 25 patients with ZMC fractures; 15 of them were surgically treated under general anesthesia (GA). Evaluations were made before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery by recording the mean of muscle contraction of 20 motor unit action potential (MUAP) against resistance, and statistical analyses were performed. A significant EMG difference between the normal and ZMC fracture sides was found (P < 0.0001) for both masseter and temporalis muscles and was significantly improved after ORIF. However, postoperative EMV values of the repaired side was significantly less than measured postoperatively in the normal side (P < 0.0001) for both muscles. ZMC fractures significantly diminish muscular activity of the masseter and temporalis and even though significant recovery of muscle activity was revealed after 6 weeks, it is still less than normal activity, highlighting the importance of postoperative rehabilitation.

Assessment of weaning indexes based on diaphragm activity in mechanically ventilated subjects after cardiovascular surgery. A pilot study

PubMed Central

Ortega, Isabel Cristina Muñoz; Valdivieso, Alher Mauricio Hernández; Lopez, Joan Francesc Alonso; Villanueva, Miguel Ángel Mañanas; Lopez, Luis Horacio Atehortúa

2017-01-01

Objective The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of surface electromyographic signal derived indexes for the prediction of weaning outcomes among mechanically ventilated subjects after cardiac surgery. Methods A sample of 10 postsurgical adult subjects who received cardiovascular surgery that did not meet the criteria for early extubation were included. Surface electromyographic signals from diaphragm and ventilatory variables were recorded during the weaning process, with the moment determined by the medical staff according to their expertise. Several indexes of respiratory muscle expenditure from surface electromyography using linear and non-linear processing techniques were evaluated. Two groups were compared: successfully and unsuccessfully weaned patients. Results The obtained indexes allow estimation of the diaphragm activity of each subject, showing a correlation between high expenditure and weaning test failure. Conclusion Surface electromyography is becoming a promising procedure for assessing the state of mechanically ventilated patients, even in complex situations such as those that involve a patient after cardiovascular surgery. PMID:28977261

Electromyography function, disability degree, and pain in leprosy patients undergoing neural mobilization treatment.

PubMed

Véras, Larissa Sales Téles; Vale, Rodrigo Gomes de Souza; Mello, Danielli Braga de; Castro, José Adail Fonseca de; Lima, Vicente; Trott, Alexis; Dantas, Estélio Henrique Martin

2012-02-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the neural mobilization technique on electromyography function, disability degree, and pain in patients with leprosy. A sample of 56 individuals with leprosy was randomized into an experimental group, composed of 29 individuals undergoing treatment with neural mobilization, and a control group of 27 individuals who underwent conventional treatment. In both groups, the lesions in the lower limbs were treated. In the treatment with neural mobilization, the procedure used was mobilization of the lumbosacral roots and sciatic nerve biased to the peroneal nerve that innervates the anterior tibial muscle, which was evaluated in the electromyography. Analysis of the electromyography function showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the experimental group in both the right (Δ%=22.1, p=0.013) and the left anterior tibial muscles (Δ%=27.7, p=0.009), compared with the control group pre- and post-test. Analysis of the strength both in the movement of horizontal extension (Δ%right=11.7, p=0.003/Δ%left=27.4, p=0.002) and in the movement of back flexion (Δ%right=31.1; p=0.000/Δ%left=34.7, p=0.000) showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in both the right and the left segments when comparing the experimental group pre- and post-test. The experimental group showed a significant reduction (p=0.000) in pain perception and disability degree when the pre- and post-test were compared and when compared with the control group in the post-test. Leprosy patients undergoing the technique of neural mobilization had an improvement in electromyography function and muscle strength, reducing disability degree and pain.

Surface Electromyography Signal Processing and Classification Techniques

PubMed Central

Chowdhury, Rubana H.; Reaz, Mamun B. I.; Ali, Mohd Alauddin Bin Mohd; Bakar, Ashrif A. A.; Chellappan, Kalaivani; Chang, Tae. G.

2013-01-01

Electromyography (EMG) signals are becoming increasingly important in many applications, including clinical/biomedical, prosthesis or rehabilitation devices, human machine interactions, and more. However, noisy EMG signals are the major hurdles to be overcome in order to achieve improved performance in the above applications. Detection, processing and classification analysis in electromyography (EMG) is very desirable because it allows a more standardized and precise evaluation of the neurophysiological, rehabitational and assistive technological findings. This paper reviews two prominent areas; first: the pre-processing method for eliminating possible artifacts via appropriate preparation at the time of recording EMG signals, and second: a brief explanation of the different methods for processing and classifying EMG signals. This study then compares the numerous methods of analyzing EMG signals, in terms of their performance. The crux of this paper is to review the most recent developments and research studies related to the issues mentioned above. PMID:24048337

EMG amplifier with wireless data transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowalski, Grzegorz; Wildner, Krzysztof

2017-08-01

Wireless medical diagnostics is a trend in modern technology used in medicine. This paper presents a concept of realization, architecture of hardware and software implementation of an elecromyography signal (EMG) amplifier with wireless data transmission. This amplifier consists of three components: analogue processing of bioelectric signal module, micro-controller circuit and an application enabling data acquisition via a personal computer. The analogue bioelectric signal processing circuit receives electromyography signals from the skin surface, followed by initial analogue processing and preparation of the signals for further digital processing. The second module is a micro-controller circuit designed to wirelessly transmit the electromyography signals from the analogue signal converter to a personal computer. Its purpose is to eliminate the need for wired connections between the patient and the data logging device. The third block is a computer application designed to display the transmitted electromyography signals, as well as data capture and analysis. Its purpose is to provide a graphical representation of the collected data. The entire device has been thoroughly tested to ensure proper functioning. In use, the device displayed the captured electromyography signal from the arm of the patient. Amplitude- frequency characteristics were set in order to investigate the bandwidth and the overall gain of the device.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle electromyography and dyspnea during exercise in healthy men.

PubMed

Ramsook, Andrew H; Molgat-Seon, Yannick; Schaeffer, Michele R; Wilkie, Sabrina S; Camp, Pat G; Reid, W Darlene; Romer, Lee M; Guenette, Jordan A

2017-05-01

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has consistently been shown to reduce exertional dyspnea in health and disease; however, the physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. A growing body of literature suggests that dyspnea intensity can be explained largely by an awareness of increased neural respiratory drive, as measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). Accordingly, we sought to determine whether improvements in dyspnea following IMT can be explained by decreases in inspiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty-five young, healthy, recreationally active men completed a detailed familiarization visit followed by two maximal incremental cycle exercise tests separated by 5 wk of randomly assigned pressure threshold IMT or sham control (SC) training. The IMT group ( n = 12) performed 30 inspiratory efforts twice daily against a 30-repetition maximum intensity. The SC group ( n = 13) performed a daily bout of 60 inspiratory efforts against 10% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with no weekly adjustments. Dyspnea intensity was measured throughout exercise using the modified 0-10 Borg scale. Sternocleidomastoid and scalene EMG was measured using surface electrodes, whereas EMGdi was measured using a multipair esophageal electrode catheter. IMT significantly improved MIP (pre: -138 ± 45 vs. post: -160 ± 43 cmH 2 O, P < 0.01), whereas the SC intervention did not. Dyspnea was significantly reduced at the highest equivalent work rate (pre: 7.6 ± 2.5 vs. post: 6.8 ± 2.9 Borg units, P < 0.05), but not in the SC group, with no between-group interaction effects. There were no significant differences in respiratory muscle EMG during exercise in either group. Improvements in dyspnea intensity ratings following IMT in healthy humans cannot be explained by changes in the electrical activity of the inspiratory muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exertional dyspnea intensity is thought to reflect an increased awareness of neural respiratory drive, which is measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). We examined the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on dyspnea, EMGdi, and EMG of accessory inspiratory muscles. IMT significantly reduced submaximal dyspnea intensity ratings but did not change EMG of any inspiratory muscles. Improvements in exertional dyspnea following IMT may be the result of nonphysiological factors or physiological adaptations unrelated to neural respiratory drive. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle electromyography and dyspnea during exercise in healthy men

PubMed Central

Molgat-Seon, Yannick; Schaeffer, Michele R.; Wilkie, Sabrina S.; Camp, Pat G.; Reid, W. Darlene; Romer, Lee M.

2017-01-01

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has consistently been shown to reduce exertional dyspnea in health and disease; however, the physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. A growing body of literature suggests that dyspnea intensity can be explained largely by an awareness of increased neural respiratory drive, as measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). Accordingly, we sought to determine whether improvements in dyspnea following IMT can be explained by decreases in inspiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty-five young, healthy, recreationally active men completed a detailed familiarization visit followed by two maximal incremental cycle exercise tests separated by 5 wk of randomly assigned pressure threshold IMT or sham control (SC) training. The IMT group (n = 12) performed 30 inspiratory efforts twice daily against a 30-repetition maximum intensity. The SC group (n = 13) performed a daily bout of 60 inspiratory efforts against 10% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with no weekly adjustments. Dyspnea intensity was measured throughout exercise using the modified 0–10 Borg scale. Sternocleidomastoid and scalene EMG was measured using surface electrodes, whereas EMGdi was measured using a multipair esophageal electrode catheter. IMT significantly improved MIP (pre: −138 ± 45 vs. post: −160 ± 43 cmH2O, P < 0.01), whereas the SC intervention did not. Dyspnea was significantly reduced at the highest equivalent work rate (pre: 7.6 ± 2.5 vs. post: 6.8 ± 2.9 Borg units, P < 0.05), but not in the SC group, with no between-group interaction effects. There were no significant differences in respiratory muscle EMG during exercise in either group. Improvements in dyspnea intensity ratings following IMT in healthy humans cannot be explained by changes in the electrical activity of the inspiratory muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exertional dyspnea intensity is thought to reflect an increased awareness of neural respiratory drive, which is measured indirectly using diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). We examined the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on dyspnea, EMGdi, and EMG of accessory inspiratory muscles. IMT significantly reduced submaximal dyspnea intensity ratings but did not change EMG of any inspiratory muscles. Improvements in exertional dyspnea following IMT may be the result of nonphysiological factors or physiological adaptations unrelated to neural respiratory drive. PMID:28255085

Can activity within the external abdominal oblique be measured using real-time ultrasound imaging?

PubMed

John, E K; Beith, I D

2007-11-01

Differences in the function of the anterolateral abdominal muscles have been the subject of much investigation, but primarily using electromyography. Recently changes in thickness of transversus abdominis and internal oblique measured from real-time ultrasound images have been shown to represent activity within these muscles. However it is still unclear if such a change in thickness in external oblique similarly represents activity within that muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between change in thickness and muscle activity in the external oblique using real-time ultrasound and surface electromyography. Simultaneous measurements of electromyography and real-time ultrasound images of external oblique were studied in up to 24 subjects during two tasks compared to the muscle at rest (1) isometric trunk rotation and (2) drawing in the lower abdomen. Changes in muscle thickness correlated significantly with electromyography during isometric trunk rotation in the majority of subjects but with a significant difference between subjects. In contrast, the relationship between change in thickness and electrical activity in the muscle when drawing in the lower abdomen was significant in less than 50% of subjects and the muscle often got thinner. Thickness changes of external oblique can be used as a valid indicator of electromyography activity during isometric trunk rotation, though the relationship is not as good as previously published data for transversus abdominis. Thickness changes of external oblique measured during lower abdominal drawing in cannot be used to detect activity within this muscle.

Interpreting Signal Amplitudes in Surface Electromyography Studies in Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences

PubMed Central

Vigotsky, Andrew D.; Halperin, Israel; Lehman, Gregory J.; Trajano, Gabriel S.; Vieira, Taian M.

2018-01-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a popular research tool in sport and rehabilitation sciences. Common study designs include the comparison of sEMG amplitudes collected from different muscles as participants perform various exercises and techniques under different loads. Based on such comparisons, researchers attempt to draw conclusions concerning the neuro- and electrophysiological underpinning of force production and hypothesize about possible longitudinal adaptations, such as strength and hypertrophy. However, such conclusions are frequently unsubstantiated and unwarranted. Hence, the goal of this review is to discuss what can and cannot be inferred from comparative research designs as it pertains to both the acute and longitudinal outcomes. General methodological recommendations are made, gaps in the literature are identified, and lines for future research to help improve the applicability of sEMG are suggested. PMID:29354060

Does Heel Height Cause Imbalance during Sit-to-Stand Task: Surface EMG Perspective

PubMed Central

Naik, Ganesh R.; Al-Ani, Ahmed; Gobbo, Massimiliano; Nguyen, Hung T.

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether electromyography (EMG) muscle activities around the knee differ during sit-to-stand (STS) and returning task for females wearing shoes with different heel heights. Sixteen healthy young women (age = 25.2 ± 3.9 years, body mass index = 20.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2) participated in this study. Electromyography signals were recorded from the two muscles, vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) that involve in the extension of knee. The participants wore shoes with five different heights, including 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 cm. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data were acquired during STS and stand-to-sit-returning (STSR) tasks. The data was filtered using a fourth order Butterworth (band pass) filter of 20–450 Hz frequency range. For each heel height, we extracted median frequency (MDF) and root mean square (RMS) features to measure sEMG activities between VM and VL muscles. The experimental results (based on MDF and RMS-values) indicated that there is imbalance between vasti muscles for more elevated heels. The results are also quantified with statistical measures. The study findings suggest that there would be an increased likelihood of knee imbalance and fatigue with regular usage of high heel shoes (HHS) in women. PMID:28894422

Standardised surface electromyography allows effective submental muscles assessment.

PubMed

Musto, Federica; Rosati, Riccardo; Sforza, Chiarella; Toma, Marilisa; Dellavia, Claudia

2017-06-01

The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate: (i) the reproducibility and variability of an electromyographical protocol developed for the assessment of submental muscles (SM) (ii) to apply the new protocol to maximal teeth clenching, a simple and largely studied static task in order to quantify the relative contribution of submental muscles. In 20 healthy subjects, aged 19-35years, surface electromyography of SM, masseter (MM) and anterior temporalis (TA) muscles was performed during maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) with and without cotton rolls and the pushing of the tongue against the palate. Clenching on cotton rolls and pushing the tongue against the palate were used to standardise respectively MM and TA, and SM muscular potentials. The exercises were repeated in two appointments (T1-T2); submental muscles standardisation was also repeated twice (A-B) in each session to assess repeatability. Symmetry and activity were calculated for each couple of muscles. A two-way analysis of variance was computed for SM: no Factor 1 (T1 vs T2) or Factor 2 (A vs B) or F1×F2 significant effects were found. SM recruitment was 31% of the maximal activity, with symmetry values larger than 80%. In conclusion, standardised electromyography allows a reliable assessment of Submental muscles activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

When should video and EMG be added to urodynamics in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction and is this justified by the evidence? ICI-RS 2014.

PubMed

Anding, Ralf; Smith, Phillip; de Jong, Tom; Constantinou, Christos; Cardozo, Linda; Rosier, Peter

2016-02-01

An ICI-RS Think Tank in 2014 discussed and evaluated the evidence for adding video and EMG to urodynamics (UDS) in children and also highlighted evidence gaps, with the aim of recommending further clinical and research protocols. A systematic analysis of the relevant literature for both X-ray (video) studies and electromyography, in combination with UDS in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), is summarized in this manuscript. The technical aspects are also critically reviewed. The body of evidence for the addition of X-ray (video) to filling and voiding cystometry and the evidence for the addition of pelvic muscle surface electromyography to urodynamics is scanty and insufficient. Standards are poor and variable so uncontrolled expert opinion dominates practice. The Think Tank has recommended that standardized ALARA ("As Low As Reasonably Achievable") principles should be adopted for video-urodynamics in children. The risk-benefit balance of X-ray exposure needs to be better evaluated and defined. Evaluation of images should be standardized and the association with pressure changes better analyzed and reported. Children's pelvic muscle surface electromyography technique should be standardized, technically improved, and its diagnostic relevance should be better evaluated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Impact of Functional Appliances on Muscle Activity: A Surface Electromyography Study in Children

PubMed Central

Woźniak, Krzysztof; Piątkowska, Dagmara; Szyszka-Sommerfeld, Liliana; Buczkowska-Radlińska, Jadwiga

2015-01-01

Background Electromyography (EMG) is the most objective tool for assessing changes in the electrical activity of the masticatory muscles. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the tone of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in growing children before and after 6 months of treatment with functional removable orthodontic appliances. Material/Methods The sample conisted of 51 patients with a mean age 10.7 years with Class II malocclusion. EMG recordings were performed by using a DAB-Bluetooth instrument (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Recordings were performed in mandibular rest position, during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and during maximum effort. Results The results of the study indicated that the electrical activity of the muscles in each of the clinical situations was the same in the group of girls and boys. The factor that determined the activity of the muscles was their type. In mandibular rest position and in MVC, the activity of the temporalis muscles was significantly higher that that of the masseter muscels. The maximum effort test indicated a higher fatigue in masseter than in temporalis muscles. Conclusions Surface electromyography is a useful tool for monitoring muscle activity. A 6-month period of functional therapy resulted in changes in the activity of the masticatory muscles. PMID:25600247

[Application of surface electromyography in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with traditional spinal balanced therapy].

PubMed

Du, Hong-Gen; Ye, Shu-Liang; Xu, Jin-Yuan; Jiang, Zhong; Song, Hong-Quan; Yu, Ji-Wei

2013-11-01

To evaluate the values of surface electromyography (sEMG) in the treatment of adolescent idiophathic scoliosis (AIS) with non-surgical therapy. From October 2011 to May 2012, the data of 33 patients with AIS underwent traditional spinal balanced therapy were analyzed. There were 14 males and 19 females with an average age of (15.40 +/- 3.01) years,ranging in Cobb angle from 13 degrees to 40 degrees, course of disease more than 3 months. X-rays showed 21 cases were type C and 9 cases were type S. Preoperative and postoperative 6 months, Cobb angle, the ratio of averaged electromyography paramete (AEMG), security of treatment were observed. Thirty cases (90.9%) accomplished the treatment and detection. No harmful effects to vital sign was found and no fracture, dislocation, apopsychia, infection of pin hole was found. There was positive correlation between the ratio of AEMG and Cobb angle (P = 0.003). The ratio of AEMG decreased after treatment,and indicated the improvement of myosthenic otherness. sEMG can be used as a objective examination in evaluating difference of muscle electricity activity on both concaved and convex sides for patients of AIS, so it is a qualified objective examination for effectiveness evaluation and assessment aggravation risk, and has great value in clinic.

[Electromyography of the perineum. Demonstration of the method].

PubMed

Plotti, G; Palla, G P; Romanini, C; Piscicelli, U; Bompiani, A

1981-05-12

The Authors, by means of surface E.M.G. have investigated the perineal potentials. The choice of surface E.M.G. is due to the good acceptance of the method by the patients, as it does not interfere with muscular activity and mental concentration, which are fundamental for a good application of R.A.T.

Electrophysiological and neuromuscular stability of persons with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

PubMed

Gilmore, Kevin J; Allen, Matti D; Doherty, Timothy J; Kimpinski, Kurt; Rice, Charles L

2017-09-01

We assessed motor unit (MU) properties and neuromuscular stability in the tibialis anterior (TA) of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography. Dorsiflexion strength was assessed, and surface and concentric needle electromyography were sampled from the TA. Estimates of MU numbers were derived using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography and spike-triggered averaging. Neuromuscular transmission stability was assessed from concentric needle-detected MU potentials. CIDP patients had 43% lower compound muscle action potential amplitude than controls, and despite near-maximum voluntary activation, were 37% weaker. CIDP had 27% fewer functioning MUs in the TA, and had 90% and 44% higher jiggle and jitter values, respectively compared with controls. CIDP had lower strength and compound muscle action potential values, moderately fewer numbers of MUs, and significant neuromuscular instability compared with controls. Thus, in addition to muscle atrophy, voluntary weakness is also due to limitations of peripheral neural transmission consistent with demyelination. Muscle Nerve 56: 413-420, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Surface electromyography of myopotential oversensing provoked by simultaneous straining and leftward twisting in a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

PubMed

Ajiro, Yoichi; Shiga, Tsuyoshi; Shoda, Morio; Hagiwara, Nobuhisa

2017-03-01

An important step in diagnosing myopotential oversensing is to confirm its reproducibility using specific provocation maneuvers. Although most maneuvers involve the co-contraction of many muscles, no attempt has been made to assess relevant muscle activities by electromyography. We describe a case with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) whose myopotential oversensing was provoked by simultaneous straining and leftward twisting. Simultaneous recordings from real-time ICD telemetry and myopotentials of the rectus abdominis, oblique abdominis, and diaphragm on electromyography during the provocation maneuvers were conducted. It was shown that all three muscles contracted simultaneously during the provocation maneuvers; the diaphragm activity was the main source of noise oversensing, and the twist itself caused oversensing possibly due to the change in the position of the lead. In conclusion, the electromyographic assessment of relevant muscle activities may be useful in assessing each muscle's role and its contribution to myopotential oversensing, especially in a patient whose myopotential oversensing requires complex maneuvers to be provoked.

Surface EMG electrodes do not accurately record from lumbar multifidus muscles.

PubMed

Stokes, Ian A F; Henry, Sharon M; Single, Richard M

2003-01-01

This study investigated whether electromyographic signals recorded from the skin surface overlying the multifidus muscles could be used to quantify their activity. Comparison of electromyography signals recorded from electrodes on the back surface and from wire electrodes within four different slips of multifidus muscles of three human subjects performing isometric tasks that loaded the trunk from three different directions. It has been suggested that suitably placed surface electrodes can be used to record activity in the deep multifidus muscles. We tested whether there was a stronger correlation and more consistent regression relationship between signals from electrodes overlying multifidus and longissimus muscles respectively than between signals from within multifidus and from the skin surface electrodes over multifidus. The findings provided consistent evidence that the surface electrodes placed over multifidus muscles were more sensitive to the adjacent longissimus muscles than to the underlying multifidus muscles. The R(2) for surface versus intra-muscular comparisons was 0.64, while the average R(2) for surface-multifidus versus surface-longissimus comparisons was 0.80. Also, the magnitude of the regression coefficients was less variable between different tasks for the longissimus versus surface multifidus comparisons. Accurate measurement of multifidus muscle activity requires intra-muscular electrodes. Electromyography is the accepted technique to document the level of muscular activation, but its specificity to particular muscles depends on correct electrode placement. For multifidus, intra-muscular electrodes are required.

Non-invasive transabdominal uterine electromyography correlates with the strength of intrauterine pressure and is predictive of labor and delivery.

PubMed

Maul, H; Maner, W L; Olson, G; Saade, G R; Garfield, R E

2004-05-01

The study was conducted to investigate whether the strength of uterine contractions monitored invasively by intrauterine pressure catheter could be determined from transabdominal electromyography (EMG) and to estimate whether EMG is a better predictor of true labor compared to tocodynamometry (TOCO). Uterine EMG was recorded from the abdominal surface in laboring patients simultaneously monitored with an intrauterine pressure catheter (n = 13) or TOCO (n = 24). Three to five contractions per patient and corresponding electrical bursts were randomly selected and analyzed (integral of intrauterine pressure; integral, frequency, amplitude of contraction curve on TOCO; burst energy for EMG). The Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis were used as appropriate (significance was assumed at a value of p < 0.05). EMG correlated strongly with intrauterine pressure (r = 0.764; p = 0.002). EMG burst energy levels were significantly higher in patients who delivered within 48 h compared to those who delivered later (median [25%/75%]: 96,640 [26,520-322,240] vs. 2960 [1560-10,240]; p < 0.001), whereas none of the TOCO parameters were different. In addition, burst energy levels were highly predictive of delivery within 48 h (AUC = 0.9531; p < 0.0001). EMG measurements correlated strongly with the strength of contractions and therefore may be a valuable alternative to invasive measurement of intrauterine pressure. Unlike TOCO, transabdominal uterine EMG can be used reliably to predict labor and delivery.

Utility of multi-channel surface electromyography in assessment of focal hand dystonia.

PubMed

Sivadasan, Ajith; Sanjay, M; Alexander, Mathew; Devasahayam, Suresh R; Srinivasa, Babu K

2013-09-01

Surface electromyography (SEMG) allows objective assessment and guides selection of appropriate treatment in focal hand dystonia (FHD). Sixteen-channel SEMG obtained during different phases of a writing task was used to study timing, activation patterns, and spread of muscle contractions in FHD compared with normal controls. Customized software was developed to acquire and analyze EMG signals. SEMG of FHD subjects (20) showed "early onset" during motor imagery, rapid proximal muscle recruitment, agonist-antagonist co-contraction involving proximal muscle groups, "delayed offset" after stopping writing, higher rectified mean amplitudes, and mirror activity in contralateral limb compared with controls (16). Muscle activation latencies were heterogenous in FHD. Anticipation, delayed relaxation, and mirror EMG activation were noted in FHD. A clear pattern of muscle activation cannot be ascertained. Multi-channel SEMG can aid in objective assessment of temporal-spatial distribution of activity and can refine targeted therapies like chemodenervation and biofeedback. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The immediate intervention effects of robotic training in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Hu, Chunying; Huang, Qiuchen; Yu, Lili; Ye, Miao

2016-07-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of robot-assisted therapy on functional activity level after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] Participants included 10 patients (8 males and 2 females) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The subjects participated in robot-assisted therapy and treadmill exercise on different days. The Timed Up-and-Go test, Functional Reach Test, surface electromyography of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, and maximal extensor strength of isokinetic movement of the knee joint were evaluated in both groups before and after the experiment. [Results] The results for the Timed Up-and-Go Test and the 10-Meter Walk Test improved in the robot-assisted rehabilitation group. Surface electromyography of the vastus medialis muscle showed significant increases in maximum and average discharge after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that walking ability and muscle strength can be improved by robotic training.

Can surface electromyography improve surgery planning? Electromyographic assessment and intraoperative verification of the nerve bundle entry point location of the gracilis muscle.

PubMed

Romaniszyn, Michal; Walega, Piotr; Nowakowski, Michal; Nowak, Wojciech

2016-06-01

To verify the precision of surface electromyography (sEMG) in locating the innervation zone of the gracilis muscle, by comparing the location of the IZ estimated by means of sEMG with in vivo location of the nerve bundle entry point in patients before graciloplasty procedure due to fecal incontinence. Nine patients who qualified for the graciloplasty procedure underwent sEMG on both gracilis muscle before their operations. During surgery the nerve bundle was identified by means of electrical stimulation. The distance between the proximal attachment and the nerve entry point into the muscle's body was measured. Both measurements (sEMG and in vivo identification) were compared for each subject. On average, the IZ was located 65.5mm from the proximal attachment. The mean difference in location of the innervation zones in each individual was 10±9.7mm, maximal - 30mm, the difference being statistically significant (p=0.017). It was intraoperatively confirmed, that the nerve entered the muscle an average of 62mm from the proximal attachment. The largest difference between the EMG IZ estimation and nerve bundle entry point was 5mm (mean difference 2.8mm, p=0.767). Preoperative surface electromyography of both gracilis muscles is a safe, precise and reliable method of assessing the location of the innervation zones of the gracilis muscles. The asymmetry of the IZ location in left and right muscles may be important in context of technical aspects of the graciloplasty procedure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in co-contraction during stair descent after manual therapy protocol in knee osteoarthritis: A pilot, single-blind, randomized study.

PubMed

Cruz-Montecinos, Carlos; Flores-Cartes, Rodrigo; Montt-Rodriguez, Agustín; Pozo, Esteban; Besoaín-Saldaña, Alvaro; Horment-Lara, Giselle

2016-10-01

Manual therapy has shown clinical results in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, the biomechanical aspects during functional tasks have not been explored in depth. Through surface electromyography, the medial and lateral co-contractions of the knee were measured while descending stairs, prior and posterior to applying a manual therapy protocol in the knee, with emphasis on techniques of joint mobilization and soft-tissue management. Sixteen females with slight or moderate knee osteoarthritis were recruited (eight experimental, eight control). It was observed that the lateral co-contraction index of the experimental group, posterior to intervention, increased by 11.7% (p = 0.014). The application of a manual therapy protocol with emphasis on techniques of joint mobilization and soft-tissue management modified lateral co-contraction, which would have a protective effect on the joint. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Masseter and temporalis muscle electromyography findings after lower third molar extraction

PubMed Central

Buesa-Bárez, José-María; Martínez-Rodríguez, Natalia; Barona-Dorado, Cristina; Sanz-Alonso, Javier; Cortés-Bretón-Brinkmann, Jorge; Martínez-González, José-María

2018-01-01

Background The main clinical application of electromyography is to detect abnormalities in muscle function, to assess muscle activity for purposes of recruitment, and in the biomechanics of movement. Objectives To analyze electromyography (EMG) findings for masticatory muscles during chewing following surgical extraction of lower third molars, and to determine any correlation between pain, inflammation, trismus, and the EMG data registered. Material and Methods This prospective study included 31 patients. Surface EMG was used to study masseter and temporalis muscle function before lower third molar extraction and 72 hours and seven days after surgery. Clinical variables, pain, inflammation, and trismus were registered before and after surgery. Results Studying the area and size of the masticatory muscles, higher values were found for temporalis than masseter muscles, regardless of the surgical side, which points to the greater involvement of the temporalis muscle in mastication. Comparing the side where surgery had been performed with the non-surgical side, a sharp and statistically significant reduction in amplitude and area were noted on the surgical side reflecting major functional affectation. One week after surgery, amplitude and area had almost returned to base-line values, indicating almost complete recovery. While pain decreased progressively after surgery, inflammation peaked at 72 hours, while mouth opening reached a minimum at this time, returning to normality within the week. Conclusions Surgical extraction of lower third molars produces changes to electromyography activity that are more evident during the first hours after surgery and closely related to the intensity of pain suffered and the patient’s inflammatory responses, although they are not related to mouth opening capacity. Key words:Third molar surgery, electromyography, pain, inflammation, trismus, masticatory muscles. PMID:29274163

Emg Signal Analysis of Healthy and Neuropathic Individuals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Ashutosh; Sayed, Tabassum; Garg, Ridhi; Shreyam, Richa

2017-08-01

Electromyography is a method to evaluate levels of muscle activity. When a muscle contracts, an action potential is generated and this circulates along the muscular fibers. In electromyography, electrodes are connected to the skin and the electrical activity of muscles is measured and graph is plotted. The surface EMG signals picked up during the muscular activity are interfaced with a system. The EMG signals from individual suffering from Neuropathy and healthy individual, so obtained, are processed and analyzed using signal processing techniques. This project includes the investigation and interpretation of EMG signals of healthy and Neuropathic individuals using MATLAB. The prospective use of this study is in developing the prosthetic device for the people with Neuropathic disability.

Nonlinear Analysis of Surface EMG Time Series of Back Muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolton, Donald C.; Zurcher, Ulrich; Kaufman, Miron; Sung, Paul

2004-10-01

A nonlinear analysis of surface electromyography time series of subjects with and without low back pain is presented. The mean-square displacement and entropy shows anomalous diffusive behavior on intermediate time range 10 ms < t < 1 s. This behavior implies the presence of correlations in the signal. We discuss the shape of the power spectrum of the signal.

Neck surface electromyography as a measure of vocal hyperfunction before and after injection laryngoplasty

PubMed Central

Stepp, Cara E.; Heaton, James T.; Jetté, Marie E.; Burns, James A.; Hillman, Robert E.

2012-01-01

Objectives The goal of this preliminary study was to determine if neck surface electromyography (sEMG) is sensitive to possible changes in vocal hyperfunction associated with injection laryngoplasty, particularly with respect to alterations in the degree of vocal hyperfunction. Methods Thirteen individuals undergoing office-based injection laryngoplasty for glottal phonatory insufficiency were prospectively studied using a battery of acoustic, aerodynamic, endoscopic, and anterior neck surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessments before the procedure and approximately one week after. Results Anterior neck sEMG was not significantly reduced (p < 0.05) post-procedure; however, perceptual ratings of strain and false vocal fold (FVF) compression were both significantly reduced, reflecting a decrease in vocal hyperfunction. Conclusions The results do not support the use of anterior neck sEMG measures to assess vocal hyperfunction, and place into question the use of some other measures (estimates of anterior-posterior (AP) supraglottal compression, quantitative measures of AP and FVF supraglottal compression, and acoustic vowel rise times) that have been considered reflective of vocal hyperfunction. PMID:21033026

Functional mapping of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles from high-density surface EMG recordings.

PubMed

Peng, Yun; He, Jinbao; Khavari, Rose; Boone, Timothy B; Zhang, Yingchun

2016-11-01

Knowledge of the innervation of pelvic floor and sphincter muscles is of great importance to understanding the pathophysiology of female pelvic floor dysfunctions. This report presents our high-density intravaginal and intrarectal electromyography (EMG) probes and a comprehensive innervation zone (IZ) imaging technique based on high-density EMG readings to characterize the IZ distribution. Both intravaginal and intrarectal probes are covered with a high-density surface electromyography electrode grid (8 × 8). Surface EMG signals were acquired in ten healthy women performing maximum voluntary contractions of their pelvic floor. EMG decomposition was performed to separate motor-unit action potentials (MUAPs) and then localize their IZs. High-density surface EMG signals were successfully acquired over the vaginal and rectal surfaces. The propagation patterns of muscle activity were clearly visualized for multiple muscle groups of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter. During each contraction, up to 218 and 456 repetitions of motor units were detected by the vaginal and rectal probes, respectively. MUAPs were separated with their IZs identified at various orientations and depths. The proposed probes are capable of providing a comprehensive mapping of IZs of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles. They can be employed as diagnostic and preventative tools in clinical practices.

[Research on Control System of an Exoskeleton Upper-limb Rehabilitation Robot].

PubMed

Wang, Lulu; Hu, Xin; Hu, Jie; Fang, Youfang; He, Rongrong; Yu, Hongliu

2016-12-01

In order to help the patients with upper-limb disfunction go on rehabilitation training,this paper proposed an upper-limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot with four degrees of freedom(DOF),and realized two control schemes,i.e.,voice control and electromyography control.The hardware and software design of the voice control system was completed based on RSC-4128 chips,which realized the speech recognition technology of a specific person.Besides,this study adapted self-made surface eletromyogram(sEMG)signal extraction electrodes to collect sEMG signals and realized pattern recognition by conducting sEMG signals processing,extracting time domain features and fixed threshold algorithm.In addition,the pulse-width modulation(PWM)algorithm was used to realize the speed adjustment of the system.Voice control and electromyography control experiments were then carried out,and the results showed that the mean recognition rate of the voice control and electromyography control reached 93.1%and 90.9%,respectively.The results proved the feasibility of the control system.This study is expected to lay a theoretical foundation for the further improvement of the control system of the upper-limb rehabilitation robot.

Real-time and wearable functional electrical stimulation system for volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method

PubMed Central

Wang, Hai-peng; Bi, Zheng-yang; Zhou, Yang; Zhou, Yu-xuan; Wang, Zhi-gong; Lv, Xiao-ying

2017-01-01

Voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients is crucial for functional electrical stimulation therapy. A wearable functional electrical stimulation system has been proposed for real-time volitional hand motor function control using the electromyography bridge method. Through a series of novel design concepts, including the integration of a detecting circuit and an analog-to-digital converter, a miniaturized functional electrical stimulation circuit technique, a low-power super-regeneration chip for wireless receiving, and two wearable armbands, a prototype system has been established with reduced size, power, and overall cost. Based on wrist joint torque reproduction and classification experiments performed on six healthy subjects, the optimized surface electromyography thresholds and trained logistic regression classifier parameters were statistically chosen to establish wrist and hand motion control with high accuracy. Test results showed that wrist flexion/extension, hand grasp, and finger extension could be reproduced with high accuracy and low latency. This system can build a bridge of information transmission between healthy limbs and paralyzed limbs, effectively improve voluntary participation of hemiplegic patients, and elevate efficiency of rehabilitation training. PMID:28250759

Electromyography of 3 scapular muscles: a comparative analysis of the cuff link device and a standard push-up.

PubMed

Tucker, W Steven; Campbell, Brian M; Swartz, Erik E; Armstrong, Charles W

2008-01-01

The Cuff Link is a closed kinetic chain rehabilitation apparatus for the upper extremity. Limited research has established its effectiveness to elicit muscle activation of the scapular muscles. To determine if scapular muscle activation differs in response to 2 upper extremity closed kinetic chain exercises: Cuff Link and standard push-up. A single-group, repeated-measures design. Controlled laboratory. Twenty-eight healthy individuals (13 women: age = 19.69 +/- 1.55 years, height = 167.44 +/- 9.52 cm, mass = 61.00 +/- 8.79 kg; 15 men: age = 22.00 +/- 3.91 years, height = 181.44 +/- 6.60 cm, mass = 82.36 +/- 13.23 kg) with no history of shoulder or low back injury volunteered to participate in this study. Participants performed 10 trials of complete revolutions on the Cuff Link and 10 full-weight-bearing push-ups. We controlled trial velocity and randomized order. Trunk and shoulder positions were normalized to the participant's height. Using surface electromyography, we recorded muscle activity of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius. Rectified and smoothed electromyography data for the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius were normalized as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC). Mean muscle activity of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius. We used paired-samples t tests to analyze the mean data for each condition. The alpha level was adjusted to .016 to avoid a type I error. Middle trapezius %MVIC was greater during push-ups (27.01 +/- 20.40%) than during use of the Cuff Link (11.49 +/- 9.46%) (P = .001). Lower trapezius %MVIC was greater during push-ups (36.07 +/- 18.99%) than during use of the Cuff Link (16.29 +/- 8.64%) (P = .001). There was no difference in %MVIC for the serratus anterior between conditions. The push-up demonstrated greater middle trapezius and lower trapezius activation levels compared with the Cuff Link. However, the push-up had a high participant failure rate. Because serratus anterior activation levels were similar, the Cuff Link may be an appropriate alternative for individuals lacking the upper body strength to perform a push-up.

Effect of modified bridge exercise on trunk muscle activity in healthy adults: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Yoon, Jeong-Oh; Kang, Min-Hyeok; Kim, Jun-Seok; Oh, Jae-Seop

This is a cross-sectional study. University research laboratory. Fifteen healthy adults (mean age: 27.47 years) volunteered for this study. The individuals performed standard bridge exercise and modified bridge exercises with right leg-lift (single-leg-lift bridge exercise, single-leg-lift bridge exercise on an unstable surface, and single-leg-lift hip abduction bridge exercise). During the bridge exercises, electromyography of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, erector spinae, and multifidus muscles was recorded using a wireless surface electromyography system. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (exercise by side) with post hoc pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni correction was used to compare the electromyography data collected from each muscle. Bilateral internal oblique muscle activities showed significantly greater during single-leg-lift bridge exercise (95% confidence interval: right internal oblique=-8.99 to -1.08, left internal oblique=-6.84 to -0.10), single-leg-lift bridge exercise on an unstable surface (95% confidence interval: right internal oblique=-7.32 to -1.78, left internal oblique=-5.34 to -0.99), and single-leg-lift hip abduction bridge exercise (95% confidence interval: right internal oblique=-17.13 to -0.89, left internal oblique=-8.56 to -0.60) compared with standard bridge exercise. Bilateral rectus abdominis showed greater electromyography activity during single-leg-lift bridge exercise on an unstable surface (95% confidence interval: right rectus abdominis=-9.33 to -1.13, left rectus abdominis=-4.80 to -0.64) and single-leg-lift hip abduction bridge exercise (95% confidence interval: right rectus abdominis=-14.12 to -1.84, left rectus abdominis=-6.68 to -0.16) compared with standard bridge exercise. In addition, the right rectus abdominis muscle activity was greater during single-leg-lift hip abduction bridge exercise compared with single-leg-lift bridge exercise on an unstable surface (95% confidence interval=-7.51 to -0.89). For erector spinae, muscle activity was greater in right side compared with left side during all exercises (95% confidence interval: standard bridge exercise=0.19-4.53, single-leg-lift bridge exercise=0.24-10.49, single-leg-lift bridge exercise on an unstable surface=0.74-8.55, single-leg-lift hip abduction bridge exercise=0.47-11.43). There was no significant interaction and main effect for multifidus. Adding hip abduction and unstable conditions to bridge exercises may be useful strategy to facilitate the co-activation of trunk muscles. Copyright © 2017 Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic yield of electromyography in children with myopathic disorders.

PubMed

Ghosh, Partha S; Sorenson, Eric J

2014-08-01

Interpretation of pediatric electromyography interpretation in myopathic disorders is technically challenging. We assessed our electromyographic experience with respect to sensitivity and specificity in pediatric myopathy. We did a retrospective chart review of patients ≤18 years between 2009 and 2013. Two hundred twenty-four electromyographic studies were reviewed with the following referral diagnoses: myopathy, muscle weakness, neuromuscular disorders, myositis, myalgia, myoglobinuria, myasthenia, myotonia, cramps, periodic paralysis, hypotonia, and developmental delay. Only children who had an electromyography and muscle biopsy were included for analysis. Patients with neurogenic electromyography and neuromuscular junction disorders were excluded. Myopathic electromyography was defined as short duration, low amplitude, polyphasic motor unit potentials with rapid recruitment. Seventy-two patients were included (age range, 6 months-18 years). The following observations were made: group A: myopathic electromyography or pathognomonic of muscle disease and biopsy or genetically confirmed myopathy (32 cases); group B: myopathic electromyography but biopsy normal or nondiagnostic (12 cases); group C: normal electromyography but biopsy or genetically confirmed myopathy (three cases, all with metabolic myopathy); and group D: electromyography normal and biopsy normal or nondiagnostic (25 cases). The most common diagnoses were congenital myopathy (seven cases), metabolic myopathy (six cases), muscular dystrophy (six cases), genetically confirmed myopathy (five cases), myopathy, undefined (five cases), and inflammatory myopathy (four cases). Pediatric electromyography was 91% sensitive and 67% specific in myopathic disorders. The metabolic myopathies were commonly missed by electromyography. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recovery of facial expressions using functional electrical stimulation after full-face transplantation.

PubMed

Topçu, Çağdaş; Uysal, Hilmi; Özkan, Ömer; Özkan, Özlenen; Polat, Övünç; Bedeloğlu, Merve; Akgül, Arzu; Döğer, Ela Naz; Sever, Refik; Çolak, Ömer Halil

2018-03-06

We assessed the recovery of 2 face transplantation patients with measures of complexity during neuromuscular rehabilitation. Cognitive rehabilitation methods and functional electrical stimulation were used to improve facial emotional expressions of full-face transplantation patients for 5 months. Rehabilitation and analyses were conducted at approximately 3 years after full facial transplantation in the patient group. We report complexity analysis of surface electromyography signals of these two patients in comparison to the results of 10 healthy individuals. Facial surface electromyography data were collected during 6 basic emotional expressions and 4 primary facial movements from 2 full-face transplantation patients and 10 healthy individuals to determine a strategy of functional electrical stimulation and understand the mechanisms of rehabilitation. A new personalized rehabilitation technique was developed using the wavelet packet method. Rehabilitation sessions were applied twice a month for 5 months. Subsequently, motor and functional progress was assessed by comparing the fuzzy entropy of surface electromyography data against the results obtained from patients before rehabilitation and the mean results obtained from 10 healthy subjects. At the end of personalized rehabilitation, the patient group showed improvements in their facial symmetry and their ability to perform basic facial expressions and primary facial movements. Similarity in the pattern of fuzzy entropy for facial expressions between the patient group and healthy individuals increased. Synkinesis was detected during primary facial movements in the patient group, and one patient showed synkinesis during the happiness expression. Synkinesis in the lower face region of one of the patients was eliminated for the lid tightening movement. The recovery of emotional expressions after personalized rehabilitation was satisfactory to the patients. The assessment with complexity analysis of sEMG data can be used for developing new neurorehabilitation techniques and detecting synkinesis after full-face transplantation.

Surface electromyography and plantar pressure changes with novel gait training device in participants with chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

Feger, Mark A; Hertel, Jay

2016-08-01

Rehabilitation is ineffective at restoring normal gait in chronic ankle instability patients. Our purpose was to determine if a novel gait-training device could decrease plantar pressure on the lateral column of the foot in chronic ankle instability patients. Ten chronic ankle instability patients completed 30s trials of baseline and gait-training walking at a self-selected pace while in-shoe plantar pressure and surface electromyography were recorded from their anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius. The gait-training device applied a medially-directed force to the lower leg via elastic bands during the entire gait cycle. Plantar pressure measures of the entire foot and 9 specific regions of the foot as well as surface electromyography root mean square areas were compared between the baseline and gait-training conditions using paired t-tests with a priori level of significance of p≤0.05. The gait-training device decreased pressure time integrals and peak pressures in the lateral midfoot (p=0.003 and p=0.003) and lateral forefoot (p=0.023 and p=0.005), and increased pressure time integrals and peak pressures for the total foot (p=0.030 and p=0.017) and hallux (p=0.005 and p=0.002). The center of pressure was shifted medially during the entire stance phase (p<0.003 for all comparisons) due to increased peroneus longus activity prior to (p=0.002) and following initial contact (p=0.002). The gait-training device decreased pressure on the lateral column of the foot and increased peroneus longus muscle activity. Future research should analyze the efficacy of the gait-training device during gait retraining for chronic ankle instability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY OF MASSETER AND TEMPORAL MUSCLES WITH USE PERCENTAGE WHILE CHEWING ON CANDIDATES FOR GASTROPLASTY

PubMed Central

dos SANTOS, Andréa Cavalcante; da SILVA, Carlos Antonio Bruno

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Surface electromyography identifies changes in the electrical potential of the muscles during each contraction. The percentage of use is a way to treat values enabling comparison between groups. Aim: To analyze the electrical activity and the percentage of use of masseter and temporal muscles during chewing in candidates for gastric bypass. Methods: It was used Surface Electromyography Miotool 200,400 (Miotec (r), Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil) integrated with Miograph 2.0 software, involving patients between 20-40 years old. Were included data on electrical activity simultaneously and in pairs of temporal muscle groups and masseter at rest, maximum intercuspation and during the chewing of food previously classified. Results: Were enrolled 39 patients (59 women), mean age 27.1+/-5.7. The percentage of use focused on temporal muscle, in a range of 11-20, female literacy (n=11; 47.82) on the left side and 15 (65.21) on the right-hand side. In the male, nine (56.25) at left and 12 (75.00) on the right-hand side. In masseter, also in the range of 11 to 20, female literacy (n=10; 43.48) on the left side and 11 (47.83) on the right-hand side. In the male, nine (56.25) at left and eight (50.00) on the right-hand side. Conclusion: 40-50% of the sample showed electrical activity in muscles (masseter and temporal) with variable values, and after processing into percentage value, facilitating the comparison of load of used electrical activity between the group, as well as usage percentage was obtained of muscle fibers 11-20% values involving, representing a range that is considered as a reference to the group studied. The gender was not a variable. PMID:27683776

Surface electromyography based muscle fatigue detection using high-resolution time-frequency methods and machine learning algorithms.

PubMed

Karthick, P A; Ghosh, Diptasree Maitra; Ramakrishnan, S

2018-02-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) based muscle fatigue research is widely preferred in sports science and occupational/rehabilitation studies due to its noninvasiveness. However, these signals are complex, multicomponent and highly nonstationary with large inter-subject variations, particularly during dynamic contractions. Hence, time-frequency based machine learning methodologies can improve the design of automated system for these signals. In this work, the analysis based on high-resolution time-frequency methods, namely, Stockwell transform (S-transform), B-distribution (BD) and extended modified B-distribution (EMBD) are proposed to differentiate the dynamic muscle nonfatigue and fatigue conditions. The nonfatigue and fatigue segments of sEMG signals recorded from the biceps brachii of 52 healthy volunteers are preprocessed and subjected to S-transform, BD and EMBD. Twelve features are extracted from each method and prominent features are selected using genetic algorithm (GA) and binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO). Five machine learning algorithms, namely, naïve Bayes, support vector machine (SVM) of polynomial and radial basis kernel, random forest and rotation forests are used for the classification. The results show that all the proposed time-frequency distributions (TFDs) are able to show the nonstationary variations of sEMG signals. Most of the features exhibit statistically significant difference in the muscle fatigue and nonfatigue conditions. The maximum number of features (66%) is reduced by GA and BPSO for EMBD and BD-TFD respectively. The combination of EMBD- polynomial kernel based SVM is found to be most accurate (91% accuracy) in classifying the conditions with the features selected using GA. The proposed methods are found to be capable of handling the nonstationary and multicomponent variations of sEMG signals recorded in dynamic fatiguing contractions. Particularly, the combination of EMBD- polynomial kernel based SVM could be used to detect the dynamic muscle fatigue conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Novel Feature Optimization for Wearable Human-Computer Interfaces Using Surface Electromyography Sensors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiong; Zhao, Yacong; Zhang, Yu; Zhong, Xuefei; Fan, Zhaowen

2018-01-01

The novel human-computer interface (HCI) using bioelectrical signals as input is a valuable tool to improve the lives of people with disabilities. In this paper, surface electromyography (sEMG) signals induced by four classes of wrist movements were acquired from four sites on the lower arm with our designed system. Forty-two features were extracted from the time, frequency and time-frequency domains. Optimal channels were determined from single-channel classification performance rank. The optimal-feature selection was according to a modified entropy criteria (EC) and Fisher discrimination (FD) criteria. The feature selection results were evaluated by four different classifiers, and compared with other conventional feature subsets. In online tests, the wearable system acquired real-time sEMG signals. The selected features and trained classifier model were used to control a telecar through four different paradigms in a designed environment with simple obstacles. Performance was evaluated based on travel time (TT) and recognition rate (RR). The results of hardware evaluation verified the feasibility of our acquisition systems, and ensured signal quality. Single-channel analysis results indicated that the channel located on the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) performed best with mean classification accuracy of 97.45% for all movement’s pairs. Channels placed on ECU and the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) were selected according to the accuracy rank. Experimental results showed that the proposed FD method was better than other feature selection methods and single-type features. The combination of FD and random forest (RF) performed best in offline analysis, with 96.77% multi-class RR. Online results illustrated that the state-machine paradigm with a 125 ms window had the highest maneuverability and was closest to real-life control. Subjects could accomplish online sessions by three sEMG-based paradigms, with average times of 46.02, 49.06 and 48.08 s, respectively. These experiments validate the feasibility of proposed real-time wearable HCI system and algorithms, providing a potential assistive device interface for persons with disabilities. PMID:29543737

[Laryngeal electromyography in diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders].

PubMed

García-López, Isabel; Santiago-Pérez, Susana; Peñarrocha-Teres, Julio; del Palacio, Antonio J; Gavilan, Javier

2012-01-01

Laryngeal electromyography, together with clinical evaluation, is a valuable tool in voice disorder management. It assesses the integrity of laryngeal nerves and muscles, contributing to the diagnosis of many diseases, especially laryngeal movement disorders. Our purpose was to describe the experience of the first Spanish series with laryngeal electromyography in evaluating voice disorders. A prospective study was designed to evaluate laryngeal movement disorders with laryngeal electromyography. Both the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles were tested routinely and, in some cases, the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. The laryngeal electromyography technique and result interpretation were performed by a laryngologist and a neurophysiologist. We included 110 patients, with the most common symptom being dysphonia. Laryngeal electromyography was performed in 85% of cases. Primary diagnosis before electromyography was laryngeal immobility. Positive predictive value for diagnosis in cases of paralysis was 88%. Laryngeal electromyography is a useful adjunct, together with clinical evaluation, for diagnosis and management of motion abnormalities in the larynx in patients who present with dysphonia. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

On-the-Field Resistance-Tubing Exercises for Throwers: An Electromyographic Analysis

PubMed Central

Myers, Joseph B; Pasquale, Maria R; Laudner, Kevin G; Sell, Timothy C; Bradley, James P; Lephart, Scott M

2005-01-01

Context: Athletes who throw commonly use rubber-tubing resistance exercises in the field setting to assist with warm-up before throwing. Yet no researchers have described which muscles are being activated or which exercises are most effective during rubber-tubing exercises used by throwers for warm-up. Objective: To describe the effectiveness of 12 rubber-tubing resistance exercises commonly used by throwers in activating the shoulder muscles important for throwing. Design: Descriptive research design. Setting: An applied biomechanics research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Fifteen physically active male subjects with no history of shoulder injury. Main Outcome Measure(s): Subjects randomly performed 12 rubber-tubing resistance exercises while we assessed muscle activation of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, teres minor, and rhomboid major by indwelling electromyography. Activation of the sternal portion of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, lower trapezius, and infraspinatus muscles was assessed by surface electromyography. Results: Performance of 7 exercises (external rotation at 90° of abduction, throwing deceleration, humeral flexion, humeral extension, low scapular rows, throwing acceleration, and scapular punch) resulted in the highest level of muscle activation of all muscles tested. Conclusions: These 7 exercises exhibited moderate activation (>20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) in each muscle of the rotator cuff, the primary humeral movers, and the scapular stabilizer muscles. The results suggest that these exercises are most effective in activating the muscles important to the throwing motion and may be beneficial for throwers during their prethrowing warm-up routine. PMID:15902319

Foot and Ankle Kinematics and Dynamic Electromyography: Quantitative Analysis of Recovery From Peroneal Neuropathy in a Professional Football Player.

PubMed

Prasad, Nikhil K; Coleman Wood, Krista A; Spinner, Robert J; Kaufman, Kenton R

The assessment of neuromuscular recovery after peripheral nerve surgery has typically been a subjective physical examination. The purpose of this report was to assess the value of gait analysis in documenting recovery quantitatively. A professional football player underwent gait analysis before and after surgery for a peroneal intraneural ganglion cyst causing a left-sided foot drop. Surface electromyography (SEMG) recording from surface electrodes and motion parameter acquisition from a computerized motion capture system consisting of 10 infrared cameras were performed simultaneously. A comparison between SEMG recordings before and after surgery showed a progression from disorganized activation in the left tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles to temporally appropriate activation for the phase of the gait cycle. Kinematic analysis of ankle motion planes showed resolution from a complete foot drop preoperatively to phase-appropriate dorsiflexion postoperatively. Gait analysis with dynamic SEMG and motion capture complements physical examination when assessing postoperative recovery in athletes.

Selectivity of conventional electrodes for recording motor evoked potentials: An investigation with high-density surface electromyography.

PubMed

Gallina, Alessio; Peters, Sue; Neva, Jason L; Boyd, Lara A; Garland, S Jayne

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation and measured with conventional bipolar electromyography (EMG) are influenced by crosstalk from non-target muscles. MEPs were recorded in healthy participants using conventional EMG electrodes placed over the extensor carpi radialis muscle (ECR) and high-density surface EMG (HDsEMG). Fifty MEPs at 120% resting and active motor threshold were recorded. To determine the contribution of ECR to the MEPs, the amplitude distribution across HDsEMG channels was correlated with EMG activity recorded during a wrist extension task. Whereas the conventional EMG identified MEPs from ECR in >90% of the stimulations, HDsEMG revealed that spatial amplitude distribution representative of ECR activation was observed less frequently at rest than while holding a contraction (P < 0.001). MEPs recorded with conventional EMG may contain crosstalk from non-target muscles, especially when the stimulation is applied at rest. Muscle Nerve 55: 828-834, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Onset and maximum values of electromyographic amplitude during prone hip extension after neurodynamic technique in patients with lumbosciatic pain: A pilot study.

PubMed

Horment-Lara, Giselle; Cruz-Montecinos, Carlos; Núñez-Cortés, Rodrigo; Letelier-Horta, Pablo; Henriquez-Fuentes, Luis

2016-04-01

The mechanisms underlying the effects of neurodynamic techniques are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a starting point for future research on explaining why neurodynamic techniques affect muscular activities in patients with sciatic pain. A double-blind trial was conducted in 12 patients with lumbosciatica. Surface electromyography activity was assessed for different muscles during prone hip extension. Pre- and post-intervention values for muscle activity onset and maximal amplitude signals were determined. There was a significant reduction in the surface electromyography activity of maximal amplitude in the erector spinae and contralateral erector spinae (p < 0.05). Additionally, gluteus maximus (p < 0.05) activity onset was delayed post-intervention. Self-neurodynamic sliding techniques modify muscular activity and onset during prone hip extension, possibly reducing unnecessary adaptations for protecting injured components. Future work will analyze the effects of self-neurodynamic sliding techniques during other physical tasks. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of convulsive seizures using surface electromyography.

PubMed

Beniczky, Sándor; Conradsen, Isa; Wolf, Peter

2018-06-01

Bilateral (generalized) tonic-clonic seizures (TCS) increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), especially when patients are unattended. In sleep, TCS often remain unnoticed, which can result in suboptimal treatment decisions. There is a need for automated detection of these major epileptic seizures, using wearable devices. Quantitative surface electromyography (EMG) changes are specific for TCS and characterized by a dynamic evolution of low- and high-frequency signal components. Algorithms targeting increase in high-frequency EMG signals constitute biomarkers of TCS; they can be used both for seizure detection and for differentiating TCS from convulsive nonepileptic seizures. Two large-scale, blinded, prospective studies demonstrated the accuracy of wearable EMG devices for detecting TCS with high sensitivity (76%-100%). The rate of false alarms (0.7-2.5/24 h) needs further improvement. This article summarizes the pathophysiology of muscle activation during convulsive seizures and reviews the published evidence on the accuracy of EMG-based seizure detection. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 International League Against Epilepsy.

Assessment of abdominal muscle function in individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6 in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation.

PubMed

Bjerkefors, Anna; Squair, Jordan W; Chua, Romeo; Lam, Tania; Chen, Zhen; Carpenter, Mark G

2015-02-01

To use transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography to assess the potential for preserved function in the abdominal muscles in individuals classified with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6. Five individuals with spinal cord injury (C5-T3) and 5 able-bodied individuals. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered over the abdominal region of primary motor cortex during resting and sub-maximal (or attempted) contractions. Surface electromyography was used to record motor-evoked potentials as well as maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions in the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation in the abdominal muscles occurred in all spinal cord injury subjects. Latencies of muscle response onsets were similar in both groups; however, peak-to-peak amplitudes were smaller in the spinal cord injury group. During maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions all spinal cord injury subjects were able to elicit electromyography activity above resting levels in more than one abdominal muscle across tasks. Individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6 were able to activate abdominal muscles in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation and during maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions. The activation was induced directly through corticospinal pathways, and not indirectly by stretch reflex activations of the diaphragm. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography measurements provide a useful method to assess motor preservation of abdominal muscles in persons with spinal cord injury.

Laryngeal electromyography as a diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Zarzur, Ana P; Duprat, André de Campos; Cataldo, Berenice O; Ciampi, Daniel; Fonoff, Erich

2014-03-01

To study the laryngeal electromyography pattern in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and vocal complaints at different stages of the disease. Cross-sectional cohort study. Ninety-four adults with PD and vocal complaints at different stages of the disease (according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale) underwent laryngeal electromyography. Tremors were not detected on laryngeal electromyography of the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles even in patients with clinical tremor. Laryngeal electromyography hypercontractility during voice rest was the typical result observed in 91.5% of patients regardless of disease severity. Gender and age of subjects did not correlate with laryngeal electromyography results. Patients with PD presented spontaneous intrinsic laryngeal muscle activity during voice rest, regardless of disease severity. This study was significant because it reported on the use of laryngeal electromyography in a large number of patients with PD and vocal complaints grouped according to PD severity. The patterns observed suggest that laryngeal electromyography is a valuable diagnostic tool for PD even at early phases of the disease. © 2013 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

The Feasibility of Hypnotic Analgesia in Ameliorating Pain and Anxiety Among Adults Undergoing Needle Electromyography

PubMed Central

Slack, David; Nelson, Lonnie; Patterson, David; Burns, Stephen; Hakimi, Kevin; Robinson, Lawrence

2017-01-01

Objective Our hypothesis was that hypnotic analgesia reduces pain and anxiety during electromyography [EMG]. Design Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial at outpatient electrodiagnostic clinics in teaching hospitals. Just prior to EMG, 26 subjects were randomized to one of three 20 minute audio programs: (EDU) education about EMG (n=8); (HYP-C) hypnotic induction without analgesic suggestion (n=10) or; (HYP-ANLG) hypnotic induction with analgesic suggestion (n=8). The blinded electromyographer provided a post-hypnotic suggestion at the start of EMG. After EMG, subjects rated worst and average pain, and anxiety using visual analog scales. Results Mean values for the EDU, HYP-C and HYP-ANLG groups were not significantly different (mean ± sd): worst pain 67 ± 25, 42 ± 18, 49 ± 30: average pain 35 ± 26, 27 ± 14, 25 ± 22; anxiety 44 ± 41, 42 ± 23, 22 ± 24. When hypnosis groups were merged [n=18] and compared with the EDU condition [n=8], average and worst pain and anxiety were less for the hypnosis group than EDU, but this was statistically significant only for worst pain [hypnosis - 46 ± 24 vs. EDU - 67 ± 35, p=0.049] with a 31% average reduction. Conclusions A short hypnotic induction appears to reduce worst pain during EMG. PMID:18971768

Feasibility study of a combined treatment of electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation and mirror therapy in stroke patients: a randomized crossover trial.

PubMed

Kojima, Kosuke; Ikuno, Koki; Morii, Yuta; Tokuhisa, Kentaro; Morimoto, Shigeru; Shomoto, Koji

2014-01-01

Mirror therapy (MT) and electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (ETMS) are both effective treatments for impaired upper limbs following stroke. A combination of these two treatments (ETMS-MT) may result in greater gain than either treatment alone. The feasibility and possible effects of ETMS-MT upon upper extremity function were investigated in stroke patients. Thirteen post-acute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an immediate ETMS-MT group or a delayed ETMS-MT group and then underwent an 8-week training program. The immediate ETMS-MT group received ETMS-MT in addition to physical and occupational therapy (PT+OT) for 4 weeks. They then received only PT+OT for the next 4 weeks. In the delayed ETMS-MT group, interventions were provided in the reverse order. The main outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). The immediate ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in FMA in the first 4 weeks. The delayed ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in active range of motion during the latter 4 weeks. No adverse effects were reported following ETMS-MT. ETMS-MT might be as effective as independent MT or ETMS without causing any side effects. Future research should focus upon the direct comparisons between independent and combined interventions.

The use of surface electromyography as a tool in differentiating temporomandibular disorders from neck disorders.

PubMed

Ferrario, Virgilio F; Tartaglia, Gianluca M; Luraghi, Francesca E; Sforza, Chiarella

2007-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess the electromyographic characteristics of the masticatory muscles (masseter and temporalis) of patients with either "temporomandibular joint disorder" or "neck pain". Surface electromyography of the right and left masseter and temporalis muscles was performed during maximum teeth clenching in 38 patients aged 21-67 years who had either (a) temporomandibular joint disorder (24 patients); (b) "neck pain" (13 patients). Ninety-five control, healthy subjects were also examined. During clenching, standardized total muscle activities (electromyographic potentials over time) were significantly different in the three groups: 75 microV/microVs% in the temporomandibular joint disorder patients, 124 microV/microVs% in the neck pain patients, and 95 microV/microVs% in the control subjects (analysis of variance, P<0.001). The temporomandibular joint disorder patients also had significantly (P<0.001) more asymmetric muscle potentials (78%) than either neck pain patients (87%) or control subjects (92%). A linear discriminant function analysis allowed a significant separation between the two patient groups, with a single patient error of 18.2%. Surface electromyographic analysis during clenching allowed to differentiate between patients with a temporomandibular joint disorder and patients with a neck pain problem.

An Electromyograph Comparison of an Isokenetic Bench Press at Three Speeds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ridgeway, M.; And Others

The muscle action potentials (MAP) of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and the triceps muscle were studied by quantitative electromyography (emg) during a bench press exercise at three controlled speeds. Bipolar surface electrodes with standard placement were employed throughout the study. Eleven volunteer college women…

Design and fuzzy logic control of an active wrist orthosis.

PubMed

Kilic, Ergin; Dogan, Erdi

2017-08-01

People who perform excessive wrist movements throughout the day because of their professions have a higher risk of developing lateral and medial epicondylitis. If proper precautions are not taken against these diseases, serious consequences such as job loss and early retirement can occur. In this study, the design and control of an active wrist orthosis that is mobile, powerful and lightweight is presented as a means to avoid the occurrence and/or for the treatment of repetitive strain injuries in an effective manner. The device has an electromyography-based control strategy so that the user's intention always comes first. In fact, the device-user interaction is mainly activated by the electromyography signals measured from the forearm muscles that are responsible for the extension and flexion wrist movements. Contractions of the muscles are detected using surface electromyography sensors, and the desired quantity of the velocity value of the wrist is extracted from a fuzzy logic controller. Then, the actuator system of the device comes into play by conveying the necessary motion support to the wrist. Experimental studies show that the presented device actually reduces the demand on the muscles involved in repetitive strain injuries while performing challenging daily life activities including extension and flexion wrist motions.

Diagnostic and prognostic contribution of laryngeal electromyography in unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults.

PubMed

Focquet, A; Péréon, Y; Ségura, S; Ferron, C; Malard, O; Espitalier, F

2017-02-01

To study the diagnostic and prognostic contribution of laryngeal electromyography in unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults. A retrospective study included patients with unilateral vocal-fold immobility undergoing laryngeal electromyography between 2007 and 2015. Neurogenic, normal or myogenic findings were compared to the clinical aspect. Prognosis for recovery was assessed from motor unit potentials on laryngeal electromyography, and compared to subsequent progress on laryngoscopy. Sixty-three patients (mean age, 59 years) were initially included; 2 were subsequently excluded from analysis. Mean time from onset of immobility to laryngeal electromyography was 7 months. 85% of the 61 patients showed neurogenic findings, indicating neural lesion; 13% showed normal electromyography, indicating cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis; and 1 patient showed a myogenic pattern. Neurogenic cases were usually secondary to cervical surgery. Thirty-eight patients were followed up. In total, 75% of patients showing reinnervation potentials recovered. The positive predictive value of laryngeal electromyography was 69.2%. Laryngeal electromyography is effective in specifying the origin of unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults. It also has a prognostic role, lack of reinnervation potentials being a possible indication for early medialization surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Transducer-based evaluation of tremor

PubMed Central

Haubenberger, Dietrich; Abbruzzese, Giovanni; Bain, Peter G; Bajaj, Nin; Benito-León, Julián; Bhatia, Kailash P; Deuschl, Günther; Forjaz, Maria João; Hallett, Mark; Louis, Elan D; Lyons, Kelly E; Mestre, Tiago A; Raethjen, Jan; Stamelou, Maria; Tan, Eng-King; Testa, Claudia M; Elble, Rodger J

2016-01-01

The Movement Disorder Society (MDS) established a task force on tremor that reviewed the use of transducer-based measures in the quantification and characterization of tremor. Studies of accelerometry, electromyography, activity monitoring, gyroscopy, digitizing tablet-based measures, vocal acoustic analysis, and several other transducer-based methods were identified by searching PubMed.gov. The availability, use, acceptability, reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reviewed for each measure using the following criteria: 1) used in the assessment of tremor, 2) used in published studies by people other than the developers, and 3) adequate clinimetric testing. Accelerometry, gyroscopy, electromyography, and digitizing tablet-based measures fulfilled all three criteria. Compared to rating scales, transducers are far more sensitive to changes in tremor amplitude and frequency, but they do not appear to be more capable of detecting a change that exceeds random variability in tremor amplitude (minimum detectable change). The use of transducer-based measures requires careful attention to their limitations and validity in a particular clinical or research setting. PMID:27273470

The effects of whole body vibration on EMG activity of the upper extremity muscles in static modified push up position.

PubMed

Ashnagar, Zinat; Shadmehr, Azadeh; Hadian, Mohammadreza; Talebian, Saeed; Jalaei, Shohreh

2016-08-10

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has been reported to change neuromuscular activity which indirectly assessed by electromyography (EMG). Although researches regarding the influence of WBV on EMG activity of the upper extremity muscles are in their infancy, contradictory findings have been reported as a result of dissimilar protocols. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV on electromyography (EMG) activity of upper extremity muscles in static modified push up position. Forty recreationally active females were randomly assigned in WBV and control groups. Participants in WBV group received 5 sets of 30 seconds vibration at 5 mm (peak to peak) and 30 Hz by using vibratory platform. No vibration stimulus was used in the control group. Surface EMG was recorded from Upper Trapezius (UT), Serratus Anterior (SA), Biceps Brachii (BB) and Triceps Brachii (TB) muscles before, during and after the vibration protocol while the subjects maintained the static modified push up position. EMG signals were expressed as root mean square (EMGrms) and normalized by maximum voluntary exertion (MVE). EMGrms activity of the studied muscles increased significantly during the vibration protocol in the WBV group comparing to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that vibration stimulus transmitting via hands increased muscle activity of UT, SA, BB and TB muscles by an average of 206%, 60%, 106% and 120%, respectively, comparing to pre vibration values. These findings suggest that short exposure to the WBV could increase the EMGrms activity of the upper extremity muscles in the static modified push-up position. However, more sessions of WBV application require for a proper judgment.

Balance Training Enhances Motor Coordination During a Perturbed Sidestep Cutting Task.

PubMed

Oliveira, Anderson Souza; Silva, Priscila Brito; Lund, Morten Enemark; Farina, Dario; Kersting, Uwe Gustav

2017-11-01

Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Background Balance training may improve motor coordination. However, little is known about the changes in motor coordination during unexpected perturbations to postural control following balance training. Objectives To study the effects of balance training on motor coordination and knee mechanics during perturbed sidestep cutting maneuvers in healthy adults. Methods Twenty-six healthy men were randomly assigned to a training group or a control group. Before balance training, subjects performed unperturbed, 90° sidestep cutting maneuvers and 1 unexpected perturbed cut (10-cm translation of a movable platform). Participants in the training group participated in a 6-week balance training program, while those in the control group followed their regular activity schedule. Both groups were retested after a 6-week period. Surface electromyography was recorded from 16 muscles of the supporting limb and trunk, as well as kinematics and ground reaction forces. Motor modules were extracted from electromyography by nonnegative matrix factorization. External knee abduction moments were calculated using inverse dynamics equations. Results Balance training reduced the external knee abduction moment (33% ± 25%, P<.03, η p 2 = 0.725) and increased the activation of trunk and proximal hip muscles in specific motor modules during perturbed cutting. Balance training also increased burst duration for the motor module related to landing early in the perturbation phase (23% ± 11%, P<.01, η p 2 = 0.532). Conclusion Balance training resulted in altered motor coordination and a reduction in knee abduction moment during an unexpected perturbation. The previously reported reduction in injury incidence following balance training may be linked to changes in dynamic postural stability and modular neuromuscular control. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(11):853-862. Epub 23 Sep 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6980.

Electromyographic Control of a Hands-Free Electrolarynx Using Neck Strap Muscles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kubert, Heather L.; Stepp, Cara E.; Zeitels, Steven M.; Gooey, John E.; Walsh, Michael J.; Prakash, S. R.; Hillman, Robert E.; Heaton, James T.

2009-01-01

Three individuals with total laryngectomy were studied for their ability to control a hands-free electrolarynx (EL) using neck surface electromyography (EMG) for on/off and pitch modulation. The laryngectomy surgery of participants was modified to preserve neck strap musculature for EMG-based EL control (EMG-EL), with muscles on one side…

Modulation of Neck Intermuscular Beta Coherence during Voice and Speech Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stepp, Cara E.; Hillman, Robert E.; Heaton, James T.

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to better understand neck intermuscular beta coherence (15-35 Hz; NIBcoh) in healthy individuals, with respect to modulation by behavioral tasks. Method: Mean NIBcoh was measured using surface electromyography at 2 anterior neck locations in 10 individuals during normal speech, static nonspeech maneuvers,…

Evaluating the Training Effects of Two Swallowing Rehabilitation Therapies Using Surface Electromyography--Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) Exercise and the Shaker Exercise.

PubMed

Sze, Wei Ping; Yoon, Wai Lam; Escoffier, Nicolas; Rickard Liow, Susan J

2016-04-01

In this study, the efficacy of two dysphagia interventions, the Chin Tuck against Resistance (CTAR) and Shaker exercises, were evaluated based on two principles in exercise science-muscle-specificity and training intensity. Both exercises were developed to strengthen the suprahyoid muscles, whose contractions facilitate the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter, thereby improving bolus transfer. Thirty-nine healthy adults performed two trials of both exercises in counter-balanced order. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings were simultaneously collected from suprahyoid muscle group and sternocleidomastoid muscle during the exercises. Converging results using sEMG amplitude analyses suggested that the CTAR was more specific in targeting the suprahyoid muscles than the Shaker exercise. Fatigue analyses on sEMG signals further indicated that the suprahyoid muscle group were equally or significantly fatigued (depending on metric), when participants carried out CTAR compared to the Shaker exercise. Importantly, unlike during Shaker exercise, the sternocleidomastoid muscles were significantly less activated and fatigued during CTAR. Lowering the chin against resistance is therefore sufficiently specific and intense to fatigue the suprahyoid muscles.

Reliability of quadriceps surface electromyography measurements is improved by two vs. single site recordings.

PubMed

Balshaw, T G; Fry, A; Maden-Wilkinson, T M; Kong, P W; Folland, J P

2017-06-01

The reliability of surface electromyography (sEMG) is typically modest even with rigorous methods, and therefore further improvements in sEMG reliability are desirable. This study compared the between-session reliability (both within participant absolute reliability and between-participant relative reliability) of sEMG amplitude from single vs. average of two distinct recording sites, for individual muscle (IM) and whole quadriceps (WQ) measures during voluntary and evoked contractions. Healthy males (n = 20) performed unilateral isometric knee extension contractions: voluntary maximum and submaximum (60%), as well as evoked twitch contractions on two separate days. sEMG was recorded from two distinct sites on each superficial quadriceps muscle. Averaging two recording sites vs. using single site measures improved reliability for IM and WQ measurements during voluntary (16-26% reduction in within-participant coefficient of variation, CV W ) and evoked contractions (40-56% reduction in CV W ). For sEMG measurements from large muscles, averaging the recording of two distinct sites is recommended as it improves within-participant reliability. This improved sensitivity has application to clinical and research measurement of sEMG amplitude.

Exploration of Force Myography and surface Electromyography in hand gesture classification.

PubMed

Jiang, Xianta; Merhi, Lukas-Karim; Xiao, Zhen Gang; Menon, Carlo

2017-03-01

Whereas pressure sensors increasingly have received attention as a non-invasive interface for hand gesture recognition, their performance has not been comprehensively evaluated. This work examined the performance of hand gesture classification using Force Myography (FMG) and surface Electromyography (sEMG) technologies by performing 3 sets of 48 hand gestures using a prototyped FMG band and an array of commercial sEMG sensors worn both on the wrist and forearm simultaneously. The results show that the FMG band achieved classification accuracies as good as the high quality, commercially available, sEMG system on both wrist and forearm positions; specifically, by only using 8 Force Sensitive Resisters (FSRs), the FMG band achieved accuracies of 91.2% and 83.5% in classifying the 48 hand gestures in cross-validation and cross-trial evaluations, which were higher than those of sEMG (84.6% and 79.1%). By using all 16 FSRs on the band, our device achieved high accuracies of 96.7% and 89.4% in cross-validation and cross-trial evaluations. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Overview of Laryngeal Muscle Single Fiber Electromyography.

PubMed

Bertorini, Tulio E; Sharaf, Aboubakar G

2015-08-01

Needle electromyography is an important tool in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases and has also been applied successfully in the evaluation of the vocal cord paralysis. Laryngeal electromyography, initially described by Weddell, is used to determine the cause of vocal cord paralysis and to differentiate organic from nonorganic causes of speech disorders. This test allows the diagnosis of lower motor neuron and nerve paralysis as well as myopathies. Laryngeal electromyography also helps to determine the prognosis of paralysis caused by traumatic injury of the laryngeal nerves and is used for guidance during botulinum toxin injection in spasmodic dysphonias. Single fiber electromyography is used to diagnose abnormalities of neuromuscular transmission and is applied in the study the architecture of the motor unit in muscles. This article reviews the techniques of laryngeal muscles single fiber electromyography, provides limited informative data, and discusses its potential value in the evaluation of patients with dysphonia.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis--a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

McClurg, D; Ashe, R G; Lowe-Strong, A S

2008-01-01

Lower urinary tract dysfunction affects up to 75% of the multiple sclerosis population. Results from our recent Pilot Study (McClurg et al., 2006) indicated that a combined programme of pelvic floor muscle training, electromyography biofeedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation modalities may alleviate some of the distressing symptoms within this population. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate further the efficacy of these interventions and to establish the benefit of neuromuscular electrical stimulation above and beyond that of EMG biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle training. 74 multiple sclerosis patients who presented with lower urinary tract dysfunction were randomly allocated to one of two groups - Group 1 received Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Electromyography Biofeedback and Placebo Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (n=37), and Group 2 which received Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Electromyography Biofeedback, and Active Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (n=37). Treatment was for nine weeks with outcome measures recorded at weeks 0, 9, 16 and 24. The Primary Outcome Measure was the number of leakage episodes. Within group analysis was by Paired Samples t-test. Group differences were analysed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and Post-hoc tests were used to determine the significance of differences between Groups at each time point. The mean number of incontinence episodes were reduced in Group 2 by 85% (p=0.001) whereas in Group 1 a lesser reduction of 47% (p=0.001) was observed. However, there was a statistically superior benefit in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 (p=0.0028). This superior benefit was evident in all other outcome measures. The addition of Active Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to a programme of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Electromyography Biofeedback should be considered as a first-line option in alleviating some of the symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Difference analysis of muscle fatigue during the exercises of core stability training].

PubMed

Xiao, Jinzhuang; Sun, Jinli; Wang, Hongrui; Yang, Xincai; Zhao, Jinkui

2017-04-01

The present study was carried out with the surface electromyography signal of subjects during the time when subjects did the exercises of the 6 core stability trainings. We analyzed the different activity level of surface electromyography signal, and finally got various fatigue states of muscles in different exercises. Thirty subjects completed exercises of 6 core stability trainings, which were prone bridge, supine bridge, unilateral bridge (divided into two trainings, i.e. the left and right sides alternatively) and bird-dog (divided into two trainings, i.e. the left and right sides alternatively), respectively. Each exercise was held on for 1 minute and 2 minutes were given to relax between two exercises in this test. We measured both left and right sides of the body's muscles, which included erector spina, external oblique, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, anterior tibial and gastrocnemius muscles. We adopted the frequency domain characteristic value of the surface electromyography signal, i.e . median frequency slope to analyze the muscle fatigue in this study. In the present paper, the results exhibit different fatigue degrees of the above muscles during the time when they did the core stability rehabilitation exercises. It could be concluded that supine bridge and unilateral bridge can cause more fatigue on erector spina muscle, prone bridge caused Gastrocnemius muscle much fatigue and there were statistical significant differences ( P <0.05) between prone bridge and other five rehabilitation exercises in the degree of rectus abdominis muscle fatigue. There were no statistical significant differences ( P >0.05) between all the left and right sides of the same-named muscles in the median frequency slope during all the exercises of the six core stability trainings, i.e. the degree which the various kinds of rehabilitation exercises effected the left and right side of the same-named muscle had no statistical significant difference ( P >0.05). In this research, the conclusion presents quantized guidelines on the effects of core stability trainings on different muscles.

Development and evaluation of a soft wearable weight support device for reducing muscle fatigue on shoulder

PubMed Central

Cho, Kyu-Jin

2017-01-01

Compensating the weight of human limbs is important in reducing muscle fatigue experienced by manual laborers. In this study, a compact and lightweight soft wearable weight support device was developed and evaluated. The device supports gravitational force on the shoulder at any arm posture, although there are some limitations in its assistive performance. The device actuator consists of a cam-rod structure, a tendon-driven mechanism, and a rubber band. The desired assistive torque is translated to the shoulder joint along a tendon routing structure. Device performance was evaluated by measuring muscle activation in with-assist and without-assist conditions. Muscle activation on the deltoid was measured by surface electromyography. An experimental protocol consisting of a series of exercises was executed with six healthy subjects. The subjects raised and lowered their arm from 0 to 100 degrees for 30 times under eight conditions, which were combined with-assist and without-assist conditions, and holding the horizontal angle of the arm at 0, 30, 60, or 90 degrees against the sagittal plane. Surface electromyography data were pre-processed and analyzed using a root mean square method. When muscle fatigue occurs, the root mean square of the surface electromyography increases nonlinearly. This was calculated using the standard deviation of the root mean square. Three of six subjects showed decreased variation of the root mean square between the exercises in the with-assist condition. One subject’s result was significantly reduced (by about 57.6%) in the with-assist condition. In contrast, two subjects did not show significant difference between measurements taken in the with-assist and without-assist conditions. One subject was dropped from the experiment because the device did not fit the subject’s body. In conclusion, the effectiveness of the soft wearable weight support device in supporting shoulder movements was verified through the decreased variation of muscle activation. PMID:28291825

Development and evaluation of a soft wearable weight support device for reducing muscle fatigue on shoulder.

PubMed

Park, Daegeun; Cho, Kyu-Jin

2017-01-01

Compensating the weight of human limbs is important in reducing muscle fatigue experienced by manual laborers. In this study, a compact and lightweight soft wearable weight support device was developed and evaluated. The device supports gravitational force on the shoulder at any arm posture, although there are some limitations in its assistive performance. The device actuator consists of a cam-rod structure, a tendon-driven mechanism, and a rubber band. The desired assistive torque is translated to the shoulder joint along a tendon routing structure. Device performance was evaluated by measuring muscle activation in with-assist and without-assist conditions. Muscle activation on the deltoid was measured by surface electromyography. An experimental protocol consisting of a series of exercises was executed with six healthy subjects. The subjects raised and lowered their arm from 0 to 100 degrees for 30 times under eight conditions, which were combined with-assist and without-assist conditions, and holding the horizontal angle of the arm at 0, 30, 60, or 90 degrees against the sagittal plane. Surface electromyography data were pre-processed and analyzed using a root mean square method. When muscle fatigue occurs, the root mean square of the surface electromyography increases nonlinearly. This was calculated using the standard deviation of the root mean square. Three of six subjects showed decreased variation of the root mean square between the exercises in the with-assist condition. One subject's result was significantly reduced (by about 57.6%) in the with-assist condition. In contrast, two subjects did not show significant difference between measurements taken in the with-assist and without-assist conditions. One subject was dropped from the experiment because the device did not fit the subject's body. In conclusion, the effectiveness of the soft wearable weight support device in supporting shoulder movements was verified through the decreased variation of muscle activation.

Effects of Motor Control Exercise Vs Muscle Stretching Exercise on Reducing Compensatory Lumbopelvic Motions and Low Back Pain: A Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Park, Kyue-Nam; Kwon, Oh-Yun; Yi, Chung-Hwi; Cynn, Heon-Seock; Weon, Jong-Hyuck; Kim, Tae-Ho; Choi, Houng-Sik

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week motor control exercise (MCE) vs stretching exercise (SE) on reducing compensatory pelvic motion during active prone knee flexion (APKF) and intensity of low back pain. Thirty-six people in the lumbar-rotation-extension subgroup were randomly assigned equally into 2 exercise groups (18 people in each an MCE or SE group). A 3-dimensional motion-analysis system was used to measure the range and onset time of pelvic motion and knee flexion during APKF. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity and onset time of the erector spinae and the hamstrings during APKF. The level of subjective low back pain was measured using a visual analog scale. The MCE group had more significant decreases in and delay of anterior pelvic tilt, pelvic rotation, and erector spinae muscle activity during APKF, as well as reduced intensity of low back pain compared with the SE group (P < .05). For rehabilitation in patients in the lumbar-rotation-extension subgroup, MCE was more effective than SE in reducing compensatory pelvic motion and muscle activity during APKF and minimizing low back pain. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Clinical effectiveness of a Pilates treatment for forward head posture

PubMed Central

Lee, Sun-Myung; Lee, Chang-Hyung; O’Sullivan, David; Jung, Joo-Ha; Park, Jung-Jun

2016-01-01

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of pilates and an exercise program on the craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion, pain, and muscle fatigue in subjects with a forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] A total of 28 sedentary females (age 20 to 39 years) with FHP were randomly assigned to pilates (n=14) and combined (n=14) exercise groups. The study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with the two groups performing exercise 50 min/day, 3 days/week, with an intensity of 11–15 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for ten weeks. The main outcome measures were craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM), pain levels assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI). Surface electromyography was also used to measure muscle fatigue. [Results] There were significant increases in craniovertebral angle and cervical ROM in the pilates group, but none in the control group. The only significant differences in muscle activity were recorded in the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the pilates group. Both exercise programs had positive effects on pain measures, as VAS and NDI were significantly decreased. [Conclusion] The results suggest that pilates could be recommended as an appropriate exercise for treatment of FHP in sedentary individuals. PMID:27512253

Clinical effectiveness of a Pilates treatment for forward head posture.

PubMed

Lee, Sun-Myung; Lee, Chang-Hyung; O'Sullivan, David; Jung, Joo-Ha; Park, Jung-Jun

2016-07-01

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of pilates and an exercise program on the craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion, pain, and muscle fatigue in subjects with a forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] A total of 28 sedentary females (age 20 to 39 years) with FHP were randomly assigned to pilates (n=14) and combined (n=14) exercise groups. The study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with the two groups performing exercise 50 min/day, 3 days/week, with an intensity of 11-15 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for ten weeks. The main outcome measures were craniovertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM), pain levels assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI). Surface electromyography was also used to measure muscle fatigue. [Results] There were significant increases in craniovertebral angle and cervical ROM in the pilates group, but none in the control group. The only significant differences in muscle activity were recorded in the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the pilates group. Both exercise programs had positive effects on pain measures, as VAS and NDI were significantly decreased. [Conclusion] The results suggest that pilates could be recommended as an appropriate exercise for treatment of FHP in sedentary individuals.

Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography as indexes of muscle function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Gregory R.; Duvoisin, Marc R.; Dudley, Gary A.

1992-01-01

A hypothesis is tested that exercise-induced magnetic resonance (MR) contrast shifts would relate to electromyography (EMG) amplitude if both measures reflect muscle use during exercise. Both magnetic resonance images (MRI) and EMG data were obtained for separate eccentric (ECC) and cocentric (CON) exercise of increasing intensity for seven subjects 30-32 yr old. CON and ECC actions caused increased integrated EMG (IEMG) and T2 values which were strongly related with relative resistance. The rate of increase and absolute value of both T2 and IEMG were found to be greater for CON than for ECC actions. For both actions IEMG and T2 were correlated. Data obtained suggest that surface IEMG accurately reflects the contractile behavior of muscle and exercise-induced increases in MRI T2 values reflect certain processes that scale with muscle use.

Experiences in the creation of an electromyography database to help hand amputated persons.

PubMed

Atzori, Manfredo; Gijsberts, Arjan; Heynen, Simone; Hager, Anne-Gabrielle Mittaz; Castellimi, Claudio; Caputo, Barbara; Müller, Henning

2012-01-01

Currently, trans-radial amputees can only perform a few simple movements with prosthetic hands. This is mainly due to low control capabilities and the long training time that is required to learn controlling them with surface electromyography (sEMG). This is in contrast with recent advances in mechatronics, thanks to which mechanical hands have multiple degrees of freedom and in some cases force control. To help improve the situation, we are building the NinaPro (Non-Invasive Adaptive Prosthetics) database, a database of about 50 hand and wrist movements recorded from several healthy and currently very few amputated persons that will help the community to test and improve sEMG-based natural control systems for prosthetic hands. In this paper we describe the experimental experiences and practical aspects related to the data acquisition.

Simplifying the diagnosis of 4 common voiding conditions using uroflow/electromyography, electromyography lag time and voiding history.

PubMed

Van Batavia, Jason P; Combs, Andrew J; Hyun, Grace; Bayer, Agnes; Medina-Kreppein, Daisy; Schlussel, Richard N; Glassberg, Kenneth I

2011-10-01

Noninvasive uroflowmetry with simultaneous electromyography is useful to triage cases of lower urinary tract symptoms into 4 urodynamically defined conditions, especially when incorporating short and long electromyography lag times in the analysis. We determined the prevalence of these 4 conditions at a single referral institution and the usefulness of uroflowmetry with simultaneous electromyography and electromyography lag time to confirm the diagnosis, guide treatment and monitor response. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 100 consecutive normal children who presented with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms, underwent uroflowmetry with electromyography as part of the initial evaluation and were diagnosed with 1 of 4 conditions based on certain uroflowmetry/electromyography features. The conditions included 1) dysfunctional voiding--active pelvic floor electromyography during voiding with or without staccato flow, 2a) idiopathic detrusor overactivity disorder-A--a quiet pelvic floor during voiding and shortened lag time (less than 2 seconds), 2b) idiopathic detrusor overactivity disorder-B--a quiet pelvic floor with a normal lag time, 3) detrusor underutilization disorder--volitionally deferred voiding with expanded bladder capacity but a quiet pelvic floor, and 4) primary bladder neck dysfunction--prolonged lag time (greater than 6 seconds) and a depressed, right shifted uroflowmetry curve with a quiet pelvic floor during voiding. Treatment was tailored to the underlying condition in each patient. The group consisted of 50 males and 50 females with a mean age of 8 years (range 3 to 18). Dysfunctional voiding was more common in females (p <0.05) while idiopathic detrusor overactivity disorder-B and primary bladder neck dysfunction were more common in males (p <0.01). With treatment uroflowmetry parameters normalized for all types. Electromyography lag time increased in idiopathic detrusor overactivity disorder-A cases and decreased in primary bladder neck dysfunction cases. Noninvasive uroflowmetry with simultaneous electromyography offers an excellent alternative to invasive urodynamics to diagnose 4 urodynamically defined conditions. It identifies the most appropriate therapy for the specific condition and objectively monitors the treatment response. Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A novel fuzzy approach for automatic Brunnstrom stage classification using surface electromyography.

PubMed

Liparulo, Luca; Zhang, Zhe; Panella, Massimo; Gu, Xudong; Fang, Qiang

2017-08-01

Clinical assessment plays a major role in post-stroke rehabilitation programs for evaluating impairment level and tracking recovery progress. Conventionally, this process is manually performed by clinicians using chart-based ordinal scales which can be both subjective and inefficient. In this paper, a novel approach based on fuzzy logic is proposed which automatically evaluates stroke patients' impairment level using single-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) signals and generates objective classification results based on the widely used Brunnstrom stages of recovery. The correlation between stroke-induced motor impairment and sEMG features on both time and frequency domain is investigated, and a specifically designed fuzzy kernel classifier based on geometrically unconstrained membership function is introduced in the study to tackle the challenges in discriminating data classes with complex separating surfaces. Experiments using sEMG data collected from stroke patients have been carried out to examine the validity and feasibility of the proposed method. In order to ensure the generalization capability of the classifier, a cross-validation test has been performed. The results, verified using the evaluation decisions provided by an expert panel, have reached a rate of success of the 92.47%. The proposed fuzzy classifier is also compared with other pattern recognition techniques to demonstrate its superior performance in this application.

Preliminary investigation of an electromyography-controlled video game as a home program for persons in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.

PubMed

Donoso Brown, Elena V; McCoy, Sarah Westcott; Fechko, Amber S; Price, Robert; Gilbertson, Torey; Moritz, Chet T

2014-08-01

To investigate the preliminary effectiveness of surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback delivered via interaction with a commercial computer game to improve motor control in chronic stroke survivors. Single-blinded, 1-group, repeated-measures design: A1, A2, B, A3 (A, assessment; B, intervention). Laboratory and participants' homes. A convenience sample of persons (N=9) between 40 and 75 years of age with moderate to severe upper extremity motor impairment and at least 6 months poststroke completed the study. The electromyography-controlled video game system targeted the wrist muscle activation with the goal of increasing selective muscle activation. Participants received several laboratory training sessions with the system and then were instructed to use the system at home for 45 minutes, 5 times per week for the following 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures included duration of system use, sEMG during home play, and pre/post sEMG measures during active wrist motion. Secondary outcomes included kinematic analysis of movement and functional outcomes, including the Wolf Motor Function Test and the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-9. One third of participants completed or exceeded the recommended amount of system use. Statistically significant changes were observed on both game play and pre/post sEMG outcomes. Limited carryover, however, was observed on kinematic or functional outcomes. This preliminary investigation indicates that use of the electromyography-controlled video game impacts muscle activation. Limited changes in kinematic and activity level outcomes, however, suggest that the intervention may benefit from the inclusion of a functional activity component. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combined cystometrography and electromyography of the external urethral sphincter following complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy.

PubMed

Borer, Joseph G; Strakosha, Ruth; Bauer, Stuart B; Diamond, David A; Pennison, Melanie; Rosoklija, Ilina; Khoshbin, Shahram

2014-05-01

Concern in patients with bladder exstrophy after reconstruction regarding potential injury to pelvic neurourological anatomy and a resultant functional deficit prompted combined (simultaneous) cystometrography and electromyography after complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy. We determined whether complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy would adversely affect the innervation controlling bladder and external urethral sphincter function. Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy was performed via a modified Mitchell technique in newborns without osteotomy. Postoperative evaluation included combined cystometrography and needle electrode electromyography via the perineum, approximating the external urethral sphincter muscle complex. Electromyography was done to evaluate the external urethral sphincter response to sacral reflex stimulation and during voiding. Nine boys and 4 girls underwent combined cystometrography/electromyography after complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy. Age at study and time after complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy was 3 months to 10 years (median 11.5 months). Cystometrography revealed absent detrusor overactivity and the presence of a sustained detrusor voiding contraction in all cases. Electromyography showed universally normal individual motor unit action potentials of biphasic pattern, amplitude and duration. The external urethral sphincter sacral reflex response was intact with a normal caliber with respect to Valsalva, Credé, bulbocavernosus and anocutaneous (bilateral) stimulation. Synergy was documented by abrupt silencing of external urethral sphincter electromyography activity during voiding. After complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy combined cystometrography/electromyography in patients with bladder exstrophy showed normal neurourological findings, including sacral reflex responses, sustained detrusor voiding contraction and synergic voiding, in all patients postoperatively. These findings confirm the safety of complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy. Based on our results we have discontinued routine electromyography in these patients. Copyright © 2014 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Core muscle activity in a series of balance exercises with different stability conditions.

PubMed

Calatayud, Joaquin; Borreani, Sebastien; Martin, Julio; Martin, Fernando; Flandez, Jorge; Colado, Juan C

2015-07-01

Literature that provides progression models based on core muscle activity and postural manipulations is scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the core muscle activity in a series of balance exercises with different stability levels and additional elastic resistance. A descriptive study of electromyography (EMG) was performed with forty-four healthy subjects that completed 12 exercises in a random order. Exercises were performed unipedally or bipedally with or without elastic tubing as resistance on various unstable (uncontrolled multiaxial and uniaxial movement) and stable surfaces. Surface EMG on the lumbar multífidus spinae (LM), thoracic multífidus spinae (TM), lumbar erector spinae (LE), thoracic erector spinae (TE) and gluteus maximus (GM), on the dominant side of the body were collected to quantify the amount of muscle activity and were expressed as a % of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Significant differences (p<.001) were found between exercises. The three unipedal standing exercises with additional elastic resistance generated the greatest EMG values, ranging from 19% MVIC to 30% MVIC. Postural manipulations with additional elastic resistance and/or unstable devices increase core muscle activity. An adequate exercise progression based on global core EMG could start with seated positions, progressing to bipedal standing stance (i.e., from either multiaxial or stable surface to uniaxial surface). Following this, unipedal standing positions may be performed (i.e., from either multiaxial or stable surface to uniaxial surface) and finally, elastic resistance must be added in order to increase EMG levels (i.e., from stable surface progressing to any of the used unstable surfaces). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relationship between Kinematics, F2 Slope and Speech Intelligibility in Dysarthria Due to Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rong, Panying; Loucks, Torrey; Kim, Heejin; Hasegawa-Johnson, Mark

2012-01-01

A multimodal approach combining acoustics, intelligibility ratings, articulography and surface electromyography was used to examine the characteristics of dysarthria due to cerebral palsy (CP). CV syllables were studied by obtaining the slope of F2 transition during the diphthong, tongue-jaw kinematics during the release of the onset consonant,…

Biofeedback Treatment of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion and Respiratory Distress in an Adolescent Girl

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warnes, Emily; Allen, Keith D.

2005-01-01

In this investigation, we evaluated the effectiveness of surface electromyography (EMG) biofeedback to treat paradoxical vocal fold motion in a 16-year-old girl. EMG biofeedback training occurred once per week over the course of 10 weeks. In a changing criterion design, muscle tension showed systematic changes that corresponded with changes in the…

Laryngeal Electromyography Techniques and Clinical Use.

PubMed

Kimaid, Paulo Andre Teixeira; Crespo, Agrício Nubiato; Moreira, Ana Lucila; Wolf, Aline Epiphanio; França, Marcondes Cavalcante

2015-08-01

Laryngeal electromyography is considered a valuable diagnostic tool for voice disorders. The technique, described almost 70 years ago, evolved 3 decades later, mainly because of the growing interest of laryngologists and speech pathologists. In the authors' opinion, the reduced number of neurophysiologists involved in laryngeal electromyography groups is, at some instance, related to the difficulty to start the learning process and the multidisciplinary approach the field requires. This review highlights the anatomy and physiology needed to perform laryngeal electromyography and its clinical usefulness in the new field known as neurolaryngology.

Randomized Controlled Trial Shows Biofeedback to be Superior to Alternative Treatments for Patients with Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia-type Constipation

PubMed Central

Heymen, Steve; Scarlett, Yolanda; Jones, Kenneth; Ringel, Yehuda; Drossman, Douglas; Whitehead, William E.

2013-01-01

Purpose To determine whether biofeedback is more effective than diazepam or placebo in a randomized controlled trial for patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation, and whether instrumented biofeedback is necessary for successful training. Methods One hundred seventeen patients participated in a 4-week run-in (education and medical management). The 84 who remained constipated were randomized to Biofeedback (n=30); Diazepam (n=30); or Placebo (n=24). All patients were trained to do pelvic floor muscle exercises to correct pelvic floor dyssynergia during 6 biweekly 1-hour sessions, but only Biofeedback patients received electromyography feedback. All other patients received pills 1-2 hours before attempting defecation. Diary data on cathartic use, straining, incomplete bowel movements, Bristol stool scores, and compliance with homework were reviewed biweekly. Results Before treatment, the groups did not differ on demographic (average age 50, 85 percent females), physiologic or psychologic characteristics, severity of constipation, or expectation of benefit. Biofeedback was superior to diazepam by intention to treat analysis (70 percent vs. 23 percent reported adequate relief of constipation 3 months after treatment, χ2 = 13.1, p < 0.001), and also superior to placebo (38 percent successful, χ2 = 5.7, p = 0.017). Biofeedback patients had significantly more unassisted bowel movements at follow-up compared to Placebo (p = .005), with a trend favoring biofeedback over diazepam (p = .067). Biofeedback patients reduced pelvic floor electromyography during straining significantly more than diazepam patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions This investigation provides definitive support for the efficacy of biofeedback for pelvic floor dyssynergia and shows that instrumented biofeedback is essential to successful treatment. PMID:19966605

Analysis of prosody in finger braille using electromyography.

PubMed

Miyagi, Manabi; Nishida, Masafumi; Horiuchi, Yasuo; Ichikawa, Akira

2006-01-01

Finger braille is one of the communication methods for the deaf blind. The interpreter types braille codes on the fingers of deaf blind. Finger braille seems to be the most suitable medium for real-time communication by its speed and accuracy of transmitting characters. We hypothesize that the prosody information exists in the time structure and strength of finger braille typing. Prosody is the paralinguistic information that has functions to transmit the sentence structure, prominence, emotions and other form of information in real time communication. In this study, we measured the surface electromyography (sEMG) of finger movement to analyze the typing strength of finger braille. We found that the typing strength increases at the beginning of a phrase and a prominent phrase. The result shows the possibility that the prosody in the typing strength of finger braille can be applied to create an interpreter system for the deafblind.

The Stroop matching task presents conflict at both the response and nonresponse levels: an event-related potential and electromyography study.

PubMed

Caldas, A L; Machado-Pinheiro, W; Souza, L B; Motta-Ribeiro, G C; David, I A

2012-09-01

In the Stroop matching task, a Stroop word is compared to a colored bar. The origin of the conflict presented by this task is a topic of current debate. In an effort to disentangle nonresponse and response conflicts, we recorded electromyography (EMG) and event-related potentials (ERPs) while participants performed the task. The N450 component was sensitive to the relationship of color surfaces, regardless of the response, suggesting the participation of nonresponse conflict. Incompatible arrays (e.g., incongruent Stroop stimuli during "same" responses) presented a substantial amount of double EMG activation and slower EMG latencies, suggesting the participation of response conflict. We propose that both response and nonresponse conflicts are sources of these effects. The combined use of the EMG and ERP techniques played an important role in elucidating the conflicts immersed in the Stroop matching task. Copyright © 2012 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Influence of the Perceived Taste Intensity of Chemesthetic Stimuli on Swallowing Parameters Given Age and Genetic Taste Differences in Healthy Adult Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pelletier, Cathy A.; Steele, Catriona M.

2014-01-01

Purpose: This study examined whether the perceived taste intensity of liquids with chemesthetic properties influenced lingua-palatal pressures and submental surface electromyography (sEMG) in swallowing, compared with water. Method: Swallowing was studied in 80 healthy women, stratified by age group and genetic taste status. General Labeled…

Tongue Pressure and Submental Surface Electromyography Measures during Noneffortful and Effortful Saliva Swallows in Healthy Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeates, Erin M.; Steele, Catriona M.; Pelletier, Cathy A.

2010-01-01

Purpose: The effortful swallow, a compensatory technique frequently employed by speech-language pathologists for their patients with dysphagia, is still not fully understood in terms of how it modifies the swallow. In particular, although age-related changes are known to reduce maximum isometric tongue pressure, it is not known whether age affects…

Implementation of a Surface Electromyography-Based Upper Extremity Exoskeleton Controller Using Learning from Demonstration.

PubMed

Siu, Ho Chit; Arenas, Ana M; Sun, Tingxiao; Stirling, Leia A

2018-02-05

Upper-extremity exoskeletons have demonstrated potential as augmentative, assistive, and rehabilitative devices. Typical control of upper-extremity exoskeletons have relied on switches, force/torque sensors, and surface electromyography (sEMG), but these systems are usually reactionary, and/or rely on entirely hand-tuned parameters. sEMG-based systems may be able to provide anticipatory control, since they interface directly with muscle signals, but typically require expert placement of sensors on muscle bodies. We present an implementation of an adaptive sEMG-based exoskeleton controller that learns a mapping between muscle activation and the desired system state during interaction with a user, generating a personalized sEMG feature classifier to allow for anticipatory control. This system is robust to novice placement of sEMG sensors, as well as subdermal muscle shifts. We validate this method with 18 subjects using a thumb exoskeleton to complete a book-placement task. This learning-from-demonstration system for exoskeleton control allows for very short training times, as well as the potential for improvement in intent recognition over time, and adaptation to physiological changes in the user, such as those due to fatigue.

Surface electromyography in animals: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Valentin, Stephanie; Zsoldos, Rebeka R.

2017-01-01

The study of muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used for investigations of the neuromuscular system in man. Although sEMG has faced methodological challenges, considerable technical advances have been made in the last few decades. Similarly, the field of animal biomechanics, including sEMG, has grown despite being confronted with often complex experimental conditions. In human sEMG research, standardised protocols have been developed, however these are lacking in animal sEMG. Before standards can be proposed in this population group, the existing research in animal sEMG should be collated and evaluated. Therefore the aim of this review is to systematically identify and summarise the literature in animal sEMG focussing on (1) species, breeds, activities and muscles investigated, and (2) electrode placement and normalisation methods used. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Vetmed Resource were searched systematically for sEMG studies in animals and 38 articles were included in the final review. Data on methodological quality was collected and summarised. The findings from this systematic review indicate the divergence in animal sEMG methodology and as a result, future steps required to develop standardisation in animal sEMG are proposed. PMID:26763600

Surface electromyography in animal biomechanics: A systematic review.

PubMed

Valentin, Stephanie; Zsoldos, Rebeka R

2016-06-01

The study of muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used for investigations of the neuromuscular system in man. Although sEMG has faced methodological challenges, considerable technical advances have been made in the last few decades. Similarly, the field of animal biomechanics, including sEMG, has grown despite being confronted with often complex experimental conditions. In human sEMG research, standardised protocols have been developed, however these are lacking in animal sEMG. Before standards can be proposed in this population group, the existing research in animal sEMG should be collated and evaluated. Therefore the aim of this review is to systematically identify and summarise the literature in animal sEMG focussing on (1) species, breeds, activities and muscles investigated, and (2) electrode placement and normalisation methods used. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Vetmed Resource were searched systematically for sEMG studies in animals and 38 articles were included in the final review. Data on methodological quality was collected and summarised. The findings from this systematic review indicate the divergence in animal sEMG methodology and as a result, future steps required to develop standardisation in animal sEMG are proposed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation of a Surface Electromyography-Based Upper Extremity Exoskeleton Controller Using Learning from Demonstration

PubMed Central

Arenas, Ana M.; Sun, Tingxiao

2018-01-01

Upper-extremity exoskeletons have demonstrated potential as augmentative, assistive, and rehabilitative devices. Typical control of upper-extremity exoskeletons have relied on switches, force/torque sensors, and surface electromyography (sEMG), but these systems are usually reactionary, and/or rely on entirely hand-tuned parameters. sEMG-based systems may be able to provide anticipatory control, since they interface directly with muscle signals, but typically require expert placement of sensors on muscle bodies. We present an implementation of an adaptive sEMG-based exoskeleton controller that learns a mapping between muscle activation and the desired system state during interaction with a user, generating a personalized sEMG feature classifier to allow for anticipatory control. This system is robust to novice placement of sEMG sensors, as well as subdermal muscle shifts. We validate this method with 18 subjects using a thumb exoskeleton to complete a book-placement task. This learning-from-demonstration system for exoskeleton control allows for very short training times, as well as the potential for improvement in intent recognition over time, and adaptation to physiological changes in the user, such as those due to fatigue. PMID:29401754

Treatment efficacy of electromyography versus fiberscopy-guided botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients: a prospective comparative study.

PubMed

Kim, Jae Wook; Park, Jae Hong; Park, Ki Nam; Lee, Seung Won

2014-01-01

This study prospectively evaluates and compares the treatment efficacy of botulinum toxin injection under electromyography guidance (EMG group) and percutaneous botulinum toxin injection under flexible fiberscopic guidance (fiberscopy group). Thirty patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), who had never received treatment, were randomly allocated into EMG- or fiberscopy-guided botulinum toxin injections between March 2008 and February 2010. We assessed acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters, and the voice handicap index (VHI) before injection and at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. The mean total dosage of botulinum toxin was similar for both groups: 1.7 ± 0.5 U for the EMG group and 1.8 ± 0.4 U for the fiberscopy group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups in either the duration of effectiveness or complications such as breathy voice and aspiration. Botulinum toxin injection under fiberscopic guidance is a viable alternative to EMG-guided botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia when EMG equipment is unavailable.

Treatment Efficacy of Electromyography versus Fiberscopy-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injection in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia Patients: A Prospective Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae Wook; Park, Jae Hong; Park, Ki Nam; Lee, Seung Won

2014-01-01

Introduction. This study prospectively evaluates and compares the treatment efficacy of botulinum toxin injection under electromyography guidance (EMG group) and percutaneous botulinum toxin injection under flexible fiberscopic guidance (fiberscopy group). Methods. Thirty patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD), who had never received treatment, were randomly allocated into EMG- or fiberscopy-guided botulinum toxin injections between March 2008 and February 2010. We assessed acoustic and aerodynamic voice parameters, and the voice handicap index (VHI) before injection and at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Results. The mean total dosage of botulinum toxin was similar for both groups: 1.7 ± 0.5 U for the EMG group and 1.8 ± 0.4 U for the fiberscopy group (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups in either the duration of effectiveness or complications such as breathy voice and aspiration. Conclusion. Botulinum toxin injection under fiberscopic guidance is a viable alternative to EMG-guided botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia when EMG equipment is unavailable. PMID:25383369

Transducer-based evaluation of tremor.

PubMed

Haubenberger, Dietrich; Abbruzzese, Giovanni; Bain, Peter G; Bajaj, Nin; Benito-León, Julián; Bhatia, Kailash P; Deuschl, Günther; Forjaz, Maria João; Hallett, Mark; Louis, Elan D; Lyons, Kelly E; Mestre, Tiago A; Raethjen, Jan; Stamelou, Maria; Tan, Eng-King; Testa, Claudia M; Elble, Rodger J

2016-09-01

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society established a task force on tremor that reviewed the use of transducer-based measures in the quantification and characterization of tremor. Studies of accelerometry, electromyography, activity monitoring, gyroscopy, digitizing tablet-based measures, vocal acoustic analysis, and several other transducer-based methods were identified by searching PubMed.gov. The availability, use, acceptability, reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reviewed for each measure using the following criteria: (1) used in the assessment of tremor; (2) used in published studies by people other than the developers; and (3) adequate clinimetric testing. Accelerometry, gyroscopy, electromyography, and digitizing tablet-based measures fulfilled all three criteria. Compared to rating scales, transducers are far more sensitive to changes in tremor amplitude and frequency, but they do not appear to be more capable of detecting a change that exceeds random variability in tremor amplitude (minimum detectable change). The use of transducer-based measures requires careful attention to their limitations and validity in a particular clinical or research setting. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

New method of neck surface electromyography for the evaluation of tongue-lifting activity.

PubMed

Manda, Y; Maeda, N; Pan, Q; Sugimoto, K; Hashimoto, Y; Tanaka, Y; Kodama, N; Minagi, S

2016-06-01

Elevation of the posterior part of the tongue is important for normal deglutition and speech. The purpose of this study was to develop a new surface electromyography (EMG) method to non-invasively and objectively evaluate activity in the muscles that control lifting movement in the posterior tongue. Neck surface EMG (N-EMG) was recorded using differential surface electrodes placed on the neck, 1 cm posterior to the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle on a line orthogonal to the lower border of the mandible. Experiment 1: Three healthy volunteers (three men, mean age 37·7 years) participated in an evaluation of detection method of the posterior tongue lifting up movement. EMG recordings from the masseter, temporalis and submental muscles and N-EMG revealed that i) N-EMG was not affected by masseter muscle EMG and ii) N-EMG activity was not observed during simple jaw opening and tongue protrusion, revealing the functional difference between submental surface EMG and N-EMG. Experiment 2: Seven healthy volunteers (six men and one woman, mean age 27·9 years) participated in a quantitative evaluation of muscle activity. Tongue-lifting tasks were perfor-med, exerting a prescribed force of 20, 50, 100 and 150 gf with visual feedback. For all subjects, a significant linear relationship was observed bet-ween the tongue-lifting force and N-EMG activity (P < 0·01). These findings indicate that N-EMG can be used to quantify the force of posterior tongue lifting and could be useful to evaluate the effect of tongue rehabilitation in future studies. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Motor unit number estimation based on high-density surface electromyography decomposition.

PubMed

Peng, Yun; He, Jinbao; Yao, Bo; Li, Sheng; Zhou, Ping; Zhang, Yingchun

2016-09-01

To advance the motor unit number estimation (MUNE) technique using high density surface electromyography (EMG) decomposition. The K-means clustering convolution kernel compensation algorithm was employed to detect the single motor unit potentials (SMUPs) from high-density surface EMG recordings of the biceps brachii muscles in eight healthy subjects. Contraction forces were controlled at 10%, 20% and 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Achieved MUNE results and the representativeness of the SMUP pools were evaluated using a high-density weighted-average method. Mean numbers of motor units were estimated as 288±132, 155±87, 107±99 and 132±61 by using the developed new MUNE at 10%, 20%, 30% and 10-30% MVCs, respectively. Over 20 SMUPs were obtained at each contraction level, and the mean residual variances were lower than 10%. The new MUNE method allows a convenient and non-invasive collection of a large size of SMUP pool with great representativeness. It provides a useful tool for estimating the motor unit number of proximal muscles. The present new MUNE method successfully avoids the use of intramuscular electrodes or multiple electrical stimuli which is required in currently available MUNE techniques; as such the new MUNE method can minimize patient discomfort for MUNE tests. Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Achilles tendon vibration, surface and visual conditions on lower leg electromyography in young adults with and without recurrent ankle sprains.

PubMed

Lubetzky, Anat V; Price, Robert; McCoy, Sarah W

2016-07-01

Functional ankle instability is associated with decreased ankle muscle function. Compliant surfaces and eyes-closed training are commonly used for rehabilitation and prevention of ankle sprains. Brief Achilles tendon vibration is commonly used in the study of postural control. To test the level of activation of tibialis anterior (TIB) and fibularis longus (FIB), bilateral Achilles tendon vibration was applied for the middle 20 s in a series of 60-s trials, when 10 healthy young adults and 10 adults with history of repeated ankle sprains were standing bipedal: on floor, on memory foam, or on a Both Sides Up (BOSU) ball, with eyes open, and on floor and foam with eyes closed. Differences in Integrated surface electromyography (IEMG) of TIB and FIB were significant for both groups pre, during, and post vibration (Friedman Tests, p < 0.001 for all). In both groups, the highest IEMG for TIB was obtained during vibration when standing on foam with eyes closed, whereas the highest IEMG for FIB was obtained during vibration when standing on the BOSU. Bipedal stance on BOSU and brief Achilles tendon vibration may be a useful intervention when a session's goal is to facilitate lower leg muscles activation. Future research should explore training effects as well as the effect of FIB tendon vibration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of the antigravitary modification of the myotension of asset (MAGMA) therapy on myogenic cranio-cervical-mandibular dysfunction: a longitudinal surface electromyography analysis.

PubMed

D'Attilio, Michele; Di Meo, Silvio; Perinetti, Giuseppe; Filippi, Maria Rita; Tecco, Simona; D'Alconzo, Francesco; Festa, Felice

2003-01-01

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of a novel physiotherapy machine called MAGMA (AntiGravitary Modification of the Myotensions of Asset) on postural and masticatory muscles of subjects with myogenic cranio-cervical-mandibular dysfunction (CMD), by using surface electromyography (sEMG). Fifteen subjects, nine males and six females (mean age 27.6 years), with CMD were included in the study. The bilaterally monitored muscles were: masseter, anterior and posterior temporalis, digastric, posterior cervical, sternocleidomastoid, and upper and lower trapezius. All muscles were monitored at rest, with a second record of maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) for both the masseter and anterior temporalis. Patients were subjected to MAGMA therapy for one session/week of 30 min over ten weeks. The surface EMG activity was recorded twice, at the baseline and at the end of the therapy. After MAGMA therapy, the sEMG activity at rest of the monitored muscles was significantly better when compared to the baseline; the only exception was the anterior and posterior temporalis muscles which did not improve. On the contrary, with the MVC, all the monitored muscles (masseter and anterior temporalis) significantly improved their sEMG activity. Although more investigations are needed, these results indicate that the use of such antigravitary therapy can provide a tool for resolving myogenic CMD.

Detection of early symptoms of cumulativetrauma disorders among mothers of handicapped children: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Kinali, Gulsah; Üçsular, Ferda Dokuztuğ

2018-01-01

[Purpose] This study aimed to establish a scientific and clinical basis for the development of a method for the early diagnosis of cumulative trauma disorders experienced by mothers of disabled children. [Subjects and Methods] Ten volunteer mothers who came to a rehabilitation centre for the treatment of their children were included in this study. Surface electromyography measurements were taken during maximum isometric contraction through the extensor muscle motor point of the wrist of the mothers, and hand grip strength was measured. [Results] In the electromyography measurements, the mean electromyogram signal value obtained from the wrist extensor muscle motor point of the mothers of the healthy children was 0.3 ± 0.08 mV and the crude handgrip strength was 28.5 ± 2.08 kg. In mothers of rehabilitated children, the crude hand grip strength was 7.0 ± 1.1 kg, and the mean electromyogram signal value from the extender muscle motor point was 0.1 ± 0.02 mV. There was a significant difference between the mothers with healthy and disabled children with respect to handgrip strength and electromyography. [Conclusion] The result obtained may be important in the development of health protection programs. Further research may lead to the development of protective rehabilitation programs and the improvement of social rights for mothers with disabled children. PMID:29545677

Comparison of lower limb muscle activation with ballet movements (releve and demi-plie) and general movements (heel rise and squat) in healthy adults.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Ju; Kim, Joong-Hwi

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to demonstrate therapeutic grounds for rehabilitation exercise approach by comparing and analyzing muscular activities of Ballet movements: the releve movement (RM) and the demi-plie movement (DM). [Methods] Four types of movements such as RM vs. heel rise (HM) and DM vs. squat movement (SM) were randomized and applied in 30 healthy male and female individuals while measuring 10-s lower limb muscular activities (gluteus maximus [GMa], gluteus medius [GMe], rectus femoris [RF], adductor longus [AL], medial gastrocnemius [MG], and lateral gastrocnemius [LG]) by using surface electromyography (EMG). [Results] Significant differences were found in GMa, GMe, AL and MG activities for DM and in all of the six muscles for RM, in particular when the two groups were compared (RM vs HM and DM vs SM). [Conclusion] The RM and DM have a greater effect on lower limb muscular force activities compared to HM and SM and could be recommended as clinical therapeutic exercises for lower limb muscle enhancement.

Comparison of lower limb muscle activation with ballet movements (releve and demi-plie) and general movements (heel rise and squat) in healthy adults

PubMed Central

Kim, Min-Ju; Kim, Joong-Hwi

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to demonstrate therapeutic grounds for rehabilitation exercise approach by comparing and analyzing muscular activities of Ballet movements: the releve movement (RM) and the demi-plie movement (DM). [Methods] Four types of movements such as RM vs. heel rise (HM) and DM vs. squat movement (SM) were randomized and applied in 30 healthy male and female individuals while measuring 10-s lower limb muscular activities (gluteus maximus [GMa], gluteus medius [GMe], rectus femoris [RF], adductor longus [AL], medial gastrocnemius [MG], and lateral gastrocnemius [LG]) by using surface electromyography (EMG). [Results] Significant differences were found in GMa, GMe, AL and MG activities for DM and in all of the six muscles for RM, in particular when the two groups were compared (RM vs HM and DM vs SM). [Conclusion] The RM and DM have a greater effect on lower limb muscular force activities compared to HM and SM and could be recommended as clinical therapeutic exercises for lower limb muscle enhancement. PMID:26957762

Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebral palsy after equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy).

PubMed

Benda, William; McGibbon, Nancy H; Grant, Kathryn L

2003-12-01

To evaluate the effect of hippotherapy (physical therapy utilizing the movement of a horse) on muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Pretest/post-test control group. Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT), Tucson, AZ. Fifteen (15) children ranging from 4 to 12 years of age diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. Children meeting inclusion criteria were randomized to either 8 minutes of hippotherapy or 8 minutes astride a stationary barrel. Remote surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity of the trunk and upper legs during sitting, standing, and walking tasks before and after each intervention. After hippotherapy, significant improvement in symmetry of muscle activity was noted in those muscle groups displaying the highest asymmetry prior to hippotherapy. No significant change was noted after sitting astride a barrel. Eight minutes of hippotherapy, but not stationary sitting astride a barrel, resulted in improved symmetry in muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy. These results suggest that the movement of the horse rather than passive stretching accounts for the measured improvements.

Surface electromyographic electrode pair with built-in buffer-amplifiers.

PubMed

Fujisawa, M; Uchida, K; Yamada, Y; Ishibashi, K

1990-03-01

By means of a surface electrode with an operational amplifier, a new electrode unit suitable for an electromyographic-biofeedback apparatus and for portable electromyography used outside a Faraday cage was developed. The operational amplifier, which has an output impedance lower than 10 ohms, functions as an efficient buffer amplifier and is able to protect the EMG signals from background noises. This new electrode unit is small (32 x 12 x 5 mm), waterproof, and inexpensive. Because its structure is simple, it can be built in any laboratory.

Turning Electromyography Reports Upside Down: A Pilot Study Surveying Referring Providers

PubMed Central

Shenoy, Anant M.; Baquis, Kate G.; Baquis, George D.

2016-01-01

Providers are expressing a desire for more efficient ways to retrieve relevant clinical data from the Electronic Health Record. In an effort to improve our Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study reports, we surveyed referring providers on the effects of having the IMPRESSION at the start of the report. Our survey respondents felt that using this format for an Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study report significantly improved the quality of the report while saving them time and/or mouse clicks when interpreting the report. Electro diagnosticians might consider using this format for their Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study reports to improve referring provider satisfaction. PMID:27708744

Electromyographic Analysis of the Lower Limb Muscles in Low- and High-Handicap Golfers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marta, Sérgio; Silva, Luís; Vaz, João R.; Castro, Maria António; Reinaldo, Gustavo; Pezarat-Correia, Pedro

2016-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic patterns of the lower limb muscles during a golf swing performed by low- and high-handicap golfers. Method: Ten golfers (5 low- and 5 high-handicap) performed 8 swings using a 7-iron. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded for the following lower limb muscles on both sides:…

Intraoperative laryngeal electromyography in children with vocal fold immobility: a simplified technique.

PubMed

Scott, Andrew R; Chong, Peter Siao Tick; Randolph, Gregory W; Hartnick, Christopher J

2008-01-01

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a simplified technique for intraoperative laryngeal electromyography was feasible using standard nerve integrity monitoring electrodes and audiovisual digital recording equipment. Our secondary objective was to determine if laryngeal electromyography data provided any additional information that significantly influenced patient management. Between February 2006 and February 2007, 10 children referred to our institution with vocal fold immobility underwent intraoperative laryngeal electromyography of the thyroarytenoid muscles. A retrospective chart review of these 10 patients was performed after institutional review board approval. Standard nerve integrity monitoring electrodes can be used to perform intraoperative laryngeal electromyography of the thyroarytenoid muscles in children. In 5 of 10 cases reviewed, data from laryngeal electromyography recordings meaningfully influenced the care of children with vocal fold immobility and affected clinical decision-making, sometimes altering management strategies. In the remaining 5 children, data supported clinical impressions but did not alter treatment plans. Two children with idiopathic bilateral vocal fold paralysis initially presented with a lack of electrical activity on one or both sides but went on to develop motor unit action potentials that preceded recovery of motion in both vocal folds. Our findings suggest that standard nerve monitoring equipment can be used to perform intraoperative laryngeal electromyography and that electromyographic data can assist clinicians in the management of complex patients. Additionally, there may be a role for the use of serial intraoperative measurements in predicting recovery from vocal fold paralysis in the pediatric age group.

Investigating Facial Electromyography as an Indicator of Cognitive Workload

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-22

Investigating Facial Electromyography as an Indicator of Cognitive Workload 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d...Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP) 9 – 11 May 2017 14. ABSTRACT Facial electromyography (fEMG) is an electromyographic measurement technique... cognitive workload. In the current study, two task-irrelevant facial muscles, corrugator supercilli and lateral frontalis, were monitored in real- time to

Assessment of Myoelectric Controller Performance and Kinematic Behavior of a Novel Soft Synergy-Inspired Robotic Hand for Prosthetic Applications

PubMed Central

Fani, Simone; Bianchi, Matteo; Jain, Sonal; Pimenta Neto, José Simões; Boege, Scott; Grioli, Giorgio; Bicchi, Antonio; Santello, Marco

2016-01-01

Myoelectric artificial limbs can significantly advance the state of the art in prosthetics, since they can be used to control mechatronic devices through muscular activity in a way that mimics how the subjects used to activate their muscles before limb loss. However, surveys indicate that dissatisfaction with the functionality of terminal devices underlies the widespread abandonment of prostheses. We believe that one key factor to improve acceptability of prosthetic devices is to attain human likeness of prosthesis movements, a goal which is being pursued by research on social and human–robot interactions. Therefore, to reduce early abandonment of terminal devices, we propose that controllers should be designed so as to ensure effective task accomplishment in a natural fashion. In this work, we have analyzed and compared the performance of three types of myoelectric controller algorithms based on surface electromyography to control an underactuated and multi-degrees of freedom prosthetic hand, the SoftHand Pro. The goal of the present study was to identify the myoelectric algorithm that best mimics the native hand movements. As a preliminary step, we first quantified the repeatability of the SoftHand Pro finger movements and identified the electromyographic recording sites for able-bodied individuals with the highest signal-to-noise ratio from two pairs of muscles, i.e., flexor digitorum superficialis/extensor digitorum communis, and flexor carpi radialis/extensor carpi ulnaris. Able-bodied volunteers were then asked to execute reach-to-grasp movements, while electromyography signals were recorded from flexor digitorum superficialis/extensor digitorum communis as this was identified as the muscle pair characterized by high signal-to-noise ratio and intuitive control. Subsequently, we tested three myoelectric controllers that mapped electromyography signals to position of the SoftHand Pro. We found that a differential electromyography-to-position mapping ensured the highest coherence with hand movements. Our results represent a first step toward a more effective and intuitive control of myoelectric hand prostheses. PMID:27799908

Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on masticatory function in individuals submitted to orthognathic surgery: a randomized trial

PubMed Central

Prado, Daniela Galvão de Almeida; Berretin-Felix, Giédre; Migliorucci, Renata Resina; Bueno, Mariana da Rocha Salles; Rosa, Raquel Rodrigues; Polizel, Marcela; Teixeira, Isadora Ferraz; Gavião, Maria Beatriz Duarte

2018-01-01

Abstract Objectives The esthetic and functional results of orthognathic surgery of severe dentofacial deformities are predictable, however there are differences regarding the effects on stomatognathic system. The aim was to investigate the effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) on the masticatory function in individuals with dentofacial deformity submitted to orthognathic surgery (OGS). Material and Methods Forty-eight individuals (18-40 years) were evaluated, 14 undergoing OMT (treated group-TG), 10 without this treatment (untreated group-UTG) and 24 in a control group with normal occlusion; for clinical aspects the data of an individual was missed (n=46). Chewing was performed using the Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES-E). Muscle tone and mobility were also analyzed before (P0), three (P1) and six months (P2) after OGS. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, considering the parameters amplitude and duration of act and cycle, and the number of masticatory cycles. The OMT consisted of ten therapeutic sessions along the postoperative period. The results were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results TG showed higher scores in P1 and P2 than P0; for the masticatory type the scores in P2 were significantly higher than P0. In addition, the proportion of individuals with adequate tone of lower lip and adequate tongue mobility for TG increased significantly from P1 and P2 in relation to P0. The EMG results showed a decrease in act and cycle duration in P2 in relation to P0 and P1 for the TG; furthermore the values were close to controls. An increase in the number of cycles from P0 to P2 was also observed, indicating faster chewing, which may be attributed to an improvement of balanced occlusion associated with OMT. Conclusion There were positive effects of OMT on the clinical and electromyography aspects of chewing in individual submitted to orthognathic surgery. PMID:29412368

Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on masticatory function in individuals submitted to orthognathic surgery: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Prado, Daniela Galvão de Almeida; Berretin-Felix, Giédre; Migliorucci, Renata Resina; Bueno, Mariana da Rocha Salles; Rosa, Raquel Rodrigues; Polizel, Marcela; Teixeira, Isadora Ferraz; Gavião, Maria Beatriz Duarte

2018-02-01

The esthetic and functional results of orthognathic surgery of severe dentofacial deformities are predictable, however there are differences regarding the effects on stomatognathic system. The aim was to investigate the effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) on the masticatory function in individuals with dentofacial deformity submitted to orthognathic surgery (OGS). Forty-eight individuals (18-40 years) were evaluated, 14 undergoing OMT (treated group-TG), 10 without this treatment (untreated group-UTG) and 24 in a control group with normal occlusion; for clinical aspects the data of an individual was missed (n=46). Chewing was performed using the Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES-E). Muscle tone and mobility were also analyzed before (P0), three (P1) and six months (P2) after OGS. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, considering the parameters amplitude and duration of act and cycle, and the number of masticatory cycles. The OMT consisted of ten therapeutic sessions along the postoperative period. The results were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. TG showed higher scores in P1 and P2 than P0; for the masticatory type the scores in P2 were significantly higher than P0. In addition, the proportion of individuals with adequate tone of lower lip and adequate tongue mobility for TG increased significantly from P1 and P2 in relation to P0. The EMG results showed a decrease in act and cycle duration in P2 in relation to P0 and P1 for the TG; furthermore the values were close to controls. An increase in the number of cycles from P0 to P2 was also observed, indicating faster chewing, which may be attributed to an improvement of balanced occlusion associated with OMT. There were positive effects of OMT on the clinical and electromyography aspects of chewing in individual submitted to orthognathic surgery.

Use of Chest Wall Electromyography to Detect Respiratory Effort during Polysomnography

PubMed Central

Berry, Richard B.; Ryals, Scott; Girdhar, Ankur; Wagner, Mary H.

2016-01-01

Study Objectives: To evaluate the ability of chest wall EMG (CW-EMG) using surface electrodes to classify apneas as obstructive, mixed, or central compared to classification using dual channel uncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP). Methods: CW-EMG was recorded from electrodes in the eighth intercostal space at the right mid-axillary line. Consecutive adult clinical sleep studies were retrospectively reviewed, and the first 60 studies with at least 10 obstructive and 10 mixed or central apneas and technically adequate tracings were selected. Four obstructive and six central or mixed apneas (as classified by previous clinical scoring) were randomly selected. A blinded experienced scorer classified the apneas on the basis of tracings showing either RIP channels or the CW-EMG channel. The agreement using the two classification methods was determined by kappa analysis and intraclass correlation. Results: The percentage agreement was 89.5%, the kappa statistic was 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.79 to 0.87), and the intraclass correlation was 0.83, showing good agreement. Of the 249 apneas classified as central by RIP, 26 were classified as obstructive (10.4%) and 7 as mixed (2.8%) by CW-EMG. Of the 229 events classified as central by CW-EMG, 7 (3.1%) were classified as obstructive and 6 (2.6%) as mixed by RIP. Conclusions: Monitoring CW-EMG may provide a clinically useful method of detection of respiratory effort when used with RIP and can prevent false classification of apneas as central. RIP can rarely detect respiratory effort not easily discernible by CW-EMG and the combination of the two methods is more likely to avoid apnea misclassification. Citation: Berry RB, Ryals S, Girdhar A, Wagner MH. Use of chest wall electromyography to detect respiratory effort during polysomnography. J Clin Sleep Med 2016;12(9):1239–1244. PMID:27306391

Robust Features Of Surface Electromyography Signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabri, M. I.; Miskon, M. F.; Yaacob, M. R.

2013-12-01

Nowadays, application of robotics in human life has been explored widely. Robotics exoskeleton system are one of drastically areas in recent robotic research that shows mimic impact in human life. These system have been developed significantly to be used for human power augmentation, robotics rehabilitation, human power assist, and haptic interaction in virtual reality. This paper focus on solving challenges in problem using neural signals and extracting human intent. Commonly, surface electromyography signal (sEMG) are used in order to control human intent for application exoskeleton robot. But the problem lies on difficulty of pattern recognition of the sEMG features due to high noises which are electrode and cable motion artifact, electrode noise, dermic noise, alternating current power line interface, and other noise came from electronic instrument. The main objective in this paper is to study the best features of electromyography in term of time domain (statistical analysis) and frequency domain (Fast Fourier Transform).The secondary objectives is to map the relationship between torque and best features of muscle unit activation potential (MaxPS and RMS) of biceps brachii. This project scope use primary data of 2 male sample subject which using same dominant hand (right handed), age between 20-27 years old, muscle diameter 32cm to 35cm and using single channel muscle (biceps brachii muscle). The experiment conduct 2 times repeated task of contraction and relaxation of biceps brachii when lifting different load from no load to 3kg with ascending 1kg The result shows that Fast Fourier Transform maximum power spectrum (MaxPS) has less error than mean value of reading compare to root mean square (RMS) value. Thus, Fast Fourier Transform maximum power spectrum (MaxPS) show the linear relationship against torque experience by elbow joint to lift different load. As the conclusion, the best features is MaxPS because it has the lowest error than other features and show the linear relationship with torque experience by elbow joint to lift different load.

Influence of pressure changes on recruitment pattern and neck muscle activities during Cranio-Cervical Flexion Tests (CCFTs).

PubMed

Park, Junhyung; Hur, Jingang; Ko, Taesung

2015-01-01

The muscle activity of the deep cervical flexors is emphasized more than that of the superficial cervical flexors, and it has been reported that functional disorders of the longuscolli are found in patients who experience neck pain. The objective of this study was to analyze the recruitment patterns and muscle activities of the cervical flexors during Cranio-Cervical Flexion Tests (CCFTs) through real-time ultrasonography and surface electromyography with a view to presenting appropriate pressure levels for deep cervical flexor exercise protocols based on the results of the analysis. The twenty subjects without neck pain were trained until they became accustomed to CCFTs, and the pressure level was increased gradually from 20 mmHg to 40 mmHg by increasing the pressure level 5 mmHg at a time. Real-time ultrasonography images of the longuscolli and the sternocleidomastoid were taken to measure the amounts of changes in the thicknesses of these muscles, and surface electromyography was implemented to observe the muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid. The measured value is RMS. According to the results of the ultrasonography, the muscle thicknesses of both the longuscolli and the sternocleidomastoid showed significant increases, as the pressure increased up to 40 mmHg (p< 0.05). The differences in the muscle thicknesses at all individual pressure levels showed significant increases (p< 0.05). According to the results of the electromyography, the muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid gradually increased as the pressure increased up to 40 mmHg, the increases were significant between 20 mmHg and 25 mmHg, between 30 mmHg and 35 mmHg (p< 0.05). The pressure levels of exercise methods at which the muscle activity of the deep cervical flexors is maximally increased and the muscle activity of the superficial cervical flexors is minimally increased are 25 mmHg-30 mmHg.

Electrotherapy: yesterday, today and tomorrow.

PubMed

Tiktinsky, R; Chen, L; Narayan, P

2010-07-01

The use of electrotherapy has been part of physical therapy treatment for the past few decades. There have been numerous modalities used such as TENS, interferential, diathermy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound, laser and surface electromyography to name a few. There has been an upsurge in the past decade of new and innovative modalities. There needs to be extensive research on each of these electrotherapy devices to determine the proper use of each device.

Electromyographic and cephalometric correlation with the predominant masticatory movement.

PubMed

Coelho-Ferraz, Maria Julia P; Berzin, Fausto; Amorim, Cesar Ferreira; Romano, Fabio Lourenco; de Paula Queluz, Dagmar

2010-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the chewing muscular dynamics and correlate the side of the masticatory movement that is more vertical and/or more horizontal established by the photomeasurement Masticatory Functional Angle (MFA) to the muscular activity behavior, showed in the surface electromyography and in the radiographic images. Seventeen people were selected of both genders, with the average age of 25 years, without signs or apparent symptoms of masticatory muscular disorders. The teleradiographies were done in lateral norm and surface electromyography of the masseter muscles, anterior portion of temporal and supra-hyoids in rest position and maximal bite. The bite force measured with a metallic transducer that was connected to a force sensor (Strain Gauge) to measure the deformation of the material model SF4 (EMG SYSTEM DO BRASIL). A mandibular goniometer of the EMG System of Brazil was used to measure the opening size. The comparison and correlation were established between the groups with MFA>5 degrees and MFA<5 degrees by the test "t" of Student or test of Mann-Whitney conform the distribution was normal or not, respectively. The results showed significant differences between groups, although without sexual dimorphism, to masseter muscle in maximal bite. In conclusion, the anatomic-physiological aspects of temporomandibular disorders are related to the asymmetrical mandible function.

Surface electromyography studies in standing position confirm that ankle strategy remains disturbed even following successful treatment of patients with a history of sciatica

PubMed Central

Huber, Juliusz; Lisiński, Przemysław; Ciesielska, Jagoda; Kulczyk, Aleksandra; Lipiec, Joanna; Bandosz, Agata

2016-01-01

[Purpose] It is hypothesized that ankle strategy can be changed in patients with a history of sciatica. The aim of this study was to detect residual disturbances following successful treatment. [Subjects and Methods] In patients with a history of sciatica (N=11) and pseudo-sciatica (N=9), differences in muscle activity were recorded with bilateral surface polyelectromyography and stability measurements (center of foot pressure sway and center of spectrum) in normal standing and tandem positions. Results were compared with recordings in healthy people (N=9) to identify abnormalities in electromyographic and postural studies. [Results] Increased amplitude of electromyographic recordings from the gastrocnemius and extensor digiti muscles on the affected side was detected more in patients with a history of sciatica than pseudo-sciatica syndromes in tandem position. Fewer amplitude fluctuations were observed in both positions preferably in patients following sciatica. Changes in center of foot pressure sway and center of spectrum during balance platform studies were detected in normal standing position in this group of patients. No similar abnormalities in electromyographic and postural studies were detected in healthy people. [Conclusion] Sciatica and pseudo-sciatica evoke persistent disturbances in activity of muscles responsible for ankle strategy. Electromyography differentiates the two groups of patients better than postural studies. PMID:27065544

The Relationship Between Submental Surface Electromyography and Hyo-Laryngeal Kinematic Measures of Mendelsohn Maneuver Duration

PubMed Central

Azola, Alba M.; Greene, Lindsey R.; Taylor-Kamara, Isha; Macrae, Phoebe; Anderson, Cheryl

2015-01-01

Purpose The Mendelsohn Maneuver (MM) is a commonly prescribed technique that is taught to individuals with dysphagia to improve swallowing ability. Due to cost and safety concerns associated with videofluoroscopy (VFS) use, submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) is commonly used in place of VFS to train the MM in clinical and research settings. However, it is unknown whether ssEMG accurately reflects the prolonged hyo-laryngeal movements required for execution of the MM. The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship among ssEMG duration, duration of laryngeal vestibule closure, and duration of maximum hyoid elevation during MM performance. Method Participants included healthy adults and patients with dysphagia due to stroke. All performed the MM during synchronous ssEMG and VFS recording. Results Significant correlations between ssEMG duration and VFS measures of hyo-laryngeal kinematic durations during MM performance ranged from very weak to moderate. None of the correlations in the group of stroke patients reached statistical significance. Conclusion Clinicians and researchers should consider that the MM involves novel hyo-laryngeal kinematics that may be only moderately represented with ssEMG. Thus, there is a risk that these target therapeutic movements are not consistently being trained. PMID:26426312

High Quality Acquisition of Surface Electromyography - Conditioning Circuit Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shobaki, Mohammed M.; Malik, Noreha Abdul; Khan, Sheroz; Nurashikin, Anis; Haider, Samnan; Larbani, Sofiane; Arshad, Atika; Tasnim, Rumana

2013-12-01

The acquisition of Surface Electromyography (SEMG) signals is used for many applications including the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases, and prosthesis control. The diagnostic quality of the SEMG signal is highly dependent on the conditioning circuit of the SEMG acquisition system. This paper presents the design of an SEMG conditioning circuit that can guarantee to collect high quality signal with high SNR such that it is immune to environmental noise. The conditioning circuit consists of four stages; consisting of an instrumentation amplifier that is used with a gain of around 250; 4th order band pass filter in the 20-500Hz frequency range as the two initial stages. The third stage is an amplifier with adjustable gain using a variable resistance; the gain could be changed from 1000 to 50000. In the final stage the signal is translated to meet the input requirements of data acquisition device or the ADC. Acquisition of accurate signals allows it to be analyzed for extracting the required characteristic features for medical and clinical applications. According to the experimental results, the value of SNR for collected signal is 52.4 dB which is higher than the commercial system, the power spectrum density (PSD) graph is also presented and it shows that the filter has eliminated the noise below 20 Hz.

Neuromuscular response amplitude to mechanical stimulation using large-array surface electromyography in participants with and without chronic low back pain.

PubMed

Pagé, Isabelle; Nougarou, François; Descarreaux, Martin

2016-04-01

The present study aimed to compare the neuromuscular response under various mechanical stimulations of the lumbar spine in participants with and without chronic low back pain (cLBP). Four mechanical stimulations, characterized by forces ranging from 75 to 225N, were delivered using a servo-controlled linear actuator motor to the L3 spinous process of 25 healthy participants and 26 participants with cLBP. Lumbar neuromuscular responses were recorded using 64-electrodes large surface electromyography arrays. Between-group differences in the dose-response relationship (neuromuscular response amplitude according to each force level) were assessed using mixed model ANOVAs. No differences between groups were shown (all p values>.05). A significant linear relationship was observed between forces and neuromuscular response amplitudes (p<.001) indicating an increase in response amplitudes with increasing stimulation force. Responses were observed throughout the lumbar region with highest response amplitudes in the vicinity of the contacted vertebra. The neuromuscular response amplitude triggered by localized lumbar mechanical stimulations does not differ between participants with and without cLBP. Moreover, even though stimulations were delivered at specific spinal segment, a neuromuscular response, although rapidly decreasing, was observed in areas distant from the contact site. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Electromyographic-driven Musculoskeletal Torque Model using Neuro-Fuzzy System Identification: A Case Study

PubMed Central

Jafari, Zohreh; Edrisi, Mehdi; Marateb, Hamid Reza

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to estimate the torque from high-density surface electromyography signals of biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and the medial and lateral heads of triceps brachii muscles during moderate-to-high isometric elbow flexion-extension. The elbow torque was estimated in two following steps: First, surface electromyography (EMG) amplitudes were estimated using principal component analysis, and then a fuzzy model was proposed to illustrate the relationship between the EMG amplitudes and the measured torque signal. A neuro-fuzzy method, with which the optimum number of rules could be estimated, was used to identify the model with suitable complexity. Utilizing the proposed neuro-fuzzy model, the clinical interpretability was introduced; contrary to the previous linear and nonlinear black-box system identification models. It also reduced the estimation error compared with that of the most recent and accurate nonlinear dynamic model introduced in the literature. The optimum number of the rules for all trials was 4 ± 1, that might be related to motor control strategies and the % variance accounted for criterion was 96.40 ± 3.38 which in fact showed considerable improvement compared with the previous methods. The proposed method is thus a promising new tool for EMG-Torque modeling in clinical applications. PMID:25426427

Embroidered Electromyography: A Systematic Design Guide.

PubMed

Shafti, Ali; Ribas Manero, Roger B; Borg, Amanda M; Althoefer, Kaspar; Howard, Matthew J

2017-09-01

Muscle activity monitoring or electromyography (EMG) is a useful tool. However, EMG is typically invasive, expensive and difficult to use for untrained users. A possible solution is textile-based surface EMG (sEMG) integrated into clothing as a wearable device. This is, however, challenging due to 1) uncertainties in the electrical properties of conductive threads used for electrodes, 2) imprecise fabrication technologies (e.g., embroidery, sewing), and 3) lack of standardization in design variable selection. This paper, for the first time, provides a design guide for such sensors by performing a thorough examination of the effect of design variables on sEMG signal quality. Results show that imprecisions in digital embroidery lead to a trade-off between low electrode impedance and high manufacturing consistency. An optimum set of variables for this trade-off is identified and tested with sEMG during a variable force isometric grip exercise with n = 12 participants, compared with conventional gel-based electrodes. Results show that thread-based electrodes provide a similar level of sensitivity to force variation as gel-based electrodes with about 90% correlation to expected linear behavior. As proof of concept, jogging leggings with integrated embroidered sEMG are made and successfully tested for detection of muscle fatigue while running on different surfaces.

Changes in shoulder muscle activity pattern on surface electromyography after breast cancer surgery.

PubMed

Yang, Eun Joo; Kwon, YoungOk

2018-02-01

Alterations in muscle activation and restricted shoulder mobility, which are common in breast cancer patients, have been found to affect upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to determine muscle activity patterns, and to compare the prevalence of abnormal patterns among the type of breast surgery. In total, 274 breast cancer patients were recruited after surgery. Type of breast surgery was divided into mastectomy without reconstruction (Mastectomy), reconstruction with tissue expander/implant (TEI), latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, or transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Activities of shoulder muscles were measured using surface electromyography. Experimental analysis was conducted using a Gaussian filter smoothing method with regression. Patients demonstrated different patterns of muscle activation, such as normal, lower muscle electrical activity, and tightness. After adjusting for BMI and breast surgery, the odds of lower muscle electrical activity and tightness in the TRAM are 40.2% and 38.4% less than in the Mastectomy only group. The prevalence of abnormal patterns was significantly greater in the ALND than SLNB in all except TRAM. Alterations in muscle activity patterns differed by breast surgery and reconstruction type. For breast cancer patients with ALND, TRAM may be the best choice for maintaining upper limb function. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intramuscular pressure and electromyography as indexes of force during isokinetic exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aratow, M.; Ballard, R. E.; Grenshaw, A. G.; Styf, J.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Kahan, N. J.; Hargens, A. R.

1993-01-01

A direct method for measuring force production of specific muscles during dynamic exercise is presently unavailable. Previous studies indicate that both intramuscular pressure (IMP) and electromyography (EMG) correlate linearly with muscle contraction force during isometric exercise. The objective of this study was to compare IMP and EMG as linear assessors of muscle contraction force during dynamic exercise. IMP and surface EMG activity were recorded during concentric and eccentric isokinetic plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint from the tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles of nine male volunteers. Ankle torque was measured using a dynamometer, and IMP was measured via catheterization. IMP exhibited better linear correlation than EMG with ankle joint torque during concentric contractions of the SOL and the TA, as well as during eccentric contractions. IMP provides a better index of muscle contraction force than EMG during concentric and eccentric exercise through the entire range of torque. IMP reflects intrinsic mechanical properties of individual muscles, such as length-tension relationships, which EMG is unable to assess.

The role of muscle synergies in myoelectric control: trends and challenges for simultaneous multifunction control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ison, Mark; Artemiadis, Panagiotis

2014-10-01

Myoelectric control is filled with potential to significantly change human-robot interaction due to the ability to non-invasively measure human motion intent. However, current control schemes have struggled to achieve the robust performance that is necessary for use in commercial applications. As demands in myoelectric control trend toward simultaneous multifunctional control, multi-muscle coordinations, or synergies, play larger roles in the success of the control scheme. Detecting and refining patterns in muscle activations robust to the high variance and transient changes associated with surface electromyography is essential for efficient, user-friendly control. This article reviews the role of muscle synergies in myoelectric control schemes by dissecting each component of the scheme with respect to associated challenges for achieving robust simultaneous control of myoelectric interfaces. Electromyography recording details, signal feature extraction, pattern recognition and motor learning based control schemes are considered, and future directions are proposed as steps toward fulfilling the potential of myoelectric control in clinically and commercially viable applications.

Simultaneous Recording and Analysis of Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Electromyographic Activity in Nulliparous Women During Labor.

PubMed

Qian, Xueya; Li, Pin; Shi, Shao-Qing; Garfield, Robert E; Liu, Huishu

2017-03-01

To record and characterize electromyography (EMG) from the uterus and abdominal muscles during the nonlabor to first and second stages of labor and to define relationships to contractions. Nulliparous patients without any treatments were used (n = 12 nonlabor stage, 48 during first stage and 33 during second stage). Electromyography of both uterine and abdominal muscles was simultaneously recorded from electrodes placed on patients' abdominal surface using filters to separate uterine and abdominal EMG. Contractions of muscles were also recorded using tocodynamometry. Electromyography was characterized by analysis of various parameters. During the first stage of labor, when abdominal EMG is absent, uterine EMG bursts temporally correspond to contractions. In the second stage, uterine EMG bursts usually occur at same frequency as groups of abdominal bursts and precede abdominal bursts, whereas abdominal EMG bursts correspond to contractions and are accompanied by feelings of "urge to push." Uterine EMG increases progressively from nonlabor to second stage of labor. (1) Uterine EMG activity can be separated from abdominal EMG events by filtering. (2) Uterine EMG gradually evolves from the antepartum stage to the first and second stages of labor. (3) Uterine and abdominal EMG reflect electrical activity of the muscles during labor and are valuable to assess uterine and abdominal muscle events that control labor. (4) During the first stage of labor uterine, EMG is responsible for contractions, and during the second stage, both uterine and abdominal muscle participate in labor.

A Novel Hybrid Model for Drawing Trace Reconstruction from Multichannel Surface Electromyographic Activity.

PubMed

Chen, Yumiao; Yang, Zhongliang

2017-01-01

Recently, several researchers have considered the problem of reconstruction of handwriting and other meaningful arm and hand movements from surface electromyography (sEMG). Although much progress has been made, several practical limitations may still affect the clinical applicability of sEMG-based techniques. In this paper, a novel three-step hybrid model of coordinate state transition, sEMG feature extraction and gene expression programming (GEP) prediction is proposed for reconstructing drawing traces of 12 basic one-stroke shapes from multichannel surface electromyography. Using a specially designed coordinate data acquisition system, we recorded the coordinate data of drawing traces collected in accordance with the time series while 7-channel EMG signals were recorded. As a widely-used time domain feature, Root Mean Square (RMS) was extracted with the analysis window. The preliminary reconstruction models can be established by GEP. Then, the original drawing traces can be approximated by a constructed prediction model. Applying the three-step hybrid model, we were able to convert seven channels of EMG activity recorded from the arm muscles into smooth reconstructions of drawing traces. The hybrid model can yield a mean accuracy of 74% in within-group design (one set of prediction models for all shapes) and 86% in between-group design (one separate set of prediction models for each shape), averaged for the reconstructed x and y coordinates. It can be concluded that it is feasible for the proposed three-step hybrid model to improve the reconstruction ability of drawing traces from sEMG.

Patellar tendon load in different types of eccentric squats.

PubMed

Frohm, A; Halvorsen, K; Thorstensson, A

2007-07-01

Differences in mechanical loading of the patellar tendon have been suggested as a reason for varying effects in rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy using different eccentric squat exercises and devices. The aim was to characterize the magnitude and pattern of mechanical load at the knee and on the patellar tendon during four types of eccentric squat. Subjects performed squats with a submaximal free weight and with maximal effort in a device for eccentric overloading (Bromsman), on a decline board and horizontal surface. Kinematics was recorded with a motion-capture system, reaction forces with force plates, and electromyography from three leg muscles with surface electrodes. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate knee joint kinetics. Eccentric work, mean and peak patellar tendon force, and angle at peak force were greater (25-30%) for squats on decline board compared to horizontal surface with free weight, but not in Bromsman. Higher knee load forces (60-80%), but not work, were observed with Bromsman than free weight. Angular excursions at the knee and ankle were larger with decline board, particularly with free weight, and smaller in Bromsman than with free weight. Mean electromyography was greater on a decline board for gastrocnemius (13%) and vastus medialis (6%) with free weight, but in Bromsman only for gastrocnemius (7%). The results demonstrated clear differences in the biomechanical loading on the knee during different squat exercises. Quantification of such differences provides information that could be used to explain differences in rehabilitation effects as well as in designing more optimal rehabilitation exercises for patellar tendinopathy.

Brief report: Preliminary study on evaluation of spasticity in patients with brain lesions using mechanomyography.

PubMed

Jun, Sang Woo; Yong, Suk Joong; Jo, Min; Kim, Young Ho; Kim, Sung Hoon

2018-05-01

Electromyography and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) are among the most effective methods for evaluating spasticity; however, these are often inappropriate for clinical use, owing to the complicated procedure and subjective evaluation outcomes. A passive stretch reflex test was performed on 10 subjects with brain lesions. Furthermore, mechanomyography and electromyography were conducted on the vastus lateralis muscle (agonist) and semitendinosus muscle (antagonist) of the subjects with brain lesions. A new equation to define the normalized hull area; that is, the mechanomyography (MMG) ratio, was applied to quantify the triaxial motion of the agonist muscle versus antagonist muscles, reflecting the electromyographic firing point of the spastic muscle. The MMG ratio was proposed, which statistically distinguishes the spastic and normal muscles (p = 0.01) and exhibits a concordance with the conventional mean MAS (r = 0.69, p = 0.01). Patients suspected to have spasticity of 0 to 1+ grade can be quantitatively evaluated using the normalized hull area ratio, which can be used as an additional clinical indicator for spasticity evaluation. The study was conducted in conformity with the Helsinki declaration principles and performed in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health and Welfare (Republic of Korea); 2010; KCT0002385; A new approach of spasticity measurement using mechanomyography in patients with brain lesions: A randomized pilot study for a parallel randomized controlled trial; October 8, 2015 [Cited on July 21, 2017]; [1 screen]. Available from: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=7805<ype=&rtype=. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Training of reaching in stroke survivors with severe and chronic upper limb paresis using a novel nonrobotic device: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Barker, Ruth N; Brauer, Sandra G; Carson, Richard G

2008-06-01

Severe upper limb paresis is a major contributor to disability after stroke. This study investigated the efficacy of a new nonrobotic training device, the Sensorimotor Active Rehabilitation Training (SMART) Arm, that was used with or without electromyography-triggered electrical stimulation of triceps brachii to augment elbow extension, permitting stroke survivors with severe paresis to practice a constrained reaching task. A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 42 stroke survivors with severe and chronic paresis. Thirty-three participants completed the study, of whom 10 received training using the SMART Arm with electromyography-triggered electrical stimulation, 13 received training using the SMART Arm alone, and 10 received no intervention (control). Training consisted of 12 1-hour sessions over 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was "upper arm function," item 6 of the Motor Assessment Scale. Secondary outcome measures included impairment measures; triceps muscle strength, reaching force, modified Ashworth scale; and activity measures: reaching distance and Motor Assessment Scale. Assessments were administered before (0 weeks) and after training (4 weeks) and at 2 months follow-up (12 weeks). Both SMART Arm groups demonstrated significant improvements in all impairment and activity measures after training and at follow-up. There was no significant difference between these 2 groups. There was no change in the control group. Our findings indicate that training of reaching using the SMART Arm can reduce impairment and improve activity in stroke survivors with severe and chronic upper limb paresis, highlighting the benefits of intensive task-oriented practice, even in the context of severe paresis.

Wrist Rehabilitation Assisted by an Electromyography-Driven Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Robot After Stroke.

PubMed

Hu, Xiao-Ling; Tong, Raymond Kai-yu; Ho, Newmen S K; Xue, Jing-jing; Rong, Wei; Li, Leonard S W

2015-09-01

Augmented physical training with assistance from robot and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may introduce intensive motor improvement in chronic stroke. To compare the rehabilitation effectiveness achieved by NMES robot-assisted wrist training and that by robot-assisted training. This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Twenty-six hemiplegic subjects with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 20-session wrist training with an electromyography (EMG)-driven NMES robot (NMES robot group, n = 11) and with an EMG-driven robot (robot group, n = 15), completed within 7 consecutive weeks. Clinical scores, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Score (MAS), and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were used to evaluate the training effects before and after the training, as well as 3 months later. An EMG parameter, muscle co-contraction index, was also applied to investigate the session-by-session variation in muscular coordination patterns during the training. The improvement in FMA (shoulder/elbow, wrist/hand) obtained in the NMES robot group was more significant than the robot group (P < .05). Significant improvement in ARAT was achieved in the NMES robot group (P < .05) but absent in the robot group. NMES robot-assisted training showed better performance in releasing muscle co-contraction than the robot-assisted across the training sessions (P < .05). The NMES robot-assisted wrist training was more effective than the pure robot. The additional NMES application in the treatment could bring more improvements in the distal motor functions and faster rehabilitation progress. © The Author(s) 2014.

Dual-afferent sensory input training for voluntary movement after stroke: A pilot randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Bae, Seahyun; Kim, Kyung-Yoon

2017-01-01

Stimulation through afferent sensory input is necessary to improve voluntary functional movement in stroke patients. Dual-afferent sensory input, which combines electromyography-triggered functional electric stimulation (ETFES) and action observation, was investigated to determine its effects on voluntary movements in stroke patients. This study was conducted on 18 patients with left hemiplegia diagnosed between 6 and 24 months prior. The 9 subjects in the dual-afferent sensory input (DASI) group underwent ETFES with action observation training for 4 weeks (20 min/d, 5 d/wk), while the 9 control group subjects underwent functional electric stimulation (FES) for the same duration. The outcome measures were the movement-related cortical potential (MRCP), H-reflex, electromyography (EMG), and balance. The control and DASI groups showed significant increases in MRCP, muscle activity, and balance, while H-reflex was significantly decreased. MRCP and balance showed significant differences between DASI and control groups. DASI stimulates voluntary movement in patients, causes rapid activation of the cerebral cortex, and reduces excessive excitation of spinal motor neurons. Therefore, DASI, which stimulates voluntary movement, has a greater effect on brain activation in stroke patients.

Cortical effect and functional recovery by the electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation in chronic stroke patients.

PubMed

Shin, Hwa Kyung; Cho, Sang Hyun; Jeon, Hye-seon; Lee, Young-Hee; Song, Jun Chan; Jang, Sung Ho; Lee, Chu-Hee; Kwon, Yong Hyun

2008-09-19

We investigated the effect of electromyography (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; EMG-stim) on functional recovery of the hemiparetic hand and the related cortical activation pattern in chronic stroke patients. We enrolled 14 stroke patients, who were randomly assigned to the EMG-stim (n=7) or the control groups (n=7). The EMG-stim was applied to the wrist extensor of the EMG-stim group for two sessions (30 min/session) a day, five times per week for 10 weeks. Four functional tests (box and block, strength, the accuracy index, and the on/offset time of muscle contraction) and functional MRI (fMRI) were performed before and after treatment. fMRI was measured at 1.5 T in parallel with timed finger flexion-extension movements at a fixed rate. Following treatment, the EMG-stim group showed a significant improvement in all functional tests. The main cortical activation change with such functional improvement was shifted from the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex (SMC) to the contralateral SMC. We demonstrated that 10-week EMG-stim can induce functional recovery and change of cortical activation pattern in the hemiparetic hand of chronic stroke patients.

Chronic pain and difficulty in relaxing postural muscles in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic whiplash associated disorders.

PubMed

Elert, J; Kendall, S A; Larsson, B; Månsson, B; Gerdle, B

2001-06-01

To investigate if muscle tension according to the surface electromyogram (EMG) of the shoulder flexors is increased in consecutive patients with fibromyalgia (FM) or chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD). A total of 59 consecutive patients with FM (n = 36) or chronic WAD (n = 23) performed 100 maximal isokinetic contractions combined with surface electromyography of the trapezius and infraspinatus. A randomized group of pain-free female (n = 27) subjects served as control group. Peak torque initially (Pti) and absolute and relative peak torque at endurance level (PTe, PTer) were registered as output variables, together with the EMG level of unnecessary muscle tension, i.e., the signal amplitude ratio (SAR). The patient groups had a higher level of unnecessary tension initially and at the endurance level. The patients had lower absolute output (PTi and PTe), but the relative levels (PTer) did not differ comparing all 3 groups. Subjects with FM had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than the other groups. BMI did not influence the SAR but correlated positively with PTi. The results confirmed earlier findings that groups of patients with chronic pain have increased muscle tension and decreased output during dynamic activity compared to pain-free controls. However, the results indicated there is heterogeneity within groups of patients with the same chronic pain disorder and that not all patients with chronic pain have increased muscle tension.

The relationship between preoperative needle electromyography findings and muscle power restoration after surgery in severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

PubMed

Hara, Yuki; Nishiura, Yasumasa; Ochiai, Naoyuki; Murai, Shinji; Yamazaki, Masashi

2017-05-01

Needle electromyography provides essential information about the functional aspects of the muscle. But little attention has been given in the literature to needle electromyography examinations in carpal tunnel syndrome. We examined the relationship between preoperative needle electromyography findings and functional recovery of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle in severe carpal tunnel syndrome patients. The subjects of this study were 49 patients, 58 hands, who fit the following 5 criteria: (1) idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome; (2) pre-op MMT grade of the APB muscle was M0 or M1; (3) APB-CMAP (compound muscle action potential) was not evoked in a median nerve conduction study; (4) needle electromyography of the APB muscle had been done; (5) underwent carpal tunnel release only. The patients were divided into two groups according to the results of pre-op needle electromyography: voluntary motor unit potential of the APB muscle was evoked [MUP(+) group]or not [MUP(-) group]. We evaluated APB muscle strength at one year after surgery, and patient satisfaction and functional evaluations (CTSI-FS) at more than one year after. The APB muscle recovery rate to M3 or higher was 100% in the MUP(+) group, and 57% in the MUP(-) group. Patient satisfaction was also high and functional recovery was sufficient in the MUP(+) group. No patients requested a second opponensplasty. Our findings suggest that post-op restoration of thumb function relates to whether or not the MUP ofthe APB muscle is evoked. Single-stage opponensplasty may be unnecessary if the MUP of the APB muscle is; evoked. Needle electromyography is therefore useful in consideration for opponensplasty. Level Ⅲ, case-control study. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

2016-05-01

Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming.

Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

PubMed Central

Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

2016-01-01

Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming. PMID:27169387

Urinary Retention

MedlinePlus

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Materials and optimized designs for human-machine interfaces via epidermal electronics.

PubMed

Jeong, Jae-Woong; Yeo, Woon-Hong; Akhtar, Aadeel; Norton, James J S; Kwack, Young-Jin; Li, Shuo; Jung, Sung-Young; Su, Yewang; Lee, Woosik; Xia, Jing; Cheng, Huanyu; Huang, Yonggang; Choi, Woon-Seop; Bretl, Timothy; Rogers, John A

2013-12-17

Thin, soft, and elastic electronics with physical properties well matched to the epidermis can be conformally and robustly integrated with the skin. Materials and optimized designs for such devices are presented for surface electromyography (sEMG). The findings enable sEMG from wide ranging areas of the body. The measurements have quality sufficient for advanced forms of human-machine interface. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Neurodynamic mobilization and foam rolling improved delayed-onset muscle soreness in a healthy adult population: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Romero-Moraleda, Blanca; La Touche, Roy; Lerma-Lara, Sergio; Ferrer-Peña, Raúl; Paredes, Víctor; Peinado, Ana Belén; Muñoz-García, Daniel

2017-01-01

Compare the immediate effects of a Neurodynamic Mobilization (NM) treatment or foam roller (FR) treatment after DOMS. Double blind randomised clinical trial. The participants performed 100 drop jumps (5 sets of 20 repetitions, separated by 2 min rests) from a 0.5-m high box in a University biomechanics laboratory to induce muscle soreness. The participants were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced fashion to either a FR or NM treatment group. Thirty-two healthy subjects (21 males and 11 females, mean age 22.6 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned into the NM group ( n  = 16) or the FR group ( n  = 16). The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS; 0-10), isometric leg strength with dynamometry, surface electromyography at maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and muscle peak activation (MPA) upon landing after a test jump were measured at baseline, 48 h after baseline before treatment, and immediately after treatment. Both groups showed significant reduction in NPRS scores after treatment (NM: 59%, p  < .01; FR: 45%, p  < .01), but no difference was found between them ( p  > .05). The percentage change improvement in the MVIC for the rectus femoris was the only significant difference between the groups ( p  < 0.05) at post-treatment. After treatment, only the FR group had a statistically significant improvement ( p  < 0.01) in strength compared to pre-treatment. Our results illustrate that both treatments are effective in reducing pain perception after DOMS whereas only FR application showed differences for the MVIC in the rectus femoris and strength.

Psychophysiological effects of massage-myofascial release after exercise: a randomized sham-control study.

PubMed

Arroyo-Morales, Manuel; Olea, Nicolas; Martínez, Marin Manuel; Hidalgo-Lozano, Amparo; Ruiz-Rodríguez, Concepción; Díaz-Rodríguez, Lourdes

2008-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of massage on neuromuscular recruitment, mood state, and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) after high-intensity exercise. This was a prospective randomized clinical trial using between-groups design. The study was conducted at a university-based sports medicine clinic. Sixty-two (62) healthy active students age 18-26 participated. Participants, randomized into two groups, performed three 30-second Wingate tests and immediately received whole-body massage-myofascial induction or placebo (sham ultrasound/magnetotherapy) treatment. The duration (40 minutes), position, and therapist were the same for both treatments. Dependent variables were surface electromyography (sEMG) of quadriceps, profile of mood states (POMS) and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) of trapezius and masseter muscles. These data were assessed at baseline and after exercise and recovery periods. Generalized estimating equations models were performed on dependent variables to assess differences between groups. Significant differences were found in effects of treatment on sEMG of Vastus Medialis (VM) (p = 0.02) and vigor subscale (p = 0.04). After the recovery period, there was a significant decrease in electromyographic (EMG) activity of VM (p = 0.02) in the myofascial-release group versus a nonsignificant increase in the placebo group (p = 0.32), and a decrease in vigor (p < 0.01) in the massage group versus no change in the placebo group (p = 0.86). Massage reduces EMG amplitude and vigor when applied as a passive recovery technique after a high-intensity exercise protocol. Massage may induce a transient loss of muscle strength or a change in the muscle fiber tension-length relationship, influenced by alterations of muscle function and a psychological state of relaxation.

Attentional Focus and Grip Width Influences on Bench Press Resistance Training.

PubMed

Calatayud, Joaquin; Vinstrup, Jonas; Jakobsen, Markus D; Sundstrup, Emil; Colado, JuanCarlos; Andersen, Lars L

2018-04-01

This study evaluated the influence of different attentional foci for varied grip widths in the bench press. Eighteen resistance-trained men were familiarized with the procedure and performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test during Session 1. In Session 2, they used three different standardized grip widths (100%, 150%, and 200% of biacromial width distance) in random order at 50% of 1RM while also engaged in three different attention focus conditions (external focus on the bench press, internal focus on pectoralis major muscles, and internal focus on triceps brachii muscles). Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the triceps brachii and pectoralis major, and peak EMG of the filtered signals were normalized to maximum EMG of each muscle. Both grip width and focus influenced the muscle activity level, but there were no significant interactions between these variables. Exploratory analyses suggested that an internal focus may slightly (4%-6%) increase pectoralis major activity at wider grip widths and triceps brachii activity at narrower grip widths, but this should be confirmed or rejected in a study with a larger sample size or through a meta-analysis of research to date.

Effects of trunk-hip strengthening on standing in children with spastic diplegia: a comparative pilot study.

PubMed

Kim, Joong-Hwi; Seo, Hye-Jung

2015-05-01

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of trunk-hip strengthening exercise on trunk-hip activation and pelvic tilt motion during standing in children with spastic diplegia and compared the improvement of pelvic tilt between the modified trunk-hip strengthening exercise and conventional exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Ten ambulant children with spastic diplegia were randomized to the modified trunk-hip strengthening exercise (n = 5) or conventional exercise (n = 5) group. The intervention consisted of a 6-week modified trunk-hip strengthening exercise 3 times per week. The children were tested for trunk-hip muscles activation and pelvic tilt motion during standing by surface electromyography and an inclinometer before and after the intervention. [Results] The anterior pelvic tilt angle and activation of the extensor spinae, rectus femoris, and semitendinosus during standing decreased significantly in the modified exercise group. The activation of extensor spinae differed significantly between groups. [Conclusion] Compared to the conventional exercise, the modified exercise was more effective for trunk-hip activation improvement and anterior pelvic tilt motion decrease during standing in children with spastic diplegia. We suggest clinicians use an individually tailored modified trunk-hip strengthening exercise for strengthening the weakest muscle groups in children with standing ability problems.

Short-duration therapeutic massage reduces postural upper trapezius muscle activity.

PubMed

Domingo, Antoinette R; Diek, Melissa; Goble, Kathleen M; Maluf, Katrina S; Goble, Daniel J; Baweja, Harsimran S

2017-01-18

Massage therapy has historically been used as a therapeutic treatment to help reduce pain and promote relaxation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of therapeutic massage on the upper trapezius muscles, which are commonly associated with increased muscle tension. This was a randomized crossover study. Seventeen healthy individuals (nine women; 24.5±4.0 years) participated in the study. All individuals participated in two sessions that were held 24 h apart. In one of the sessions, the participants received a moderate pressure massage applied to the shoulders and neck. In the other session, participants sat quietly. The order of the sessions was counterbalanced across participants. Muscle activity, as measured by surface electromyography, of the upper trapezius muscles was recorded. The amount of muscle activity change following massage was compared with the change in muscle activity following quiet sitting. Muscle activity of the upper trapezius reduced significantly (19.3%; P=0.004) following massage compared with muscle activity following quiet sitting (1.0%). Our findings suggest that short-duration moderate pressure massage leads to a reduction in upper trapezius muscle activity. This result has potential implications for clinical populations such as those with chronic neck pain.

A Method for the Control of Multigrasp Myoelectric Prosthetic Hands

PubMed Central

Dalley, Skyler Ashton; Varol, Huseyin Atakan; Goldfarb, Michael

2012-01-01

This paper presents the design and preliminary experimental validation of a multigrasp myoelectric controller. The described method enables direct and proportional control of multigrasp prosthetic hand motion among nine characteristic postures using two surface electromyography electrodes. To assess the efficacy of the control method, five nonamputee subjects utilized the multigrasp myoelectric controller to command the motion of a virtual prosthesis between random sequences of target hand postures in a series of experimental trials. For comparison, the same subjects also utilized a data glove, worn on their native hand, to command the motion of the virtual prosthesis for similar sequences of target postures during each trial. The time required to transition from posture to posture and the percentage of correctly completed transitions were evaluated to characterize the ability to control the virtual prosthesis using each method. The average overall transition times across all subjects were found to be 1.49 and 0.81 s for the multigrasp myoelectric controller and the native hand, respectively. The average transition completion rates for both were found to be the same (99.2%). Supplemental videos demonstrate the virtual prosthesis experiments, as well as a preliminary hardware implementation. PMID:22180515

Muscle Activation Differs between Three Different Knee Joint-Angle Positions during a Maximal Isometric Back Squat Exercise

PubMed Central

Jarbas da Silva, Josinaldo; Jon Schoenfeld, Brad; Nardi, Priscyla Silva Monteiro; Pecoraro, Silvio Luis; D'Andréa Greve, Julia Maria; Hartigan, Erin

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation of the lower limb muscles when performing a maximal isometric back squat exercise over three different positions. Fifteen young, healthy, resistance-trained men performed an isometric back squat at three knee joint angles (20°, 90°, and 140°) in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation of the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), and gluteus maximus (GM). In general, muscle activity was the highest at 90° for the three quadriceps muscles, yet differences in muscle activation between knee angles were muscle specific. Activity of the GM was significantly greater at 20° and 90° compared to 140°. The BF and ST displayed similar activation at all joint angles. In conclusion, knee position alters muscles activation of the quadriceps and gluteus maximus muscles. An isometric back squat at 90° generates the highest overall muscle activation, yet an isometric back squat at 140° generates the lowest overall muscle activation of the VL and GM only. PMID:27504484

Treatment of post-stroke dysphagia by vitalstim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training.

PubMed

Xia, Wenguang; Zheng, Chanjuan; Lei, Qingtao; Tang, Zhouping; Hua, Qiang; Zhang, Yangpu; Zhu, Suiqiang

2011-02-01

To investigate the effects of VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training on recovery of post-stroke dysphagia, a total of 120 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly and evenly divided into three groups: conventional swallowing therapy group, VitalStim therapy group, and VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing therapy group. Prior to and after the treatment, signals of surface electromyography (sEMG) of swallowing muscles were detected, swallowing function was evaluated by using the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) tests, and swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) was evaluated using the SWAL-QOL questionnaire. There were significant differences in sEMG value, SSA, VFSS, and SWAL-QOL scores in each group between prior to and after treatment. After 4-week treatment, sEMG value, SSA, VFSS and SWAL-QOL scores were significantly greater in the VitalStim therapy plus conventional swallowing training group than in the conventional swallowing training group and VitalStim therapy group, but no significant difference existed between conventional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim therapy group. It was concluded that VitalStim therapy coupled with conventional swallowing training was conducive to recovery of post-stroke dysphagia.

Slipping during side-step cutting: anticipatory effects and familiarization.

PubMed

Oliveira, Anderson Souza Castelo; Silva, Priscila Brito; Lund, Morten Enemark; Farina, Dario; Kersting, Uwe Gustav

2014-04-01

The aim of the present study was to verify whether the expectation of perturbations while performing side-step cutting manoeuvres influences lower limb EMG activity, heel kinematics and ground reaction forces. Eighteen healthy men performed two sets of 90° side-step cutting manoeuvres. In the first set, 10 unperturbed trials (Base) were performed while stepping over a moveable force platform. In the second set, subjects were informed about the random possibility of perturbations to balance throughout 32 trials, of which eight were perturbed (Pert, 10cm translation triggered at initial contact), and the others were "catch" trials (Catch). Center of mass velocity (CoMVEL), heel acceleration (HAC), ground reaction forces (GRF) and surface electromyography (EMG) from lower limb and trunk muscles were recorded for each trial. Surface EMG was analyzed prior to initial contact (PRE), during load acceptance (LA) and propulsion (PRP) periods of the stance phase. In addition, hamstrings-quadriceps co-contraction ratios (CCR) were calculated for these time-windows. The results showed no changes in CoMVEL, HAC, peak GRF and surface EMG PRE among conditions. However, during LA, there were increases in tibialis anterior EMG (30-50%) concomitant to reduced EMG for quadriceps muscles, gluteus and rectus abdominis for Catch and Pert conditions (15-40%). In addition, quadriceps EMG was still reduced during PRP (p<.05). Consequently, CCR was greater for Catch and Pert in comparison to Base (p<.05). These results suggest that there is modulation of muscle activity towards anticipating potential instability in the lower limb joints and assure safety to complete the task. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Modern Theories of Pelvic Floor Support : A Topical Review of Modern Studies on Structural and Functional Pelvic Floor Support from Medical Imaging, Computational Modeling, and Electromyographic Perspectives.

PubMed

Peng, Yun; Miller, Brandi D; Boone, Timothy B; Zhang, Yingchun

2018-02-12

Weakened pelvic floor support is believed to be the main cause of various pelvic floor disorders. Modern theories of pelvic floor support stress on the structural and functional integrity of multiple structures and their interplay to maintain normal pelvic floor functions. Connective tissues provide passive pelvic floor support while pelvic floor muscles provide active support through voluntary contraction. Advanced modern medical technologies allow us to comprehensively and thoroughly evaluate the interaction of supporting structures and assess both active and passive support functions. The pathophysiology of various pelvic floor disorders associated with pelvic floor weakness is now under scrutiny from the combination of (1) morphological, (2) dynamic (through computational modeling), and (3) neurophysiological perspectives. This topical review aims to update newly emerged studies assessing pelvic floor support function among these three categories. A literature search was performed with emphasis on (1) medical imaging studies that assess pelvic floor muscle architecture, (2) subject-specific computational modeling studies that address new topics such as modeling muscle contractions, and (3) pelvic floor neurophysiology studies that report novel devices or findings such as high-density surface electromyography techniques. We found that recent computational modeling studies are featured with more realistic soft tissue constitutive models (e.g., active muscle contraction) as well as an increasing interest in simulating surgical interventions (e.g., artificial sphincter). Diffusion tensor imaging provides a useful non-invasive tool to characterize pelvic floor muscles at the microstructural level, which can be potentially used to improve the accuracy of the simulation of muscle contraction. Studies using high-density surface electromyography anal and vaginal probes on large patient cohorts have been recently reported. Influences of vaginal delivery on the distribution of innervation zones of pelvic floor muscles are clarified, providing useful guidance for a better protection of women during delivery. We are now in a period of transition to advanced diagnostic and predictive pelvic floor medicine. Our findings highlight the application of diffusion tensor imaging, computational models with consideration of active pelvic floor muscle contraction, high-density surface electromyography, and their potential integration, as tools to push the boundary of our knowledge in pelvic floor support and better shape current clinical practice.

Virtual Sensor of Surface Electromyography in a New Extensive Fault-Tolerant Classification System.

PubMed

de Moura, Karina de O A; Balbinot, Alexandre

2018-05-01

A few prosthetic control systems in the scientific literature obtain pattern recognition algorithms adapted to changes that occur in the myoelectric signal over time and, frequently, such systems are not natural and intuitive. These are some of the several challenges for myoelectric prostheses for everyday use. The concept of the virtual sensor, which has as its fundamental objective to estimate unavailable measures based on other available measures, is being used in other fields of research. The virtual sensor technique applied to surface electromyography can help to minimize these problems, typically related to the degradation of the myoelectric signal that usually leads to a decrease in the classification accuracy of the movements characterized by computational intelligent systems. This paper presents a virtual sensor in a new extensive fault-tolerant classification system to maintain the classification accuracy after the occurrence of the following contaminants: ECG interference, electrode displacement, movement artifacts, power line interference, and saturation. The Time-Varying Autoregressive Moving Average (TVARMA) and Time-Varying Kalman filter (TVK) models are compared to define the most robust model for the virtual sensor. Results of movement classification were presented comparing the usual classification techniques with the method of the degraded signal replacement and classifier retraining. The experimental results were evaluated for these five noise types in 16 surface electromyography (sEMG) channel degradation case studies. The proposed system without using classifier retraining techniques recovered of mean classification accuracy was of 4% to 38% for electrode displacement, movement artifacts, and saturation noise. The best mean classification considering all signal contaminants and channel combinations evaluated was the classification using the retraining method, replacing the degraded channel by the virtual sensor TVARMA model. This method recovered the classification accuracy after the degradations, reaching an average of 5.7% below the classification of the clean signal, that is the signal without the contaminants or the original signal. Moreover, the proposed intelligent technique minimizes the impact of the motion classification caused by signal contamination related to degrading events over time. There are improvements in the virtual sensor model and in the algorithm optimization that need further development to provide an increase the clinical application of myoelectric prostheses but already presents robust results to enable research with virtual sensors on biological signs with stochastic behavior.

Virtual Sensor of Surface Electromyography in a New Extensive Fault-Tolerant Classification System

PubMed Central

Balbinot, Alexandre

2018-01-01

A few prosthetic control systems in the scientific literature obtain pattern recognition algorithms adapted to changes that occur in the myoelectric signal over time and, frequently, such systems are not natural and intuitive. These are some of the several challenges for myoelectric prostheses for everyday use. The concept of the virtual sensor, which has as its fundamental objective to estimate unavailable measures based on other available measures, is being used in other fields of research. The virtual sensor technique applied to surface electromyography can help to minimize these problems, typically related to the degradation of the myoelectric signal that usually leads to a decrease in the classification accuracy of the movements characterized by computational intelligent systems. This paper presents a virtual sensor in a new extensive fault-tolerant classification system to maintain the classification accuracy after the occurrence of the following contaminants: ECG interference, electrode displacement, movement artifacts, power line interference, and saturation. The Time-Varying Autoregressive Moving Average (TVARMA) and Time-Varying Kalman filter (TVK) models are compared to define the most robust model for the virtual sensor. Results of movement classification were presented comparing the usual classification techniques with the method of the degraded signal replacement and classifier retraining. The experimental results were evaluated for these five noise types in 16 surface electromyography (sEMG) channel degradation case studies. The proposed system without using classifier retraining techniques recovered of mean classification accuracy was of 4% to 38% for electrode displacement, movement artifacts, and saturation noise. The best mean classification considering all signal contaminants and channel combinations evaluated was the classification using the retraining method, replacing the degraded channel by the virtual sensor TVARMA model. This method recovered the classification accuracy after the degradations, reaching an average of 5.7% below the classification of the clean signal, that is the signal without the contaminants or the original signal. Moreover, the proposed intelligent technique minimizes the impact of the motion classification caused by signal contamination related to degrading events over time. There are improvements in the virtual sensor model and in the algorithm optimization that need further development to provide an increase the clinical application of myoelectric prostheses but already presents robust results to enable research with virtual sensors on biological signs with stochastic behavior. PMID:29723994

Detecting Nasal Vowels in Speech Interfaces Based on Surface Electromyography

PubMed Central

Freitas, João; Teixeira, António; Silva, Samuel; Oliveira, Catarina; Dias, Miguel Sales

2015-01-01

Nasality is a very important characteristic of several languages, European Portuguese being one of them. This paper addresses the challenge of nasality detection in surface electromyography (EMG) based speech interfaces. We explore the existence of useful information about the velum movement and also assess if muscles deeper down in the face and neck region can be measured using surface electrodes, and the best electrode location to do so. The procedure we adopted uses Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (RT-MRI), collected from a set of speakers, providing a method to interpret EMG data. By ensuring compatible data recording conditions, and proper time alignment between the EMG and the RT-MRI data, we are able to accurately estimate the time when the velum moves and the type of movement when a nasal vowel occurs. The combination of these two sources revealed interesting and distinct characteristics in the EMG signal when a nasal vowel is uttered, which motivated a classification experiment. Overall results of this experiment provide evidence that it is possible to detect velum movement using sensors positioned below the ear, between mastoid process and the mandible, in the upper neck region. In a frame-based classification scenario, error rates as low as 32.5% for all speakers and 23.4% for the best speaker have been achieved, for nasal vowel detection. This outcome stands as an encouraging result, fostering the grounds for deeper exploration of the proposed approach as a promising route to the development of an EMG-based speech interface for languages with strong nasal characteristics. PMID:26069968

Classification of Anticipatory Signals for Grasp and Release from Surface Electromyography.

PubMed

Siu, Ho Chit; Shah, Julie A; Stirling, Leia A

2016-10-25

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a technique for recording natural muscle activation signals, which can serve as control inputs for exoskeletons and prosthetic devices. Previous experiments have incorporated these signals using both classical and pattern-recognition control methods in order to actuate such devices. We used the results of an experiment incorporating grasp and release actions with object contact to develop an intent-recognition system based on Gaussian mixture models (GMM) and continuous-emission hidden Markov models (HMM) of sEMG data. We tested this system with data collected from 16 individuals using a forearm band with distributed sEMG sensors. The data contain trials with shifted band alignments to assess robustness to sensor placement. This study evaluated and found that pattern-recognition-based methods could classify transient anticipatory sEMG signals in the presence of shifted sensor placement and object contact. With the best-performing classifier, the effect of label lengths in the training data was also examined. A mean classification accuracy of 75.96% was achieved through a unigram HMM method with five mixture components. Classification accuracy on different sub-movements was found to be limited by the length of the shortest sub-movement, which means that shorter sub-movements within dynamic sequences require larger training sets to be classified correctly. This classification of user intent is a potential control mechanism for a dynamic grasping task involving user contact with external objects and noise. Further work is required to test its performance as part of an exoskeleton controller, which involves contact with actuated external surfaces.

Classification of Anticipatory Signals for Grasp and Release from Surface Electromyography

PubMed Central

Siu, Ho Chit; Shah, Julie A.; Stirling, Leia A.

2016-01-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a technique for recording natural muscle activation signals, which can serve as control inputs for exoskeletons and prosthetic devices. Previous experiments have incorporated these signals using both classical and pattern-recognition control methods in order to actuate such devices. We used the results of an experiment incorporating grasp and release actions with object contact to develop an intent-recognition system based on Gaussian mixture models (GMM) and continuous-emission hidden Markov models (HMM) of sEMG data. We tested this system with data collected from 16 individuals using a forearm band with distributed sEMG sensors. The data contain trials with shifted band alignments to assess robustness to sensor placement. This study evaluated and found that pattern-recognition-based methods could classify transient anticipatory sEMG signals in the presence of shifted sensor placement and object contact. With the best-performing classifier, the effect of label lengths in the training data was also examined. A mean classification accuracy of 75.96% was achieved through a unigram HMM method with five mixture components. Classification accuracy on different sub-movements was found to be limited by the length of the shortest sub-movement, which means that shorter sub-movements within dynamic sequences require larger training sets to be classified correctly. This classification of user intent is a potential control mechanism for a dynamic grasping task involving user contact with external objects and noise. Further work is required to test its performance as part of an exoskeleton controller, which involves contact with actuated external surfaces. PMID:27792155

Quality-of-Life Outcomes Following Surface Electromyography Biofeedback as an Adjunct to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report.

PubMed

Hill, Alexandra; Alappattu, Meryl

2017-05-01

A non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) is surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. A lack of consensus and evidence exists on the Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes following sEMG biofeedback using surface electrodes at the perineum compared to the more invasive intravaginal probe. This case report examines QoL using sEMG biofeedback at the perineum with PFM training for UI. Single subject case report. The patient was a 61-year-old woman diagnosed with UI. Her chief complaints were nocturia, urine leakage with urgency, and urine leakage with sneezing and coughing. Physical therapy (PT) treatment focused on behavioral modification, PFM strengthening with and without sEMG biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises with PFM contractions. At four weeks from baseline, the patient's PFM strength increased from 2/5 to 4/5 based on the Modified Laycock Scale. Her PFM endurance contraction improved from two seconds to ten seconds. The International Continence Impact Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score decreased from 6 to 0, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire - Short Form (IIQ-7) score decreased from 14.3 to 0, and the 3 Incontinence Questions (3IQ) responses did not change. The outcomes from this case report demonstrate a brief course of PT treatment consisting of perineal sEMG biofeedback in conjunction with PFM training demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in incontinence-related QoL, in addition to improvements in motor function in a woman with mixed UI and nocturia.

Surface electromyography analysis of blepharoptosis correction by transconjunctival incisions.

PubMed

Tu, Lung-Chen; Wu, Ming-Chya; Chu, Hsueh-Liang; Chiang, Yi-Pin; Kuo, Chih-Lin; Li, Hsing-Yuan; Chang, Chia-Ching

2016-06-01

Upper eyelid movement depends on the antagonistic actions of orbicularis oculi muscle and levator aponeurosis. Blepharoptosis is an abnormal drooping of upper eyelid margin with the eye in primary position of gaze. Transconjunctival incisions for upper eyelid ptosis correction have been a well-developed technique. Conventional prognosis however depends on clinical observations and lacks of quantitatively analysis for the eyelid muscle controlling. This study examines the possibility of using the assessments of temporal correlation in surface electromyography (SEMG) as a quantitative description for the change of muscle controlling after operation. Eyelid SEMG was measured from patients with blepharoptosis preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as, for comparative study, from young and aged normal subjects. The data were analyzed using the detrended fluctuation analysis method. The results show that the temporal correlation of the SEMG signals can be characterized by two indices associated with the correlation properties in short and long time scales demarcated at 3ms, corresponding to the time scale of neural response. Aging causes degradation of the correlation properties at both time scales, and patient group likely possess more serious correlation degradation in long-time regime which was improved moderately by the ptosis corrections. We propose that the temporal correlation in SEMG signals may be regarded as an indicator for evaluating the performance of eyelid muscle controlling in postoperative recovery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hand Motion Classification Using a Multi-Channel Surface Electromyography Sensor

PubMed Central

Tang, Xueyan; Liu, Yunhui; Lv, Congyi; Sun, Dong

2012-01-01

The human hand has multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) for achieving high-dexterity motions. Identifying and replicating human hand motions are necessary to perform precise and delicate operations in many applications, such as haptic applications. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are a low-cost method for identifying hand motions, in addition to the conventional methods that use data gloves and vision detection. The identification of multiple hand motions is challenging because the error rate typically increases significantly with the addition of more hand motions. Thus, the current study proposes two new methods for feature extraction to solve the problem above. The first method is the extraction of the energy ratio features in the time-domain, which are robust and invariant to motion forces and speeds for the same gesture. The second method is the extraction of the concordance correlation features that describe the relationship between every two channels of the multi-channel sEMG sensor system. The concordance correlation features of a multi-channel sEMG sensor system were shown to provide a vast amount of useful information for identification. Furthermore, a new cascaded-structure classifier is also proposed, in which 11 types of hand gestures can be identified accurately using the newly defined features. Experimental results show that the success rate for the identification of the 11 gestures is significantly high. PMID:22438703

Hand motion classification using a multi-channel surface electromyography sensor.

PubMed

Tang, Xueyan; Liu, Yunhui; Lv, Congyi; Sun, Dong

2012-01-01

The human hand has multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) for achieving high-dexterity motions. Identifying and replicating human hand motions are necessary to perform precise and delicate operations in many applications, such as haptic applications. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are a low-cost method for identifying hand motions, in addition to the conventional methods that use data gloves and vision detection. The identification of multiple hand motions is challenging because the error rate typically increases significantly with the addition of more hand motions. Thus, the current study proposes two new methods for feature extraction to solve the problem above. The first method is the extraction of the energy ratio features in the time-domain, which are robust and invariant to motion forces and speeds for the same gesture. The second method is the extraction of the concordance correlation features that describe the relationship between every two channels of the multi-channel sEMG sensor system. The concordance correlation features of a multi-channel sEMG sensor system were shown to provide a vast amount of useful information for identification. Furthermore, a new cascaded-structure classifier is also proposed, in which 11 types of hand gestures can be identified accurately using the newly defined features. Experimental results show that the success rate for the identification of the 11 gestures is significantly high.

Ulnar neuropathy at or distal to the wrist: traumatic versus cumulative stress cases.

PubMed

Chiodo, Anthony; Chadd, Edmund

2007-04-01

To identify clinical and electromyographic characteristics of ulnar neuropathy at or below the wrist, comparing those caused by unitary trauma with those caused by suspected cumulative stress. Retrospective case series. University hospital electromyography laboratory. Patients with electrodiagnostic evidence of an ulnar neuropathy at or distal to the wrist over a 3-year period. Forty-seven hands from 42 patients (age range, 20-80y; mean, 52y) were identified and evaluated in this study. Record review of clinical history, physical examination, electromyography, and treatment. Etiology of injury, physical signs and symptoms, and electromyographic testing results. Ulnar neuropathy at or distal to the wrist is commonly mischaracterized because of other mononeuropathies in the upper extremity and because of peripheral polyneuropathy. Ulnar neuropathy because of cumulative stress presents typically with sensory symptoms (63%) and a normal examination (71%), whereas trauma cases present with motor with or without sensory symptoms (92%) with motor abnormalities (92%) confirmed on examination. Traumatic cases are characterized by electromyography by decreased sensory and motor-evoked amplitudes, prolonged motor distal latencies, and abnormal needle examination. The amplitude changes are noted comparing with laboratory norms and comparing side to side. No characteristic pattern of abnormalities on electromyography is noted in the cumulative stress cases. Patients with no motor symptoms, regardless of etiology, are more apt to have sensory distal latency prolongation, whereas those with motor symptoms have motor amplitude and needle examination abnormalities. Traumatic ulnar neuropathy at or distal to the wrist is characterized by motor symptoms and sensory and motor axonal loss by electromyography, whereas cumulative stress cases have sensory symptoms and electromyographic findings that are highly variable and noncharacteristic. Patients with no motor symptoms are more apt to show sensory distal latency abnormalities on electromyography, whereas those with motor symptoms show motor-evoked amplitude and needle electromyography abnormalities.

Effect of rest-pause vs. traditional bench press training on muscle strength, electromyography, and lifting volume in randomized trial protocols.

PubMed

Korak, J Adam; Paquette, Max R; Brooks, Justin; Fuller, Dana K; Coons, John M

2017-09-01

Rest-pause (4-s unloaded rest between repetitions) training effects on one repetition maximum (1 RM), lifting volume, and neural activation via electromyography (EMG) are currently vague in the literature and can benefit strength and conditioning professionals for resistance training programme design. Therefore, this study compared 1 RM, neural activation via (EMG), and volume differences between rest-pause vs. traditional resistance training. Trained males (N = 20) were randomly assigned to either a rest-pause or a traditional training group. Pre- and post-1 RM testing was recorded. Training sessions were completed twice a week for 4 weeks and consisted of four sets of bench press to volitional fatigue at 80% of pre-test 1 RM with a 2-min rest between sets. Total volume completed was recorded on each training day. Neural activation of the pectoralis major was measured on the first and last training days. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA indicated both groups significantly increased their 1 RMs following the 4-week training protocol (p < .05). However, no significant differences were found in 1 RM and neural activation between the two groups (p > .05). An independent samples t test indicated that total volume lifted was significantly higher for the rest-pause group (56,778 vs. 38,315 lbs; p < .05) throughout the protocol and independently during weeks 2, 3, and 4. While strength and neural activation changes did not differ between groups, both increased 1 RMs and the rest-pause group achieved greater increases in volume than the traditional group. If volume is the focus of training, the rest-pause method should be utilized.

The risk of hematoma following extensive electromyography of the lumbar paraspinal muscles

PubMed Central

London, Zachary; Quint, Douglas J.; Haig, Andrew J.; Yamakawa, Karen S. J.

2012-01-01

Introduction The purpose of this study is to provide a controlled trial looking at the risk of paraspinal hematoma formation following extensive paraspinal muscle electromyography. Methods 54 subjects ages 55-80 underwent MRI of the lumbar spine before or shortly after electromyography using the paraspinal mapping technique. A neuroradiologist, blinded to the temporal relationship between the EMG and MRI, reviewed the MRIs to look for hematomas in or around the paraspinal muscles. Results Two MRIs demonstrated definite paraspinal hematomas, while 10 were found to have possible hematomas. All hematomas were < 15 mm, and none were close to any neural structures. There was no relationship between MRI evidence of hematoma and either the timing of the EMG or the use of aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Discussion Paraspinal electromyography can be considered safe in the general population and those taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. PMID:22644875

[The role of laryngeal electromyography in the diagnosis of vocal cord movement disorders].

PubMed

Bach, Ádám; Sztanó, Balázs; Kiss, József Géza; Volk, Gerd Fabian; Müller, Andreas; Pototschnig, Claus; Rovó, László

2018-02-01

The development of the therapeutic possibilities of vocal cord immobility necessitated the parallel renewal of diagnostic methods. In the last years, laryngeal electromyography, which was first introduced more than 70 years ago, has been re-discovered. After reviewing the international literature and their own experience, the authors present the indications, technical requirements, method and, particularly, the evaluation of the results of this procedure. Laryngeal electromyography makes the differentiation between mechanical fixation and immobility with neurological origin of the vocal folds possible. In case of laryngeal paralysis/paresis it also evaluates objectively the severity of neural injury, the prognosis of the disease and the necessity of any glottis-widening procedure. The widespread application of dynamic rehabilitation interventions is not conceivable without the routine application of laryngeal electromyography, so this sensitive diagnostic tool has to be introduced in all laryngological centers. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(8): 303-311.

Guiding Intramuscular Diaphragm Injections Using Real-time Ultrasound & Electromyography

PubMed Central

Sarwal, Aarti; Cartwright, Michael S.; Mitchell, Erin; Williams, Koudy; Walker, Francis O.; Childers, Martin K.

2014-01-01

Introduction We describe a unique method that combines ultrasound and electromyography to guide intramuscular diaphragm injections in anesthetized large animals. Methods Ultrasound was used to visualize the diaphragm on each side of spontaneously breathing, anesthetized beagle dogs and cynomolgus macaques. An electromyography needle was introduced and directed by ultrasound to confirm that the needle entered the muscular portion of the diaphragm, and methylene blue was injected. Injection accuracy was confirmed upon necropsy by tracking the spread of methylene blue. Results All methylene blue injections were confirmed to have been placed appropriately into the diaphragm. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of using ultrasound and EMG to guide injections and to reduce complications associated with conventional blind techniques. Ultrasound guidance can be used for clinical electromyography of the diaphragm. Future applications may include targeted diaphragm injections with gene replacement therapy in neuromuscular diseases. PMID:25354257

Evaluation of the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Calamita, Simone Aparecida Penimpedo; Biasotto-Gonzalez, Daniela Aparecida; De Melo, Nivea Cristina; dos Santos, Douglas Meira; de Lassa, Roberta; de Mendonça, Fabiana Sarilho; Oliveira, Claudia Santos; Amorim, César Ferreira; Gonzalez, Tabajara Oliveira; Fumagalli, Marco Antônio; de Gomes, Cid André Fidelis Paula; Politti, Fabiano

2015-03-19

Nonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. A total of 12 patients with nonspecific neck pain and 12 healthy subjects will be enrolled in a randomized, single-blind crossover study. Each subject will receive two forms of treatment in random order: a single session of traditional acupuncture (acupoints: triple energizer 5, 'Wai-guan' and large intestine 11, 'Qu-chi') and sham acupuncture. To eliminate carry-over treatment effects, a one-week wash-out period will be respected between sessions. Surface electromyography will be used to determine motor control in the upper trapezius muscle before and after treatment. The outcome measures in the group with neck pain will be a numerical pain rating scale (range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain)), documentation of the pain area on a body chart and cervical range of motion. Comparisons before and after acupuncture treatment will demonstrate whether acupoints affect the activity of the upper trapezius muscle, pain and cervical range of motion. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Data will be published after the study is completed. The study will support the practice of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with nonspecific neck pain. This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT0984021 ) on 7 November 2013 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984021 ).

Recognition of hand movements in a trans-radial amputated subject by sEMG.

PubMed

Atzori, Manfredo; Muller, Henning; Baechler, Micheal

2013-06-01

Trans-radially amputated persons who own a myoelectric prosthesis have currently some control via surface electromyography (sEMG). However, the control systems are still limited (as they include very few movements) and not always natural (as the subject has to learn to associate movements of the muscles with the movements of the prosthesis). The Ninapro project tries helping the scientific community to overcome these limits through the creation of electromyography data sources to test machine learning algorithms. In this paper the results gained from first tests made on an amputated subject with the Ninapro acquisition protocol are detailed. In agreement with neurological studies on cortical plasticity and on the anatomy of the forearm, the amputee produced stable signals for each movement in the test. Using a k-NN classification algorithm, we obtain an average classification rate of 61.5% on all 53 movements. Successively, we simplify the task reducing the number of movements to 13, resulting in no misclassified movements. This shows that for fewer movements a very high classification accuracy is possible without the subject having to learn the movements specifically.

A MATLAB-based graphical user interface for the identification of muscular activations from surface electromyography signals.

PubMed

Mengarelli, Alessandro; Cardarelli, Stefano; Verdini, Federica; Burattini, Laura; Fioretti, Sandro; Di Nardo, Francesco

2016-08-01

In this paper a graphical user interface (GUI) built in MATLAB® environment is presented. This interactive tool has been developed for the analysis of superficial electromyography (sEMG) signals and in particular for the assessment of the muscle activation time intervals. After the signal import, the tool performs a first analysis in a totally user independent way, providing a reliable computation of the muscular activation sequences. Furthermore, the user has the opportunity to modify each parameter of the on/off identification algorithm implemented in the presented tool. The presence of an user-friendly GUI allows the immediate evaluation of the effects that the modification of every single parameter has on the activation intervals recognition, through the real-time updating and visualization of the muscular activation/deactivation sequences. The possibility to accept the initial signal analysis or to modify the on/off identification with respect to each considered signal, with a real-time visual feedback, makes this GUI-based tool a valuable instrument in clinical, research applications and also in an educational perspective.

Simultaneous scalp electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and whole-body segmental inertial recording for multi-modal neural decoding.

PubMed

Bulea, Thomas C; Kilicarslan, Atilla; Ozdemir, Recep; Paloski, William H; Contreras-Vidal, Jose L

2013-07-26

Recent studies support the involvement of supraspinal networks in control of bipedal human walking. Part of this evidence encompasses studies, including our previous work, demonstrating that gait kinematics and limb coordination during treadmill walking can be inferred from the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) with reasonably high decoding accuracies. These results provide impetus for development of non-invasive brain-machine-interface (BMI) systems for use in restoration and/or augmentation of gait- a primary goal of rehabilitation research. To date, studies examining EEG decoding of activity during gait have been limited to treadmill walking in a controlled environment. However, to be practically viable a BMI system must be applicable for use in everyday locomotor tasks such as over ground walking and turning. Here, we present a novel protocol for non-invasive collection of brain activity (EEG), muscle activity (electromyography (EMG)), and whole-body kinematic data (head, torso, and limb trajectories) during both treadmill and over ground walking tasks. By collecting these data in the uncontrolled environment insight can be gained regarding the feasibility of decoding unconstrained gait and surface EMG from scalp EEG.

Activation of the hip adductor muscles varies during a simulated weight-bearing task.

PubMed

Hides, Julie A; Beall, Paula; Franettovich Smith, Melinda M; Stanton, Warren; Miokovic, Tanja; Richardson, Carolyn

2016-01-01

To investigate the pattern of muscle activation of the individual hip adductor muscles using a standardised simulated unilateral weight-bearing task. A repeated measures design. Laboratory. 20 healthy individuals (11 females, 9 males) participated in the study. Age ranged from 20 to 25 years. Surface electromyography recordings from adductor magnus and adductor longus muscles were taken at levels representing 10-50% of body weight during a simulated weight-bearing task. Electromyography (EMG) data were normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The adductor magnus was recruited at significantly higher levels than the adductor longus muscle during a simulated weight-bearing task performed across 10-50% of body weight (p < 0.01). Adductor magnus and adductor longus muscles are recruited to different extents during a simulated weight-bearing task. This information should be considered when selecting exercises for management and prevention of groin strains. Closed chain exercises with weight-bearing through the lower limb are more likely to recruit the adductor magnus muscle over the adductor longus muscle. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of endodontist posture utilizing cinemetry, surface electromyography and ergonomic checklists.

PubMed

Onety, Geraldo Celso da Silva; Leonel, Daniel Vilela; Saquy, Paulo César; Silva, Gabriel Pádua da; Ferreira, Bruno; Varise, Tiago Gilioli; Sousa, Luiz Gustavo de; Verri, Edson Donizetti; Siéssere, Selma; Semprini, Marisa; Nepomuceno, Victor Rodrigues; Regalo, Simone Cecilio Hallak

2014-01-01

The postural risk factors for dentists include the ease of vision in the workplace, cold, vibration and mechanical pressure in tissues, incorrect posture, functional fixity, cognitive requirements and work-related organizational and psychosocial factors. The objective was to analyze the posture of endodontists at the workplace. Eighteen right-handed endodontists aged 25 to 60 years (34±3) participated in the study. Electromyography, kinemetry, ergonomic scales (RULA and Couto's checklist) and biophotogrammetry were used to analyze the posture of endodontists during root canal treatment of the maxillary right first and second molars using rotary and manual instrumentation. The variations observed in the electromyographic activities during the performance of rotary and manual techniques suggest that the fibers of the longissimus region, anterior and medium deltoid, medium trapezium, biceps, triceps brachii, brachioradialis and short thumb abductor muscles underwent adaptations to provide more accurate functional movements. Computerized kinemetry and biophotogrammetry showed that, as far as posture is concerned, rotary technique was more demanding than the manual technique. In conclusion, the group of endodontists evaluated in this study exhibited posture disorders regardless of whether the rotary or manual technique was used.

Electromyography data for non-invasive naturally-controlled robotic hand prostheses

PubMed Central

Atzori, Manfredo; Gijsberts, Arjan; Castellini, Claudio; Caputo, Barbara; Hager, Anne-Gabrielle Mittaz; Elsig, Simone; Giatsidis, Giorgio; Bassetto, Franco; Müller, Henning

2014-01-01

Recent advances in rehabilitation robotics suggest that it may be possible for hand-amputated subjects to recover at least a significant part of the lost hand functionality. The control of robotic prosthetic hands using non-invasive techniques is still a challenge in real life: myoelectric prostheses give limited control capabilities, the control is often unnatural and must be learned through long training times. Meanwhile, scientific literature results are promising but they are still far from fulfilling real-life needs. This work aims to close this gap by allowing worldwide research groups to develop and test movement recognition and force control algorithms on a benchmark scientific database. The database is targeted at studying the relationship between surface electromyography, hand kinematics and hand forces, with the final goal of developing non-invasive, naturally controlled, robotic hand prostheses. The validation section verifies that the data are similar to data acquired in real-life conditions, and that recognition of different hand tasks by applying state-of-the-art signal features and machine-learning algorithms is possible. PMID:25977804

Uterine electromyography and light-induced fluorescence in the management of term and preterm labor.

PubMed

Garfield, R E; Maul, H; Maner, W; Fittkow, C; Olson, G; Shi, L; Saade, G R

2002-01-01

Understanding the physiology of the uterus and cervix during term and preterm parturition is crucial for developing methods to control their function and is essential to solving clinical problems related to labor. To date, only crude, inaccurate, and subjective methods are used to assess changes in uterine and cervical function in pregnancy. In the past several years, we have developed noninvasive methods to quantitatively evaluate the uterus and cervix based on recording of uterine electrical signals from the abdominal surface (uterine electromyography) and measurement of light-induced fluorescence (LIF) of cervical collagen (Collascope), respectively. Both methods are rapid and allow immediate assessment of uterine contractility and cervical ripening. Studies in animals and humans indicated that uterine and cervical performance can be monitored successfully during pregnancy using those approaches and that these techniques can be used during labor to better define management in a variety of conditions associated with labor. The potential benefits of the proposed instrumentation and methods include reducing the rate of preterm delivery, improving maternal and perinatal outcome, monitoring treatment, decreasing cesarean rate and providing research methods to understand uterine and cervical function.

Detection of Periodic Leg Movements by Machine Learning Methods Using Polysomnographic Parameters Other Than Leg Electromyography

PubMed Central

Umut, İlhan; Çentik, Güven

2016-01-01

The number of channels used for polysomnographic recording frequently causes difficulties for patients because of the many cables connected. Also, it increases the risk of having troubles during recording process and increases the storage volume. In this study, it is intended to detect periodic leg movement (PLM) in sleep with the use of the channels except leg electromyography (EMG) by analysing polysomnography (PSG) data with digital signal processing (DSP) and machine learning methods. PSG records of 153 patients of different ages and genders with PLM disorder diagnosis were examined retrospectively. A novel software was developed for the analysis of PSG records. The software utilizes the machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, and DSP methods. In order to classify PLM, popular machine learning methods (multilayer perceptron, K-nearest neighbour, and random forests) and logistic regression were used. Comparison of classified results showed that while K-nearest neighbour classification algorithm had higher average classification rate (91.87%) and lower average classification error value (RMSE = 0.2850), multilayer perceptron algorithm had the lowest average classification rate (83.29%) and the highest average classification error value (RMSE = 0.3705). Results showed that PLM can be classified with high accuracy (91.87%) without leg EMG record being present. PMID:27213008

Detection of Periodic Leg Movements by Machine Learning Methods Using Polysomnographic Parameters Other Than Leg Electromyography.

PubMed

Umut, İlhan; Çentik, Güven

2016-01-01

The number of channels used for polysomnographic recording frequently causes difficulties for patients because of the many cables connected. Also, it increases the risk of having troubles during recording process and increases the storage volume. In this study, it is intended to detect periodic leg movement (PLM) in sleep with the use of the channels except leg electromyography (EMG) by analysing polysomnography (PSG) data with digital signal processing (DSP) and machine learning methods. PSG records of 153 patients of different ages and genders with PLM disorder diagnosis were examined retrospectively. A novel software was developed for the analysis of PSG records. The software utilizes the machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, and DSP methods. In order to classify PLM, popular machine learning methods (multilayer perceptron, K-nearest neighbour, and random forests) and logistic regression were used. Comparison of classified results showed that while K-nearest neighbour classification algorithm had higher average classification rate (91.87%) and lower average classification error value (RMSE = 0.2850), multilayer perceptron algorithm had the lowest average classification rate (83.29%) and the highest average classification error value (RMSE = 0.3705). Results showed that PLM can be classified with high accuracy (91.87%) without leg EMG record being present.

A Subthreshold Digital Library Using a Dynamic-Threshold Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (DTMOS) and Transmission Gate Logic

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG), and electroencephalography (EEG) applications that operate using thermoelectrically generated energy...semiconductor ECG electrocardiography EEG electroencephalography EMG electromyography FY15 fiscal year 2015 IC integrated circuit MOSFETs

Laryngeal Electromyography is Helpful for Cardiovocal Syndrome.

PubMed

Akbulut, Sevtap; Inan, Rahsan; Demir, Mehmet Gökhan; Cakan, Dogan

2016-01-01

Laryngeal electromyography is used in the evaluation of vocal cord paralysis to confirm the diagnosis, to guide the diagnostic work-up for etiology, to provide prognostic information and to help choose the correct treatment for the patient. Cardiovocal syndrome is characterised by vocal cord paralysis due to a cardiovascular disease. A wide spectrum of conditions can result in this syndrome. Here we present a case of cardiovocal syndrome in association with primary pulmonary hypertension. Laryngeal electromyography was used to guide the work-up of differential diagnosis and also for further intervention with respect to vocal cord paralysis in this patient.

Laryngeal Electromyography for Prognosis of Vocal Fold Paralysis.

PubMed

Pardo-Maza, Adriana; García-Lopez, Isabel; Santiago-Pérez, Susana; Gavilán, Javier

2017-01-01

This study aimed to determine the value of laryngeal electromyography in the prognosis of vocal fold paralysis. This is a retrospective descriptive study. This study included 80 patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis on flexible laryngoscopy between 2002 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center. Laryngeal electromyography using a standardized protocol was performed; the outcome measures were classified and analyzed into two groups according to the degree of injury. Group 1 included patients with mild to moderate injury, and group 2 included patients with severe to complete injury. Prognosis was correlated with vocal fold motion recovery status with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up since the symptoms onset using positive and negative predictive values. Sixty patients showed acute or chronic recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in laryngeal electromyography. Twelve of 41 patients included in group 1 recovered motion, and 30 of 35 patients included in group 2 did not recover, resulting in 88.2% of positive predictive value and 35.7% of negative predictive value. Our data confirm that laryngeal electromyography is a useful clinical tool in predicting poor recovery in patients with vocal fold paralysis. It allows identification of candidates for early intervention. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scientific Accomplishments for ARL Brain Structure-Function Couplings Research on Large-Scale Brain Networks from FY11-FY13 (DSI Final Report)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

streamlines) from two types of diffusion weighted imaging scans, diffusion tensor imaging ( DTI ) and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI). We examined...individuals. Importantly, the results also showed that this effect was greater for the DTI method than the DSI method. This suggested that DTI can better...compared to level surface walking. This project combines experimental EEG data and electromyography (EMG) data recorded from seven muscles of the leg

Associations between apparent diffusion coefficient and electromyography parameters in myositis-A preliminary study.

PubMed

Meyer, Hans-Jonas; Emmer, Alexander; Kornhuber, Malte; Surov, Alexey

2018-05-01

MRI is widely used in several muscle disorders. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an emergent imaging modality sensitive to microstructural alterations in tissue. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is used to quantify the random motion of water molecules. Electromyography (EMG) is a clinically used diagnostic tool in myositis. The aim of this study was to elucidate possible associations between ADC values and EMG findings in myositis patients. Seven patients (eight investigated muscles) with myositis (mean age 51.43 ± 19 years) were included in this study. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology in every case. DWI was obtained with a 1.5-T scanner using two b-values 0 and 1000 s/mm². In all patients, a needle electromyography (EMG) was performed within 3 days to the MRI. The following EMG parameters were studied: motor unit action potential (MUAP) amplitudes and durations, as well as pathological spontaneous activity. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze associations between investigated parameters. The estimated mean ADC mean value was 1.51 ± 0.29 × 10 -3  mm²/s, mean ADC min was 1.28 ± 0.27 × 10 -3  mm²/s, and mean ADC max was 1.73 ± 0.28 × 10 -3  mm²/s. Correlation analysis identified significant associations between ADC mean and duration of the MUAP (p   = .78 P = .0279) and between ADC min and duration of the MUAP (p = .85, P = .01). There were no significant differences according to pathological spontaneous activity. ADC mean and ADC min showed strong positive correlations with the duration of the MUAP in myositis patients. Both modalities might similarly reflect muscle fiber loss in myositis patients.

Corticospinal excitability measurements using transcranial magnetic stimulation are valid with intramuscular electromyography.

PubMed

Summers, Rebekah L S; Chen, Mo; Kimberley, Teresa J

2017-01-01

Muscular targets that are deep or inaccessible to surface electromyography (sEMG) require intrinsic recording using fine-wire electromyography (fEMG). It is unknown if fEMG validly record cortically evoked muscle responses compared to sEMG. The purpose of this investigation was to establish the validity and agreement of fEMG compared to sEMG to quantify typical transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures pre and post repetitive TMS (rTMS). The hypotheses were that fEMG would demonstrate excellent validity and agreement compared with sEMG. In ten healthy volunteers, paired pulse and cortical silent period (CSP) TMS measures were collected before and after 1200 pulses of 1Hz rTMS to the motor cortex. Data were simultaneously recorded with sEMG and fEMG in the first dorsal interosseous. Concurrent validity (r and rho) and agreement (Tukey mean-difference) were calculated. fEMG quantified corticospinal excitability with good to excellent validity compared to sEMG data at both pretest (r = 0.77-0.97) and posttest (r = 0.83-0.92). Pairwise comparisons indicated no difference between sEMG and fEMG for all outcomes; however, Tukey mean-difference plots display increased variance and questionable agreement for paired pulse outcomes. CSP displayed the highest estimates of validity and agreement. Paired pulse MEP responses recorded with fEMG displayed reduced validity, agreement and less sensitivity to changes in MEP amplitude compared to sEMG. Change scores following rTMS were not significantly different between sEMG and fEMG. fEMG electrodes are a valid means to measure CSP and paired pulse MEP responses. CSP displays the highest validity estimates, while caution is warranted when assessing paired pulse responses with fEMG. Corticospinal excitability and neuromodulatory aftereffects from rTMS may be assessed using fEMG.

Optimal Normalization Tests for Muscle Activation of the Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Minor, and Rhomboid Major: An Electromyography Study Using Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contractions.

PubMed

Castelein, Birgit; Cagnie, Barbara; Parlevliet, Thierry; Danneels, Lieven; Cools, Ann

2015-10-01

To identify maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test positions for the deeper-lying scapulothoracic muscles (ie, levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, rhomboid major), and to provide a standard set of a limited number of test positions that generate an MVIC in all scapulothoracic muscles. Cross-sectional study. Physical and rehabilitation medicine department. Healthy subjects (N=21). Not applicable. Mean peak electromyographic activity from levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major (investigated with fine-wire electromyography) and from upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior (investigated with surface electromyography) during the performance of 12 different MVICs. The results indicated that various test positions generated similar high mean electromyographic activity and that no single test generated maximum activity for a specific muscle in all subjects. The results of this study support using a series of test positions for normalization procedures rather than a single exercise to increase the likelihood of recruiting the highest activity in the scapulothoracic muscles. A standard set of 5 test positions was identified as being sufficient for generating an MVIC of all scapulothoracic muscles: seated T, seated U 135°, prone T-thumbs up, prone V-thumbs up, and supine V-thumbs up. A standard set of test positions for normalization of scapulothoracic electromyographic data that also incorporates the levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major muscles is 1 step toward a more comprehensive understanding of normal and abnormal muscle function of these muscles and will help to standardize the presentation of scapulothoracic electromyographic muscle activity. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EMGAN: A computer program for time and frequency domain reduction of electromyographic data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hursta, W. N.

1975-01-01

An experiment in electromyography utilizing surface electrode techniques was developed for the Apollo-Soyuz test project. This report describes the computer program, EMGAN, which was written to provide first order data reduction for the experiment. EMG signals are produced by the membrane depolarization of muscle fibers during a muscle contraction. Surface electrodes detect a spatially summated signal from a large number of muscle fibers commonly called an interference pattern. An interference pattern is usually so complex that analysis through signal morphology is extremely difficult if not impossible. It has become common to process EMG interference patterns in the frequency domain. Muscle fatigue and certain myopathic conditions are recognized through changes in muscle frequency spectra.

A systematic review of surface electromyography analyses of the bench press movement task.

PubMed

Stastny, Petr; Gołaś, Artur; Blazek, Dusan; Maszczyk, Adam; Wilk, Michał; Pietraszewski, Przemysław; Petr, Miroslav; Uhlir, Petr; Zając, Adam

2017-01-01

The bench press exercise (BP) plays an important role in recreational and professional training, in which muscle activity is an important multifactorial phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to systematically review electromyography (EMG) studies performed on the barbell BP exercise to answer the following research questions: Which muscles show the greatest activity during the flat BP? Which changes in muscle activity are related to specific conditions under which the BP movement is performed? PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library were searched through June 10, 2016. A combination of the following search terms was used: bench press, chest press, board press, test, measure, assessment, dynamometer, kinematics and biomechanics. Only original, full-text articles were considered. The search process resulted in 14 relevant studies that were included in the discussion. The triceps brachii (TB) and pectoralis major (PM) muscles were found to have similar activity during the BP, which was significantly higher than the activity of the anterior deltoid. During the BP movement, muscle activity changes with exercise intensity, velocity of movement, fatigue, mental focus, movement phase and stability conditions, such as bar vibration or unstable surfaces. Under these circumstances, TB is the most common object of activity change. PM and TB EMG activity is more dominant and shows greater EMG amplitude than anterior deltoid during the BP. There are six factors that can influence muscle activity during the BP; however, the most important factor is exercise intensity, which interacts with all other factors. The research on muscle activity in the BP has several unresolved areas, such as clearly and strongly defined guidelines to perform EMG measurements (e.g., how to elaborate with surface EMG limits) or guidelines for the use of exact muscle models.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes Following Surface Electromyography Biofeedback as an Adjunct to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Hill, Alexandra; Alappattu, Meryl

2018-01-01

Background A non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) is surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. A lack of consensus and evidence exists on the Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes following sEMG biofeedback using surface electrodes at the perineum compared to the more invasive intravaginal probe. This case report examines QoL using sEMG biofeedback at the perineum with PFM training for UI. Study Design Single subject case report Case Description The patient was a 61-year-old woman diagnosed with UI. Her chief complaints were nocturia, urine leakage with urgency, and urine leakage with sneezing and coughing. Physical therapy (PT) treatment focused on behavioral modification, PFM strengthening with and without sEMG biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises with PFM contractions. Outcomes At four weeks from baseline, the patient’s PFM strength increased from 2/5 to 4/5 based on the Modified Laycock Scale. Her PFM endurance contraction improved from two seconds to ten seconds. The International Continence Impact Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score decreased from 6 to 0, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire – Short Form (IIQ-7) score decreased from 14.3 to 0, and the 3 Incontinence Questions (3IQ) responses did not change. Discussion The outcomes from this case report demonstrate a brief course of PT treatment consisting of perineal sEMG biofeedback in conjunction with PFM training demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in incontinence-related QoL, in addition to improvements in motor function in a woman with mixed UI and nocturia. PMID:29375282

A pelvic floor muscle training program in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Alves, Fabíola K; Riccetto, Cássio; Adami, Délcia B V; Marques, Joseane; Pereira, Larissa C; Palma, Paulo; Botelho, Simone

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate if a specific pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program effectively increases pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractility and decreases anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as well as urogynecological symptoms, in postmenopausal women. The mean outcome measure of this study was the pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) activity. A clinical, randomized, blinded-assessor and controlled study was conducted with 46 postmenopausal women. Thirty women completed this study (mean age of 65.93 years), divided into two groups: Treatment Group - TG (n=18) and Control Group - CG (n=12). The evaluation was carried out using digital palpation, sEMG, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) as well as validated questionnaires by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires to investigate urogynecological symptoms. The treatment protocol consisted of 12 group sessions, twice a week, with 30 min of duration each. These data were then submitted to statistical analyses by the Statistical Analysis System for Windows software, with a significance level of 5%. The pelvic floor muscle contractility increased after PFMT, evaluated by sEMG (p=0.003) and digital palpation (p=0.001), accompanied by a decrease in urinary symptoms (p<0.001 for ICIQ-OAB scores e 0.036 for ICIQ UI-SF) as well as anterior pelvic organ prolapse (p=0.03). This preliminary study suggests that the applied PFMT program could be an effective way to increase PFM contractility, as well as to decrease both anterior pelvic organ prolapse and urinary symptoms, in postmenopausal women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of central and peripheral muscle fatigue in postcancer fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Prinsen, Hetty; van Dijk, Johannes P; Zwarts, Machiel J; Leer, Jan Willem H; Bleijenberg, Gijs; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W M

2015-02-01

Postcancer fatigue is a frequently occurring problem, impairing quality of life. Little is known about (neuro)physiological factors determining postcancer fatigue. It may be hypothesized that postcancer fatigue is characterized by low peripheral muscle fatigue and high central muscle fatigue. The aims of this study were to examine whether central and peripheral muscle fatigue differ between fatigued and non-fatigued cancer survivors and to examine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on peripheral and central muscle fatigue of fatigued cancer survivors in a randomized controlled trial. Sixteen fatigued patients in the intervention group (CBT) and eight fatigued patients in the waiting list group were successfully assessed at baseline and six months later. Baseline measurements of 20 fatigued patients were compared with 20 non-fatigued patients. A twitch interpolation technique and surface electromyography were applied, respectively, during sustained contraction of the biceps brachii muscle. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and central activation failure (CAF) were not significantly different between fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Change scores of MFCV and CAF were not significantly different between patients in the CBT and waiting list groups. Patients in the CBT group reported a significantly larger decrease in fatigue scores than patients in the waiting list group. Postcancer fatigue is neither characterized by abnormally high central muscle fatigue nor by low peripheral muscle fatigue. These findings suggest a difference in the underlying physiological mechanism of postcancer fatigue vs. other fatigue syndromes. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of Kinesio Taping on the trajectory of the forelimb and the muscle activity of the Musculus brachiocephalicus and the Musculus extensor carpi radialis in horses

PubMed Central

Zellner, Antonia; Bockstahler, Barbara; Peham, Christian

2017-01-01

Background information The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on the trajectory of the forelimb and the muscle activity of the M. brachiocephalicus and the M. extensor carpi radialis in horses. 19 horses and ponies of different breeds (body weight: 496±117 kg), gender (8 mares, 10 geldings and 3 stallions) and ages (14.9±6.9 years old) were analysed without Kinesio Tape (“no tape”), with Kinesio Tape (muscle facilitation application on both muscles of both sides, “with tape”) and immediately after Kinesio Taping (“post tape”) through kinematic motion analysis and surface electromyography on a treadmill at the walk (speed: 1.5±0.1 m/s) and trot (speed: 3.1±0.3 m/s). Results The results of the surface electromyography (maximum muscle activity at the walk and trot) and the kinematic motion analysis (maximum stride length and maximum height of the forelimbs flight arc at the walk and trot) showed that there were no significant differences between "no tape", "with tape" and "post tape". Conclusion To sum up, Kinesio Taping on the M. brachiocephalicus and the M. extensor carpi radialis does not affect (in a positive or negative manner) the trajectory of the forelimb or the muscle activity of the M. brachiocephalicus and the M. extensor carpi radialis in horses. PMID:29166657

The influence of digital filter type, amplitude normalisation method, and co-contraction algorithm on clinically relevant surface electromyography data during clinical movement assessments.

PubMed

Devaprakash, Daniel; Weir, Gillian J; Dunne, James J; Alderson, Jacqueline A; Donnelly, Cyril J

2016-12-01

There is a large and growing body of surface electromyography (sEMG) research using laboratory-specific signal processing procedures (i.e., digital filter type and amplitude normalisation protocols) and data analyses methods (i.e., co-contraction algorithms) to acquire practically meaningful information from these data. As a result, the ability to compare sEMG results between studies is, and continues to be challenging. The aim of this study was to determine if digital filter type, amplitude normalisation method, and co-contraction algorithm could influence the practical or clinical interpretation of processed sEMG data. Sixteen elite female athletes were recruited. During data collection, sEMG data was recorded from nine lower limb muscles while completing a series of calibration and clinical movement assessment trials (running and sidestepping). Three analyses were conducted: (1) signal processing with two different digital filter types (Butterworth or critically damped), (2) three amplitude normalisation methods, and (3) three co-contraction ratio algorithms. Results showed the choice of digital filter did not influence the clinical interpretation of sEMG; however, choice of amplitude normalisation method and co-contraction algorithm did influence the clinical interpretation of the running and sidestepping task. Care is recommended when choosing amplitude normalisation method and co-contraction algorithms if researchers/clinicians are interested in comparing sEMG data between studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suppression of stimulus artifact contaminating electrically evoked electromyography.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Li, Sheng; Li, Xiaoyan; Klein, Cliff; Rymer, William Z; Zhou, Ping

2014-01-01

Electrical stimulation of muscle or nerve is a very useful technique for understanding of muscle activity and its pathological changes for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. During electrical stimulation of a muscle, the recorded M wave is often contaminated by a stimulus artifact. The stimulus artifact must be removed for appropriate analysis and interpretation of M waves. The objective of this study was to develop a novel software based method to remove stimulus artifacts contaminating or superimposing with electrically evoked surface electromyography (EMG) or M wave signals. The multiple stage method uses a series of signal processing techniques, including highlighting and detection of stimulus artifacts using Savitzky-Golay filtering, estimation of the artifact contaminated region with Otsu thresholding, and reconstruction of such region using signal interpolation and smoothing. The developed method was tested using M wave signals recorded from biceps brachii muscles by a linear surface electrode array. To evaluate the performance, a series of semi-synthetic signals were constructed from clean M wave and stimulus artifact recordings with different degrees of overlap between them. The effectiveness of the developed method was quantified by a significant increase in correlation coefficient and a significant decrease in root mean square error between the clean M wave and the reconstructed M wave, compared with those between the clean M wave and the originally contaminated signal. The validity of the developed method was also demonstrated when tested on each channel's M wave recording using a linear electrode array. The developed method can suppress stimulus artifacts contaminating M wave recordings.

Muscular Activity and Fatigue in Lower-Limb and Trunk Muscles during Different Sit-To-Stand Tests.

PubMed

Roldán-Jiménez, Cristina; Bennett, Paul; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2015-01-01

Sit-to-stand (STS) tests measure the ability to get up from a chair, reproducing an important component of daily living activity. As this functional task is essential for human independence, STS performance has been studied in the past decades using several methods, including electromyography. The aim of this study was to measure muscular activity and fatigue during different repetitions and speeds of STS tasks using surface electromyography in lower-limb and trunk muscles. This cross-sectional study recruited 30 healthy young adults. Average muscle activation, percentage of maximum voluntary contraction, muscle involvement in motion and fatigue were measured using surface electrodes placed on the medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis of the quadriceps (QM), the abdominal rectus (AR), erector spinae (ES), rectus femoris (RF), soleus (SO) and the tibialis anterior (TA). Five-repetition STS, 10-repetition STS and 30-second STS variants were performed. MG, BF, QM, ES and RF muscles showed differences in muscle activation, while QM, AR and ES muscles showed significant differences in MVC percentage. Also, significant differences in fatigue were found in QM muscle between different STS tests. There was no statistically significant fatigue in the BF, MG and SO muscles of the leg although there appeared to be a trend of increasing fatigue. These results could be useful in describing the functional movements of the STS test used in rehabilitation programs, notwithstanding that they were measured in healthy young subjects.

Features extraction of EMG signal using time domain analysis for arm rehabilitation device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jali, Mohd Hafiz; Ibrahim, Iffah Masturah; Sulaima, Mohamad Fani; Bukhari, W. M.; Izzuddin, Tarmizi Ahmad; Nasir, Mohamad Na'im

2015-05-01

Rehabilitation device is used as an exoskeleton for people who had failure of their limb. Arm rehabilitation device may help the rehab program whom suffers from arm disability. The device that is used to facilitate the tasks of the program should improve the electrical activity in the motor unit and minimize the mental effort of the user. Electromyography (EMG) is the techniques to analyze the presence of electrical activity in musculoskeletal systems. The electrical activity in muscles of disable person is failed to contract the muscle for movements. In order to prevent the muscles from paralysis becomes spasticity, the force of movements should minimize the mental efforts. Therefore, the rehabilitation device should analyze the surface EMG signal of normal people that can be implemented to the device. The signal is collected according to procedure of surface electromyography for non-invasive assessment of muscles (SENIAM). The EMG signal is implemented to set the movements' pattern of the arm rehabilitation device. The filtered EMG signal was extracted for features of Standard Deviation (STD), Mean Absolute Value (MAV) and Root Mean Square (RMS) in time-domain. The extraction of EMG data is important to have the reduced vector in the signal features with less of error. In order to determine the best features for any movements, several trials of extraction methods are used by determining the features with less of errors. The accurate features can be use for future works of rehabilitation control in real-time.

Accuracy of the surface electromyography RMS processing for the diagnosis of myogenous temporomandibular disorder.

PubMed

Berni, Kelly Cristina dos Santos; Dibai-Filho, Almir Vieira; Pires, Paulo Fernandes; Rodrigues-Bigaton, Delaine

2015-08-01

Due to the multifactor etiology of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), the precise diagnosis remains a matter of debate and validated diagnostic tools are needed. The aim was to determine the accuracy of surface electromyography (sEMG) activity, assessed in the amplitude domain by the root mean square (RMS), in the diagnosis of TMD. One hundred twenty-three volunteers were evaluated using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and distributed into two groups: women with myogenous TMD (n=80) and women without TMD (n=43). The volunteers were then submitted to sEMG evaluation of the anterior temporalis, masseter and suprahyoid muscles at rest and during maximum voluntary teeth clenching (MVC) on parafilm. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the muscle activity were analyzed. Differences between groups were found in all muscles analyzed at rest as well as in the masseter and suprahyoid muscles during MVC on parafilm. Moderate accuracy (AUC: 0.74-0.84) of the RMS sEMG was found in all muscles regarding the diagnosis of TMD at rest and in the suprahyoid muscles during MVC on parafilm. Moreover, sensitivity ranging from 71.3% to 80% and specificity from 60.5% to 76.6%. In contrast, RMS sEMG did not exhibit acceptable degrees of accuracy in the other masticatory muscles during MVC on parafilm. It was concluded that the RMS sEMG is a complementary tool for clinical diagnosis of the myogenous TMD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a 3D workspace shoulder assessment tool incorporating electromyography and an inertial measurement unit-a preliminary study.

PubMed

Aslani, Navid; Noroozi, Siamak; Davenport, Philip; Hartley, Richard; Dupac, Mihai; Sewell, Philip

2018-06-01

Traditional shoulder range of movement (ROM) measurement tools suffer from inaccuracy or from long experimental setup times. Recently, it has been demonstrated that relatively low-cost wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors can overcome many of the limitations of traditional motion tracking systems. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a single IMU combined with an electromyography (EMG) sensor to monitor the 3D reachable workspace with simultaneous measurement of deltoid muscle activity across the shoulder ROM. Six volunteer subjects with healthy shoulders and one participant with a 'frozen' shoulder were recruited to the study. Arm movement in 3D space was plotted in spherical coordinates while the relative EMG intensity of any arm position is presented graphically. The results showed that there was an average ROM surface area of 27291 ± 538 deg 2 among all six healthy individuals and a ROM surface area of 13571 ± 308 deg 2 for the subject with frozen shoulder. All three sections of the deltoid show greater EMG activity at higher elevation angles. Using such tools enables individuals, surgeons and physiotherapists to measure the maximum envelope of motion in conjunction with muscle activity in order to provide an objective assessment of shoulder performance in the voluntary 3D workspace. Graphical abstract The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a single IMU combined with an electromyography (EMG) sensor to monitor the 3D reachable workspace with simultaneous measurement of deltoid muscle activity across the shoulder ROM. The assessment tool consists of an IMU sensor, an EMG sensor, a microcontroller and a Bluetooth module. The assessment tool was attached to subjects arm. Individuals were instructed to move their arms with the elbow fully extended. They were then asked to provide the maximal voluntary elevation envelope of the arm in 3D space in multiple attempts starting from a small movement envelope going to the biggest possible in four consecutive circuits. The results showed that there was an average ROM surface area of 27291 ± 538 deg2 among all six healthy individuals and a ROM surface area of 13571 ± 308 deg2 for the subject with frozen shoulder. All three sections of the deltoid show greater EMG activity at higher elevation angles. Using such tools enables individuals, surgeons and physiotherapists to measure the maximum envelope of motion in conjunction with muscle activity in order to provide an objective assessment of shoulder performance in the voluntary 3D workspace.

Biofeedback treatment of constipation: a critical review.

PubMed

Heymen, Steve; Jones, Kenneth R; Scarlett, Yolanda; Whitehead, William E

2003-09-01

This review was designed to 1) critically examine the research design used in investigations of biofeedback for pelvic floor dyssynergia, 2) compare the various biofeedback treatment protocols for pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation used in this research, 3) identify factors that influence treatment outcome, and 4) identify goals for future biofeedback research for pelvic floor dyssynergia. A comprehensive review of both the pediatric and adult research from 1970 to 2002 on "biofeedback for constipation" was conducted using a Medline search in all languages. Only prospective studies including five or more subjects that described the treatment protocol were included. In addition, a meta-analysis of these studies was performed to compare the outcome of different biofeedback protocols for treating constipation. Thirty-eight studies were reviewed, and sample size, treatment protocol, outcome rates, number of sessions, and etiology are shown in a table. Ten studies using a parallel treatment design were reviewed in detail, including seven that randomized subjects to treatment groups. A meta-analysis (weighted by subjects) was performed to compare the results of two treatment protocols prevalent in the literature. The mean success rate of studies using pressure biofeedback (78 percent) was superior (P = 0.018) to the mean success rate for studies using electromyography biofeedback (70 percent). However, the mean success rates comparing studies using intra-anal electromyography sensors to studies using perianal electromyography sensors were 69 and 72 percent, respectively, indicating no advantages for one type of electromyography protocol over the other (P = 0.428). In addition to the varied protocols and instrumentation used, there also are inconsistencies in the literature regarding the severity and etiology of symptoms, patient selection criteria, and the definition of a successful outcome. Finally, no anatomic, physiologic, or demographic variables were identified that would assist in predicting successful outcome. Having significant psychological symptoms was identified as a factor that may influence treatment outcome, but this requires further study. Although most studies report positive results using biofeedback to treat constipation, quality research is lacking. Specific recommendations are made for future investigations to 1) improve experimental design, 2) clearly define outcome measures, 3) identify the etiology and severity of symptoms, 4) determine which treatment protocol and which component of treatment is most effective for different types of subjects, 5) systematically explore the role of psychopathology in this population, 6) use an adequate sample size that allows for meaningful analysis, and 7) include long-term follow-up data.

Correction of Abdominal Distention by Biofeedback-Guided Control of Abdominothoracic Muscular Activity in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Barba, Elizabeth; Accarino, Anna; Azpiroz, Fernando

2017-12-01

Abdominal distention is produced by abnormal somatic postural tone. We developed an original biofeedback technique based on electromyography-guided control of abdominothoracic muscular activity. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study to demonstrate the superiority of biofeedback to placebo for the treatment of abdominal distention. At a referral center in Spain, we enrolled consecutive patients with visible abdominal distention who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional intestinal disorders (47 women, 1 man; 21-74 years old); 2 patients assigned to the placebo group withdrew and 2 patients assigned to biofeedback were not valid for analysis. Abdominothoracic muscle activity was recorded by electromyography. The patients in the biofeedback group were shown the signal and instructed to control muscle activity, whereas patients in the placebo received no instructions and were given oral simethicone. Each patient underwent 3 sessions over a 10-day period. The primary outcomes were subjective sensation of abdominal distention, measured by graphic rating scales for 10 consecutive days before and after the intervention. Patients in the biofeedback group effectively learned to reduce intercostal activity (by a mean 45% ± 3%), but not patients in the placebo group (reduced by a mean 5% ± 2%; P < .001). Patients in the biofeedback group learned to increase anterior wall muscle activity (by a mean 101% ± 10%), but not in the placebo group (decreased by a mean 4% ± 2%; P < .001). Biofeedback resulted in a 56% ± 1% reduction of abdominal distention (from a mean score of 4.6 ± 0.2 to 2.0 ± 0.2), whereas patients in the placebo group had a reduction of only 13% ± 8% (from a mean score of 4.7 ± 0.1 to 4.1 ± 0.4) (P < .001). In a randomized trial of patients with a functional intestinal disorder, we found that abdominal distention can be effectively corrected by biofeedback-guided control of abdominothoracic muscular activity, compared with placebo. ClincialTrials.gov no: NCT01205100. Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using Laryngeal Electromyography to Differentiate Presbylarynges from Paresis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stager, Sheila V.; Bielamowicz, Steven A.

2010-01-01

Purpose: Differential diagnosis of patients over 64 years of age reporting hoarseness is challenging. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) was used to determine the status of the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves. The authors hypothesized that individuals with hoarseness but normal LEMG would have measures similar to those of patients from…

Tracking motor units longitudinally across experimental sessions with high‐density surface electromyography

PubMed Central

Martinez‐Valdes, E.; Negro, F.; Laine, C. M.; Falla, D.; Mayer, F.

2017-01-01

Key points Classic motor unit (MU) recording and analysis methods do not allow the same MUs to be tracked across different experimental sessions, and therefore, there is limited experimental evidence on the adjustments in MU properties following training or during the progression of neuromuscular disorders.We propose a new processing method to track the same MUs across experimental sessions (separated by weeks) by using high‐density surface electromyography.The application of the proposed method in two experiments showed that individual MUs can be identified reliably in measurements separated by weeks and that changes in properties of the tracked MUs across experimental sessions can be identified with high sensitivity.These results indicate that the behaviour and properties of the same MUs can be monitored across multiple testing sessions.The proposed method opens new possibilities in the understanding of adjustments in motor unit properties due to training interventions or the progression of pathologies. Abstract A new method is proposed for tracking individual motor units (MUs) across multiple experimental sessions on different days. The technique is based on a novel decomposition approach for high‐density surface electromyography and was tested with two experimental studies for reliability and sensitivity. Experiment I (reliability): ten participants performed isometric knee extensions at 10, 30, 50 and 70% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force in three sessions, each separated by 1 week. Experiment II (sensitivity): seven participants performed 2 weeks of endurance training (cycling) and were tested pre–post intervention during isometric knee extensions at 10 and 30% MVC. The reliability (Experiment I) and sensitivity (Experiment II) of the measured MU properties were compared for the MUs tracked across sessions, with respect to all MUs identified in each session. In Experiment I, on average 38.3% and 40.1% of the identified MUs could be tracked across two sessions (1 and 2 weeks apart), for the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, respectively. Moreover, the properties of the tracked MUs were more reliable across sessions than those of the full set of identified MUs (intra‐class correlation coefficients ranged between 0.63—0.99 and 0.39–0.95, respectively). In Experiment II, ∼40% of the MUs could be tracked before and after the training intervention and training‐induced changes in MU conduction velocity had an effect size of 2.1 (tracked MUs) and 1.5 (group of all identified motor units). These results show the possibility of monitoring MU properties longitudinally to document the effect of interventions or the progression of neuromuscular disorders. PMID:28032343

Activities of the Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis Oblique Muscles during Squats on Different Surfaces.

PubMed

Hyong, In Hyouk; Kang, Jong Ho

2013-08-01

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of squat exercises performed on different surfaces on the activity of the quadriceps femoris muscle in order to provide information on support surfaces for effective squat exercises. [Subjects and Method] Fourteen healthy subjects performed squat exercises for five seconds each on three different support surfaces: hard plates, foam, and rubber air discs. Their performance was measured using electromyography. As the subjects performed the squat exercises on each surface, data on the activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis, and the vastus medials oblique/vastus lateralis ratio, were collected. [Results] The activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratio were found to be statistically significantly higher on rubber air discs than when the squats were performed on hard plates or foam. [Conclusion] To activate the vastus medialis obilique, and to enhance the vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratio, unstable surfaces that are highly unstable should be selected.

Quantitative analysis of surface electromyography during epileptic and nonepileptic convulsive seizures.

PubMed

Beniczky, Sándor; Conradsen, Isa; Moldovan, Mihai; Jennum, Poul; Fabricius, Martin; Benedek, Krisztina; Andersen, Noémi; Hjalgrim, Helle; Wolf, Peter

2014-07-01

To investigate the characteristics of sustained muscle activation during convulsive epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), as compared to voluntary muscle activation. The main goal was to find surface electromyography (EMG) features that can distinguish between convulsive epileptic seizures and convulsive PNES. In this case-control study, surface EMG was recorded from the deltoid muscles during long-term video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring in 25 patients and in 21 healthy controls. A total of 46 clinical episodes were recorded: 28 generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) from 14 patients with epilepsy, and 18 convulsive PNES from 12 patients (one patient had both GTCS and PNES). The healthy controls were simulating GTCS. To quantitatively characterize the signals we calculated the following parameters: root mean square (RMS) of the amplitude, median frequency (MF), coherence, and duration of the seizures, of the clonic EMG discharges, and of the silent periods between the cloni. Based on wavelet analysis, we distinguished between a low-frequency component (LF 2-8 Hz) and a high-frequency component (HF 64-256 Hz). Duration of the seizure, and separation between the tonic and the clonic phases distinguished at group-level but not at individual level between convulsive PNES and GTCS. RMS, temporal dynamics of the HF/LF ratio, and the evolution of the silent periods differentiated between epileptic and nonepileptic convulsive seizures at the individual level. A combination between HF/LF ratio and RMS separated all PNES from the GTCS. A blinded review of the EMG features distinguished correctly between GTCS and convulsive PNES in all cases. The HF/LF ratio and the RMS of the PNES were smaller compared to the simulated seizures. In addition to providing insight into the mechanism of muscle activation during convulsive PNES, these results have diagnostic significance, at the individual level. Surface EMG features can accurately distinguish convulsive epileptic from nonepileptic psychogenic seizures, even in PNES cases without rhythmic clonic movements. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2014 International League Against Epilepsy.

A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Neurodynamic Sliders on Hamstring Responses in Footballers with Hamstring Tightness

PubMed Central

Areeudomwong, Pattanasin; Oatyimprai, Ketsarakon; Pathumb, Saranchana

2016-01-01

Background Neurodynamics intervention is known to increase apparent muscle extensibility, but information regarding hamstring responses after a neurodynamic sliders (NS) technique is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NS on apparent hamstring extensibility and activity in footballers with hamstring tightness. Methods Forty eligible healthy male footballers with hamstring tightness were each randomly allocated to either a 4-week NS technique or a control group (CG) receiving placebo shortwave intervention. Knee extension angles were measured with the passive knee extension test, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of hamstrings was measured by a surface electromyography at baseline and after intervention sessions. Results The results showed that NS produced a statistically and clinically significant increase in knee extension angle compared to CG (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference between the groups receiving MVIC of hamstrings. Within group comparison, NS also provided a significant increase in knee extension angle (P < 0.001), whereas the control group did not. There was no change in hamstring MVIC in either group after intervention. Conclusions The findings of this study reveal that four weeks of NS technique improved apparent hamstring extensibility but did not change the hamstring activity in footballers with hamstring tightness. PMID:28090180

Barium versus nonbarium stimuli: differences in taste intensity, chemesthesis, and swallowing behavior in healthy adult women.

PubMed

Nagy, Ahmed; Steele, Catriona M; Pelletier, Cathy A

2014-06-01

The authors examined the impact of barium on the perceived taste intensity of 7 different liquid tastant stimuli and the modulatory effect that these differences in perceived taste intensity have on swallowing behaviors. Participants were 80 healthy women, stratified by age group (<40; >60) and genetic taste status (supertasters; nontasters). Perceived taste intensity and chemesthetic properties (fizziness; burning-stinging) were rated for 7 tastant solutions (each prepared with and without barium) using the general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Tongue-palate pressures and submental surface electromyography (sEMG) were simultaneously measured during swallowing of these same randomized liquids. Path analysis differentiated the effects of stimulus, genetic taste status, age, barium condition, taste intensity, and an effortful saliva swallow strength covariate on swallowing. Barium stimuli were rated as having reduced taste intensity compared with nonbarium stimuli. Barium also dampened fizziness but did not influence burning-stinging sensation. The amplitudes of tongue-palate pressure or submental sEMG did not differ when swallowing barium versus nonbarium stimuli. Despite impacting taste intensity, the addition of barium to liquid stimuli does not appear to alter behavioral parameters of swallowing. Barium solutions can be considered to elicit behaviors that are similar to those used with nonbarium liquids outside the assessment situation.

Respiratory muscle activity and patient–ventilator asynchrony during different settings of noninvasive ventilation in stable hypercapnic COPD: does high inspiratory pressure lead to respiratory muscle unloading?

PubMed Central

Duiverman, Marieke L; Huberts, Anouk S; van Eykern, Leo A; Bladder, Gerrie; Wijkstra, Peter J

2017-01-01

Introduction High-intensity noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve outcomes in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. However, there is insufficient knowledge about whether with this more controlled ventilatory mode optimal respiratory muscle unloading is provided without an increase in patient–ventilator asynchrony (PVA). Patients and methods Ten chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients on home mechanical ventilation were included. Four different ventilatory settings were investigated in each patient in random order, each for 15 min, varying the inspiratory positive airway pressure and backup breathing frequency. With surface electromyography (EMG), activities of the intercostal muscles, diaphragm, and scalene muscles were determined. Furthermore, pressure tracings were derived simultaneously in order to assess PVA. Results Compared to spontaneous breathing, the most pronounced decrease in EMG activity was achieved with the high-pressure settings. Adding a high breathing frequency did reduce EMG activity per breath, while the decrease in EMG activity over 1 min was comparable with the high-pressure, low-frequency setting. With high backup breathing frequencies less breaths were pressure supported (25% vs 97%). PVAs occurred more frequently with the low-frequency settings (P=0.017). Conclusion High-intensity NIV might provide optimal unloading of respiratory muscles, without undue increases in PVA. PMID:28138234

Surface electromyographic analysis of differential effects in kettlebell carries for the serratus anterior muscles.

PubMed

Caravan, Alex; Scheffey, John O; Briend, Sam J; Boddy, Kyle J

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the Electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the serratus anterior between 45° kettlebell carries and 90° kettlebell carries. Thirty-three men aged roughly between 19 and 23 and who were either college or professional baseball pitchers were chosen and randomly assigned to either perform the 45° kettlebell carry followed by the 90° kettlebell carry ( n = 17) or the 90° kettlebell carry followed by the 45° kettlebell carry ( n = 16). Each pitcher was instructed in the proper usage of the exercise and assigned a short break between the two carries. Changes in EMG amplitude were examined after proper band-pass filtering, normalization, and moving average-smoothing of the raw EMG signal. Differences of the EMG amplitude mean frequencies were examined between each subject's individual carries and the clumped groups of all 45° and 90° carries. Among each individual comparison, eight pitchers had "large" Effect Size differences between the EMG amplitudes of their two carries, with seven of them signaling the 45° carry as the larger value. In addition, when examining the grouped mean differences of the EMG amplitudes, we found the 45° carries to be significantly higher ( p -value of 0.018).

Surface electromyographic analysis of differential effects in kettlebell carries for the serratus anterior muscles

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the Electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the serratus anterior between 45° kettlebell carries and 90° kettlebell carries. Thirty-three men aged roughly between 19 and 23 and who were either college or professional baseball pitchers were chosen and randomly assigned to either perform the 45° kettlebell carry followed by the 90° kettlebell carry (n = 17) or the 90° kettlebell carry followed by the 45° kettlebell carry (n = 16). Each pitcher was instructed in the proper usage of the exercise and assigned a short break between the two carries. Changes in EMG amplitude were examined after proper band-pass filtering, normalization, and moving average-smoothing of the raw EMG signal. Differences of the EMG amplitude mean frequencies were examined between each subject’s individual carries and the clumped groups of all 45° and 90° carries. Among each individual comparison, eight pitchers had “large” Effect Size differences between the EMG amplitudes of their two carries, with seven of them signaling the 45° carry as the larger value. In addition, when examining the grouped mean differences of the EMG amplitudes, we found the 45° carries to be significantly higher (p-value of 0.018). PMID:29910993

Respiratory muscle activity and patient-ventilator asynchrony during different settings of noninvasive ventilation in stable hypercapnic COPD: does high inspiratory pressure lead to respiratory muscle unloading?

PubMed

Duiverman, Marieke L; Huberts, Anouk S; van Eykern, Leo A; Bladder, Gerrie; Wijkstra, Peter J

2017-01-01

High-intensity noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve outcomes in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. However, there is insufficient knowledge about whether with this more controlled ventilatory mode optimal respiratory muscle unloading is provided without an increase in patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA). Ten chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients on home mechanical ventilation were included. Four different ventilatory settings were investigated in each patient in random order, each for 15 min, varying the inspiratory positive airway pressure and backup breathing frequency. With surface electromyography (EMG), activities of the intercostal muscles, diaphragm, and scalene muscles were determined. Furthermore, pressure tracings were derived simultaneously in order to assess PVA. Compared to spontaneous breathing, the most pronounced decrease in EMG activity was achieved with the high-pressure settings. Adding a high breathing frequency did reduce EMG activity per breath, while the decrease in EMG activity over 1 min was comparable with the high-pressure, low-frequency setting. With high backup breathing frequencies less breaths were pressure supported (25% vs 97%). PVAs occurred more frequently with the low-frequency settings ( P =0.017). High-intensity NIV might provide optimal unloading of respiratory muscles, without undue increases in PVA.

Hip adductor activations during run-to-cut maneuvers in compression shorts: Implications for return to sport after groin injury

PubMed Central

CHAUDHARI, AJIT M. W.; JAMISON, STEVEN T.; MCNALLY, MICHAEL P.; PAN, XUELIANG; SCHMITT, LAURA C.

2014-01-01

Athletes at high risk of groin strains in sports such as hockey and soccer often choose to wear shorts with directional compression to aid in prevention or recovery from hip adductor strains. Large eccentric contractions are known to result in or exacerbate strain injuries, but it is unknown if these shorts have a beneficial effect on hip adductor muscle activity. In this study, surface electromyography of the adductor longus and ground reaction force (GRF) data were obtained simultaneously on 29 healthy individuals without previous history of serious injury while performing unanticipated 45° run-to-cut maneuvers in a laboratory setting wearing shorts with non-directional compression (control, HeatGear, Under Armour, USA) or shorts with directional compression (directional, CoreShort PRO, Under Armour, USA), in random order. Average adductor activity in the stance leg was significantly lower in the directional condition than in the control condition during all parts of stance phase (all p<0.042). From this preliminary analysis, wearing directional compression shorts appears to be associated with reduced stance limb hip adductor activity. Athletes seeking to reduce demand on the hip adductors as they approach full return to activities may benefit from the use of directional compression shorts. PMID:24669858

Hip adductor activations during run-to-cut manoeuvres in compression shorts: implications for return to sport after groin injury.

PubMed

Chaudhari, Ajit M W; Jamison, Steven T; McNally, Michael P; Pan, Xueliang; Schmitt, Laura C

2014-01-01

Athletes at high risk of groin strains in sports such as hockey and soccer often choose to wear shorts with directional compression to aid in prevention of or recovery from hip adductor strains. Large, eccentric contractions are known to result in or exacerbate strain injuries, but it is unknown if these shorts have a beneficial effect on hip adductor muscle activity. In this study, surface electromyography (EMG) of the adductor longus and ground reaction force (GRF) data were obtained simultaneously on 29 healthy individuals without previous history of serious injury while performing unanticipated 45° run-to-cut manoeuvres in a laboratory setting wearing shorts with non-directional compression (control, HeatGear, Under Armour, USA) or shorts with directional compression (directional, CoreShort PRO, Under Armour, USA), in random order. Average adductor activity in the stance leg was significantly lower in the directional condition than in the control condition during all parts of stance phase (all P < 0.042). From this preliminary analysis, wearing directional compression shorts appears to be associated with reduced stance limb hip adductor activity. Athletes seeking to reduce demand on the hip adductors as they approach full return to activities may benefit from the use of directional compression shorts.

An electrophysiologic study of female ejaculation.

PubMed

Shafik, Ahmed; Shafik, Ismail A; El Sibai, Olfat; Shafik, Ali A

2009-01-01

Opinions vary over whether female ejaculation exists or not. We investigated the hypothesis that female orgasm is not associated with ejaculation. Thirty-eight healthy women were studied. The study comprised of glans clitoris electrovibration with simultaneous recording of vaginal and uterine pressures as well as electromyography of corpus cavernous and ischio- and bulbo-cavernosus muscles. Glans clitoris electrovibration was continued until and throughout orgasm. Upon glans clitoris electrovibration, vaginal and uterine pressures as well as corpus cavernous electromyography diminished until a full erection occurred when the silent cavernosus muscles were activated. At orgasm, the electromyography of ischio-and bulbo-cavernosus muscles increased intermittently. The female orgasm was not associated with the appearance of fluid coming out of the vagina or urethra.

Simultaneous Scalp Electroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), and Whole-body Segmental Inertial Recording for Multi-modal Neural Decoding

PubMed Central

Bulea, Thomas C.; Kilicarslan, Atilla; Ozdemir, Recep; Paloski, William H.; Contreras-Vidal, Jose L.

2013-01-01

Recent studies support the involvement of supraspinal networks in control of bipedal human walking. Part of this evidence encompasses studies, including our previous work, demonstrating that gait kinematics and limb coordination during treadmill walking can be inferred from the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) with reasonably high decoding accuracies. These results provide impetus for development of non-invasive brain-machine-interface (BMI) systems for use in restoration and/or augmentation of gait- a primary goal of rehabilitation research. To date, studies examining EEG decoding of activity during gait have been limited to treadmill walking in a controlled environment. However, to be practically viable a BMI system must be applicable for use in everyday locomotor tasks such as over ground walking and turning. Here, we present a novel protocol for non-invasive collection of brain activity (EEG), muscle activity (electromyography (EMG)), and whole-body kinematic data (head, torso, and limb trajectories) during both treadmill and over ground walking tasks. By collecting these data in the uncontrolled environment insight can be gained regarding the feasibility of decoding unconstrained gait and surface EMG from scalp EEG. PMID:23912203

The relationship between RMS electromyography and thickness change in the skeletal muscles.

PubMed

Kian-Bostanabad, Sharareh; Azghani, Mahmood-Reza

2017-05-01

The knowledge of muscle function may affect prescribing medications and physical treatments. Recently, ultrasound and electromyography (EMG) have been used to assess the skeletal muscles activity. The relationship between these methods has been reported in numerous articles qualitatively. In this paper, the relationship between EMG root-mean-square (RMS) and ultrasound data of muscle thickness has been investigated using Response Surface Methodology in the muscles separately and together and predictive models reported. Results show that to assess the relationship between the changes of thickness and activity (EMG) in muscles, we can use quadratic model for the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, transverse abdominal, biceps brachii and brachialis muscles (R 2 =0.624-0.891) and linear model for the internal and external oblique abdominal, lumbar multifidus and deep cervical flexor muscles (R 2 =0.348-0.767). Due to the high correlation coefficient for the equations in the bulky muscles, it seems that the correlation between EMG RMS and ultrasound data of muscle thickness on the bulky muscles is higher than the flat muscles. This relationship may depend more on the type of activity than the type of muscle. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contraction induced h reflexes in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.

PubMed

Bodofsky, Elliot B; Campellone, Joseph V; Cohen, Stephen J; Caten, Holly N; Schindelheim, Adam M

2015-06-01

To determine whether Contraction Induced H Reflexes (CIHR) can accurately detect cervical radiculopathy. Comparison of CIHR results with Needle Electromyography at academic outpatient Electromyography/Nerve Conduction laboratories. Participants were all patients over 18 with a needle electromyography diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. Patients were tested for CIHR in at least two upper extremity muscles in electromyographically proven myotomes bilaterally. Patients were requested to perform a moderate contraction while stimulus was applied proximally (elbow or Erb's point). Outcome measures included H Reflex onset latency and side-to-side latency differences. These were compared against previously established normal values. Overall, 10 of 15 patients who met criteria for cervical radiculopathy showed CIHR abnormalities (sensitivity = 67%; 95% confidence interval, 43-91). Counting each side and level separately, CIHR identified 16/27 radiculopathies (sensitivity = 59.2%; 95% confidence interval, 40.6-77.8). Contraction Induced H Reflexes identified 1 possible radiculopathy not seen on electromyography (specificity = 98%; 95% confidence interval, 95-100). Contraction induced H Reflexes have a sensitivity and specificity for cervical radiculopathy similar to the resting Gastroc-Soleus H Reflex.

[Design of an embedded stroke rehabilitation apparatus system based on Linux computer engineering].

PubMed

Zhuang, Pengfei; Tian, XueLong; Zhu, Lin

2014-04-01

A realizaton project of electrical stimulator aimed at motor dysfunction of stroke is proposed in this paper. Based on neurophysiological biofeedback, this system, using an ARM9 S3C2440 as the core processor, integrates collection and display of surface electromyography (sEMG) signal, as well as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) into one system. By embedding Linux system, the project is able to use Qt/Embedded as a graphical interface design tool to accomplish the design of stroke rehabilitation apparatus. Experiments showed that this system worked well.

Effect of vibrotactile feedback on an EMG-based proportional cursor control system.

PubMed

Li, Shunchong; Chen, Xingyu; Zhang, Dingguo; Sheng, Xinjun; Zhu, Xiangyang

2013-01-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) has been introduced into the bio-mechatronics systems, however, most of them are lack of the sensory feedback. In this paper, the effect of vibrotactile feedback for a myoelectric cursor control system is investigated quantitatively. Simultaneous and proportional control signals are extracted from EMG using a muscle synergy model. Different types of feedback including vibrotactile feedback and visual feedback are added, assessed and compared with each other. The results show that vibrotactile feedback is capable of improving the performance of EMG-based human machine interface.

Differences in Knee and Hip Adduction and Hip Muscle Activation in Runners With and Without Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

PubMed

Baker, Robert L; Souza, Richard B; Rauh, Mitchell J; Fredericson, Michael; Rosenthal, Michael D

2018-04-26

Iliotibial band syndrome has been associated with altered hip and knee kinematics in runners. Previous studies have recommended further research on neuromuscular factors at the hip. The frontal plane hip muscles have been a strong focus in strength comparison but not for electromyography investigation. To compare hip surface electromyography, and frontal plane hip and knee kinematics, in runners with and without iliotibial band syndrome. Observational cross-sectional study. Thirty participants were tested for motion capture at the hip and knee and muscle activation in the lateral and posterior hip. Biomechanics research laboratory within a university. Thirty subjects were recruited consisting of 15 injured runners with iliotibial band syndrome and 15 gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched controls. In each group, 8 were male runners and 7 were female runners. Inclusion criteria for the injured group were pain within 2 months related to iliotibial band syndrome and a positive Noble compression test. Participants were excluded if they reported other lower extremity diagnoses within the last year or active lower extremity or low back pain not related to iliotibial band syndrome. Controls were excluded if they reported a history of iliotibial band syndrome. Convenience sampling was used based on referrals from local running clinics and orthopedic clinics. Three-dimensional motion capture was performed with 10 high-speed cameras synchronized with wireless surface electromyography during a 30-minute run. The first data point was at 3 minutes, using a constant speed of 2.74 meters per second. A second data point was at 30 minutes, using a self-selected pace by the participant to allow for a challenging run until completion at 30 minutes. Motion capture was reported as peak kinematic values from heel strike to peak knee flexion for hip adduction and knee adduction. Surface electromyography was reported as a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction for the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae muscles. Injured runners demonstrated increased knee adduction compared with control runners at 30 minutes (P = .002, control = -1.48°, injured = 3.74°). Tensor fasciae latae muscle activation in injured runners was increased compared with control runners at 3 minutes (P = .017, control = 7% maximal voluntary isometric contraction, injured = 11% maximal voluntary isometric contraction). The results of this study suggest that lateral knee pain in runners localized to the distal iliotibial band is associated with increased knee adduction at 30 minutes. Increased tensor fasciae latae muscle activation at three minutes is noted, but more investigation is needed to better understand the clinical meaning. These findings are consistent with but not conclusive evidence supporting the theory that neuromuscular factors of the hip muscles may contribute to increased knee adduction in runners with iliotibial band syndrome. We advise caution using these findings to support treatments intended to modify tensor fasciae latae activation, given the small differences of 4% in muscle activation. Increased knee adduction in runners at 30 minutes was over 5° and beyond the minimal detectable difference. Additional research is needed to confirm whether the degree of knee adduction changes earlier versus later in a run and whether fatigue is a clinically relevant factor. To be determined. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of 5 Weeks of Bench Press Training on Muscle Synergies: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Kristiansen, Mathias; Samani, Afshin; Madeleine, Pascal; Hansen, Ernst A

2016-07-01

Kristiansen, M, Samani, A, Madeleine, P, and Hansen, EA. Effects of 5 weeks of bench press training on muscle synergies: A randomized controlled study. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1948-1959, 2016-The ability to perform forceful muscle contractions has important implications in sports performance and in activities of daily living. However, there is a lack of knowledge on adaptations in intermuscular coordination after strength training. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess muscle synergies before and after 5 weeks of bench press training. Thirty untrained male subjects were randomly allocated to a training group (TRA) or a control group (CON). After the pretest, TRA completed 5 weeks of bench press training, before completing a posttest, whereas subjects in CON continued their normal life. During test sessions, surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from 13 different muscles. Muscle synergies were extracted from EMG data using nonnegative matrix factorization. To evaluate differences between pretest and posttest, we performed a cross-correlation analysis and a cross-validation analysis, in which the synergy components extracted in the pretest session were recomputed, using the fixed synergy components from the posttest session. Two muscle synergies accounted for 90% of the total variance and reflected the concentric and eccentric phase, respectively. TRA significantly increased 3 repetition maximum in bench press with 19.0% (25th; 75th percentile, 10.3%; 21.7%) (p < 0.001), whereas no change occurred in CON. No significant differences were observed in synergy components between groups. However, decreases in correlation values for intragroup comparisons in TRA may suggest that the synergy components changed, whereas this was not the case in CON. Strength and conditioning professionals may consider monitoring changes in muscle synergies in training and rehabilitation programs as a way to benchmark changes in intermuscular coordination.

Investigation of Physiological Properties of Nerves and Muscles Using Electromyography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roe, Seán M.; Johnson, Christopher D.; Tansey, Etain A.

2014-01-01

The measurement and representation of the electrical activity of muscles [electromyography (EMG)] have a long history from the Victorian Era until today. Currently, EMG has uses both as a research tool, in noninvasively recording muscle activation, and clinically in the diagnosis and assessment of nerve and muscle disease and injury as well as in…

Use of GDNF-Releasing Nanofiber Nerve Guide Conduits for the Repair of Conus Medullaris/Cauda Equina Injury in the Nonhuman Primate

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

Electromyography (EMG) recordings of the external anal sphincter were obtained pre- operatively as baseline records. The external anal sphincter muscle was chosen...Lee U, Chang HH, Christe KL, Havton LA. Evoked voiding contractions and corresponding urethral sphincter electromyography in non-human primates differ

A Controlled Clinical Trial for Stuttering in Persons Aged 9 to 14 Years.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Ashley; And Others

1996-01-01

This paper presents results of a controlled trial of 3 child stuttering treatment strategies in 97 subjects. All 3 treatments (electromyography feedback, intensive smooth speech, and home-based smooth speech) were very successful in the long term for 70% of the group, with electromyography and home-based treatment appearing to be especially…

Using State-Space Model with Regime Switching to Represent the Dynamics of Facial Electromyography (EMG) Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Manshu; Chow, Sy-Miin

2010-01-01

Facial electromyography (EMG) is a useful physiological measure for detecting subtle affective changes in real time. A time series of EMG data contains bursts of electrical activity that increase in magnitude when the pertinent facial muscles are activated. Whereas previous methods for detecting EMG activation are often based on deterministic or…

NON-INVASIVE 3D FACIAL ANALYSIS AND SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY DURING FUNCTIONAL PRE-ORTHODONTIC THERAPY: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

PubMed Central

Tartaglia, Gianluca M.; Grandi, Gaia; Mian, Fabrizio; Sforza, Chiarella; Ferrario, Virgilio F.

2009-01-01

Objectives: Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. Material and Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. Results: The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. Conclusions: Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles. PMID:19936531

Suppression of Stimulus Artifact Contaminating Electrically Evoked Electromyography

PubMed Central

Liu, Jie; Li, Sheng; Li, Xiaoyan; Klein, Cliff; Rymer, William Z.; Zhou, Ping

2013-01-01

Background Electrical stimulation of muscle or nerve is a very useful technique for understanding of muscle activity and its pathological changes for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. During electrical stimulation of a muscle, the recorded M wave is often contaminated by a stimulus artifact. The stimulus artifact must be removed for appropriate analysis and interpretation of M waves. Objectives The objective of this study was to develop a novel software based method to remove stimulus artifacts contaminating or superimposing with electrically evoked surface electromyography (EMG) or M wave signals. Methods The multiple stage method uses a series of signal processing techniques, including highlighting and detection of stimulus artifacts using the Savitzky-Golay filtering, estimation of the artifact contaminated region with the Otsu thresholding, and reconstruction of such region using signal interpolation and smoothing. The developed method was tested using M wave signals recorded from biceps brachii muscles by a linear surface electrode array. To evaluate the performance, a series of semi-synthetic signals were constructed from clean M wave and stimulus artifact recordings with different degrees of overlap between them. Results The effectiveness of the developed method was quantified by a significant increase in correlation coefficient and a significant decrease in root mean square error between the clean M wave and the reconstructed M wave, compared with those between the clean M wave and the originally contaminated signal. The validity of the developed method was also demonstrated when tested on each channel’s M wave recording using the linear electrode array. Conclusions The developed method can suppress stimulus artifacts contaminating M wave recordings. PMID:24419021

Non-invasive 3D facial analysis and surface electromyography during functional pre-orthodontic therapy: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Tartaglia, Gianluca M; Grandi, Gaia; Mian, Fabrizio; Sforza, Chiarella; Ferrario, Virgilio F

2009-01-01

Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles.

Towards the application of one-dimensional sonomyography for powered upper-limb prosthetic control using machine learning models.

PubMed

Guo, Jing-Yi; Zheng, Yong-Ping; Xie, Hong-Bo; Koo, Terry K

2013-02-01

The inherent properties of surface electromyography limit its potential for multi-degrees of freedom control. Our previous studies demonstrated that wrist angle could be predicted by muscle thickness measured from B-mode ultrasound, and hence, it could be an alternative signal for prosthetic control. However, an ultrasound imaging machine is too bulky and expensive. We aim to utilize a portable A-mode ultrasound system to examine the feasibility of using one-dimensional sonomyography (i.e. muscle thickness signals detected by A-mode ultrasound) to predict wrist angle with three different machine learning models - (1) support vector machine (SVM), (2) radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF ANN), and (3) back-propagation artificial neural network (BP ANN). Feasibility study using nine healthy subjects. Each subject performed wrist extension guided at 15, 22.5, and 30 cycles/minute, respectively. Data obtained from 22.5 cycles/minute trials was used to train the models and the remaining trials were used for cross-validation. Prediction accuracy was quantified by relative root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficients (CC). Excellent prediction was noted using SVM (RMSE = 13%, CC = 0.975), which outperformed the other methods. It appears that one-dimensional sonomyography could be an alternative signal for prosthetic control. Clinical relevance Surface electromyography has inherent limitations that prohibit its full functional use for prosthetic control. Research that explores alternative signals to improve prosthetic control (such as the one-dimensional sonomyography signals evaluated in this study) may revolutionize powered prosthesis design and ultimately benefit amputee patients.

Analysis of statistical and standard algorithms for detecting muscle onset with surface electromyography.

PubMed

Tenan, Matthew S; Tweedell, Andrew J; Haynes, Courtney A

2017-01-01

The timing of muscle activity is a commonly applied analytic method to understand how the nervous system controls movement. This study systematically evaluates six classes of standard and statistical algorithms to determine muscle onset in both experimental surface electromyography (EMG) and simulated EMG with a known onset time. Eighteen participants had EMG collected from the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis while performing a biceps curl or knee extension, respectively. Three established methods and three statistical methods for EMG onset were evaluated. Linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser energy operator + linear envelope and sample entropy were the established methods evaluated while general time series mean/variance, sequential and batch processing of parametric and nonparametric tools, and Bayesian changepoint analysis were the statistical techniques used. Visual EMG onset (experimental data) and objective EMG onset (simulated data) were compared with algorithmic EMG onset via root mean square error and linear regression models for stepwise elimination of inferior algorithms. The top algorithms for both data types were analyzed for their mean agreement with the gold standard onset and evaluation of 95% confidence intervals. The top algorithms were all Bayesian changepoint analysis iterations where the parameter of the prior (p0) was zero. The best performing Bayesian algorithms were p0 = 0 and a posterior probability for onset determination at 60-90%. While existing algorithms performed reasonably, the Bayesian changepoint analysis methodology provides greater reliability and accuracy when determining the singular onset of EMG activity in a time series. Further research is needed to determine if this class of algorithms perform equally well when the time series has multiple bursts of muscle activity.

Surface electromyography and ultrasound evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in hyperandrogenic women.

PubMed

Vassimon, Flávia Ignácio Antonio; Ferreira, Cristine Homsi Jorge; Martins, Wellington Paula; Ferriani, Rui Alberto; Batista, Roberta Leopoldino de Andrade; Bo, Kari

2016-04-01

High levels of androgens increase muscle mass. Due to the characteristics of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is plausible that women with PCOS may have increased pelvic floor muscle (PFM) thickness and neuromuscular activity levels compared with controls. The aim of this study was to assess PFM thickness and neuromuscular activity among hyperandrogenic women with PCOS and controls. This was an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study evaluating PFM by ultrasound (US) and surface electromyography (sEMG) in nonobese women with and without PCOS. Seventy-two women were divided into two groups: PCOS (n = 33) and controls (n = 39). PFM thickness during contraction was assessed by US (Vingmed CFM 800). Pelvic floor muscle activity was assessed by sEMG (MyoTrac Infinit) during contractions at different time lengths: quick, and 8 and 60 s. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Student's t test were used for statistical analyses. There were no significant differences in PFM sEMG activity between PCOS and controls in any of the contractions: quick contraction (73.23 mV/ 71.56 mV; p = 0.62), 8 s (55.77 mV/ 54.17 mV; p = 0.74), and 60 s (49.26 mV/ 47.32 mV; p = 0.68), respectively. There was no difference in PFM thickness during contractions evaluated by US between PCOS and controls (12.78 mm/ 13.43 mm; p =  .48). This study did not find statistically significant differences in pelvic floor muscle thickness or in muscle activity between PCOS women and controls.

Surface electromyography as a screening method for evaluation of dysphagia and odynophagia

PubMed Central

Vaiman, Michael; Eviatar, Ephraim

2009-01-01

Objective Patients suspected of having swallowing disorders, could highly benefit from simple diagnostic screening before being referred to specialist evaluations. The article analyzes various instrumental methods of dysphagia assessment, introduces surface electromyography (sEMG) to carry out rapid assessment of such patients, and debates proposed suggestions for sEMG screening protocol in order to identify abnormal deglutition. Data sources Subject related books and articles from 1813 to 2007 were obtained through library search, MEDLINE (1949–2007) and EMBASE (1975–2007). Methods Specifics steps for establishing the protocol for applying the technique for screening purposes (e.g., evaluation of specific muscles), the requirements for diagnostic sEMG equipment, the sEMG technique itself, and defining the tests suitable for assessing deglutition (e.g., saliva, normal, and excessive swallows and uninterrupted drinking of water) are presented in detail. SEMG is compared with other techniques in terms of cost, timing, involvement of radiation, etc. Results According to the published data, SEMG of swallowing is a simple and reliable method for screening and preliminary differentiation among dysphagia and odynophagia of various origins. This noninvasive radiation-free examination has a low level of discomfort, and is simple, time-saving and inexpensive to perform. The major weakness of the method seems to be inability for precise diagnostic of neurologically induced dysphagia. Conclusion With standardization of the technique and an established normative database, sEMG might serve as a reliable screening method for optimal patient management but cannot serve for proper investigation of neurogenic dysphagia. PMID:19232090

[Changes of masseter muscle asymmetry due to unilateral mastication after intervention: a electromyographic analysis].

PubMed

Wang, Yun; Teng, Chen; Wang, Meng-Ya

2015-04-01

To explore the effect of intervention with unilateral mastication on masseter muscle asymmetry. Forty-three subjects (19 males and 24 females, mean age 20.0∓0.5 years) with unilateral chewing were divided into group A0 with motivation and without intervention, group A1 with motivation and intervention, group B0 without motivation or intervention, and group B1 without motivation but with intervention. In groups A0 and A1, the motivation was removed and groups A1 and group B1 received interventions. Surface electromyography was recorded using surface electromyography in all the subjects in mandible postural position (MPP), with maximum clenching in intercuspal position (ICP) and during chewing. The sEMG of the left and right masseter muscle were separately recorded to assess the asymmetry index of the masseter muscles (ASMM) and its changes after intervention. In groupA0, the ASMM at MPP, during maximum clenching and chewing had no obvious changes after removal of the motivation. In group A1, the ASMM at MPP, during maximum clenching and chewing were obviously decreased after intervention. In group B0, the ASMM at MPP and during maximum clenching showed no obvious changes but ASMM during chewing significantly increased after removal of the motivation. In group B1, the ASMM at MPP, during maximum clenching and chewing all decreased obviously after intervention. Interventions can significantly improve the bilateral symmetry of the masseter muscles in subjects with unilateral chewing, and the motivation for unilateral chewing should be removed before intervention.

Evaluation of normal swallowing functions by using dynamic high-density surface electromyography maps.

PubMed

Zhu, Mingxing; Yu, Bin; Yang, Wanzhang; Jiang, Yanbing; Lu, Lin; Huang, Zhen; Chen, Shixiong; Li, Guanglin

2017-11-21

Swallowing is a continuous process with substantive interdependencies among different muscles, and it plays a significant role in our daily life. The aim of this study was to propose a novel technique based on high-density surface electromyography (HD sEMG) for the evaluation of normal swallowing functions. A total of 96 electrodes were placed on the front neck to acquire myoelectric signals from 12 healthy subjects while they were performing different swallowing tasks. HD sEMG energy maps were constructed based on the root mean square values to visualize muscular activities during swallowing. The effects of different volumes, viscosities, and head postures on the normal swallowing process were systemically investigated by using the energy maps. The results showed that the HD sEMG energy maps could provide detailed spatial and temporal properties of the muscle electrical activity, and visualize the muscle contractions that closely related to the swallowing function. The energy maps also showed that the swallowing time and effort was also explicitly affected by the volume and viscosity of the bolus. The concentration of the muscular activities shifted to the opposite side when the subjects turned their head to either side. The proposed method could provide an alternative method to physiologically evaluate the dynamic characteristics of normal swallowing and had the advantage of providing a full picture of how different muscle activities cooperate in time and location. The findings from this study suggested that the HD sEMG technique might be a useful tool for fast screening and objective assessment of swallowing disorders or dysphagia.

Surface Facial Electromyography, Skin Conductance, and Self-Reported Emotional Responses to Light- and Season-Relevant Stimuli in Seasonal Affective Disorder

PubMed Central

Lindsey, Kathryn Tierney; Rohan, Kelly J.; Roecklein, Kathryn A.; Mahon, Jennifer N.

2011-01-01

Background Learned associations between depressive behavior and environmental stimuli signaling low light availability and winter season may play a role in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether light and season environmental cues elicit emotional responses that are distinct in individuals with SAD. Methods Twenty-four currently depressed SAD participants were compared to 24 demographically-matched controls with no depression history on emotional responses to outdoor scenes captured under two light intensity (i.e., clear, sunny vs. overcast sky) and three season (i.e., summer with green leaves, fall with autumn foliage, and winter with bare trees) conditions. Emotion measures included surface facial electromyography (EMG) activity in the corrugator supercilii and zygomaticus major muscle regions, skin conductance, and self-reported mood state on the Profile of Mood States Depression–Dejection Subscale. Results Light intensity was a more salient cue than season in determining emotional reactions among SAD participants. Relative to controls, SAD participants displayed more corrugator activity, more frequent significant skin conductance responses (SCR), greater SCR magnitude, and more self-reported depressed mood in response to overcast stimuli and less corrugator activity, lower SCR magnitude, and less self-reported depressed mood in response to sunny stimuli. Limitations Study limitations include the single, as opposed to repeated, assessment and the lack of a nonseasonal depression group. Conclusions These findings suggest that extreme emotional reactivity to light-relevant stimuli may be a correlate of winter depression; and future work should examine its potential onset or maintenance significance. PMID:21600661

[A field study on the work load and muscle fatigue at neck-shoulder in female sewing machine operators by using surface electromyography].

PubMed

Zhang, Fei-ruo; Wang, Sheng; He, Li-hua; Zhang, Ying; Wu, Shan-shan; Li, Jing-yun; Hu, Guang-yi; Ye, Kang-ping

2011-03-01

To study neck and shoulder work-related muscle fatigue of female sewing machine operators. 18 health female sewing machine operators without musculoskeletal disorders work in Beijing garment industry factory as volunteers in participate of this study. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and 20% MVC of bilateral upper trapezium and cervical erectors spinae was tested before sewing operations, then the whole 20 time windows (1 time window = 10 min) sewing machine operations was monitored and the surface electromyography (sEMG) signals simultaneously was recorded after monitoring the 20%MVC was tested. Use amplitude analysis method to reduction recorded EMG signals. During work, the median load for the left cervical erector spinae (LCES), right cervical erector spinae (RCES), left upper trapezium (LUT) and right upper trapezium (RUT) respectively was 6.78 ± 1.05, 6.94 ± 1.12, 5.68 ± 2.56 and 6.47 ± 3.22, work load of right is higher than the left; static load analysis indicated the value of RMS(20%MVC) before work was higher than that value after work, the increase of right CES and UT RMS(20%MVC) was more; the largest 20%MVE of bilateral CES occurred at 20th time window, and that of bilateral UT happened at 16th. The work load of female sewing machine operators is sustained "static" load, and work load of right neck-shoulder is higher than left, right neck-shoulder muscle is more fatigable and much serious once fatigued.

Efficacy of kinesiology tape versus postural correction exercises on neck disability and axioscapular muscles fatigue in mechanical neck dysfunction: A randomized blinded clinical trial.

PubMed

El-Abd, Aliaa M; Ibrahim, Abeer R; El-Hafez, Haytham M

2017-04-01

Mechanical neck dysfunction (MND), with axioscapular muscles fatigue, is highly prevalent worldwide. While postural correction is commonly used for its treatment, efficacy of kinesiology tape (KT) has received considerable attention. To determine the effectiveness of KT versus correction exercises on neck disability, and axioscapular muscles fatigue in MND patients. 46 MND patients were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups receiving 4 weeks treatment of either KT or correction exercises. Neck disability and axioscapular muscles fatigue as median frequency of electromyography (EMG-MF) were measured pre and post treatment. Group-by-time interaction was not significant in the multivariable test. Post hoc tests revealed that KT produced more disability reduction than the postural exercises. However, there was no significant interaction for EMG-MF. KT has been found to be more effective than postural exercises to reduce neck disability. However, both modalities have similar effects to reduce axioscapular muscles fatigue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Features of peripheral nerve injuries in workers exposed to vibration: an analysis of 197 cases].

PubMed

Situ, J; Lin, C M; Qin, Z H; Zhu, D X; Lin, H; Zhang, F F; Zhang, J J

2016-12-20

Objective: To investigate the features of peripheral nerve injuries in workers exposed to vibration. Methods: A total of 197 male workers [median age: 34 years (21 - 50 years) ; median working years of vibration exposure: 7.3 years (1 - 20 years) ] engaged in grinding in an enterprise were enrolled. Their clinical data and electromyography results were analyzed to investigate the features of peripheral nerve impairment. Results: Of all workers, 96 (48.73%) had abnormal electromyography results. Of all workers, 88 (44.7%) had simple mild median nerve injury in the wrist, who accounted for 91.7% (88/96) of all workers with abnormal electromy-ography results. Six workers had ulnar nerve injury, superficial radial nerve injury, or/and superficial peroneal nerve injury and accounted for 6.3% of all workers with abnormal electromyography results. Of all workers, 88 had a reduced amplitude of median nerve sensory transduction, and 28 had slowed median nerve sensory transduction. A total of 46 workers were diagnosed with occupational hand-arm vibration disease and hospitalized for treatment. They were followed up for more than 4 months after leaving their jobs, and most of them showed improvements in neural electromyography results and returned to a normal state. Conclusion: Workers exposed to vibration have a high incidence rate of nerve injury in the hand, mainly sensory function impairment at the distal end of the median nerve, and all injuries are mild peripheral nerve injuries. After leaving the vibration job and being treated, most workers can achieve improvements and return to a normal state.

Effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on the functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD: a randomized and controlled trial.

PubMed

Wada, Juliano T; Borges-Santos, Erickson; Porras, Desiderio Cano; Paisani, Denise M; Cukier, Alberto; Lunardi, Adriana C; Carvalho, Celso Rf

2016-01-01

Patients with COPD present a major recruitment of the inspiratory muscles, predisposing to chest incoordination, increasing the degree of dyspnea and impairing their exercise capacity. Stretching techniques could decrease the respiratory muscle activity and improve their contractile capacity; however, the systemic effects of stretching remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD. This study was a randomized and controlled trial. A total of 30 patients were allocated to a treatment group (TG) or a control group (CG; n=15, each group). The TG was engaged in respiratory muscle stretching and the CG in upper and lower limb muscle stretching. Both groups performed 24 sessions (twice a week, 12 weeks) of aerobic training. Functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), thoracoabdominal kinematics (optoelectronic plethysmography), and respiratory muscle activity (surface electromyography) were evaluated during exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the groups at a significance level of 5%. After the intervention, the TG showed improved abdominal (ABD) contribution, compartmental volume, mobility, and functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea when compared with the CG ( P <0.01). The TG also showed a decreased respiratory muscle effort required to obtain the same pulmonary volume compared to the CG ( P <0.001). Our results suggest that aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching increases the functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea in patients with COPD. These effects are associated with an increased efficacy of the respiratory muscles and participation of the ABD compartment.

Perception of Muscular Effort During Dynamic Elbow Extension in Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Heller, Mario; Retzl, Irene; Kiselka, Anita; Greisberger, Andrea

2016-02-01

To investigate the perception of muscular effort in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls during dynamic contractions. Case-control study. MS day care center. Individuals with MS (n=28) and controls (n=28) (N=56). Not applicable. Perceived muscular effort during dynamic elbow extensions was rated at 9 different weight intensities (10%-90% of 1-repetition maximum) in a single-blind, randomized order using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale. Muscle activity of the triceps brachii muscle (lateral head) was measured via surface electromyography and normalized to maximal voluntary excitation. According to OMNI-level ratings, significant main effects were found for the diagnostic condition (F=27.33, P<.001, η(2)=.11), indicating 0.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-1.1) lower mean OMNI-level ratings for MS, and for the intensity level (F=46.81, P<.001, η(2)=.46), showing increased OMNI-level ratings for increased intensity levels for both groups. Furthermore, significant main effects were found for the diagnostic condition (F=16.52, P<.001, η(2)=.07), indicating 7.1% (95% CI, -8.6 to 22.8) higher maximal voluntary excitation values for MS, and for the intensity level (F=33.09, P<.001, η(2)=.36), showing higher relative muscle activities for increasing intensity levels in both groups. Similar to controls, individuals with MS were able to differentiate between different intensities of weight during dynamic elbow extensions when provided in a single-blind, randomized order. Therefore, perceived muscular effort might be considered to control resistance training intensities in individuals with MS. However, training intensity for individuals with MS should be chosen at approximately 1 OMNI level lower than recommended, at least for dynamic elbow extension exercises. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on the functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD: a randomized and controlled trial

PubMed Central

Wada, Juliano T; Borges-Santos, Erickson; Porras, Desiderio Cano; Paisani, Denise M; Cukier, Alberto; Lunardi, Adriana C; Carvalho, Celso RF

2016-01-01

Background Patients with COPD present a major recruitment of the inspiratory muscles, predisposing to chest incoordination, increasing the degree of dyspnea and impairing their exercise capacity. Stretching techniques could decrease the respiratory muscle activity and improve their contractile capacity; however, the systemic effects of stretching remain unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD. Design This study was a randomized and controlled trial. Participants A total of 30 patients were allocated to a treatment group (TG) or a control group (CG; n=15, each group). Intervention The TG was engaged in respiratory muscle stretching and the CG in upper and lower limb muscle stretching. Both groups performed 24 sessions (twice a week, 12 weeks) of aerobic training. Evaluations Functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), thoracoabdominal kinematics (optoelectronic plethysmography), and respiratory muscle activity (surface electromyography) were evaluated during exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the groups at a significance level of 5%. Results After the intervention, the TG showed improved abdominal (ABD) contribution, compartmental volume, mobility, and functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea when compared with the CG (P<0.01). The TG also showed a decreased respiratory muscle effort required to obtain the same pulmonary volume compared to the CG (P<0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching increases the functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea in patients with COPD. These effects are associated with an increased efficacy of the respiratory muscles and participation of the ABD compartment. PMID:27822031

Low-power system for the acquisition of the respiratory signal of neonates using diaphragmatic electromyography.

PubMed

Torres, Róbinson; López-Isaza, Sergio; Mejía-Mejía, Elisa; Paniagua, Viviana; González, Víctor

2017-01-01

An apnea episode is defined as the cessation of breathing for ≥15 seconds or as any suspension of breathing accompanied by hypoxia and bradycardia. Obtaining information about the respiratory system in a neonate can be accomplished using electromyography signals from the diaphragm muscle. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a method by which the respiratory and electrocardiographic signals from neonates can be obtained using diaphragmatic electromyography. The system was developed using single-supply, micropower components, which deliver a low-power consumption system appropriate for the development of portable devices. The stages of the system were tested in both adult and neonate patients. The system delivers signals as those expected in both patients and allows the acquisition of respiratory signals directly from the diaphragmatic electromyography. This low-power system may present a good alternative for monitoring the cardiac and respiratory activity in newborn babies, both in the hospital and at home. The system delivers good signals but needs to be validated for its use in neonates. It is being used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital General de Medellín Luz Castro de Gutiérrez.

Tibial and fibular nerves evaluation using intraoperative electromyography in rats.

PubMed

Nepomuceno, André Coelho; Politani, Elisa Landucci; Silva, Eduardo Guandelini da; Salomone, Raquel; Longo, Marco Vinicius Losso; Salles, Alessandra Grassi; Faria, José Carlos Marques de; Gemperli, Rolf

2016-08-01

To evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) assessment of the tibial and fibular nerves, and its respectives motor units in rats. Eight Wistar rats underwent intraoperative EMG on both hind limbs at two different moments: week 0 and week 12. Supramaximal electrical stimulation applied on sciatic nerve, and compound muscle action potential recorded on the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDLM) through electrodes at specifics points. Motor function assessment was performaced through Walking Track Test. Exposing the muscles and nerves for examination did not alter tibial (p=0.918) or fibular (p=0.877) function between the evaluation moments. Electromyography of the GM, innervated by the tibial nerve, revealed similar amplitude (p=0.069) and latency (p=0.256) at week 0 and at 12 weeks, creating a standard of normality. Meanwhile, electromyography of the EDLM, innervated by the fibular nerve, showed significant differences between the amplitudes (p=0.003) and latencies (p=0.021) at the two different moments of observation. Intraoperative electromyography determined and quantified gastrocnemius muscle motor unit integrity, innervated by tibial nerve. Although this study was not useful to, objectively, assess extensor digitorum longus muscle motor unit, innervated by fibular nerve.

Diaphragm depth in normal subjects.

PubMed

Shahgholi, Leili; Baria, Michael R; Sorenson, Eric J; Harper, Caitlin J; Watson, James C; Strommen, Jeffrey A; Boon, Andrea J

2014-05-01

Needle electromyography (EMG) of the diaphragm carries the potential risk of pneumothorax. Knowing the approximate depth of the diaphragm should increase the test's safety and accuracy. Distances from the skin to the diaphragm and from the outer surface of the rib to the diaphragm were measured using B mode ultrasound in 150 normal subjects. When measured at the lower intercostal spaces, diaphragm depth varied between 0.78 and 4.91 cm beneath the skin surface and between 0.25 and 1.48 cm below the outer surface of the rib. Using linear regression modeling, body mass index (BMI) could be used to predict diaphragm depth from the skin to within an average of 1.15 mm. Diaphragm depth from the skin can vary by more than 4 cm. When image guidance is not available to enhance accuracy and safety of diaphragm EMG, it is possible to reliably predict the depth of the diaphragm based on BMI. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Activities of the Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis Oblique Muscles during Squats on Different Surfaces

PubMed Central

Hyong, In Hyouk; Kang, Jong Ho

2013-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of squat exercises performed on different surfaces on the activity of the quadriceps femoris muscle in order to provide information on support surfaces for effective squat exercises. [Subjects and Method] Fourteen healthy subjects performed squat exercises for five seconds each on three different support surfaces: hard plates, foam, and rubber air discs. Their performance was measured using electromyography. As the subjects performed the squat exercises on each surface, data on the activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis, and the vastus medials oblique/vastus lateralis ratio, were collected. [Results] The activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratio were found to be statistically significantly higher on rubber air discs than when the squats were performed on hard plates or foam. [Conclusion] To activate the vastus medialis obilique, and to enhance the vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratio, unstable surfaces that are highly unstable should be selected. PMID:24259884

Surface EMG crosstalk during phasic involuntary muscle activation in the nociceptive withdrawal reflex.

PubMed

Frahm, Ken S; Jensen, Michael B; Farina, Dario; Andersen, Ole K

2012-08-01

The human nociceptive withdrawal reflex is typically assessed using surface electromyography (sEMG). Based on sEMG, the reflex receptive field (RRF) can be mapped. However, EMG crosstalk can cause erroneous results in the RRF determination. Single differential (SD) vs. double differential (DD) surface EMG were evaluated. Different electrode areas and inter-electrode-distances (IED) were evaluated. The reflexes were elicited by electrical stimulation of the sole of the foot. EMG was obtained from both tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) using both surface and intramuscular EMG (iEMG). The amount of crosstalk was significantly higher in SD recordings than in DD recordings (P < 0.05). Crosstalk increased when electrode measuring area increased (P < 0.05) and when IED increased (P < 0.05). Reflex detection sensitivity decreases with increasing measuring area and increasing IED. These results stress that for determination of RRF and similar tasks, DD recordings should be applied. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Entropy of electromyography time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaufman, Miron; Zurcher, Ulrich; Sung, Paul S.

2007-12-01

A nonlinear analysis based on Renyi entropy is applied to electromyography (EMG) time series from back muscles. The time dependence of the entropy of the EMG signal exhibits a crossover from a subdiffusive regime at short times to a plateau at longer times. We argue that this behavior characterizes complex biological systems. The plateau value of the entropy can be used to differentiate between healthy and low back pain individuals.

The Efficacy of Two Treatment Techniques for Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy as Measured by Electromyography and Thermal Information. [Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, David Michael

Two techniques to normalize muscle tone were evaluated with nine infants and young children with cerebral palsy who were enrolled in the Rural Infant Stimulation Environment (RISE) Program, near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Electromyography (EMG) and skin temperature data were used to assess the effects of trunk rotation and slow rolling on a ball. EMG…

Corticospinal excitability measurements using transcranial magnetic stimulation are valid with intramuscular electromyography

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Objectives Muscular targets that are deep or inaccessible to surface electromyography (sEMG) require intrinsic recording using fine-wire electromyography (fEMG). It is unknown if fEMG validly record cortically evoked muscle responses compared to sEMG. The purpose of this investigation was to establish the validity and agreement of fEMG compared to sEMG to quantify typical transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures pre and post repetitive TMS (rTMS). The hypotheses were that fEMG would demonstrate excellent validity and agreement compared with sEMG. Materials and methods In ten healthy volunteers, paired pulse and cortical silent period (CSP) TMS measures were collected before and after 1200 pulses of 1Hz rTMS to the motor cortex. Data were simultaneously recorded with sEMG and fEMG in the first dorsal interosseous. Concurrent validity (r and rho) and agreement (Tukey mean-difference) were calculated. Results fEMG quantified corticospinal excitability with good to excellent validity compared to sEMG data at both pretest (r = 0.77–0.97) and posttest (r = 0.83–0.92). Pairwise comparisons indicated no difference between sEMG and fEMG for all outcomes; however, Tukey mean-difference plots display increased variance and questionable agreement for paired pulse outcomes. CSP displayed the highest estimates of validity and agreement. Paired pulse MEP responses recorded with fEMG displayed reduced validity, agreement and less sensitivity to changes in MEP amplitude compared to sEMG. Change scores following rTMS were not significantly different between sEMG and fEMG. Conclusion fEMG electrodes are a valid means to measure CSP and paired pulse MEP responses. CSP displays the highest validity estimates, while caution is warranted when assessing paired pulse responses with fEMG. Corticospinal excitability and neuromodulatory aftereffects from rTMS may be assessed using fEMG. PMID:28231250

[Modelling metallic bars in an orthopaedic laboratory: postural and biomechanical analysis].

PubMed

Draicchio, F; Miccio, A; Mari, S; Silvetti, A; Forzano, F; Ranavolo, A

2012-01-01

Aim of this work is to assess, with an objective technique (i.e. surface electromyography), the upper limb biomechanical load in workers specialized in manufacturing of orthopedic prostheses. We considered two different working configurations (workstation height at 105 and 110 cm) and three different materials to be modeled (aluminum, steel and titanium). Our results showed significant differences between aluminum/steel and titanium bars. As regards the working configurations, we found differences in the muscle activation patterns between the two heights, with an increased exertion of the shoulder muscles at 110 cm with respect to 105.

Applications of ICA and fractal dimension in sEMG signal processing for subtle movement analysis: a review.

PubMed

Naik, Ganesh R; Arjunan, Sridhar; Kumar, Dinesh

2011-06-01

The surface electromyography (sEMG) signal separation and decphompositions has always been an interesting research topic in the field of rehabilitation and medical research. Subtle myoelectric control is an advanced technique concerned with the detection, processing, classification, and application of myoelectric signals to control human-assisting robots or rehabilitation devices. This paper reviews recent research and development in independent component analysis and Fractal dimensional analysis for sEMG pattern recognition, and presents state-of-the-art achievements in terms of their type, structure, and potential application. Directions for future research are also briefly outlined.

Detection and Alert of muscle fatigue considering a Surface Electromyography Chaotic Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrera, V.; Romero, J. F.; Amestegui, M.

2011-03-01

This work propose a detection and alert algorithm for muscle fatigue in paraplegic patients undergoing electro-therapy sessions. The procedure is based on a mathematical chaotic model emulating physiological signals and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). The chaotic model developed is based on a logistic map that provides suitable data accomplishing some physiological signal class patterns. The CWT was applied to signals generated by the model and the resulting vector was obtained through Total Wavelet Entropy (TWE). In this sense, the presented work propose a viable and practical alert and detection algorithm for muscle fatigue.

Vibration parameters affecting vibration-induced reflex muscle activity.

PubMed

Cidem, Muharrem; Karacan, Ilhan; Cakar, Halil Ibrahim; Cidem, Mehmet; Sebik, Oguz; Yilmaz, Gizem; Turker, Kemal Sitki; Karamehmetoglu, Safak Sahir

2017-03-01

To determine vibration parameters affecting the amplitude of the reflex activity of soleus muscle during low-amplitude whole-body vibration (WBV). This study was conducted on 19 participants. Vibration frequencies of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 Hz were used. Surface electromyography, collision force between vibration platform and participant's heel measured using a force sensor, and acceleration measured using an accelerometer fixed to the vibration platform were simultaneously recorded. The collision force was the main independent predictor of electromyographic amplitude. The essential parameter of vibration affecting the amplitude of the reflex muscle activity is the collision force.

Loadcell supports for a dynamic force plate. [using piezoelectric tranducers and electromyography to study human gait

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, C. W.; Musil, L. M.; Hagy, J. L.

1975-01-01

An apparatus was developed to accurately measure components of force along three mutually perpendicular axes, torque, and the center of pressure imposed by the foot of a subject walking over its surface. The data obtained were used to supplement high-speed motion picture and electromyographic (EMG) data for in-depth studies of normal or abnormal human gait. Significant features of the design (in particular, the mechanisms used to support the loadcell transducers) are described. Results of the development program and typical data obtained with the device are presented and discussed.

Reflex muscle contraction in anterior shoulder instability.

PubMed

Wallace, D A; Beard, D J; Gill, R H; Eng, B; Carr, A J

1997-01-01

Reduced proprioception may contribute to recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Twelve patients with unilateral shoulder instability were investigated for evidence of deficient proprioception with an activated pneumatic cylinder and surface electromyography electrodes; the contralateral normal shoulder was used as a control. The latency between onset of movement and the detection of muscle contraction was used as an index of proprioception. No significant difference in muscle contraction latency was detected between the stable and unstable shoulders, suggesting that there was no significant defect in muscular reflex activity. This study does not support the use proprioception-enhancing physiotherapy in the treatment of posttraumatic anterior shoulder instability.

Dosage effect of rocuronium on intraoperative neuromonitoring in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

PubMed

Han, Yang-dong; Liang, Feng; Chen, Peng

2015-01-01

The effect of different concentrations of rocuronium bromide used for anesthesia induction during thyroid surgery on the intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring was evaluated. One hundred patients undergoing thyroid operation were randomized into five groups (20 patients per group). Patients in group I were operated and monitored without the use of rocuronium bromide. Patients in groups II-V were respectively injected with 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, and 2x ED95 rocuronium bromide intravenously. The time from injecting the rocuronium bromide to the beginning of tube insertion was recorded, the conditions of tracheal intubation were evaluated, and the changes in blood pressure and pulse during the intubation process were monitored. Vagus nerve/recurrent laryngeal nerve evoked muscle potential was monitored using the NIM-Response3.0 nerve electromyography monitor. The amplitude of electromyography signal was recorded every 5 min during 30 min after successful tracheal intubation. The tracheal intubation success rate was 100% in all groups. Compared with group I, intubating condition scores (Cooper scores) in the patients of groups II-V were higher (P < 0.05). The stability of intraoperative neuromonitoring signal amplitude in groups I-III met the monitoring standards. The findings suggest that the use of 0.5x or 1x ED95 rocuronium bromide during the anesthesia induction can improve the tracheal tube conditions without affecting the intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring. The use of 1x ED95 rocuronium bromide induction was associated with the best results.

Iterative Assessment of Statistically-Oriented and Standard Algorithms for Determining Muscle Onset with Intramuscular Electromyography.

PubMed

Tenan, Matthew S; Tweedell, Andrew J; Haynes, Courtney A

2017-12-01

The onset of muscle activity, as measured by electromyography (EMG), is a commonly applied metric in biomechanics. Intramuscular EMG is often used to examine deep musculature and there are currently no studies examining the effectiveness of algorithms for intramuscular EMG onset. The present study examines standard surface EMG onset algorithms (linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser Energy Operator, and sample entropy) and novel algorithms (time series mean-variance analysis, sequential/batch processing with parametric and nonparametric methods, and Bayesian changepoint analysis). Thirteen male and 5 female subjects had intramuscular EMG collected during isolated biceps brachii and vastus lateralis contractions, resulting in 103 trials. EMG onset was visually determined twice by 3 blinded reviewers. Since the reliability of visual onset was high (ICC (1,1) : 0.92), the mean of the 6 visual assessments was contrasted with the algorithmic approaches. Poorly performing algorithms were stepwise eliminated via (1) root mean square error analysis, (2) algorithm failure to identify onset/premature onset, (3) linear regression analysis, and (4) Bland-Altman plots. The top performing algorithms were all based on Bayesian changepoint analysis of rectified EMG and were statistically indistinguishable from visual analysis. Bayesian changepoint analysis has the potential to produce more reliable, accurate, and objective intramuscular EMG onset results than standard methodologies.

Comparison of Antagonist Muscle Activity During Walking Between Total Knee Replacement and Control Subjects Using Unnormalized Electromyography.

PubMed

Lundberg, Hannah J; Rojas, Idubijes L; Foucher, Kharma C; Wimmer, Markus A

2016-06-01

Although satisfactory outcomes have been reported after total knee replacement (TKR), full recovery of muscle strength and physical function is rare. We developed a relative activation index (RAI) to compare leg muscle activity from unnormalized surface electromyography (sEMG) between TKR and control subjects. Nineteen TKR and 19 control subjects underwent gait analysis and sEMG. RAIs were calculated by dividing the average sEMG for 2 consecutive subphases of stance defined by the direction of the external sagittal plane moment (flexion or extension). RAIs and external moments indicate TKR subjects have less initial stance antagonist rectus femoris activity (P = .004), greater middle stance antagonist biceps femoris activity (P < .001), and less late stance agonist biceps femoris activity (P < .001) than control subjects. Individuals with TKR demonstrate increased flexor muscle activation during weight bearing, potentially contributing to altered gait patterns found during the stance phase of gait. The RAI helps detail whether decreased external moments correspond to less agonist or more antagonist muscle activity to determine true muscle activity differences between subject groups. Identifying the mechanisms underlying altered muscle function both before and after TKR is critical for developing rehabilitation strategies to address functional deficits and disability found in this patient population. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epidermal electronics for electromyography: An application to swallowing therapy.

PubMed

Constantinescu, Gabriela; Jeong, Jae-Woong; Li, Xinda; Scott, Dylan K; Jang, Kyung-In; Chung, Hyun-Joong; Rogers, John A; Rieger, Jana

2016-08-01

Head and neck cancer treatment alters the anatomy and physiology of patients. Resulting swallowing difficulties can lead to serious health concerns. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used as an adjuvant to swallowing therapy exercises. sEMG signal collected from the area under the chin provides visual biofeedback from muscle contractions and is used to help patients perform exercises correctly. However, conventional sEMG adhesive pads are relatively thick and difficult to effectively adhere to a patient's altered chin anatomy, potentially leading to poor signal acquisition in this population. Here, the emerging technology of epidermal electronics is introduced, where ultra-thin geometry allows for close contouring of the chin. The two objectives of this study were to (1) assess the potential of epidermal electronics technology for use with swallowing therapy and (2) assess the significance of the reference electrode placement. This study showed comparative signals between the new epidermal sEMG patch and the conventional adhesive patches used by clinicians. Furthermore, an integrated reference yielded optimal signal for clinical use; this configuration was more robust to head movements than when an external reference was used. Improvements for future iterations of epidermal sEMG patches specific to day-to-day clinical use are suggested. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Motor unit number estimation and quantitative needle electromyography in stroke patients.

PubMed

Kouzi, Ioanna; Trachani, Eftichia; Anagnostou, Evangelos; Rapidi, Christina-Anastasia; Ellul, John; Sakellaropoulos, George C; Chroni, Elisabeth

2014-12-01

To evaluate the effect of upper motor neuron damage upon motor units' function by means of two separate and supplementary electrophysiological methods. The abductor digiti minimi muscle of the non-paretic and the paretic side was studied in forty-six stroke patients with (a) motor unit number estimation (MUNE) - adapted multiple point stimulation method and (b) computerized quantitative needle electromyography (EMG) assessing the configuration of voluntary recruited motor unit potentials. Main outcome comparisons were focused on differences between non-paretic and paretic side. On the affected hands mean MUNE value was significantly lower and mean area of the surface recorded single motor unit potentials was significantly larger than the corresponding ones on the non-paretic hands. EMG findings did not reveal remarkable differences between the two sides. Neither severity nor chronicity of stroke was related to MUNE or EMG parameters. MUNE results, which suggested reduced motor unit numbers in stroke patients, in conjunction with the normal EMG features in these same muscles has given rise to different interpretations. In a clinical setting, reinnervation type changes in the EMG similar to that occurring in neuronopathies or axonal neuropathies should not be expected in muscles with central neurogenic lesion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dental Implants – Perceiving Patients’ Satisfaction in Relation to Clinical and Electromyography Study on Implant Patients

PubMed Central

Saha, Soumendra

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with posterior implants in relation to the clinical success criteria and surface electromyography (sEMG) findings of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Total 42 subjects were investigated. Twenty one subjects with posterior dental implants were interviewed using a questionnaire and the clinical success criteria were determined based on The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. The myofunction of the masticatory muscles were assessed using sEMG (21 subjects) and compared to the control group of subjects without implants (21 subjects). Out of 21 subjects, all were satisfied with the aesthetics of their implant. Twenty of them (95.2%) were satisfied with its function and stability. As for clinical criteria, 100% (50) of the implants were successful with no pain, mobility or exudates. sEMG findings showed that patients have significantly lower (p<0.01) basal or resting median power frequency but with muscle burst. During chewing, control subjects showed faster chewing action. There was no difference in reaction and recovery time of clenching for both groups. In conclusion, the satisfaction of implant patients was high, and which was in relation to the successful clinical success criteria and sEMG findings. PMID:26465146

The effect of movement and load on the dynamic coupling of abdominal electromyography.

PubMed

King, Adam C

2018-05-14

This study investigated the degree of neural coupling in abdominal muscle activity and whether the task constraints of movement and load altered the coupling within three muscle pairings. Nineteen young, physically-active individuals performed sit-up and reverse crunch movements in bodyweight (BW) and loaded (+4.54 kg) conditions. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded from the rectus abdominus (RA), external oblique (EO), and transverse abdominus (TA) muscles. Linear (correlation coefficient) and non-linear (Cross-Approximate Entropy) measurements evaluated the degree of couplings across three muscle pairings. Compared to a resting coupling state, most conditions showed evidence of coupling. The linear coupling showed greater coupling compared to the resting state. Dynamic coupling showed lower degrees of coupling for the RA-EO and RA-TA pairings but stronger coupling for the EO-TA pairing with the sit-up movement exhibiting lower Cross-ApEn (higher dynamic coupling) than the reverse crunch. The results provide preliminary evidence of coupling in abdominal muscle activity that was influenced by movement, but not load. The functional roles of the RA (prime mover), EO and TA (stabilizers) muscles may have influenced the degree of coupling and future investigations are needed to better understand the coupling of abdominal muscle activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Is there any change in pelvic floor electromyography during the first 6 months after radical retropubic prostatectomy?

PubMed

Hacad, Claudia R; Glazer, Howard I; Zambon, João Paulo C; Burti, Juliana S; Almeida, Fernando G

2015-03-01

The aim of this study is to determine electromyographic pelvic floor muscles activity during the first 6 months post RRP and its relationship to urinary continence. Thirty-eight men (mean age of 63.1 ± 5.7 year) with prostate cancer scheduled for open radical retropubic prostatectomy were evaluated. pelvic radiotherapy, systemic or neurologic diseases, pre-operative International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) >7 and OABq ≥8. Surface electromyography (sEMG) evaluation, IPSS, Urinary Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-short form were applied before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after RRP. Six months after surgery, 18 men (47.4 %) presented urinary leakage. The sEMG evaluations within the first 6 months presented changes in fast contraction amplitude (p = 0.006), rest amplitude after fast contraction (p = 0.04), 10 s sustained contraction mean amplitude (p = 0.024) and final rest amplitude (p = 0.011). We observed that continent and incontinent patients as a group presented electromyographic changes during the first 6 months after radical prostatectomy that could be justified by the denervation/reinnervation of the external urethral sphincter. This finding is consistent with the adaptation of the pelvic floor musculature to the new urethral sphincter condition following surgery.

Design and development of an automated, portable and handheld tablet personal computer-based data acquisition system for monitoring electromyography signals during rehabilitation.

PubMed

Ahamed, Nizam U; Sundaraj, Kenneth; Poo, Tarn S

2013-03-01

This article describes the design of a robust, inexpensive, easy-to-use, small, and portable online electromyography acquisition system for monitoring electromyography signals during rehabilitation. This single-channel (one-muscle) system was connected via the universal serial bus port to a programmable Windows operating system handheld tablet personal computer for storage and analysis of the data by the end user. The raw electromyography signals were amplified in order to convert them to an observable scale. The inherent noise of 50 Hz (Malaysia) from power lines electromagnetic interference was then eliminated using a single-hybrid IC notch filter. These signals were sampled by a signal processing module and converted into 24-bit digital data. An algorithm was developed and programmed to transmit the digital data to the computer, where it was reassembled and displayed in the computer using software. Finally, the following device was furnished with the graphical user interface to display the online muscle strength streaming signal in a handheld tablet personal computer. This battery-operated system was tested on the biceps brachii muscles of 20 healthy subjects, and the results were compared to those obtained with a commercial single-channel (one-muscle) electromyography acquisition system. The results obtained using the developed device when compared to those obtained from a commercially available physiological signal monitoring system for activities involving muscle contractions were found to be comparable (the comparison of various statistical parameters) between male and female subjects. In addition, the key advantage of this developed system over the conventional desktop personal computer-based acquisition systems is its portability due to the use of a tablet personal computer in which the results are accessible graphically as well as stored in text (comma-separated value) form.

A systematic review of surface electromyography analyses of the bench press movement task

PubMed Central

Gołaś, Artur; Blazek, Dusan; Maszczyk, Adam; Wilk, Michał; Pietraszewski, Przemysław; Petr, Miroslav; Uhlir, Petr; Zając, Adam

2017-01-01

Background The bench press exercise (BP) plays an important role in recreational and professional training, in which muscle activity is an important multifactorial phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to systematically review electromyography (EMG) studies performed on the barbell BP exercise to answer the following research questions: Which muscles show the greatest activity during the flat BP? Which changes in muscle activity are related to specific conditions under which the BP movement is performed? Strategy PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library were searched through June 10, 2016. A combination of the following search terms was used: bench press, chest press, board press, test, measure, assessment, dynamometer, kinematics and biomechanics. Only original, full-text articles were considered. Results The search process resulted in 14 relevant studies that were included in the discussion. The triceps brachii (TB) and pectoralis major (PM) muscles were found to have similar activity during the BP, which was significantly higher than the activity of the anterior deltoid. During the BP movement, muscle activity changes with exercise intensity, velocity of movement, fatigue, mental focus, movement phase and stability conditions, such as bar vibration or unstable surfaces. Under these circumstances, TB is the most common object of activity change. Conclusions PM and TB EMG activity is more dominant and shows greater EMG amplitude than anterior deltoid during the BP. There are six factors that can influence muscle activity during the BP; however, the most important factor is exercise intensity, which interacts with all other factors. The research on muscle activity in the BP has several unresolved areas, such as clearly and strongly defined guidelines to perform EMG measurements (e.g., how to elaborate with surface EMG limits) or guidelines for the use of exact muscle models. PMID:28170449

Ankle Joint Angle and Lower Leg Musculotendinous Unit Responses to Cryotherapy.

PubMed

Akehi, Kazuma; Long, Blaine C; Warren, Aric J; Goad, Carla L

2016-09-01

Akehi, K, Long, BC, Warren, AJ, and Goad, CL. Ankle joint angle and lower leg musculotendinous unit responses to cryotherapy. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2482-2492, 2016-The use of cold application has been debated for its influence on joint range of motion (ROM) and stiffness. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 30-minute ice bag application to the plantarflexor muscles or ankle influences passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM and lower leg musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). Thirty-five recreationally active college-aged individuals with no history of lower leg injury 6 months before data collection volunteered. On each testing day, we measured maximum passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM (°) and plantarflexor torque (N·m) on an isokinetic dynamometer to calculate the passive plantarflexor MTS (N·m per degree) at 4 joint angles before, during, and after a treatment. Surface electromyography amplitudes (μV), and skin surface and ambient air temperature (°C) were also measured. Subjects received an ice bag to the posterior lower leg, ankle joint, or nothing for 30 minutes in different days. Ice bag application to the lower leg and ankle did not influence passive ROM (F(12,396) = 0.67, p = 0.78). Passive torque increased after ice bag application to the lower leg (F(12,396) = 2.21, p = 0.011). Passive MTS at the initial joint angle increased after ice bag application to the lower leg (F(12,396) = 2.14, p = 0.014) but not at the other joint angles (p > 0.05). Surface electromyography amplitudes for gastrocnemius and soleus muscles increased after ice application to the lower leg (F(2,66) = 5.61, p = 0.006; F(12,396) = 3.60, p < 0.001). Ice bag application to the lower leg and ankle joint does not alter passive dorsiflexion ROM but increases passive ankle plantarflexor torque in addition to passive ankle plantarflexor MTS at the initial joint angle.

Muscle Activation Differs Between Partial and Full Back Squat Exercise With External Load Equated.

PubMed

da Silva, Josinaldo J; Schoenfeld, Brad J; Marchetti, Priscyla N; Pecoraro, Silvio L; Greve, Julia M D; Marchetti, Paulo H

2017-06-01

Changes in range of motion affect the magnitude of the load during the squat exercise and, consequently, may influence muscle activation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activation between the partial and full back squat exercise with external load equated on a relative basis between conditions. Fifteen young, healthy, resistance-trained men (age: 26 ± 5 years, height: 173 ± 6 cm) performed a back squat at their 10 repetition maximum (10RM) using 2 different ranges of motion (partial and full) in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus, erector spinae, soleus (SL), and gluteus maximus (GM). In general, muscle activity was highest during the partial back squat for GM (p = 0.004), BF (p = 0.009), and SL (p = 0.031) when compared with full-back squat. There was no significant difference for rating of perceived exertion between partial and full back squat exercise at 10RM (8 ± 1 and 9 ± 1, respectively). In conclusion, the range of motion in the back squat alters muscle activation of the prime mover (GM) and stabilizers (SL and BF) when performed with the load equated on a relative basis. Thus, the partial back squat maximizes the level of muscle activation of the GM and associated stabilizer muscles.

Electromyographic analyses of the erector spinae muscles during golf swings using four different clubs.

PubMed

Sorbie, Graeme G; Grace, Fergal M; Gu, Yaodong; Baker, Julien S; Ugbolue, Ukadike C

2018-04-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) patterns of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the erector spinae (ES) muscle during the golf swing whilst using four different golf clubs. Fifteen right-handed male golfers performed a total of twenty swings in random order using the driver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge. Surface EMG was recorded from the lead and trail sides of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle (T8, L1 and L5 lateral to the spinous-process). Three-dimensional high-speed video analysis was used to identify the backswing, forward swing, acceleration, early and late follow-through phases of the golf swing. No significant differences in muscle-activation levels from the lead and trail sides of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle were displayed between the driver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge (P > 0.05). The highest mean thoracic and lumbar ES muscle-activation levels were displayed in the forward swing (67-99% MVC) and acceleration (83-106% MVC) phases of the swing for all clubs tested. The findings from this study show that there were no significant statistical differences between the driver, 4-iron, 7-iron and pitching-wedge when examining muscle activity from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the ES muscle.

Activation of respiratory muscles during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Walterspacher, Stephan; Gückler, Julia; Pietsch, Fabian; Walker, David Johannes; Kabitz, Hans-Joachim; Dreher, Michael

2017-04-01

Respiratory muscle dysfunction is a key component of weaning failure. Balancing respiratory muscle loading and unloading by applying different ventilation modes along with spontaneous breathing episodes are established weaning strategies. However, the effects of body positioning on the respiratory muscles during weaning remains unclear. This study aimed at assessing respiratory drive by surface electromyography (EMG) of the diaphragm (EMG dia ) and parasternal muscles (EMG para ) in tracheotomized patients during prolonged weaning in 3 randomized body positions-supine, 30° semirecumbent, and 80° sitting-during mechanical ventilation and spontaneous breathing. Nine patients were included for analysis. Cardiorespiratory parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, dyspnea) did not change under each condition (all P>.05). EMG para and EMG dia did not change under mechanical ventilation (both P>.05). EMG dia changed under spontaneous breathing from supine to sitting (0.45±0.26 vs 0.32±0.19; P=.012) and between semirecumbent to sitting (0.41±0.23 vs 0.32±0.19; P=.039), whereas EMG para did not change. This is the first study to show that body positioning influences respiratory drive to the diaphragm in tracheotomized patients with prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation during unassisted breathing. Sitting position reduces respiratory drive compared with semirecumbent and supine positioning and might therefore be favored during spontaneous breathing trials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elastic Bands in Combination With Free Weights in Strength Training: Neuromuscular Effects.

PubMed

Andersen, Vidar; Fimland, Marius S; Kolnes, Maria K; Saeterbakken, Atle H

2015-10-01

This study compared the effects of a variable vs. a constant lower limb resistance training program on muscle strength, muscle activation, and ballistic muscle performance at different knee angles. Thirty-two females were randomized to a constant resistance training free-weight group (FWG) or a variable resistance training group using free weights in combination with elastic bands (EBG). Two variations of the squat exercise (back squat and split) were performed 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and countermovement jump were assessed at knee angles of 60, 90, and 120° before and after the intervention. During the MVCs, muscle activation of the superficial knee extensor muscles was measured using surface electromyography. The FWG increased their MVCs at 60 and 90° (24 and 15%, respectively), whereas the EBG only increased significantly at 60° (15%). The FWG increased their jump height significantly at all angles (12-16%), whereas the EBG only improved significantly at 60 and 90° (15 and 10%, respectively). Both groups improved their 6-repetition maximum free-weight squat performance (EBG: 25% and FWG: 23%). There were no significant changes in muscle activation. In conclusion, constant and variable resistance training provided similar increases in dynamic and isometric strength, and ballistic muscle performance, albeit most consistently for the group training only with free weights.

Kinematic Visual Biofeedback Improves Accuracy of Learning a Swallowing Maneuver and Accuracy of Clinician Cues During Training.

PubMed

Azola, Alba M; Sunday, Kirstyn L; Humbert, Ianessa A

2017-02-01

Submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) visual biofeedback is widely used to train swallowing maneuvers. This study compares the effect of ssEMG and videofluoroscopy (VF) visual biofeedback on hyo-laryngeal accuracy when training a swallowing maneuver. Furthermore, it examines the clinician's ability to provide accurate verbal cues during swallowing maneuver training. Thirty healthy adults performed the volitional laryngeal vestibule closure maneuver (vLVC), which involves swallowing and sustaining closure of the laryngeal vestibule for 2 s. The study included two stages: (1) first accurate demonstration of the vLVC maneuver, followed by (2) training-20 vLVC training swallows. Participants were randomized into three groups: (a) ssEMG biofeedback only, (b) VF biofeedback only, and (c) mixed biofeedback (VF for the first accurate demonstration achieving stage and ssEMG for the training stage). Participants' performances were verbally critiqued or reinforced in real time while both the clinician and participant were observing the assigned visual biofeedback. VF and ssEMG were continuously recorded for all participants. Results show that accuracy of both vLVC performance and clinician cues was greater with VF biofeedback than with either ssEMG or mixed biofeedback (p < 0.001). Using ssEMG for providing real-time biofeedback during training could lead to errors while learning and training a swallowing maneuver.

Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping and Cross Taping Application in the Treatment of Latent Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Prospective, Single-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Słupska, Lucyna; Paprocka-Borowicz, Małgorzata; Taradaj, Jakub; Bidzińska, Gabriela; Marczyński, Daniel; Cynarska, Aleksandra; Rosińczuk, Joanna

2015-01-01

Kinesio taping (KT) may be a new treatment in patients with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). A new method available for taping practitioners is cross taping (CT). The main objective was to determine how CT, KT, and medical adhesive tape (sham group) affect the subjective assessment of resting bioelectrical activity and pain of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) in patients with MTrPs. 105 volunteers were recruited to participate. The primary outcome was resting bioelectrical activity of UT muscle as assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG) in each group and pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS). Assessments were collected before and after intervention and after the 24-hours follow-up. No significant differences were observed in bioelectrical activity of UT between pre-, post-, and follow-up results. In three groups patients had significantly lower pain VAS score after the intervention (CT—p < 0.001, KT—p < 0.001, and sham—p < 0.01). The Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed no significant differences in almost all measurements between groups. The application of all three types of tapes does not influence the resting bioelectrical activity of UT muscle and may not lead to a reduction in muscle tone in the case of MTrPs. PMID:26491458

Low-power system for the acquisition of the respiratory signal of neonates using diaphragmatic electromyography

PubMed Central

Torres, Róbinson; López-Isaza, Sergio; Mejía-Mejía, Elisa; Paniagua, Viviana; González, Víctor

2017-01-01

Introduction An apnea episode is defined as the cessation of breathing for ≥15 seconds or as any suspension of breathing accompanied by hypoxia and bradycardia. Obtaining information about the respiratory system in a neonate can be accomplished using electromyography signals from the diaphragm muscle. Objective The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a method by which the respiratory and electrocardiographic signals from neonates can be obtained using diaphragmatic electromyography. Materials and methods The system was developed using single-supply, micropower components, which deliver a low-power consumption system appropriate for the development of portable devices. The stages of the system were tested in both adult and neonate patients. Results The system delivers signals as those expected in both patients and allows the acquisition of respiratory signals directly from the diaphragmatic electromyography. Conclusion This low-power system may present a good alternative for monitoring the cardiac and respiratory activity in newborn babies, both in the hospital and at home. Significance The system delivers good signals but needs to be validated for its use in neonates. It is being used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital General de Medellín Luz Castro de Gutiérrez. PMID:28260954

Electromyography as a recording system for eyeblink conditioning with functional magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Knuttinen, M-G; Parrish, T B; Weiss, C; LaBar, K S; Gitelman, D R; Power, J M; Mesulam, M-M; Disterhoft, J F

2002-10-01

This study was designed to develop a suitable method of recording eyeblink responses while conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Given the complexity of this behavioral setup outside of the magnet, this study sought to adapt and further optimize an approach to eyeblink conditioning that would be suitable for conducting event-related fMRI experiments. This method involved the acquisition of electromyographic (EMG) signals from the orbicularis oculi of the right eye, which were subsequently amplified and converted into an optical signal outside of the head coil. This optical signal was converted back into an electrical signal once outside the magnet room. Electromyography (EMG)-detected eyeblinks were used to measure responses in a delay eyeblink conditioning paradigm. Our results indicate that: (1) electromyography is a sensitive method for the detection of eyeblinks during fMRI; (2) minimal interactions or artifacts of the EMG signal were created from the magnetic resonance pulse sequence; and (3) no electromyography-related artifacts were detected in the magnetic resonance images. Furthermore, an analysis of the functional data showed areas of activation that have previously been shown in positron emission tomography studies of human eyeblink conditioning. Our results support the strength of this behavioral setup as a suitable method to be used in association with fMRI.

Surface electromyography and plantar pressure during walking in young adults with chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

Koldenhoven, Rachel M; Feger, Mark A; Fraser, John J; Saliba, Susan; Hertel, Jay

2016-04-01

Lateral ankle sprains are common and can manifest into chronic ankle instability (CAI) resulting in altered gait mechanics that may lead to subsequent ankle sprains. Our purpose was to simultaneously analyse muscle activation patterns and plantar pressure distribution during walking in young adults with and without CAI. Seventeen CAI and 17 healthy subjects walked on a treadmill at 4.8 km/h. Plantar pressure measures (pressure-time integral, peak pressure, time to peak pressure, contact area, contact time) of the entire foot and nine specific foot regions and medial-lateral location of centre of pressure (COP) were measured. Surface electromyography (EMG) root mean square (RMS) amplitudes throughout the entire stride cycle and area under RMS curve for 100 ms pre-initial contact (IC) and 200 ms post-IC for anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius were collected. The CAI group demonstrated a more lateral COP throughout the stance phase (P < 0.001 and Cohen's d > 0.9 for all 10 comparisons) and significantly increased peak pressure (P = 0.025) and pressure-time integral (P = 0.049) under the lateral forefoot. The CAI group had lower anterior tibialis RMS areas (P < 0.001) and significantly higher peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius RMS areas during 100 ms pre-IC (P < 0.003). The CAI group had higher gluteus medius sEMG amplitudes during the final 50 % of stance and first 25% of swing (P < 0.05). The CAI group had large lateral deviations of their COP location throughout the entire stance phase and increased gluteus medius muscle activation amplitude during late stance through early swing phase. III.

The different role of each head of the triceps brachii muscle in elbow extension.

PubMed

Kholinne, Erica; Zulkarnain, Rizki Fajar; Sun, Yu Cheng; Lim, SungJoon; Chun, Jae-Myeung; Jeon, In-Ho

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional role of each head of the triceps brachii muscle, depending on the angle of shoulder elevation, and to compare each muscle force and activity by using a virtual biomechanical simulator and surface electromyography. Ten healthy participants (8 males and 2 females) were included in this study. The mean age was 29.2 years (23-45). Each participant performed elbow extension tasks in five different degrees (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180°) of shoulder elevation with three repetitions. Kinematics data and surface electromyography signal of each head of the triceps brachii were recorded. Recorded kinematics data were then applied to an inverse kinematics musculoskeletal modeling software function (OpenSim) to analyze the triceps brachii's muscle force. Correlation between muscle force, muscle activity, elbow extension, and shoulder elevation angle were compared and analyzed for each head of triceps brachii. At 0° shoulder elevation, the long head of the triceps brachii generates a significantly higher muscle force and muscle activation than the lateral and medial heads (p < 0.05). While at 90°, 135° and 180° shoulder elevation, the medial head of the triceps brachii showed a significantly higher muscle force than the long and the lateral heads (p < 0.05). Each head of the triceps brachii has a different pattern of force and activity during different shoulder elevations. The long head contributes to elbow extension more at shoulder elevation and the medial head takes over at 90° and above of shoulder elevation. This study provides further understanding of triceps brachii's for clinicians and health trainers who need to investigate the functional role of the triceps brachii in detail. Copyright © 2018. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

One-Channel Surface Electromyography Decomposition for Muscle Force Estimation.

PubMed

Sun, Wentao; Zhu, Jinying; Jiang, Yinlai; Yokoi, Hiroshi; Huang, Qiang

2018-01-01

Estimating muscle force by surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive and flexible way to diagnose biomechanical diseases and control assistive devices such as prosthetic hands. To estimate muscle force using sEMG, a supervised method is commonly adopted. This requires simultaneous recording of sEMG signals and muscle force measured by additional devices to tune the variables involved. However, recording the muscle force of the lost limb of an amputee is challenging, and the supervised method has limitations in this regard. Although the unsupervised method does not require muscle force recording, it suffers from low accuracy due to a lack of reference data. To achieve accurate and easy estimation of muscle force by the unsupervised method, we propose a decomposition of one-channel sEMG signals into constituent motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) in two steps: (1) learning an orthogonal basis of sEMG signals through reconstruction independent component analysis; (2) extracting spike-like MUAPs from the basis vectors. Nine healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach in estimating muscle force of the biceps brachii. The results demonstrated that the proposed approach based on decomposed MUAPs explains more than 80% of the muscle force variability recorded at an arbitrary force level, while the conventional amplitude-based approach explains only 62.3% of this variability. With the proposed approach, we were also able to achieve grip force control of a prosthetic hand, which is one of the most important clinical applications of the unsupervised method. Experiments on two trans-radial amputees indicated that the proposed approach improves the performance of the prosthetic hand in grasping everyday objects.

Circumferential urinary sphincter surface electromyography: A novel diagnostic method for intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

PubMed

Heesakkers, John; Gerretsen, Reza; Izeta, Ander; Sievert, Karl-Dietrich; Farag, Fawzy

2016-02-01

The diagnosis of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is not well established. We explored the possibility of applying a new tool: minimally invasive circumferential sphincter surface electromyography (CSS-EMG) to assess the muscular integrity of the urethral sphincter in patients with SUI/ISD. CSS-EMG of the urethral sphincter and urodynamic studies were performed in 44 women with SUI. A urethral pressure profile (UPP) was measured in four directions. Maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) <40 cm/H2 O or the presence of SUI without urethral hypermobility was used to define ISD. Twenty-one patients had urodynamic SUI, 23 had no SUI and 12 patients had ISD. The mean average rectified value (ARV) of the motor unit action potential (MUAP), an indicator of the strength of urethral rhabdosphincter, was estimated. ARV measured in the 12 o'clock quadrant during maximal contraction was the only CSS-EMG parameter that had significant predictive value for ISD. With an increase in the 12 o'clock ARV value, the likelihood of ISD decreases (Odds Ratio 0.36 95% confidence interval 0.67-0.92). In the ROC curve with ARV measured in the 12 o'clock quadrant during maximal contraction, the explained area was 0.794 (P = 0.02); implying that ARV measured at the 12 o'clock quadrant during maximal contraction was able to predict ISD significantly. Myogenic changes of the urethral sphincter that contribute to ISD can be assessed with CSS-EMG. This new concept for assessing the functionality of the female urethral sphincter may assist with better understanding of the pathophysiology, the diagnosis and the treatment of SUI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of statistical and standard algorithms for detecting muscle onset with surface electromyography

PubMed Central

Tweedell, Andrew J.; Haynes, Courtney A.

2017-01-01

The timing of muscle activity is a commonly applied analytic method to understand how the nervous system controls movement. This study systematically evaluates six classes of standard and statistical algorithms to determine muscle onset in both experimental surface electromyography (EMG) and simulated EMG with a known onset time. Eighteen participants had EMG collected from the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis while performing a biceps curl or knee extension, respectively. Three established methods and three statistical methods for EMG onset were evaluated. Linear envelope, Teager-Kaiser energy operator + linear envelope and sample entropy were the established methods evaluated while general time series mean/variance, sequential and batch processing of parametric and nonparametric tools, and Bayesian changepoint analysis were the statistical techniques used. Visual EMG onset (experimental data) and objective EMG onset (simulated data) were compared with algorithmic EMG onset via root mean square error and linear regression models for stepwise elimination of inferior algorithms. The top algorithms for both data types were analyzed for their mean agreement with the gold standard onset and evaluation of 95% confidence intervals. The top algorithms were all Bayesian changepoint analysis iterations where the parameter of the prior (p0) was zero. The best performing Bayesian algorithms were p0 = 0 and a posterior probability for onset determination at 60–90%. While existing algorithms performed reasonably, the Bayesian changepoint analysis methodology provides greater reliability and accuracy when determining the singular onset of EMG activity in a time series. Further research is needed to determine if this class of algorithms perform equally well when the time series has multiple bursts of muscle activity. PMID:28489897

Spatial variability in cortex-muscle coherence investigated with magnetoencephalography and high-density surface electromyography

PubMed Central

Botter, Alberto; Bourguignon, Mathieu; Jousmäki, Veikko; Hari, Riitta

2015-01-01

Cortex-muscle coherence (CMC) reflects coupling between magnetoencephalography (MEG) and surface electromyography (sEMG), being strongest during isometric contraction but absent, for unknown reasons, in some individuals. We used a novel nonmagnetic high-density sEMG (HD-sEMG) electrode grid (36 mm × 12 mm; 60 electrodes separated by 3 mm) to study effects of sEMG recording site, electrode derivation, and rectification on the strength of CMC. Monopolar sEMG from right thenar and 306-channel whole-scalp MEG were recorded from 14 subjects during 4-min isometric thumb abduction. CMC was computed for 60 monopolar, 55 bipolar, and 32 Laplacian HD-sEMG derivations, and two derivations were computed to mimic “macroscopic” monopolar and bipolar sEMG (electrode diameter 9 mm; interelectrode distance 21 mm). With unrectified sEMG, 12 subjects showed statistically significant CMC in 91–95% of the HD-sEMG channels, with maximum coherence at ∼25 Hz. CMC was about a fifth stronger for monopolar than bipolar and Laplacian derivations. Monopolar derivations resulted in most uniform CMC distributions across the thenar and in tightest cortical source clusters in the left rolandic hand area. CMC was 19–27% stronger for HD-sEMG than for “macroscopic” monopolar or bipolar derivations. EMG rectification reduced the CMC peak by a quarter, resulted in a more uniformly distributed CMC across the thenar, and provided more tightly clustered cortical sources than unrectifed sEMGs. Moreover, it revealed CMC at ∼12 Hz. We conclude that HD-sEMG, especially with monopolar derivation, can facilitate detection of CMC and that individual muscle anatomy cannot explain the high interindividual CMC variability. PMID:26354317

Reproducibility of 3D kinematics and surface electromyography measurements of mastication.

PubMed

Remijn, Lianne; Groen, Brenda E; Speyer, Renée; van Limbeek, Jacques; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Maria W G

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to determine the measurement reproducibility for a procedure evaluating the mastication process and to estimate the smallest detectable differences of 3D kinematic and surface electromyography (sEMG) variables. Kinematics of mandible movements and sEMG activity of the masticatory muscles were obtained over two sessions with four conditions: two food textures (biscuit and bread) of two sizes (small and large). Twelve healthy adults (mean age 29.1 years) completed the study. The second to the fifth chewing cycle of 5 bites were used for analyses. The reproducibility per outcome variable was calculated with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a Bland-Altman analysis was applied to determine the standard error of measurement relative error of measurement and smallest detectable differences of all variables. ICCs ranged from 0.71 to 0.98 for all outcome variables. The outcome variables consisted of four bite and fourteen chewing cycle variables. The relative standard error of measurement of the bite variables was up to 17.3% for 'time-to-swallow', 'time-to-transport' and 'number of chewing cycles', but ranged from 31.5% to 57.0% for 'change of chewing side'. The relative standard error of measurement ranged from 4.1% to 24.7% for chewing cycle variables and was smaller for kinematic variables than sEMG variables. In general, measurements obtained with 3D kinematics and sEMG are reproducible techniques to assess the mastication process. The duration of the chewing cycle and frequency of chewing were the best reproducible measurements. Change of chewing side could not be reproduced. The published measurement error and smallest detectable differences will aid the interpretation of the results of future clinical studies using the same study variables. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of regression models for estimation of isometric wrist joint torques using surface electromyography

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Several regression models have been proposed for estimation of isometric joint torque using surface electromyography (SEMG) signals. Common issues related to torque estimation models are degradation of model accuracy with passage of time, electrode displacement, and alteration of limb posture. This work compares the performance of the most commonly used regression models under these circumstances, in order to assist researchers with identifying the most appropriate model for a specific biomedical application. Methods Eleven healthy volunteers participated in this study. A custom-built rig, equipped with a torque sensor, was used to measure isometric torque as each volunteer flexed and extended his wrist. SEMG signals from eight forearm muscles, in addition to wrist joint torque data were gathered during the experiment. Additional data were gathered one hour and twenty-four hours following the completion of the first data gathering session, for the purpose of evaluating the effects of passage of time and electrode displacement on accuracy of models. Acquired SEMG signals were filtered, rectified, normalized and then fed to models for training. Results It was shown that mean adjusted coefficient of determination (Ra2) values decrease between 20%-35% for different models after one hour while altering arm posture decreased mean Ra2 values between 64% to 74% for different models. Conclusions Model estimation accuracy drops significantly with passage of time, electrode displacement, and alteration of limb posture. Therefore model retraining is crucial for preserving estimation accuracy. Data resampling can significantly reduce model training time without losing estimation accuracy. Among the models compared, ordinary least squares linear regression model (OLS) was shown to have high isometric torque estimation accuracy combined with very short training times. PMID:21943179

Use of GDNF-Releasing Nanofiber Nerve Guide Conduits for the Repair of Conus medullaris/Cauda Equina Injury in the Non-Human Primate

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

Cauda equina, non-human primate, ventral root. neural repair, electromyography , magnetic resonance imaging 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...of a guidance channel without GDNF release and a peripheral nerve graft to bridge the tissue gap. A comprehensive set of electrodiagnostic, imaging ... Electromyography (EMG) recordings of the external anal sphincter are obtained pre-operatively as baseline records. The external anal sphincter muscle

Guiding intramuscular diaphragm injections using real-time ultrasound and electromyography.

PubMed

Sarwal, Aarti; Cartwright, Michael S; Mitchell, Erin; Williams, Koudy; Walker, Francis O; Childers, Martin K

2015-02-01

We describe a unique method that combines ultrasound and electromyography to guide intramuscular diaphragm injections in anesthetized large animals. Ultrasound was used to visualize the diaphragm on each side of spontaneously breathing, anesthetized beagle dogs and cynomolgus macaques. An electromyography (EMG) needle was introduced and directed by ultrasound to confirm that the needle entered the muscular portion of the diaphragm, and methylene blue was injected. Injection accuracy was confirmed upon necropsy by tracking the spread of methylene blue. All methylene blue injections were confirmed to have been placed appropriately into the diaphragm. This study demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of using ultrasound and EMG to guide injections and to reduce complications associated with conventional blind techniques. Ultrasound guidance can be used for clinical EMG of the diaphragm. Future applications may include targeted diaphragm injections with gene replacement therapy in neuromuscular diseases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Office-based endoscopic botulinum toxin injection in laryngeal movement disorders.

PubMed

Kaderbay, A; Righini, C A; Castellanos, P F; Atallah, I

2018-06-01

Botulinum toxin injection is widely used for the treatment of laryngeal movement disorders. Electromyography-guided percutaneous injection is the technique most commonly used to perform intralaryngeal botulinum toxin injection. We describe an endoscopic approach for intralaryngeal botulinum toxin injection under local anaesthesia without using electromyography. A flexible video-endoscope with an operating channel is used. After local anaesthesia of the larynx by instillation of lidocaine, a flexible needle is inserted into the operating channel in order to inject the desired dose of botulinum toxin into the vocal and/or vestibular folds. Endoscopic botulinum toxin injection under local anaesthesia is a reliable technique for the treatment of laryngeal movement disorders. It can be performed by any laryngologist without the need for electromyography. It is easy to perform for the operator and comfortable for the patient. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Age-related changes in human posture control: Motor coordination tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterka, R. J.; Black, F. O.

1989-01-01

Postural responses to support surface displacements were measured in 214 normal human subjects ranging in age from 7 to 81 years. Motor tests measured leg muscle Electromyography (EMG) latencies, body sway, and the amplitude and timing of changes in center of pressure displacements in response to sudden forward and backward horizontal translations of the support surface upon which the subjects stood. There were small increases in both EMG latencies and the time to reach the peak amplitude of center of pressure responses with increasing age. The amplitude of center of pressure responses showed little change with age if the amplitude measures were normalized by a factor related to subject height. In general, postural responses to sudden translations showed minimal changes with age, and all age related trends which were identified were small relative to the variability within the population.

A comparative study of two shovel designs.

PubMed

Degani, A; Asfour, S S; Waly, S M; Koshy, J G

1993-10-01

In the present study a modified shovel design with two perpendicular shafts is presented. This modified, two-shaft shovel was compared with a regular shovel. The modified shovel was evaluated and tested in a controlled laboratory environment using surface electromyography recorded from the lumbar paraspinal muscles. The new shovel design was also tested in a field study using ratings of perceived exertion. The results indicate that there was a significant reduction in EMG values of the lumbar paraspinal muscles and a consistent reduction in perceived exertion ratings while the modified shovel was being used for removing dirt in digging trenches up to 90 cm in depth.

The changes of lumbar muscle flexion-relaxation phenomenon due to antero-posteriorly slanted ground surfaces.

PubMed

Hu, Boyi; Ning, Xiaopeng; Dai, Fei; Almuhaidib, Ibrahim

2016-09-01

Uneven ground surface is a common occupational injury risk factor in industries such as agriculture, fishing, transportation and construction. Studies have shown that antero-posteriorly slanted ground surfaces could reduce spinal stability and increase the risk of falling. In this study, the influence of antero-posteriorly slanted ground surfaces on lumbar flexion-relaxation responses was investigated. Fourteen healthy participants performed sagittally symmetric and asymmetric trunk bending motions on one flat and two antero-posteriorly slanted surfaces (-15° (uphill facing) and 15° (downhill facing)), while lumbar muscle electromyography and trunk kinematics were recorded. Results showed that standing on a downhill facing slanted surface delays the onset of lumbar muscle flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP), while standing on an uphill facing ground causes lumbar muscle FRP to occur earlier. In addition, compared to symmetric bending, when performing asymmetric bending, FRP occurred earlier on the contralateral side of lumbar muscles and significantly smaller maximum lumbar flexion and trunk inclination angles were observed. Practitioner Summary: Uneven ground surface is a common risk factor among a number of industries. In this study, we investigated the influence of antero-posteriorly slanted ground surface on trunk biomechanics during trunk bending. Results showed the slanted surface alters the lumbar tissue load-sharing mechanism in both sagittally symmetric and asymmetric bending.

Electromyographic monitoring for prevention of phrenic nerve palsy in second-generation cryoballoon procedures.

PubMed

Franceschi, Frédéric; Koutbi, Linda; Gitenay, Edouard; Hourdain, Jérome; Maille, Baptiste; Trévisan, Lory; Deharo, Jean-Claude

2015-04-01

Electromyography-guided phrenic nerve (PN) monitoring using a catheter positioned in a hepatic vein can aid in preventing phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) during cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation. We wanted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of PN monitoring during procedures using second-generation cryoballoons. This study included 140 patients (43 women) in whom pulmonary vein isolation was performed using a second-generation cryoballoon. Electromyography-guided PN monitoring was performed by pacing the right PN at 60 per minute and recording diaphragmatic compound motor action potential (CMAP) via a quadripolar catheter positioned in a hepatic vein. If a 30% decrease in CMAP amplitude was observed, cryoapplication was discontinued with forced deflation to avoid a PNP. Monitoring was unfeasible in 8 of 140 patients (5.7%), PNP occurred in 1. Stable CMAP amplitudes were achieved before ablation in 132 of 140 patients (94.3%). In 18 of 132 patients (13.6%), a 30% decrease in CMAP amplitude occurred and cryoablation was discontinued. Each time, recovery of CMAP amplitude took <60 s. In 9 of 18 cases, a second cryoapplication in the same pulmonary vein was safely performed. We observed no PNP or complication related to electromyography-guided PN monitoring. Electromyography-guided PN monitoring using a catheter positioned in a hepatic vein seems feasible and effective to prevent PNP during cryoballoon ablation using second-generation cryoballoon. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Handgrip Strength Related to Long-Term Electromyography: Application for Assessing Functional Decline in Parkinson Disease.

PubMed

Jones, Gareth R; Roland, Kaitlyn P; Neubauer, Noelannah A; Jakobi, Jennifer M

2017-02-01

To determine which clinical measures of physical function (ie, gait, balance, and grip strength) best represent long-term electromyography in persons with Parkinson disease (PD) compared with those without PD. Cross-sectional study. Local community. A sample (N=37) of men and women with PD (n=23) and those without PD (n=14), living independently at home, older than 50 years of age, from the local community. Not applicable. Measures of gait, balance, and grip strength were completed, and electromyography was examined in biceps brachii, triceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris during a 6.5-hour day. Muscle activity was quantified through burst in electromyography (>2% of the normalized maximum voluntary exertion with a continuous activity period of >0.1s). Stepwise multiple regression models were used to determine the proportion of variance in burst characteristics explained by clinical measures of physical function in PD. Grip strength was the best predictor of muscle activity in persons with PD (R 2 =.17-.33; P<.04), whereas gait characteristics explained muscle activity in healthy controls (R 2 =.40-.82; P<.04). Grip strength could serve as an effective clinical assessment tool to determine changes in muscle activity, which is a precursor to functional loss in persons with PD. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Training Effectiveness of The Inertial Training and Measurement System

PubMed Central

Naczk, Mariusz; Brzenczek-Owczarzak, Wioletta; Arlet, Jarosław; Naczk, Alicja; Adach, Zdzisław

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inertial training with different external loads using a new original device - the Inertial Training and Measurement System (ITMS). Forty-six physical education male students were tested. The participants were randomly divided into three training groups and a control group (C group). The training groups performed inertial training with three different loads three times weekly for four weeks. The T0 group used only the mass of the ITMS flywheel (19.4 kg), the T5 and T10 groups had an additional 5 and 10 kg on the flywheel, respectively. Each training session included three exercise sets involving the shoulder joint adductors. Before and after training, the maximal torque and power were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer during adduction of the shoulder joint. Simultaneously, the electromyography activity of the pectoralis major muscle was recorded. Results of the study indicate that ITMS training induced a significant increase in maximal muscle torque in the T0, T5, T10 groups (15.5%, 13.0%, and 14.0%, respectively). Moreover, ITMS training caused a significant increase in power in the T0, T5, T10 groups (16.6%, 19.5%, and 14.5%, respectively). The percentage changes in torque and power did not significantly differ between training groups. Electromyography activity of the pectoralis major muscle increased only in the T0 group after four weeks of training. Using the ITMS device in specific workouts allowed for an increase of shoulder joint adductors torque and power in physical education students. PMID:25713662

Electromyography Biofeedback Exergames to Enhance Grip Strength and Motivation.

PubMed

Garcia-Hernandez, Nadia; Garza-Martinez, Karen; Parra-Vega, Vicente

2018-02-01

Hand strength weakness affects the performance of most activities of daily living. This study aims to design, develop, and test an electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training system based on serious games to promote motivation and synchronization and proper work intensity in grip exercises for improving hand strength. An EMG surface sensor, soft balls with different stiffness and three exergames, conforms the system to drive videogame clues in response to EMG-inferred grip strength, while overseeing motivation. An experiment was designed to study the effect of performing handgrip (HG) exercises with the proposed system versus traditional exercises. Participants, organized into two groups, followed a training program for each hand. One group followed a HG exergame training (ET) with the dominant hand and traditional HG training with the nondominant hand and inverse sequence by the second group. Initial and final grip forces were measured using a digital dynamometer. Questionnaires evaluated motivation and user experience, and exercise performance was evaluated in terms of work and rest time percentage and maximal voluntary contraction percentage over contraction periods. Data were analyzed for statistically significant differences and increase of means. Participants showed significantly better exercise performance and higher grip forces, with sustained intrinsic motivation and user experience, with the ET. Improvement in force level arises evidently from the synchronized work-rest time pattern and appropriated intensity of the muscle activity. This leads to support that EMG biofeedback exergames improve motor neurons firing and resting.

Estimation of elbow flexion force during isometric muscle contraction from mechanomyography and electromyography.

PubMed

Youn, Wonkeun; Kim, Jung

2010-11-01

Mechanomyography (MMG) is the muscle surface oscillations that are generated by the dimensional change of the contracting muscle fibers. Because MMG reflects the number of recruited motor units and their firing rates, just as electromyography (EMG) is influenced by these two factors, it can be used to estimate the force exerted by skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of MMG for estimating the elbow flexion force at the wrist under an isometric contraction by using an artificial neural network in comparison with EMG. We performed experiments with five subjects, and the force at the wrist and the MMG from the contributing muscles were recorded. It was found that MMG could be utilized to accurately estimate the isometric elbow flexion force based on the values of the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE = 0.131 ± 0.018) and the cross-correlation coefficient (CORR = 0.892 ± 0.033). Although MMG can be influenced by the physical milieu/morphology of the muscle and EMG performed better than MMG, these experimental results suggest that MMG has the potential to estimate muscle forces. These experimental results also demonstrated that MMG in combination with EMG resulted in better performance estimation in comparison with EMG or MMG alone, indicating that a combination of MMG and EMG signals could be used to provide complimentary information on muscle contraction.

All on Four® fixed implant support rehabilitation: a masticatory function study.

PubMed

De Rossi, Moara; Santos, Carla Moreto; Migliorança, Reginaldo; Regalo, Simone Cecílio Hallak

2014-08-01

Fixed implant-supported prostheses according to All-on-Four® (Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) principles have become an accepted treatment modality in totally edentulous patients, whereas the functional effect of this therapy is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the muscular function of patients totally rehabilitated with All-on-Four. This study evaluated 63 patients. Twenty-one patients were successfully rehabilitated with maxillary and mandibular All-on-Four (no dropout implants, satisfactory aesthetic and function demands prosthesis), 21 patients were dentate, and 21 were rehabilitated with double complete dentures. Electromyography was carried out during clenching, nonhabitual and habitual chewing, and rest. All values were standardized as percentage of a maximum voluntary contraction. Data were analyzed by ANOVA to compare groups and paired t-test was used for comparison between sides within each group. All groups presented symmetric muscular activity. The All-on-Four and dentate groups had a similar muscles surface electromyography (sEMG) contraction pattern, that is, a higher sEMG activity of masseter than temporalis muscles, differing (p ≤ .05) from those of denture group. Not one statistical difference was found between All-on-Four and dentate groups. The muscular function similarity of All-on-Four and dentate patients shows that this treatment concept may be considered as a good option for oral rehabilitation in edentulous patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A comparison of electromyography and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing.

PubMed

Fleming, Neil; Donne, Bernard; Mahony, Nicholas

2014-01-01

This study assessed muscle recruitment patterns and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing to validate the accuracy of rowing ergometry. Male rowers (n = 10; age 21 ± 2 years, height 1.90 ± 0.05 m and body mass 83.3 ± 4.8 kg) performed 3 × 3 min exercise bouts, at heart and stroke rates equivalent to 75, 85 and 95% VO2peak, on both dynamic and stationary rowing ergometers, and on water. During exercise, synchronised data for surface electromyography (EMG) and 2D kinematics were recorded. Overall muscle activity was quantified by the integration of rmsEMG and averaged for each 10% interval of the stroke cycle. Muscle activity significantly increased in rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM) (P <0.01), as exercise intensity increased. Comparing EMG data across conditions revealed significantly (P <0.05) greater RF and VM activity during on-water rowing at discrete 10% intervals of stroke cycle. In addition, the drive/recovery ratio was significantly lower during dynamic ergometry compared to on-water (40 ± 1 vs. 44 ± 1% at 95%, P <0.01). Results suggest that significant differences exist while comparing recruitment and kinematic patterns between on-water and ergometer rowing. These differences may be due to altered acceleration and deceleration of moving masses on-ergometer not perfectly simulating the on-water scenario.

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Evaluated With Simultaneous High Resolution Manometry and Electromyography

PubMed Central

Hutcheson, Katherine A.; Hammer, Michael J.; Rosen, Sarah P.; Jones, Corinne A.; McCulloch, Timothy M.

2017-01-01

Objective To examine feasibility of a simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) and electromyography (EMG) experimental paradigm to detect swallowing-related patterns of palatal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscle activity during expiratory training. Study Design Technical report. Methods Simultaneous HRM, surface submental, and intramuscular EMG were acquired in two healthy participants during five tasks: 10-cc water swallow, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) testing, and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) at three pressure levels (sham, 50%, and 75% MEP). Results Experimental conditions were feasible. Velopharyngeal closing pressure, palate EMG activity, and pharyngeal EMG activity increased as expiratory load increased. In contrast, thyroarytenoid EMG activity was low during the expiratory task, consistent with glottic opening during exhalation. Submental EMG patterns were more variable during expiratory tasks. Intraluminal air pressures recorded with HRM were correlated with measured expiratory pressures and target valve-opening pressures of the EMST device. Conclusion Results suggest that a simultaneous HRM/EMG/EMST paradigm may be used to detect previously unquantified swallowing-related muscle activity during EMST, particularly in the palate and pharynx. Our approach and initial findings will be helpful to guide future hypothesis-driven studies and may enable investigators to evaluate other muscle groups active during these tasks. Defining mechanisms of action is a critical next step toward refining therapeutic algorithms using EMST and other targeted treatments for populations with dysphagia and airway disorders. PMID:28083946

Continuous monitoring of sonomyography, electromyography and torque generated by normal upper arm muscles during isometric contraction: sonomyography assessment for arm muscles.

PubMed

Shi, Jun; Zheng, Yong-Ping; Huang, Qing-Hua; Chen, Xin

2008-03-01

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using the continuous signals about the thickness and pennation angle changes of muscles detected in real-time from ultrasound images, named as sonomyography (SMG), to characterize muscles under isometric contraction, along with synchronized surface electromyography (EMG) and generated torque signals. The right biceps brachii muscles of seven normal young adult subjects were tested. We observed that exponential functions could well represent the relationships between the normalized EMG root-mean-square (RMS) and the torque, the RMS and the muscle deformation SMG, and the RMS and the pennation angle SMG for the data of the contraction phase, with exponent coefficients of 0.0341 +/- 0.0148 (Mean SD), 0.0619 +/- 0.0273, and 0.0266 +/- 0.0076, respectively. In addition, the preliminary results also demonstrated linear relationships between the normalized torque and the muscle deformation as well as the pennation angle with the ratios of 9 .79 +/- 3.01 and 2.02 +/- 0.53, respectively. The overall mean R2 for the regressions was approximately 0.9 and the overall mean relative root mean square error (RRMSE) smaller than 15%. The potential values of SMG together with EMG to provide a more comprehensive assessment for the muscle functions should be further investigated with more subjects and more muscle groups.

Discrete vs. Continuous Mapping of Facial Electromyography for Human-Machine-Interface Control: Performance and Training Effects

PubMed Central

Cler, Meredith J.; Stepp, Cara E.

2015-01-01

Individuals with high spinal cord injuries are unable to operate a keyboard and mouse with their hands. In this experiment, we compared two systems using surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded from facial muscles to control an onscreen keyboard to type five-letter words. Both systems used five sEMG sensors to capture muscle activity during five distinct facial gestures that were mapped to five cursor commands: move left, move right, move up, move down, and “click”. One system used a discrete movement and feedback algorithm in which the user produced one quick facial gesture, causing a corresponding discrete movement to an adjacent letter. The other system was continuously updated and allowed the user to control the cursor’s velocity by relative activation between different sEMG channels. Participants were trained on one system for four sessions on consecutive days, followed by one crossover session on the untrained system. Information transfer rates (ITRs) were high for both systems compared to other potential input modalities, both initially and with training (Session 1: 62.1 bits/min, Session 4: 105.1 bits/min). Users of the continuous system showed significantly higher ITRs than the discrete users. Future development will focus on improvements to both systems, which may offer differential advantages for users with various motor impairments. PMID:25616053

Effect of Forefoot Strike on Lower Extremity Muscle Activity and Knee Joint Angle During Cutting in Female Team Handball Players.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naruto; Kunugi, Shun; Mashimo, Sonoko; Okuma, Yoshihiro; Masunari, Akihiko; Miyazaki, Shogo; Hisajima, Tatsuya; Miyakawa, Shumpei

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different strike forms, during cutting, on knee joint angle and lower limb muscle activity. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity in individuals performing cutting manoeuvres involving either rearfoot strikes (RFS) or forefoot strikes (FFS). Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to calculate changes in knee angles, during cutting, and to determine the relationship between muscle activity and knee joint angle. Force plates were synchronized with electromyography measurements to compare muscle activity immediately before and after foot strike. The valgus angle tends to be smaller during FFS cutting than during RFS cutting. Just prior to ground contact, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle activities were significantly greater during FFS cutting than during RFS cutting; tibialis anterior muscle activity was greater during RFS cutting. Immediately after ground contact, biceps femoris and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle activities were significantly greater during FFS cutting than during RFS cutting; tibialis anterior muscle activity was significantly lower during FFS cutting. The results of the present study suggest that the hamstrings demonstrate greater activity, immediately after foot strike, during FFS cutting than during RFS cutting. Thus, FFS cutting may involve a lower risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury than does RFS cutting.

Electromyography-based analysis of human upper limbs during 45-day head-down bed-rest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Anshuang; Wang, Chunhui; Qi, Hongzhi; Li, Fan; Wang, Zheng; He, Feng; Zhou, Peng; Chen, Shanguang; Ming, Dong

2016-03-01

Muscle deconditioning occurs in response to simulated or actual microgravity. In spaceflight, astronauts become monkey-like for mainly using their upper limbs to control the operating system and to complete corresponding tasks. The changes of upper limbs' athletic ability will directly affect astronauts' working performance. This study investigated the variation trend of surface electromyography (sEMG) during prolonged simulated microgravity. Eight healthy males participating in this study performed strict 45-day head-down bed-rest (HDBR). On the 5th day of pre-HDBR, and the 15th, the 30th and the 45th days of HDBR, the subjects performed maximum pushing task and maximum pulling task, and sEMG was collected from upper limbs synchronously. Each subject's maximum volunteer contractions of both the tasks during these days were compared, showing no significant change. However, changes were detected by sEMG-based analysis. It was found that integrated EMG, root mean square, mean frequency, fuzzy entropy of deltoid, and fuzzy entropy of triceps brachii changed significantly when comparing pre-HDBR with HDBR. The variation trend showed a recovery tendency after significant decline, which is inconsistent with the monotonic variation of lower limbs that was proved by previous research. These findings suggest that EMG changes in upper limbs during prolonged simulated microgravity, but has different variation trend from lower limbs.

Assessment of Dry Epidermal Electrodes for Long-Term Electromyography Measurements

PubMed Central

Peters, Keshia M.; Milovanovic, Ivana; Kuang, Irene; Yang, Zeyu; Lu, Nanshu; Steele, Katherine M.

2018-01-01

Commercially available electrodes can only provide quality surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements for a limited duration due to user discomfort and signal degradation, but in many applications, collecting sEMG data for a full day or longer is desirable to enhance clinical care. Few studies for long-term sEMG have assessed signal quality of electrodes using clinically relevant tests. The goal of this research was to evaluate flexible, gold-based epidermal sensor system (ESS) electrodes for long-term sEMG recordings. We collected sEMG and impedance data from eight subjects from ESS and standard clinical electrodes on upper extremity muscles during maximum voluntary isometric contraction tests, dynamic range of motion tests, the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, and the Box & Block Test. Four additional subjects were recruited to test the stability of ESS signals over four days. Signals from the ESS and traditional electrodes were strongly correlated across tasks. Measures of signal quality, such as signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-motion ratio, were also similar for both electrodes. Over the four-day trial, no significant decrease in signal quality was observed in the ESS electrodes, suggesting that thin, flexible electrodes may provide a robust tool that does not inhibit movement or irritate the skin for long-term measurements of muscle activity in rehabilitation and other applications. PMID:29677129

Comparison of the effects of mirror therapy and electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation on hand functions in stroke patients: a pilot study.

PubMed

Amasyali, Saliha Y; Yaliman, Ayşe

2016-12-01

To determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy and electromyography (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation on improvement of functions of the upper extremity in patients with subacute stroke in comparison with conventional therapy as well as to evaluate the advantage of each treatment over another, we conducted a prospective, randomized, and controlled trial involving 24 patients with ischemic stroke. The mean age and mean time since stroke of the patients were 58.79±11.49 years and 5.25±2.25 months. Patients were assigned randomly to a mirror therapy group (MT group, n=9), which consisted of therapy with a mirror box 5 days/week, 30 min/day, for 3 weeks, an electrostimulation group (ES group, n=7), which consisted of therapy with EMG-triggered stimulation (EMG-stim) of similar duration and frequency of treatment as the MT group, and a control group (n=8). All the groups received conventional physiotherapy for the same period as the MT group. Patients in the MT group practiced their therapy at home after supervised sessions. The Fugl-Meyer scores of the upper extremity, grip force, wrist extension, and Box and Block Test were evaluated at baseline, after treatment, and at 3 months after the treatment. All of these measures were evaluated by a blinded researcher. We found that there was no significant improvement in wrist extension range and grip force in control group. The MT and EMG-stim were effective in increasing the Fugl-Meyer motor scale for upper extremity (MT group: P<0.01), increasing wrist extension range, grip force, and hand dexterity determined by the Box and Block Test (MT group and ES group P<0.05). Furthermore, hand skills were increased significantly in the MT group compared with the ES group at the follow-up assessment (P<0.05). This pilot study suggested that MT was more efficient in improving motor performance than physiotherapy alone. Also, MT may be more useful in improving the hand skills compared with EMG-stim. We assume that this difference might be related to the feasibility of maintenance of MT at home.

Prospective evaluation of the clinical utility of laryngeal electromyography.

PubMed

Ingle, John W; Young, VyVy N; Smith, Libby J; Munin, Micheal C; Rosen, Clark A

2014-12-01

To prospectively evaluate the clinical utility of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. The study involved 50 consecutive patients referred for LEMG. Laryngologists initially indicated diagnoses and treatment plans under the assumption of no access to LEMG. Patients then underwent LEMG by blinded examiners. LEMG results were reviewed by each patient's laryngologist. Diagnoses and treatment plans were either maintained or altered based on the LEMG results. The diagnosis changed 10% (5/50) of the time and treatment plans were altered 36% (18/50) of the time based on information provided by LEMG. Observational periods were eliminated in 13/50 patients based on LEMG, moving them to permanent treatment. LEMG allowed the differentiation between joint fixation and bilateral paralysis in three patients. Previously unrecognized superior laryngeal neuropathies were identified in three patients. Laryngeal electromyography often provides clinically useful information that typically leads to a more accurate diagnosis and a more appropriate, expedited treatment plan. 2b. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Accuracy of electromyography needle placement in cadavers: non-guided vs. ultrasound guided.

PubMed

Boon, Andrea J; Oney-Marlow, Theresa M; Murthy, Naveen S; Harper, Charles M; McNamara, Terrence R; Smith, Jay

2011-07-01

Accuracy of needle electromyography is typically ensured by use of anatomical landmarks and auditory feedback related to voluntary activation of the targeted muscle; however, in certain clinical situations, landmarks may not be palpable, auditory feedback may be limited or not present, and targeting a specific muscle may be more critical. In such settings, image guidance might significantly enhance accuracy. Two electromyographers with different levels of experience examined 14 muscles in each of 4 fresh-frozen cadaver lower limbs. Each muscle was tested a total of eight times; four fine wires were inserted without ultrasound (US) guidance and four were inserted under US guidance. Overall accuracy as well as accuracy rates for the individual electromyographers were calculated. Non-guided needle placement was significantly less accurate than US-guided needle placement, particularly in the hands of less experienced electromyographers, supporting the use of real-time US guidance in certain challenging situations in the electromyography laboratory. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Segmentation of ECG from Surface EMG Using DWT and EMD: A Comparison Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahbakhti, Mohammad; Heydari, Elnaz; Luu, Gia Thien

2014-10-01

The electrocardiographic (ECG) signal is a major artifact during recording the surface electromyography (SEMG). Removal of this artifact is one of the important tasks before SEMG analysis for biomedical goals. In this paper, the application of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for elimination of ECG artifact from SEMG is investigated. The focus of this research is to reach the optimized number of decomposed levels using mean power frequency (MPF) by both techniques. In order to implement the proposed methods, ten simulated and three real ECG contaminated SEMG signals have been tested. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean square error (MSE) between the filtered and the pure signals are applied as the performance indexes of this research. The obtained results suggest both techniques could remove ECG artifact from SEMG signals fair enough, however, DWT performs much better and faster in real data.

Proceedings of the first workshop on Peripheral Machine Interfaces: going beyond traditional surface electromyography

PubMed Central

Castellini, Claudio; Artemiadis, Panagiotis; Wininger, Michael; Ajoudani, Arash; Alimusaj, Merkur; Bicchi, Antonio; Caputo, Barbara; Craelius, William; Dosen, Strahinja; Englehart, Kevin; Farina, Dario; Gijsberts, Arjan; Godfrey, Sasha B.; Hargrove, Levi; Ison, Mark; Kuiken, Todd; Marković, Marko; Pilarski, Patrick M.; Rupp, Rüdiger; Scheme, Erik

2014-01-01

One of the hottest topics in rehabilitation robotics is that of proper control of prosthetic devices. Despite decades of research, the state of the art is dramatically behind the expectations. To shed light on this issue, in June, 2013 the first international workshop on Present and future of non-invasive peripheral nervous system (PNS)–Machine Interfaces (MI; PMI) was convened, hosted by the International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics. The keyword PMI has been selected to denote human–machine interfaces targeted at the limb-deficient, mainly upper-limb amputees, dealing with signals gathered from the PNS in a non-invasive way, that is, from the surface of the residuum. The workshop was intended to provide an overview of the state of the art and future perspectives of such interfaces; this paper represents is a collection of opinions expressed by each and every researcher/group involved in it. PMID:25177292

The effects of poliomyelitis on motor unit behavior during repetitive muscle actions: a case report.

PubMed

Trevino, Michael A; Herda, Trent J; Cooper, Michael A

2014-09-06

Acute paralytic poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus and usually results in muscle atrophy and weakness occurring in the lower limbs. Indwelling electromyography has been used frequently to investigate the denervation and innervation characteristics of the affected muscle. Recently developed technology allows the decomposition of the raw surface electromyography signals into the firing instances of single motor units. There is limited information regarding this electromyographic decomposition in clinical populations. In addition, regardless of electromyographic methods, no study has examined muscle activation parameters during repetitive muscle actions in polio patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the motor unit firing rates and electromyographic amplitude and center frequency of the vastus lateralis during 20 repetitive isometric muscle actions at 50% maximal voluntary contraction in healthy subjects and one patient that acquired acute paralytic poliomyelitis. One participant that acquired acute type III spinal poliomyelitis (Caucasian male, age = 29 yrs) at 3 months of age and three healthy participants (Caucasian females, age = 19.7 ± 2.1 yrs) participated in this study. The polio participant reported neuromuscular deficiencies as a result of disease in the hips, knees, buttocks, thighs, and lower legs. None of the healthy participants reported any current or ongoing neuromuscular diseases or musculoskeletal injuries. An acute bout of poliomyelitis altered motor unit behavior, such as, healthy participants displayed greater firing rates than the polio patient. The reduction in motor unit firing rates was likely a fatigue protecting mechanism since denervation via poliomyelitis results in a reduction of motorneurons. In addition, the concurrent changes in motor unit firing rates, electromyography amplitude and frequency for the polio participant would suggest that the entire motorneuron pool was utilized in each contraction unlike for the healthy participants. Finally, healthy participants exhibited changes in all electromyographic parameters during the repetitive muscle actions despite successfully completing all contractions with only a slight reduction in force. Thus, caution is warranted when quantifying muscular fatigue via motor unit firing rates and other electromyographic parameters since the parameters changed despite successful completing of all contractions with only a moderate reduction in strength in healthy subjects.

Relationship Between Laryngeal Electromyography and Video Laryngostroboscopy in Vocal Fold Paralysis.

PubMed

Maamary, Joel A; Cole, Ian; Darveniza, Paul; Pemberton, Cecilia; Brake, Helen Mary; Tisch, Stephen

2017-09-01

The objective of this study was to better define the relationship of laryngeal electromyography and video laryngostroboscopy in the diagnosis of vocal fold paralysis. Retrospective diagnostic cohort study with cross-sectional data analysis METHODS: Data were obtained from 57 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who attended a large tertiary voice referral center. Electromyographic findings were classified according to recurrent laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve, and high vagal/combined lesions. Video laryngostroboscopy recordings were classified according to the position of the immobile fold into median, paramedian, lateral, and a foreshortened/hooded vocal fold. The position of the paralyzed vocal fold was then analyzed according to the lesion as determined by electromyography. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was affected in the majority of cases with left-sided lesions more common than right. Vocal fold position differed between recurrent laryngeal and combined vagal lesions. Recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions were more commonly associated with a laterally displaced immobile fold. No fold position was suggestive of a combined vagal lesion. The inter-rater reliability for determining fold position was high. Laryngeal electromyography is useful in diagnosing neuromuscular dysfunction of the larynx and best practice recommends its continued implementation along with laryngostroboscopy. While recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions are more likely to present with a lateral vocal fold, this does not occur in all cases. Such findings indicate that further unknown mechanisms contribute to fold position in unilateral paralysis. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An EMG study on characteristics of premotor and motor components in an agility reaction time test on athletes.

PubMed

Zhang, J; Chen, R; Wu, Y; Li, K; Wang, D; Liu, Y; Li, Y

2013-10-01

How do athletes control their foot movement so they can react fast in sports? Which component of the process may be more sensitive to training? These questions related to athletes' agility performance have long been important to the field of sport sciences, but are still unclear. The present study used surface electromyography (EMG) on the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius medial (GM) of both left and right to assess if there would be any different contributions between premotor time (PRT) and motor time (MT) to the overall reaction time (RT). Fifty-five right-footed male college athletes (M=20.62 years old; SD=1.01) were required to respond to a random visual stimulus using foot movement as fast as possible in four different directions (i.e., forward and backward in their left or right foot). High correlation coefficients between PMT and RT in all four directions (ranging from 0.866 to 0.909) were revealed, but not between MT and RT (ranging from 0.131 to 0.336). Lateral and sagittal axes significantly interacted based on RT. The left forward direction was slowest among all directions. The process of decision making, not the preparation of execution, plays a significant role in fast and accurate reactive responses; the slowest RT in the forward direction of the left foot may be related to response programming. The corresponding training should be emphasized in order to improve athletes' agility performance.

Effects of replacing free weights with elastic band resistance in squats on trunk muscle activation.

PubMed

Saeterbakken, Atle H; Andersen, Vidar; Kolnes, Maria K; Fimland, Marius S

2014-11-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of adding elastic bands to free-weight squats on the neuromuscular activation of core muscles. Twenty-five resistance trained women with 4.6 ± 2.1 years of resistance training experience participated in the study. In randomized order, the participants performed 6 repetition maximum in free-weight squats, with and without elastic bands (i.e., matched relative intensity between exercises). During free-weight squats with elastic bands, some of the free weights were replaced with 2 elastic bands attached to the lowest part of the squat rack. Surface electromyography (EMG) activity was measured from the erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis, whereas a linear encoder measured the vertical displacement. The EMG activities were compared between the 2 lifting modalities for the whole repetition and separately for the eccentric, concentric, and upper and lower eccentric and concentric phases. In the upper (greatest stretch of the elastic band), middle, and lower positions in squats with elastic bands, the resistance values were approximately 117, 105, and 93% of the free weight-only trial. Similar EMG activities were observed for the 2 lifting modalities for the erector spinae (p = 0.112-0.782), external oblique (p = 0.225-0.977), and rectus abdominis (p = 0.315-0.729) in all analyzed phases. In conclusion, there were no effects on the muscle activity of trunk muscles of substituting some resistance from free weights with elastic bands in the free-weight squat.

Electromyographic Comparison of Forearm Muscle Movements for Fine Skin Suturing Between an Enlarged Pen Needle Holder and a Webster Needle Holder

PubMed Central

Ohata, Erika; Matsuo, Kiyoshi; Ban, Ryokuya; Shiba, Masato; Yasunaga, Yoshichika

2013-01-01

Background: For surgical suturing, a Webster needle holder uses wrist supinating with supinator and extrinsic muscles, whereas a pen needle holder uses finger twisting with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Because the latter is better suited to microsurgery, which requires fine suturing with less forearm muscle movement, we have recently adopted an enlarged pen needle holder scaled from a micro needle holder for fine skin suturing. In this study, we assessed whether the enlarged pen needle holder reduced forearm muscle movement during fine skin suturing as compared with the Webster needle holder. Methods: A fine skin-suturing task was performed using pen holding with the enlarged micro needle holder or scissor holding with the Webster needle holder by 9 experienced and 6 inexperienced microsurgeons. The task lasted for 60 seconds and was randomly performed 3 times for each method. Forearm flexor and extensor muscular activities were evaluated by surface electromyography. Results: The enlarged pen needle holder method required significantly less forearm muscle movement for experienced microsurgeons despite it being their first time using the instrument. There was no significant difference between 2 methods for inexperienced microsurgeons. Conclusions: Experienced microsurgeons conserved forearm muscle movement by finger twisting in fine skin suturing with the enlarged pen needle holder. Inexperienced microsurgeons may benefit from the enlarged pen needle holder, even for fine skin suturing, to develop their internal acquisition model of the dynamics of finger twisting. PMID:23691259

Electromyographic comparison of forearm muscle movements for fine skin suturing between an enlarged pen needle holder and a webster needle holder.

PubMed

Ohata, Erika; Matsuo, Kiyoshi; Ban, Ryokuya; Shiba, Masato; Yasunaga, Yoshichika

2013-01-01

For surgical suturing, a Webster needle holder uses wrist supinating with supinator and extrinsic muscles, whereas a pen needle holder uses finger twisting with intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Because the latter is better suited to microsurgery, which requires fine suturing with less forearm muscle movement, we have recently adopted an enlarged pen needle holder scaled from a micro needle holder for fine skin suturing. In this study, we assessed whether the enlarged pen needle holder reduced forearm muscle movement during fine skin suturing as compared with the Webster needle holder. A fine skin-suturing task was performed using pen holding with the enlarged micro needle holder or scissor holding with the Webster needle holder by 9 experienced and 6 inexperienced microsurgeons. The task lasted for 60 seconds and was randomly performed 3 times for each method. Forearm flexor and extensor muscular activities were evaluated by surface electromyography. The enlarged pen needle holder method required significantly less forearm muscle movement for experienced microsurgeons despite it being their first time using the instrument. There was no significant difference between 2 methods for inexperienced microsurgeons. Experienced microsurgeons conserved forearm muscle movement by finger twisting in fine skin suturing with the enlarged pen needle holder. Inexperienced microsurgeons may benefit from the enlarged pen needle holder, even for fine skin suturing, to develop their internal acquisition model of the dynamics of finger twisting.

The effects of self-controlled feedback on learning of a "relaxed phonation task".

PubMed

Ma, Estella P-M; Yiu, Gigi K-Y; Yiu, Edwin M-L

2013-11-01

This study examined the effects of self-controlled feedback paradigm on motor learning of a relaxed phonation task. It investigated whether providing the learner with more control over practice condition has positive influences on the performance and learning of "relaxed phonation" skill. Vocally healthy individuals were randomly assigned into either self-controlled feedback group (SELF) or clinician-controlled feedback group (YOKED). All participants were engaged in a reading aloud task. Throughout the task, their perilaryngeal muscle activities were measured at thyrohyoid (TH) and orofacial (OF) sites using surface electromyography (EMG). The EMG values measured at the TH site were provided to participants as terminal biofeedback. Participants were required to minimize the EMG values. The SELF group received EMG biofeedback whenever they requested it, whereas the YOKED group received the same feedback schedule as chosen by their self-controlled counterparts. The pooled data for all participants revealed that there was a significant reduction of muscle tension across baseline, training, and retention phases. Generalization was shown to reading of untrained passage. Interestingly, significant reduction of muscle tension across training and retention tests was found in the control OF site but not in the target TH site. The results failed to demonstrate significant differences between SELF and YOKED groups. It provided no clear evidence to conclude that self-controlled feedback paradigm was beneficial to learning of relaxed phonation. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Postural Re-Education of Scoliosis - State of the Art (Mini-review).

PubMed

Borysov, Maksym; Moramarco, Marc; Sy, Ng; Lee, Sang G

2016-01-01

A new development of correcting exercises has been derived from the original Schroth program in 2010 and the preliminary results have been published that year. Since then the program has been applied in some centers worldwide. As the original Schroth program was the only program so far to improve many signs and symptoms of scoliosis besides the angle of curvature (Cobb angle) it was interesting to look for the preliminary results of the recent development of scoliosis pattern specific corrective exercises derived from the original program, to see if similar effects can be achieved with this less complicated method. A manual search in Pubmed was conducted, using the key words, Schroth, rehabilitation, and idiopathic scoliosis. Three papers have been found describing the short-term results of this new development today called Schroth Best Practice program (SBP). The papers were reviewed and analyzed with respect to the outcome parameters used. Outcome parameters were Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR), Vital Capacity (VC), surface topography, electromyography, stabilometry and Cobb angle before and after a course of treatment. There was a significant improvement of all parameters after the application of this new program in all the three papers in the short- to mid-term. Scoliosis corrective exercises are supported by two randomized controlled trials (RCT) and should regularly be applied in mild scoliosis at risk for progression. Unspecific exercises such as Yoga, Dobomed cannot be regarded as effective as exercises using a well defined scoliosis pattern specific corrective routine.

Relationship between lower limb position and pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography activity in menopausal women: a prospective observational study

PubMed Central

Halski, Tomasz; Ptaszkowski, Kuba; Słupska, Lucyna; Dymarek, Robert; Paprocka-Borowicz, Małgorzata

2017-01-01

Objectives In physiotherapeutic practice, special attention is being given to the reciprocal anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical relationship of the pelvis and the structures connected to it. However, the scientific literature shows mainly the theoretical information about their mutual connections. The lack of information about these relations from a practical aspect coupled with the paucity of scientific papers on the impact of posture changes on the pelvic floor led the authors to conduct this study. The primary aim of this study was to compare the resting and functional bioelectrical activities of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) depending on three different positions of the lower limbs (positions A, B, and C) in the supine position. Materials and methods This was a prospective observational study evaluating resting and functional activities of the PFM depending on the position of the lower limbs. The study was carried out at the Department and Clinic of Urology, University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland and the target group were women in the menopausal period. Bioelectrical activity of PFM was recorded using a surface electromyographic instrument in the supine position. Results of the values obtained in A, B, and C positions were compared using a one-way analysis of variance. Results In position A, the average resting surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of PFM was 6.9±2.6 µV; in position B, the result was 6.9±2.5 µV and in position C, the resting sEMG activity was 5.7±1.8 µV (P=0.0102). The results of the functional bioelectrical activity of PFM were as follows: position A – 20.3±11.8 µV, position B – 19.9±10.6 µV, and position C – 25.3±10.9 µV (P=0.0104). Conclusion The results showed that in the supine position, the PFM achieved the lowest resting activity and the highest functional activity. Therefore, the supine position can be recommended for the diagnosis and therapy of weakened PFM. PMID:28115836

Eversion Strength and Surface Electromyography Measures With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability Measured in 2 Positions.

PubMed

Donnelly, Lindsy; Donovan, Luke; Hart, Joseph M; Hertel, Jay

2017-07-01

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have demonstrated strength deficits compared to healthy controls; however, the influence of ankle position on force measures and surface electromyography (sEMG) activation of the peroneus longus and brevis has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare sEMG amplitudes of the peroneus longus and brevis and eversion force measures in 2 testing positions, neutral and plantarflexion, in groups with and without CAI. Twenty-eight adults (19 females, 9 males) with CAI and 28 healthy controls (19 females, 9 males) participated. Hand-held dynamometer force measures were assessed during isometric eversion contractions in 2 testing positions (neutral, plantarflexion) while surface sEMG amplitudes of the peroneal muscles were recorded. Force measures were normalized to body mass, and sEMG amplitudes were normalized to a resting period. The group with CAI demonstrated less force when compared to the control group ( P < .001) in both the neutral and plantarflexion positions: neutral position, CAI: 1.64 Nm/kg and control: 2.10 Nm/kg) and plantarflexion position, CAI: 1.40 Nm/kg and control: 1.73 Nm/kg). There were no differences in sEMG amplitudes between the groups or muscles ( P > .05). Force measures correlated with both muscles' sEMG amplitudes in the healthy group (neutral peroneus longus: r = 0.42, P = .03; plantarflexion peroneus longus: r = 0.56, P = .002; neutral peroneus brevis: r = 0.38, P = .05; plantarflexion peroneus longus: r = 0.40, P = .04), but not in the group with CAI ( P > .05). The group with CAI generated less force when compared to the control group during both testing positions. There was no selective activation of the peroneal muscles with testing in both positions, and force output and sEMG activity was only related in the healthy group. Clinicians should assess eversion strength and implement strength training exercises in different sagittal plane positions and evaluate for other pathologies that may contribute to reduced eversion strength in patients with CAI. Level III, cross-sectional.

Detection of changes in SEMG signals with myofascial pain using the pattern-classifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ching-Fen; Huang, Pao-Tieh

2013-10-01

Myofascial pain on the upper back (MFPUB) has been a common occupational hazard associated with consistent computer use. Investigations into any sort neuromuscular functional changes due to myofascial pain are rare. This study aims to differentiate the wavelet energy patterns of the surface electromyography signals measured from 30 normal and 26 patient subjects using the K-means clustering process. The results show that the wavelet energy pattern of patient subjects was different to that of normal subject and reveals a sensitivity of 57.69% at a specificity of 76.67% in the identification of myofascial pain. Therefore, this model could provide a reliable feature for clinical diagnosis of myofascial pain.

Electromyographic and Joint Kinematic Patterns in Runner's Dystonia.

PubMed

Ahmad, Omar F; Ghosh, Pritha; Stanley, Christopher; Karp, Barbara; Hallett, Mark; Lungu, Codrin; Alter, Katharine

2018-04-20

Runner’s dystonia (RD) is a task-specific focal dystonia of the lower limbs that occurs when running. In this retrospective case series, we present surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematic data from thirteen patients with RD who underwent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at the Functional and Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health. Four cases of RD are described in greater detail to demonstrate the potential utility of EMG with kinematic studies to identify dystonic muscle groups in RD. In these cases, the methodology for muscle selection for botulinum toxin therapy and the therapeutic response is discussed. Lateral heel whip, a proposed novel presentation of lower-limb dystonia, is also described.

Electromyographic and Joint Kinematic Patterns in Runner’s Dystonia

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Omar F.; Ghosh, Pritha; Stanley, Christopher; Karp, Barbara; Hallett, Mark; Lungu, Codrin

2018-01-01

Runner’s dystonia (RD) is a task-specific focal dystonia of the lower limbs that occurs when running. In this retrospective case series, we present surface electromyography (EMG) and joint kinematic data from thirteen patients with RD who underwent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at the Functional and Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health. Four cases of RD are described in greater detail to demonstrate the potential utility of EMG with kinematic studies to identify dystonic muscle groups in RD. In these cases, the methodology for muscle selection for botulinum toxin therapy and the therapeutic response is discussed. Lateral heel whip, a proposed novel presentation of lower-limb dystonia, is also described. PMID:29677101

Recurrent intractable hiccups treated by cervical phrenic nerve block under electromyography: report of a case.

PubMed

Sa, Young Jo; Song, Dae Heon; Kim, Jae Jun; Kim, Young Du; Kim, Chi Kyung; Moon, Seok Whan

2015-11-01

Intractable or persistent hiccups require intensive or invasive treatments. The use of a phrenic nerve block or destructive treatment for intractable hiccups has been reported to be a useful and discrete method that might be valuable to patients with this distressing problem and for whom diverse management efforts have failed. We herein report a successful treatment using a removable and adjustable ligature for the phrenic nerve in a patient with recurrent and intractable hiccups, which was employed under the guidance of electromyography.

Individual Optimal Frequency in Whole-Body Vibration: Effect of Protocol, Joint Angle, and Fatiguing Exercise.

PubMed

Carlucci, Flaminia; Felici, Francesco; Piccinini, Alberto; Haxhi, Jonida; Sacchetti, Massimo

2016-12-01

Carlucci, F, Felici, F, Piccinini, A, Haxhi, J, and Sacchetti, M. Individual optimal frequency in whole-body vibration: effect of protocol, joint angle, and fatiguing exercise. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3503-3511, 2016-Recent studies have shown the importance of individualizing the vibration intervention to produce greater effects on the neuromuscular system in less time. The purpose of this study was to assess the individual optimal vibration frequency (OVF) corresponding to the highest muscle activation (RMSmax) during vibration at different frequencies, comparing different protocols. Twenty-nine university students underwent 3 continuous (C) and 2 random (R) different vibrating protocols, maintaining a squat position on a vibration platform. The C protocol lasted 50 seconds and involved the succession of ascending frequencies from 20 to 55 Hz, every 5 seconds. The same protocol was performed twice, having the knee angle at 120° (C) and 90° (C90), to assess the effect of joint angle and after a fatiguing squatting exercise (CF) to evaluate the influence of fatigue on OVF assessment. In the random protocols, vibration time was 20 seconds with a 2-minute (R2) and a 4-minute (R4) pauses between tested frequencies. Muscle activation and OVF values did not differ significantly in the C, R2, and R4 protocols. RMSmax was higher in C90 (p < 0.001) and in CF (p = 0.04) compared with the C protocol. Joint angle and fatiguing exercise had no effect on OVF. In conclusion, the shorter C protocol produced similar myoelectrical activity in the R2 and the R4 protocols, and therefore, it could be equally valid in identifying the OVF with considerable time efficiency. Knee joint angle and fatiguing exercise had an effect on surface electromyography response during vibration but did not affect OVF identification significantly.

Scapular Bracing and Alteration of Posture and Muscle Activity in Overhead Athletes With Poor Posture

PubMed Central

Cole, Ashley K; McGrath, Melanie L; Harrington, Shana E; Padua, Darin A; Rucinski, Terri J; Prentice, William E

2013-01-01

Context Overhead athletes commonly have poor posture. Commercial braces are used to improve posture and function, but few researchers have examined the effects of shoulder or scapular bracing on posture and scapular muscle activity. Objective To examine whether a scapular stabilization brace acutely alters posture and scapular muscle activity in healthy overhead athletes with forward-head, rounded-shoulder posture (FHRSP). Design Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Applied biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Thirty-eight healthy overhead athletes with FHRSP. Intervention(s) Participants were assigned randomly to 2 groups: compression shirt with no strap tension (S) and compression shirt with the straps fully tensioned (S + T). Posture was measured using lateral-view photography with retroreflective markers. Electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) in the dominant upper extremity was measured during 4 exercises (scapular punches, W's, Y's, T's) and 2 glenohumeral motions (forward flexion, shoulder extension). Posture and exercise EMG measurements were taken with and without the brace applied. Main Outcome Measure(s) Head and shoulder angles were measured from lateral-view digital photographs. Normalized surface EMG was used to assess mean muscle activation of the UT, MT, LT, and SA. Results Application of the brace decreased forward shoulder angle in the S + T condition. Brace application also caused a small increase in LT EMG during forward flexion and Y's and a small decrease in UT and MT EMG during shoulder extension. Brace application in the S + T group decreased UT EMG during W's, whereas UT EMG increased during W's in the S group. Conclusions Application of the scapular brace improved shoulder posture and scapular muscle activity, but EMG changes were highly variable. Use of a scapular brace might improve shoulder posture and muscle activity in overhead athletes with poor posture. PMID:23672321

Do Verbal and Tactile Cueing Selectively Alter Gluteus Maximus and Hamstring Recruitment During a Supine Bridging Exercise in Active Females? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Hollman, John H; Berling, Tyler A; Crum, Ellen O; Miller, Kelsie M; Simmons, Brent T; Youdas, James W

2018-03-01

Hip extension with hamstring-dominant rather than gluteus maximus-dominant recruitment may increase anterior femoracetabular forces and contribute to conditions that cause hip pain. Cueing methods during hip extension exercises may facilitate greater gluteus maximus recruitment. We examined whether specific verbal and tactile cues facilitate gluteus maximus recruitment while inhibiting hamstring recruitment during a bridging exercise. Randomized controlled trial. Biomechanics laboratory. 30 young adult women (age 24 [3] y; BMI 22.2 [2.4] kg/m 2 ). Participants were tested over 2 sessions, 1 week apart, while performing 5 repetitions of a bridging exercise. At their second visit, participants in the experimental group received verbal and tactile cues intended to facilitate gluteus maximus recruitment and inhibit hamstring recruitment. Control group participants received no additional cues beyond original instructions. Gluteus maximus and hamstring recruitment were measured with surface electromyography, normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). Gluteus maximus recruitment was unchanged in the control group and increased from 16.8 to 33.0% MVIC in the cueing group (F = 33.369, P < .001). Hamstring recruitment was unchanged in the control group but also increased from 16.5 to 29.8% MVIC in the cueing group (F = 6.400, P = .02). The effect size of the change in gluteus maximus recruitment in the cueing group (Cohen's d = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.9 to 2.2) was not significantly greater than the effect size in hamstring recruitment (Cohen's d = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.1 to 1.5). Verbal and tactile cues hypothesized to facilitate gluteus maximus recruitment yielded comparable increases in both gluteus maximus and hamstring recruitment. If one intends to promote hip extension by facilitating gluteus maximus recruitment while inhibiting hamstring recruitment during bridging exercises, the cueing methods employed in this study may not produce desired effects.

Evaluation of extreme learning machine for classification of individual and combined finger movements using electromyography on amputees and non-amputees.

PubMed

Anam, Khairul; Al-Jumaily, Adel

2017-01-01

The success of myoelectric pattern recognition (M-PR) mostly relies on the features extracted and classifier employed. This paper proposes and evaluates a fast classifier, extreme learning machine (ELM), to classify individual and combined finger movements on amputees and non-amputees. ELM is a single hidden layer feed-forward network (SLFN) that avoids iterative learning by determining input weights randomly and output weights analytically. Therefore, it can accelerate the training time of SLFNs. In addition to the classifier evaluation, this paper evaluates various feature combinations to improve the performance of M-PR and investigate some feature projections to improve the class separability of the features. Different from other studies on the implementation of ELM in the myoelectric controller, this paper presents a complete and thorough investigation of various types of ELMs including the node-based and kernel-based ELM. Furthermore, this paper provides comparisons of ELMs and other well-known classifiers such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbour (kNN), support vector machine (SVM) and least-square SVM (LS-SVM). The experimental results show the most accurate ELM classifier is radial basis function ELM (RBF-ELM). The comparison of RBF-ELM and other well-known classifiers shows that RBF-ELM is as accurate as SVM and LS-SVM but faster than the SVM family; it is superior to LDA and kNN. The experimental results also indicate that the accuracy gap of the M-PR on the amputees and non-amputees is not too much with the accuracy of 98.55% on amputees and 99.5% on the non-amputees using six electromyography (EMG) channels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electromyography analysis of natural mastication behavior using varying mouthful quantities of two types of gels.

PubMed

Kohyama, Kaoru; Gao, Zhihong; Ishihara, Sayaka; Funami, Takahiro; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi

2016-07-01

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of mouthful quantities and mechanical properties of gels on natural mastication behaviors using electromyography (EMG). Two types of hydrocolloid gels (A and K) with similar fracture loads but different moduli and fracture strains were served to eleven normal women in 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-g masses in a randomized order. EMG activities from both masseter muscles were recorded during natural mastication. Because of the similar fracture loads, the numbers of chews, total muscle activities, and entire oral processing times were similar for similar masses of both gel types. Prior to the first swallow, the more elastic K gel with a higher fracture strain required higher muscle activities than the brittle A gel, which had higher modulus. Majority of subjects had preferred sides of chewing, but all subjects with or without preferred sides used both masseters during the consumption of gels. Similar effects of masses and types of gels were observed in EMG activities of both sides of masseters. Contributions of the dominant side of chewing were diminished with increasing masses of gels, and the mass dependency on ratio of the dominant side was more pronounced with K gel. More repetitions of smaller masses required greater muscle activities and longer periods for the consumption of 24-g gel portions. Reduction in the masses with an increased number of repetitions necessitated slower eating and more mastication to consume the gel portions. These observations suggest that chewing using both sides is more effective and unconsciously reduces mastication times during the consumption of gels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantification of functional hand grip using electromyography and inertial sensor-derived accelerations: clinical implications.

PubMed

Martin-Martin, Jaime; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2014-12-11

Assessing hand injury is of great interest given the level of involvement of the hand with the environment. Knowing different assessment systems and their limitations generates new perspectives. The integration of digital systems (accelerometry and electromyography) as a tool to supplement functional assessment allows the clinician to know more about the motor component and its relation to movement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the kinematic and electromyography analysis during functional hand movements. Ten subjects carried out six functional movements (terminal pinch, termino-lateral pinch, tripod pinch, power grip, extension grip and ball grip). Muscle activity (hand and forearm) was measured in real time using electromyograms, acquired with the Mega ME 6000, whilst acceleration was measured using the AcceleGlove. Electrical activity and acceleration variables were recorded simultaneously during the carrying out of the functional movements. The acceleration outcome variables were the modular vectors of each finger of the hand and the palm. In the electromyography, the main variables were normalized by the mean and by the maximum muscle activity of the thenar region, hypothenar, first interosseous dorsal, wrist flexors, carpal flexors and wrist extensors. Knowing muscle behavior allows the clinician to take a more direct approach in the treatment. Based on the results, the tripod grip shows greater kinetic activity and the middle finger is the most relevant in this regard. Ball grip involves most muscle activity, with the thenar region playing a fundamental role in hand activity. Relating muscle activation, movements, individual load and displacement offers the possibility to proceed with rehabilitation by individual component.

Bilateral neuromuscular and force differences during a plyometric task.

PubMed

Ball, Nick B; Scurr, Joanna C

2009-08-01

The purpose of this article is to compare the bilateral neuromuscular and force contribution during a plyometric bounce drop jump task and to assess the affects of nonsimultaneous foot placement. Sixteen male participants performed bounce drop jumps from a height of 0.4 m. Mean peak electromyography activity of the soleus, medial, and lateral gastrocnemius of both legs was recorded from each phase of the drop jump and normalized to a reference dynamic muscle action. Resultant ground reaction force, ground contact time, and duration of the drop jumps were recorded from each leg. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare bilateral electromyographic activity, resultant peak ground reaction force, and contact duration. Pearson's correlations (r) ascertained relationships between normalized electromyographic activity and contact time. Significant differences were shown between left and right triceps surae normalized electromyography during precontact and contact40ms (p < 0.01). No significant differences were present in the contactpost40ms phase (p > 0.01). Significant differences were found between normalized soleus electromyography and both gastrocnemii for both legs during precontact (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found for within-leg normalized electromyography for the contact40ms phases and contactpost40ms phase (p > 0.01). Weak relationships were found between normalized electromyographic activity and nonsimultaneous foot contact (r < 0.2). This study showed differences between left and right triceps surae in neuromuscular strategies engaged in the early stages of a drop jump task. Differences in contact time initiation were present; however, they are not significant enough to cause neuromuscular differences in the plantar flexor muscles.

Kinematics and muscle activity of the head, lumbar and knee joints during 180° turning and sitting down task in older adults.

PubMed

Kuo, Fang-Chuan; Hong, Chang-Zern; Liau, Ben-Yi

2014-01-01

The "180° turning and sitting down task" is a very conscious movement that requires focusing on turning at the exact moment, and very few studies address on this topic in older adults. The purpose of the study was to compare kinematics and electromyography of the head, lumbar and knee joints during 180°turning in older and young adults. Twenty older adults and 20 younger adults were assessed. A 16-channel telemetry electromyography system with electrogoniometers and an inclinometer were used to record the head, lumbar and knee joint kinematic and electromyography data during the 180° turning. This movement had been further divided into 4 phases (braking, mid-stance, swing, and terminal loading) for analysis. There were significant differences in the joint displacement and muscular activity among the different phases. Comparison between groups showed that the older adults group had less lateral lumbar flexion, less knee flexion and lower velocity of the head and knee flexion compared to young adults during turning. The electromyography data of the left biceps femoris, left gastrocnemius and left erector spinae muscles in the older adults group showed significantly higher levels than in the young adults. Older adults need to adjust velocities of moving joints and increase the extensor synergy muscles of the back and the stance leg to provide posture stability. Kinematics and neuromuscular modulations of the head, lumbar and knee are required according to the various phases of the turn movements and change with aging. © 2013.

Comparison of six electromyography acquisition setups on hand movement classification tasks

PubMed Central

Pizzolato, Stefano; Tagliapietra, Luca; Cognolato, Matteo; Reggiani, Monica; Müller, Henning

2017-01-01

Hand prostheses controlled by surface electromyography are promising due to the non-invasive approach and the control capabilities offered by machine learning. Nevertheless, dexterous prostheses are still scarcely spread due to control difficulties, low robustness and often prohibitive costs. Several sEMG acquisition setups are now available, ranging in terms of costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. The objective of this paper is the relative comparison of six acquisition setups on an identical hand movement classification task, in order to help the researchers to choose the proper acquisition setup for their requirements. The acquisition setups are based on four different sEMG electrodes (including Otto Bock, Delsys Trigno, Cometa Wave + Dormo ECG and two Thalmic Myo armbands) and they were used to record more than 50 hand movements from intact subjects with a standardized acquisition protocol. The relative performance of the six sEMG acquisition setups is compared on 41 identical hand movements with a standardized feature extraction and data analysis pipeline aimed at performing hand movement classification. Comparable classification results are obtained with three acquisition setups including the Delsys Trigno, the Cometa Wave and the affordable setup composed of two Myo armbands. The results suggest that practical sEMG tests can be performed even when costs are relevant (e.g. in small laboratories, developing countries or use by children). All the presented datasets can be used for offline tests and their quality can easily be compared as the data sets are publicly available. PMID:29023548

Expiratory muscle strength training evaluated with simultaneous high-resolution manometry and electromyography.

PubMed

Hutcheson, Katherine A; Hammer, Michael J; Rosen, Sarah P; Jones, Corinne A; McCulloch, Timothy M

2017-04-01

To examine feasibility of a simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) and electromyography (EMG) experimental paradigm to detect swallowing-related patterns of palatal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscle activity during expiratory training. Technical report. Simultaneous HRM, surface submental, and intramuscular EMG were acquired in two healthy participants during five tasks: 10-cc water swallow, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) testing, and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) at three pressure levels (sham, 50%, and 75% MEP). Experimental conditions were feasible. Velopharyngeal closing pressure, palate EMG activity, and pharyngeal EMG activity increased as expiratory load increased. In contrast, thyroarytenoid EMG activity was low during the expiratory task, consistent with glottic opening during exhalation. Submental EMG patterns were more variable during expiratory tasks. Intraluminal air pressures recorded with HRM were correlated with measured expiratory pressures and target valve-opening pressures of the EMST device. Results suggest that a simultaneous HRM/EMG/EMST paradigm may be used to detect previously unquantified swallowing-related muscle activity during EMST, particularly in the palate and pharynx. Our approach and initial findings will be helpful to guide future hypothesis-driven studies and may enable investigators to evaluate other muscle groups active during these tasks. Defining mechanisms of action is a critical next step toward refining therapeutic algorithms using EMST and other targeted treatments for populations with dysphagia and airway disorders. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:797-804, 2017. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Multi-modal myocontrol: Testing combined force- and electromyography.

PubMed

Nowak, Markus; Eiband, Thomas; Castellini, Claudio

2017-07-01

Myocontrol, that is control of prostheses using bodily signals, has proved in the decades to be a surprisingly hard problem for the scientific community of assistive and rehabilitation robotics. In particular, traditional surface electromyography (sEMG) seems to be no longer enough to guarantee dexterity (i.e., control over several degrees of freedom) and, most importantly, reliability. Multi-modal myocontrol is concerned with the idea of using novel signal gathering techniques as a replacement of, or alongside, sEMG, to provide high-density and diverse signals to improve dexterity and make the control more reliable. In this paper we present an offline and online assessment of multi-modal sEMG and force myography (FMG) targeted at hand and wrist myocontrol. A total number of twenty sEMG and FMG sensors were used simultaneously, in several combined configurations, to predict opening/closing of the hand and activation of two degrees of freedom of the wrist of ten intact subjects. The analysis was targeted at determining the optimal sensor combination and control parameters; the experimental results indicate that sEMG sensors alone perform worst, yielding a nRMSE of 9.1%, while mixing FMG and sEMG or using FMG only reduces the nRMSE to 5.2-6.6%. To validate these results, we engaged the subject with median performance in an online goal-reaching task. Analysis of this further experiment reveals that the online behaviour is similar to the offline one.

Comparison of six electromyography acquisition setups on hand movement classification tasks.

PubMed

Pizzolato, Stefano; Tagliapietra, Luca; Cognolato, Matteo; Reggiani, Monica; Müller, Henning; Atzori, Manfredo

2017-01-01

Hand prostheses controlled by surface electromyography are promising due to the non-invasive approach and the control capabilities offered by machine learning. Nevertheless, dexterous prostheses are still scarcely spread due to control difficulties, low robustness and often prohibitive costs. Several sEMG acquisition setups are now available, ranging in terms of costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. The objective of this paper is the relative comparison of six acquisition setups on an identical hand movement classification task, in order to help the researchers to choose the proper acquisition setup for their requirements. The acquisition setups are based on four different sEMG electrodes (including Otto Bock, Delsys Trigno, Cometa Wave + Dormo ECG and two Thalmic Myo armbands) and they were used to record more than 50 hand movements from intact subjects with a standardized acquisition protocol. The relative performance of the six sEMG acquisition setups is compared on 41 identical hand movements with a standardized feature extraction and data analysis pipeline aimed at performing hand movement classification. Comparable classification results are obtained with three acquisition setups including the Delsys Trigno, the Cometa Wave and the affordable setup composed of two Myo armbands. The results suggest that practical sEMG tests can be performed even when costs are relevant (e.g. in small laboratories, developing countries or use by children). All the presented datasets can be used for offline tests and their quality can easily be compared as the data sets are publicly available.

Comparative study between surgical and non-surgical treatment of anismus in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation: a prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Faried, Mohamed; El Nakeeb, Ayman; Youssef, Mohamed; Omar, Waleed; El Monem, Hisham Abd

2010-08-01

This study came to compare the results of biofeedback retraining biofeedback (BFB), botulinum toxin botulinum type A (BTX-A) injection and partial division of puborectalis (PDPR) in the treatment of anismus patients. Consecutive patients treated for anismus fulfilled Rome II criteria for functional constipation at our institution were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive BFB, BTX-A injection, and PDPR. All patients underwent anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and electromyography activity of the anal sphincter. Follow up was conducted weekly in the first month then monthly for about 1 year. Study variables included clinical improvement, patient satisfaction, and objective improvement. Sixty patients with anismus were randomized and completed the study. The groups differed significantly regarding clinical improvement at 1 month (50% for BFB, 75%BTX-A injection, and 95% for PDPR, P = 0.006) and differences persisted at 1 year (30% for BFB, 35%BTX-A injection, and 70% for PDPR, P = 0.02). Constipation score of the patients significantly improved postPDPR and BTX-A injection. Manometric relaxation was achieved significantly in the three groups. Biofeedback retraining has a limited therapeutic effect, BTX-A injection seems to be successful for temporary treatment but PDPR is found to be an effective with lower morbidity in contrast to its higher success rate in treating anismus.

Permutation Entropy and Signal Energy Increase the Accuracy of Neuropathic Change Detection in Needle EMG

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background and Objective. Needle electromyography can be used to detect the number of changes and morphological changes in motor unit potentials of patients with axonal neuropathy. General mathematical methods of pattern recognition and signal analysis were applied to recognize neuropathic changes. This study validates the possibility of extending and refining turns-amplitude analysis using permutation entropy and signal energy. Methods. In this study, we examined needle electromyography in 40 neuropathic individuals and 40 controls. The number of turns, amplitude between turns, signal energy, and “permutation entropy” were used as features for support vector machine classification. Results. The obtained results proved the superior classification performance of the combinations of all of the above-mentioned features compared to the combinations of fewer features. The lowest accuracy from the tested combinations of features had peak-ratio analysis. Conclusion. Using the combination of permutation entropy with signal energy, number of turns and mean amplitude in SVM classification can be used to refine the diagnosis of polyneuropathies examined by needle electromyography. PMID:29606959

Assessment of a Wearable Force- and Electromyography Device and Comparison of the Related Signals for Myocontrol

PubMed Central

Connan, Mathilde; Ruiz Ramírez, Eduardo; Vodermayer, Bernhard; Castellini, Claudio

2016-01-01

In the frame of assistive robotics, multi-finger prosthetic hand/wrists have recently appeared, offering an increasing level of dexterity; however, in practice their control is limited to a few hand grips and still unreliable, with the effect that pattern recognition has not yet appeared in the clinical environment. According to the scientific community, one of the keys to improve the situation is multi-modal sensing, i.e., using diverse sensor modalities to interpret the subject's intent and improve the reliability and safety of the control system in daily life activities. In this work, we first describe and test a novel wireless, wearable force- and electromyography device; through an experiment conducted on ten intact subjects, we then compare the obtained signals both qualitatively and quantitatively, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Our results indicate that force-myography yields signals which are more stable across time during whenever a pattern is held, than those obtained by electromyography. We speculate that fusion of the two modalities might be advantageous to improve the reliability of myocontrol in the near future. PMID:27909406

Beauty in the eye of the beholder: Using facial electromyography to examine the association between eating disorder symptoms and perceptions of emaciation among undergraduate women.

PubMed

Dodd, Dorian R; Velkoff, Elizabeth A; Forrest, Lauren N; Fussner, Lauren M; Smith, April

2017-06-01

Thin-ideal internalization, drive for thinness, and over-evaluation of the importance of thinness are associated with eating disorders (EDs). However, little research has examined to what extent perceptions of emaciation are also associated with ED symptoms. In the present study, 80 undergraduate women self-reported on ED symptomatology and perceptions of emaciated, thin, and overweight female bodies. While participants viewed images of these different body types, facial electromyography was used to measure activation of facial muscles associated with disgust reactions. Emaciated and overweight bodies were rated negatively and elicited facial responses consistent with disgust. Further, ED symptomatology was associated with pronounced aversion to overweight bodies (assessed via self-report pleasantness ratings), and attenuated negative affect to emaciated bodies (assessed via facial electromyography). The latter association was significant even when controlling for self-reported perceptions of emaciation, suggesting that psychophysiological methods in ED research may provide valuable information unavailable via self-report. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study between botulinum toxin injection and partial division of puborectalis for treating anismus.

PubMed

Farid, Mohamed; Youssef, Tamer; Mahdy, Tarek; Omar, Waleed; Moneim, Hesham Abdul; El Nakeeb, Ayman; Youssef, Mohamed

2009-03-01

The objective of this study was to compare the results of partial division of puborectalis (PDPR) versus local botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in treating patients with anismus. This prospective randomized study included 30 male patients suffering from anismus. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination, barium enema, colonoscopy, colonic transit time, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and electromyography. Patients were randomized into: group I which included 15 patients who were injected with BTX-A and group II which included 15 patients who underwent bilateral PDPR. Follow-up was conducted for about 1 year. Improvement was considered when patients returned to their normal habits. BTX-A injection achieved initial success in 13 patients (86.7%). However, long-term success persisted only in six patients (40%). This was in contrast to PDPR which achieved initial success in all patients (100%) with a long-term success in ten patients (66.6%). Recurrence was observed in seven patients (53.8%) and five patients (33.4%) following BTX-A injection and PDPR, respectively. Minor degrees of incontinence were confronted in two patients (13.3%) following PDPR. BTX-A injection seems to be successful for temporary treatment of anismus.

Leg surface electromyography patterns in children with neuro-orthopedic disorders walking on a treadmill unassisted and assisted by a robot with and without encouragement

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Robot-assisted gait training and treadmill training can complement conventional physical therapy in children with neuro-orthopedic movement disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate surface electromyography (sEMG) activity patterns during robot-assisted gait training (with and without motivating instructions from a therapist) and unassisted treadmill walking and to compare these with physiological sEMG patterns. Methods Nine children with motor impairments and eight healthy children walked in various conditions: (a) on a treadmill in the driven gait orthosis Lokomat®, (b) same condition, with additional motivational instructions from a therapist, and (c) on the treadmill without assistance. sEMG recordings were made of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius lateralis, vastus medialis, and biceps femoris muscles. Differences in sEMG amplitudes between the three conditions were analyzed for the duration of stance and swing phase (for each group and muscle separately) using non-parametric tests. Spearman’s correlation coefficients illustrated similarity of muscle activation patterns between conditions, between groups, and with published reference trajectories. Results The relative duration of stance and swing phase differed between patients and controls, and between driven gait orthosis conditions and treadmill walking. While sEMG amplitudes were higher when being encouraged by a therapist compared to robot-assisted gait training without instructions (0.008 ≤ p-value ≤ 0.015), muscle activation patterns were highly comparable (0.648 ≤ Spearman correlation coefficients ≤ 0.969). In general, comparisons of the sEMG patterns with published reference data of over-ground walking revealed that walking in the driven gait orthosis could induce more physiological muscle activation patterns compared to unsupported treadmill walking. Conclusions Our results suggest that robotic-assisted gait training with therapeutic encouragement could appropriately increase muscle activity. Robotic-assisted gait training in general could induce physiological muscle activation patterns, which might indicate that this training exploits restorative rather than compensatory mechanisms. PMID:23867005

Validity and Reliability of Surface Electromyography in the Assessment of Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

PubMed

Khoddami, Seyyedeh Maryam; Talebian, Saeed; Izadi, Farzad; Ansari, Noureddin Nakhostin

2017-05-01

The study aims to evaluate the reliability and the discriminative validity of surface electromyography (sEMG) in the assessment of patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). The study design is cross-sectional. Fifteen patients with primary MTD (mean age: 34.07 ± 10.99 years) and 15 healthy volunteers (mean age: 34.53 ± 10.63 years) were included. All participants underwent evaluation of sEMG to record the electrical activity of the thyrohyoid and cricothyroid muscles. The outcome measures were the root mean square (RMS), activity peak, duration, and time to the peak activity, which were obtained during /a/ and /i/ prolongation for test-retest reliability. The test-retest reliability was good to excellent for the RMS and peak activity measures (intraclass correlation coefficient [agreement] [ICC agreement ] = 0.49-0.98). The reliability for the activity duration was poor to excellent (ICC agreement  = 0.19-0.9). Poor test-retest reliability was found for the time to peak measure (ICC agreement  = 0.15-0.37). The standard error of measurement for all sEMG measures was between 0.41 and 2.05. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was calculated between 1.13 and 5.66. The highest SDC values were obtained for the peak and the lowest SDCs were documented for the duration (5.66 and 1.13, respectively). All sEMG measures were not able to discriminate between the MTD patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.05). The sEMG is a reliable tool to measure the RMS, the peak activity, and the activity duration in primary MTD. However, it is not able to discriminate the patients with primary MTD from healthy subjects. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Central motor control failure in fibromyalgia: a surface electromyography study

PubMed Central

Casale, Roberto; Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo; Atzeni, Fabiola; Gazzoni, Marco; Buskila, Dan; Rainoldi, Alberto

2009-01-01

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterised by diffuse musculoskeletal pain and stiffness at multiple sites, tender points in characteristic locations, and the frequent presence of symptoms such as fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess whether the myoelectrical manifestations of fatigue in patients affected by FM are central or peripheral in origin. Methods Eight female patients aged 55.6 ± 13.6 years (FM group) and eight healthy female volunteers aged 50.3 ± 9.3 years (MCG) were studied by means of non-invasive surface electromyography (s-EMG) involving a linear array of 16 electrodes placed on the skin overlying the biceps brachii muscle, with muscle fatigue being evoked by means of voluntary and involuntary (electrically elicited) contractions. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), motor unit action potential conduction velocity distributions (mean ± SD and skewness), and the mean power frequency of the spectrum (MNF) were estimated in order to assess whether there were any significant differences between the two groups and contraction types. Results The motor pattern of recruitment during voluntary contractions was altered in the FM patients, who also showed fewer myoelectrical manifestations of fatigue (normalised conduction velocity rate of changes: -0.074 ± 0.052%/s in FM vs -0.196 ± 0.133%/s in MCG; normalised MNF rate of changes: -0.29 ± 0.16%/s in FM vs -0.66 ± 0.34%/s in MCG). Mean conduction velocity distribution and skewnesses values were higher (p < 0.01) in the FM group. There were no between-group differences in the results obtained from the electrically elicited contractions. Conclusion The apparent paradox of fewer myoelectrical manifestations of fatigue in FM is the electrophysiological expression of muscle remodelling in terms of the prevalence of slow conducting fatigue-resistant type I fibres. As the only between-group differences concerned voluntary contractions, they are probably more related to central motor control failure than muscle membrane alterations, which suggests pathological muscle fibre remodelling related to altered suprasegmental control. PMID:19570214

Quantifying Forearm Muscle Activity during Wrist and Finger Movements by Means of Multi-Channel Electromyography

PubMed Central

Gazzoni, Marco; Celadon, Nicolò; Mastrapasqua, Davide; Paleari, Marco; Margaria, Valentina; Ariano, Paolo

2014-01-01

The study of hand and finger movement is an important topic with applications in prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ergonomics. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is the gold standard for the analysis of muscle activation. Previous studies investigated the optimal electrode number and positioning on the forearm to obtain information representative of muscle activation and robust to movements. However, the sEMG spatial distribution on the forearm during hand and finger movements and its changes due to different hand positions has never been quantified. The aim of this work is to quantify 1) the spatial localization of surface EMG activity of distinct forearm muscles during dynamic free movements of wrist and single fingers and 2) the effect of hand position on sEMG activity distribution. The subjects performed cyclic dynamic tasks involving the wrist and the fingers. The wrist tasks and the hand opening/closing task were performed with the hand in prone and neutral positions. A sensorized glove was used for kinematics recording. sEMG signals were acquired from the forearm muscles using a grid of 112 electrodes integrated into a stretchable textile sleeve. The areas of sEMG activity have been identified by a segmentation technique after a data dimensionality reduction step based on Non Negative Matrix Factorization applied to the EMG envelopes. The results show that 1) it is possible to identify distinct areas of sEMG activity on the forearm for different fingers; 2) hand position influences sEMG activity level and spatial distribution. This work gives new quantitative information about sEMG activity distribution on the forearm in healthy subjects and provides a basis for future works on the identification of optimal electrode configuration for sEMG based control of prostheses, exoskeletons, or orthoses. An example of use of this information for the optimization of the detection system for the estimation of joint kinematics from sEMG is reported. PMID:25289669

A Methodological Approach to Quantifying Plyometric Intensity.

PubMed

Jarvis, Mark M; Graham-Smith, Phil; Comfort, Paul

2016-09-01

Jarvis, MM, Graham-Smith, P, and Comfort, P. A Methodological approach to quantifying plyometric intensity. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2522-2532, 2016-In contrast to other methods of training, the quantification of plyometric exercise intensity is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a range of neuromuscular and mechanical variables to describe the intensity of plyometric exercises. Seven male recreationally active subjects performed a series of 7 plyometric exercises. Neuromuscular activity was measured using surface electromyography (SEMG) at vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF). Surface electromyography data were divided into concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) phases of movement. Mechanical output was measured by ground reaction forces and processed to provide peak impact ground reaction force (PF), peak eccentric power (PEP), and impulse (IMP). Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the reliability intraclass correlation coefficient and sensitivity smallest detectable difference of all variables. Mean values of SEMG demonstrate high reliability (r ≥ 0.82), excluding ECC VL during a 40-cm drop jump (r = 0.74). PF, PEP, and IMP demonstrated high reliability (r ≥ 0.85). Statistical power for force variables was excellent (power = 1.0), and good for SEMG (power ≥0.86) excluding CON BF (power = 0.57). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in CON SEMG between exercises. Eccentric phase SEMG only distinguished between exercises involving a landing and those that did not (percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC] = no landing -65 ± 5, landing -140 ± 8). Peak eccentric power, PF, and IMP all distinguished between exercises. In conclusion, CON neuromuscular activity does not appear to vary when intent is maximal, whereas ECC activity is dependent on the presence of a landing. Force characteristics provide a reliable and sensitive measure enabling precise description of intensity in plyometric exercises. The present findings provide coaches and scientists with an insightful and precise method of measuring intensity in plyometrics, which will allow for greater control of programming variables.

Is the timed loaded standing test a valid measure of back muscle endurance in people with vertebral osteoporosis?

PubMed

Newman, M; Newman, R; Hughes, T; Vadher, K; Barker, K L

2018-04-01

Timed loaded standing (TLS) is a suggested measure of back muscle endurance for people with vertebral osteoporosis. Surface electromyography revealed back muscles work harder and fatigue during TLS. The test end-point and total time were associated with back fatigue. The findings help demonstrate the concurrent validity of the TLS test. The TLS test is suggested as a measure of back muscle endurance for patients with vertebral osteoporosis. However, to date, no study has demonstrated that TLS does measure back extensor or erector spinae (ES) muscle endurance. We used surface electromyography (sEMG) to investigate the performance of the thoracic ES muscles during TLS. Thirty-six people with vertebral osteoporosis with a mean age of 71.6 (range 45-86) years participated. sEMG recordings were made of the ES at T3 and T12 bilaterally during quiet standing (QS) and TLS. The relative (%) change in sEMG amplitude between conditions was compared. Fatigue was evaluated by analysing the change in median frequency (MF) of the sEMG signal during TLS, and the correlation between maximal TLS time and rate of MF decline was examined. Activity in the ES increased significantly during TLS at all electrode locations. During TLS, the MF declined at a mean rate of -24.2% per minute (95% C.I. -26.5 to -21.9%). The MF slope and test time were strongly correlated (r 2  = 0.71), and at test end, the final MF dropped to an average 89% (95% C.I. 85 to 93%) of initial MF. Twenty-eight participants (78%) reported fatigue was the main reason for stopping, and for eight (22%), it was pain. This study demonstrates that TLS challenges the ES muscles in the thoracic region and results in ES fatigue. Endurance time and the point at which the TLS test ends are strongly related to ES fatigue.

Mapping of the human upper arm muscle activity with an electrode matrix.

PubMed

Côté, J; Mathieu, P A

2000-06-01

Surface electrode matrices allow measurement of muscle activity while avoiding certain hazardous risks and inconvenience associated with invasive techniques. Major challenges of such equipment involve optimizing spatial resolution, and designing simple acquisition systems able to record simultaneously many potentials over large anatomical areas. We present a surface electromyography acquisition system comprising of 3 x 8 Ag-AgCl electrodes mounted onto an elastic band, which can be adjusted to fit an entire human upper limb segment. Using this equipment, we acquired a simultaneous representation of muscular activity from a segment of the upper limb surface of 6 healthy subjects during isometric contractions at various intensities. We found that the location of regions of highest activity depended on elbow torque direction but also varied among subjects. Signals obtained with such equipment can be used to solve the inverse problem and help optimize the electrode configuration in volume conduction studies. The efficacy of decision algorithms of multi-functional myoelectric prostheses can be tested with the global muscle activity patterns gathered. The electrode cuff could also be used in the investigation of fatigue and injury mechanisms during occupational activities.

Task-specific kinetic finger tremor affects the performance of carrom players.

PubMed

Kahathuduwa, Chanaka N; Weerasinghe, Vajira S; Dassanayake, Tharaka L; Priyadarshana, Rajeewa; Dissanayake, Arunika L; Perera, Christine

2016-01-01

We aimed to determine the effect of task-specific kinetic finger tremor, as indexed by surface electromyography (EMG), on the accuracy of a carrom stroke. Surface EMG of extensor digitorum communis muscle of the playing arm was recorded during rest, isometric contraction and stroke execution in 17 male carrom players with clinically observed finger tremor and 18 skill- and age-matched controls. Log-transformed power spectral densities (LogPSDs) of surface EMG activity (signifying tremor severity) at a 1-s pre-execution period correlated with angular error of the stroke. LogPSDs in 4-10 Hz range were higher in players with tremor than controls during pre-execution (P < 0.001), but not during the resting state (P = 0.067). Pre-execution tremor amplitude correlated with angular deviation (r = 0.45, P = 0.007). For the first time, we document a task-specific kinetic finger tremor in carrom players. This finger tremor during the immediate pre-execution phase appears to be a significant determinant of stroke accuracy.

Stimulated-single fiber electromyography monitoring of anti-sense induced changes in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

PubMed

Boneva, Neli; Hamra-Amitay, Yasmine; Wirguin, Itzhak; Brenner, Talma

2006-05-01

The neuromuscular weakness associated with myasthenia gravis (MG) can be transiently relieved by pharmacological inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Here, we expand the anticholinesterase repertoire to include 2'-O-methyl-protected antisense oligonucleotides targeted to AChE mRNA (EN101). Using stimulated-single fiber electromyography, we show that EN101 treatment of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), improved the mean consecutive difference (MCD) and blocking for 24h. This treatment was more efficient than pyridostigmine and was accompanied by marked improvement in stamina and clinical profile.

Effects of music on arousal during imagery in elite shooters: A pilot study.

PubMed

Kuan, Garry; Morris, Tony; Terry, Peter

2017-01-01

Beneficial effects of music on several performance-related aspects of sport have been reported, but the processes involved are not well understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate effects of relaxing and arousing classical music on physiological indicators and subjective perceptions of arousal during imagery of a sport task. First, appropriate music excerpts were selected. Then, 12 skilled shooters performed shooting imagery while listening to the three preselected music excerpts in randomized order. Participants' galvanic skin response, peripheral temperature, and electromyography were monitored during music played concurrently with imagery. Subjective music ratings and physiological measures showed, as hypothesized, that unfamiliar relaxing music was the most relaxing and unfamiliar arousing music was the most arousing. Researchers should examine the impact of unfamiliar relaxing and arousing music played during imagery on subsequent performance in diverse sports. Practitioners can apply unfamiliar relaxing and arousing music with imagery to manipulate arousal level.

Effects of music on arousal during imagery in elite shooters: A pilot study

PubMed Central

Kuan, Garry; Morris, Tony; Terry, Peter

2017-01-01

Beneficial effects of music on several performance-related aspects of sport have been reported, but the processes involved are not well understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate effects of relaxing and arousing classical music on physiological indicators and subjective perceptions of arousal during imagery of a sport task. First, appropriate music excerpts were selected. Then, 12 skilled shooters performed shooting imagery while listening to the three preselected music excerpts in randomized order. Participants’ galvanic skin response, peripheral temperature, and electromyography were monitored during music played concurrently with imagery. Subjective music ratings and physiological measures showed, as hypothesized, that unfamiliar relaxing music was the most relaxing and unfamiliar arousing music was the most arousing. Researchers should examine the impact of unfamiliar relaxing and arousing music played during imagery on subsequent performance in diverse sports. Practitioners can apply unfamiliar relaxing and arousing music with imagery to manipulate arousal level. PMID:28414741

A dental stool with chest support reduces lower back muscle activation.

PubMed

Tran, Viet; Turner, Reid; MacFadden, Andrew; Cornish, Stephen M; Esliger, Dale; Komiyama, Kunio; Chilibeck, Philip D

2016-09-01

Activation of back musculature during work tasks leads to fatigue and potential injury. This is especially prevalent in dentists who perform much of their work from a seated position. We examined the use of an ergonomic dental stool with mid-sternum chest support for reducing lower back muscle activation. Electromyography of lower back extensors was assessed from 30 dental students for 20 s during three conditions in random order: (a) sitting upright at 90° of hip flexion on a standard stool, (b) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion on a standard stool, and (c) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion while sitting on an ergonomic stool. Muscular activity of the back extensors was reduced when using the ergonomic stool compared to the standard stool, by 33-50% (p < 0.01). This suggests a potential musculoskeletal benefit with use of a dental stool with mid-sternum chest support.

A three-dimensional muscle activity imaging technique for assessing pelvic muscle function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yingchun; Wang, Dan; Timm, Gerald W.

2010-11-01

A novel multi-channel surface electromyography (EMG)-based three-dimensional muscle activity imaging (MAI) technique has been developed by combining the bioelectrical source reconstruction approach and subject-specific finite element modeling approach. Internal muscle activities are modeled by a current density distribution and estimated from the intra-vaginal surface EMG signals with the aid of a weighted minimum norm estimation algorithm. The MAI technique was employed to minimally invasively reconstruct electrical activity in the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter from multi-channel intra-vaginal surface EMG recordings. A series of computer simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the present MAI technique. With appropriate numerical modeling and inverse estimation techniques, we have demonstrated the capability of the MAI technique to accurately reconstruct internal muscle activities from surface EMG recordings. This MAI technique combined with traditional EMG signal analysis techniques is being used to study etiologic factors associated with stress urinary incontinence in women by correlating functional status of muscles characterized from the intra-vaginal surface EMG measurements with the specific pelvic muscle groups that generated these signals. The developed MAI technique described herein holds promise for eliminating the need to place needle electrodes into muscles to obtain accurate EMG recordings in some clinical applications.

Do Performers' Experience and Sex Affect Their Performance?

PubMed

Emmanuel, Jacobs; Nathalie, Roussel; Van Caekenberghe, Ine; Cassiers, Edith; Van den Dries, Luc; Rutgeerts, Jonas; Gielen, Jan; Hallemans, Ann

2017-04-01

This cross-sectional study aimed at developing a biomechanical method to objectify voluntary and unpredictable movements, using an automated three-dimensional motion capture system and surface electromyography. Fourteen experienced theater performers were tested while executing the old man exercise, wherein they have to walk like an old man, building up a sustained high intensive muscular activity and tremor. Less experienced performed showed a different kinematics of movement, a slower speed of progression and more variable EMG signals at higher intensity. Female performers also differed from males in movement kinematics and muscular activity. The number of the trial only influenced the speed of progression. The performers showed results which could be well placed within the stages of learning and the degrees of freedom problem.

Wireless electronic-tattoo for long-term high fidelity facial muscle recordings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inzelberg, Lilah; David Pur, Moshe; Steinberg, Stanislav; Rand, David; Farah, Maroun; Hanein, Yael

2017-05-01

Facial surface electromyography (sEMG) is a powerful tool for objective evaluation of human facial expressions and was accordingly suggested in recent years for a wide range of psychological and neurological assessment applications. Owing to technical challenges, in particular the cumbersome gelled electrodes, the use of facial sEMG was so far limited. Using innovative facial temporary tattoos optimized specifically for facial applications, we demonstrate the use of sEMG as a platform for robust identification of facial muscle activation. In particular, differentiation between diverse facial muscles is demonstrated. We also demonstrate a wireless version of the system. The potential use of the presented technology for user-experience monitoring and objective psychological and neurological evaluations is discussed.

An electromyographic study of the effect of hand grip sizes on forearm muscle activity and golf performance.

PubMed

Sorbie, Graeme G; Hunter, Henry H; Grace, Fergal M; Gu, Yaodong; Baker, Julien S; Ugbolue, Ukadike Chris

2016-01-01

The study describes the differences in surface electromyography (EMG) activity of two forearm muscles in the lead and trail arm at specific phases of the golf swing using a 7-iron with three different grip sizes among amateur and professional golfers. Fifteen right-handed male golfers performed five golf swings using golf clubs with three different grip sizes. Surface EMG was used to measure muscle activity of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) on both forearms. There were no significant differences in forearm muscle activity when using the three golf grips within the group of 15 golfers (p > 0.05). When using the undersize grip, club head speed significantly increased (p = 0.044). During the backswing and downswing phases, amateurs produced significantly greater forearm muscle activity with all three grip sizes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, forearm muscle activity is not affected by grip sizes. However, club head speed increases when using undersize grips.

Effect of volume-oriented versus flow-oriented incentive spirometry on chest wall volumes, inspiratory muscle activity, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in the elderly.

PubMed

Lunardi, Adriana C; Porras, Desiderio C; Barbosa, Renata Cc; Paisani, Denise M; Marques da Silva, Cibele C B; Tanaka, Clarice; Carvalho, Celso R F

2014-03-01

Aging causes physiological and functional changes that impair pulmonary function. Incentive spirometry is widely used for lung expansion, but the effects of volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS) versus flow-oriented incentive spirometry (FIS) on chest wall volumes, inspiratory muscle activity, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in the elderly are poorly understood. We compared VIS and FIS in elderly subjects and healthy adult subjects. Sixteen elderly subjects (9 women, mean ± SD age 70.6 ± 3.9 y, mean ± SD body mass index 23.8 ± 2.5 kg/m(2)) and 16 healthy adults (8 women, mean ± age 25.9 ± 4.3 y, mean ± body mass index 23.6 ± 2.4 kg/m(2)) performed quiet breathing, VIS, and FIS in randomized sequence. Chest wall kinematics (via optoelectronic plethysmography) and inspiratory muscle activity (via surface electromyography) were assessed simultaneously. Synchrony between the superior thorax and abdominal motion was calculated (phase angle). In the elderly subjects both types of incentive spirometry increased chest wall volumes similarly, whereas in the healthy adult subjects VIS increased the chest wall volume more than did FIS. FIS and VIS triggered similar lower thoracoabdominal synchrony in the elderly subjects, whereas in the healthy adults FIS induced lower synchrony than did VIS. FIS required more muscle activity in the elderly subjects to create an increase in chest wall volume. Incentive spirometry performance is influenced by age, and the differences between elderly and healthy adults response should be considered in clinical practice.

Functional compartmentalization of the human superficial masseter muscle.

PubMed

Guzmán-Venegas, Rodrigo A; Biotti Picand, Jorge L; de la Rosa, Francisco J Berral

2015-01-01

Some muscles have demonstrated a differential recruitment of their motor units in relation to their location and the nature of the motor task performed; this involves functional compartmentalization. There is little evidence that demonstrates the presence of a compartmentalization of the superficial masseter muscle during biting. The aim of this study was to describe the topographic distribution of the activity of the superficial masseter (SM) muscle's motor units using high-density surface electromyography (EMGs) at different bite force levels. Twenty healthy natural dentate participants (men: 4; women: 16; age 20±2 years; mass: 60±12 kg, height: 163±7 cm) were selected from 316 volunteers and included in this study. Using a gnathodynamometer, bites from 20 to 100% maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) were randomly requested. Using a two-dimensional grid (four columns, six electrodes) located on the dominant SM, EMGs in the anterior, middle-anterior, middle-posterior and posterior portions were simultaneously recorded. In bite ranges from 20 to 60% MVBF, the EMG activity was higher in the anterior than in the posterior portion (p-value = 0.001).The center of mass of the EMG activity was displaced towards the posterior part when bite force increased (p-value = 0.001). The topographic distribution of EMGs was more homogeneous at high levels of MVBF (p-value = 0.001). The results of this study show that the superficial masseter is organized into three functional compartments: an anterior, a middle and a posterior compartment. However, this compartmentalization is only seen at low levels of bite force (20-60% MVBF).

Functional Compartmentalization of the Human Superficial Masseter Muscle

PubMed Central

Guzmán-Venegas, Rodrigo A.; Biotti Picand, Jorge L.; de la Rosa, Francisco J. Berral

2015-01-01

Some muscles have demonstrated a differential recruitment of their motor units in relation to their location and the nature of the motor task performed; this involves functional compartmentalization. There is little evidence that demonstrates the presence of a compartmentalization of the superficial masseter muscle during biting. The aim of this study was to describe the topographic distribution of the activity of the superficial masseter (SM) muscle’s motor units using high-density surface electromyography (EMGs) at different bite force levels. Twenty healthy natural dentate participants (men: 4; women: 16; age 20±2 years; mass: 60±12 kg, height: 163±7 cm) were selected from 316 volunteers and included in this study. Using a gnathodynamometer, bites from 20 to 100% maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) were randomly requested. Using a two-dimensional grid (four columns, six electrodes) located on the dominant SM, EMGs in the anterior, middle-anterior, middle-posterior and posterior portions were simultaneously recorded. In bite ranges from 20 to 60% MVBF, the EMG activity was higher in the anterior than in the posterior portion (p-value = 0.001).The center of mass of the EMG activity was displaced towards the posterior part when bite force increased (p-value = 0.001). The topographic distribution of EMGs was more homogeneous at high levels of MVBF (p-value = 0.001). The results of this study show that the superficial masseter is organized into three functional compartments: an anterior, a middle and a posterior compartment. However, this compartmentalization is only seen at low levels of bite force (20–60% MVBF). PMID:25692977

Exercise-induced muscle damage and the repeated bout effect: evidence for cross transfer.

PubMed

Starbuck, Chelsea; Eston, Roger G

2012-03-01

We examined whether a prior bout of eccentric exercise in the elbow flexors provided protection against exercise-induced muscle damage in the contralateral arm. Fifteen males (age 22.7 ± 2.1 years; height 178.6 ± 6.8 cm, mass 75.8 ± 9.3 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups who performed two bouts of 60 eccentric contractions (30°/s) separated by 2 weeks: ipsilateral (n = 7, both bouts performed in the same arm), contralateral (n = 8, one bout performed in each arm). Strength, muscle soreness and resting arm angle (RAA) were measured at baseline and at 1, 24 and 48 h post exercise. Surface electromyography was recorded during both bouts of exercise. The degree of strength loss was attenuated (p < 0.05) in the ipsilateral group after the second bout of eccentric exercise (-22 cf. -3% for bout 1 and 2 at 24 h, respectively). Strength loss following eccentric exercise was also attenuated (p < 0.05) at 24 h in the contralateral group (-30 cf. 13% for bout 1 and 2, respectively). Muscle soreness (≈34 cf 19 mm) and change in RAA (≈5 cf. 3%) were also lower following the second bout of eccentric exercise (p < 0.05), although there was no difference in the overall change in these values between groups. Median frequency (MF) was decreased by 31% between bouts, with no difference between groups. Data support observations that the repeated bout effect transfers to the opposite (untrained) limb. The similar reduction in MF between bouts for the two groups provides evidence for a centrally mediated, neural adaptation.

Postural control and ventilatory drive during voluntary hyperventilation and carbon dioxide rebreathing.

PubMed

David, Pascal; Laval, David; Terrien, Jérémy; Petitjean, Michel

2012-01-01

The present study sought to establish links between hyperventilation and postural stability. Eight university students were asked to stand upright under two hyperventilation conditions applied randomly: (1) a metabolic hyperventilation induced by 5 min of hypercapnic-hyperoxic rebreathing (CO(2)-R); and, (2) a voluntary hyperventilation (VH) of 3 min imposed by a metronome set at 25 cycles per min. Recordings were obtained with eyes open, with the subjects standing on a force plate over 20-s periods. Ventilatory response, displacements in the centre of pressure in both the frontal and sagittal planes and fluctuations in the three planes of the ground reaction force were monitored in the time and frequency domains. Postural changes related to respiratory variations were quantified by coherence analysis. Myoelectric activities of the calf muscles were recorded using surface electromyography. Force plate measurements revealed a reduction in postural stability during both CO(2)-R and VH conditions, mainly in the sagittal plane. Coherence analysis provided evidence of a ventilatory origin in the vertical ground reaction force fluctuations during VH. Electromyographic analyses showed different leg muscles strategies, assuming the existence of links between the control of respiration and the control of posture. Our results suggest that the greater disturbing effects caused by voluntary hyperventilation on body balance are more compensated when respiration is under automatic control. These findings may have implications for understanding the organisation of postural and respiratory activities and suggest that stability of the body may be compromised in situations in which respiratory demand increases and requires voluntary control.

Immediate effects of plantar inputs on the upper half muscles and upright posture: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Ciuffolo, Fabio; Ferritto, Anna L; Muratore, Filippo; Tecco, Simona; Testa, Mauro; D'Attilio, Michele; Festa, Felice

2006-01-01

This purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of plantar inputs on both the upper half muscle activity (anterior temporal, masseter, digastric, sternocleidomastoid, upper and lower trapezius, cervical) and the body posture, by means of electromyography (EMG) and vertical force platform, respectively. Twenty four (24) healthy adults, between the ages of 24 and 31 years (25.3 +/- 1.9), with no history of craniomandibular disorder or systemic musculoskeletal dysfunction, were randomly divided into two groups: test group (fourteen subjects) and control group (ten subjects). A first recording session (TO) measured the baseline EMG and postural patterns of both groups. After this session, the test group wore test shoes with insoles that stimulated the plantar surfaces, while the control group wore placebo shoes. After one hour, a second set of measurements (T1) were performed. Significant differences between the groups at baseline were observed in the left anterior temporal, left cervical, and left upper trapezius, as well as at T1 in the left anterior temporal and right upper trapezius (p < 0.05). Within-test group analysis showed a significant increase of the right upper trapezius activity (p < 0.05), whereas no changes were found by within-control group analysis. Lower risk of asymmetric muscle patterns and postural blindness in the test group compared to the control group was observed. Further studies are warranted to investigate the short and long-term effects of this type of insole, in patients with both craniomandibular-cervical and lower extremity disorders.

Repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fiber electromyography in the evaluation of patients with suspected myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: Review of recent literature.

PubMed

Chiou-Tan, Faye Y; Gilchrist, James M

2015-09-01

Our aim in this study was to provide an updated literature review of electrodiagnostic testing in myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. A systematic review of the recent literature was performed using the following key words: myasthenia gravis (MG); Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS); electromyography (EMG); repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS); single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG); nerve conduction study; and normative values. Several articles supported testing of facial, bulbar, and respiratory muscles in the diagnosis of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders, including muscle-specific kinase antibody (MuSK)-seropositive MG. Several articles supported use of concentric needle EMG as an alternative to SFEMG jitter in disorders of neuromuscular transmission. A limited number of articles addressed measurement of area (vs. amplitude) decrement in RNS and decreasing the threshold of post-exercise facilitation. Electrodiagnostic testing continues to be useful for diagnosis of MG and LEMS, although the quality of the evidence is not great. This literature review summarizes RNS and jitter measurement of facial and respiratory muscles and use of concentric needle EMG for SFEMG. © 2015 American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Identification of first-stage labor arrest by electromyography in term nulliparous women after induction of labor.

PubMed

Vasak, Blanka; Graatsma, Elisabeth M; Hekman-Drost, Elske; Eijkemans, Marinus J; Schagen van Leeuwen, Jules H; Visser, Gerard H A; Jacod, Benoit C

2017-07-01

Worldwide induction and cesarean delivery rates have increased rapidly, with consequences for subsequent pregnancies. The majority of intrapartum cesarean deliveries are performed for failure to progress, typically in nulliparous women at term. Current uterine registration techniques fail to identify inefficient contractions leading to first-stage labor arrest. An alternative technique, uterine electromyography has been shown to identify inefficient contractions leading to first-stage arrest of labor in nulliparous women with spontaneous onset of labor at term. The objective of this study was to determine whether this finding can be reproduced in induction of labor. Uterine activity was measured in 141 nulliparous women with singleton term pregnancies and a fetus in cephalic position during induced labor. Electrical activity of the myometrium during contractions was characterized by its power density spectrum. No significant differences were found in contraction characteristics between women with induced labor delivering vaginally with or without oxytocin and women with arrested labor with subsequent cesarean delivery. Uterine electromyography shows no correlation with progression of labor in induced labor, which is in contrast to spontaneous labor. © 2017 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Food-borne botulism cases in Van region in eastern Turkey: importance of electromyography in the diagnosis.

PubMed

Anlar, O; Irmak, H; Tombul, T; Akdeniz, H; Caksen, H; Kose, D; Ceylan, A

2003-09-01

Food-borne botulism is an acute form of poisoning that results from ingestion of a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Botulism toxin causes its major effect by blocking neuromuscular transmission in autonomic and motor nerve terminals. In this study, we present the features of eleven cases of food-borne botulism admitted to our hospital in 2001. All of the cases were caused by home-prepared foods; green beans. In these cases, the main symptoms and signs were generalized muscular weakness, dry mouth, dysphagia, disponea and diplopia. Electrophysiological studies were performed on four patients. Motor conduction studies showed that compound muscle action potentials were decreased with normal latencies and conduction velocities. The needle electromyography showed signs of denervation potentials like fibrillation and positive waves in four patients. Repetitive nerve stimulation with high frequency (20 Hz) induced an increment close to 100% in the amplitudes in 2 of 4 patients. Although toxin could not be detected in the patients, the electromyographic findings supported our diagnosis. We concluded that electromyography has an important role in diagnosis of botulism, especially in the condition that serologic tests are negative or cannot be performed.

The Effect of Involuntary Motor Activity on Myoelectric Pattern Recognition: A Case Study with Chronic Stroke Patients

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xu; Li, Yun; Chen, Xiang; Li, Guanglin; Rymer, William Zev; Zhou, Ping

2013-01-01

This study investigates the effect of involuntary motor activity of paretic-spastic muscles on classification of surface electromyography (EMG) signals. Two data collection sessions were designed for 8 stroke subjects to voluntarily perform 11 functional movements using their affected forearm and hand at a relatively slow and fast speed. For each stroke subject, the degree of involuntary motor activity present in voluntary surface EMG recordings was qualitatively described from such slow and fast experimental protocols. Myoelectric pattern recognition analysis was performed using different combinations of voluntary surface EMG data recorded from slow and fast sessions. Across all tested stroke subjects, our results revealed that when involuntary surface EMG was absent or present in both training and testing datasets, high accuracies (> 96%, > 98%, respectively, averaged over all the subjects) can be achieved in classification of different movements using surface EMG signals from paretic muscles. When involuntary surface EMG was solely involved in either training or testing datasets, the classification accuracies were dramatically reduced (< 89%, < 85%, respectively). However, if both training and testing datasets contained EMG signals with presence and absence of involuntary EMG interference, high accuracies were still achieved (> 97%). The findings of this study can be used to guide appropriate design and implementation of myoelectric pattern recognition based systems or devices toward promoting robot-aided therapy for stroke rehabilitation. PMID:23860192

[Evaluation of the electromyography activity of pelvic floor muscle during postural exercises using the Wii Fit Plus©. Analysis and perspectives in rehabilitation].

PubMed

Steenstrup, B; Giralte, F; Bakker, E; Grise, P

2014-12-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of postural awareness by using the Wii Fit Plus© on the quality of the baseline (automatic) activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) measured by intravaginal surface electromyography (sEMG). Four healthy continent female subjects, all able to perform a voluntary contraction, undertook 2 sets of 3 various exercises offered by the software Wii Fit Plus© using the Wii balance board© (WBB): one set without any visual control and the second set with postural control and sEMG visual feedback. Simultaneously, we recorded the sEMG activity of the PFM. Mean baseline activity of PFM in standing position at start was 2.87 mV, at submaximal voluntary contraction the sEMG activity raised at a mean of 14.43 mV (7.87-21.89). In the first set of exercises on the WBB without any visual feedback, the automatic activity of the PFM increased from 2.87 mV to 8.75 mV (7.96-9.59). In the second set, with visual postural and sEMG control, mean baseline sEMG activity even raised at 11.39 mV (10.17-11.58). Among women able of a voluntary contraction of PFM, visualisation of posture with the help of the WBB and of sEMG activity of the PFM during static and dynamic Wii Fit Plus© activities, may improve the automatic activation of the PFMs. 4. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Relationship of moderate and low isometric lumbar extension through architectural and muscular activity variables: a cross sectional study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background No study relating the changes obtained in the architecture of erector spinae (ES) muscle were registered with ultrasound and different intensities of muscle contraction recorded by surface EMG (electromyography) on the ES muscle was found. The aim of this study was analyse the relationship in the response of the ES muscle during isometric moderate and light lumbar isometric extension considering architecture and functional muscle variables. Methods Cross-sectional study. 46 subjects (52% men) with a group mean age of 30.4 (±7.78). The participants developed isometric lumbar extension while performing moderate and low isometric trunk and hip extension in a sitting position with hips flexed 90 degrees and the lumbar spine in neutral position. During these measurements, electromyography recordings and ultrasound images were taken bilaterally. Bilaterally pennation angle, muscle thickness, torque and muscle activation were measured. This study was developed at the human movement analysis laboratory of the Health Science Faculty of the University of Malaga (Spain). Results Strong and moderate correlations were found at moderate and low intensities contraction between the variable of the same intensity, with correlation values ranging from 0.726 (Torque Moderate – EMG Left Moderate) to 0.923 (Angle Left Light – Angle Right Light) (p < 0.001). This correlation is observed between the variables that describe the same intensity of contraction, showing a poor correlation between variables of different intensities. Conclusion There is a strong relationship between architecture and function variables of ES muscle when describe an isometric lumbar extension at light or moderate intensity. PMID:24252273

Quantitative Evaluation of Electrodes for External Urethral Sphincter Electromyography during Bladder-to-Urethral Guarding Reflex

PubMed Central

Steward, James E.; Clemons, Jessica D.; Zaszczurynski, Paul J.; Butler, Robert S.; Damaser, Margot S.; Jiang, Hai-Hong

2009-01-01

Purpose Accuracy in the recording of external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyography (EMG) is an important goal in the quantitative evaluation of urethral function. This study aim was to quantitatively compare electrode recordings taken during tonic activity and leak point pressure (LPP) testing. Methods Several electrodes, including the surface electrode (SE), concentric electrode (CE), and wire electrode (WE), were placed on the EUS singly and simultaneously in six female Sprague-Dawley rats under urethane anesthesia. The bladder was filled via a retropubic catheter while LPP testing and EUS EMG recording were done. Quantitative baseline correction of the EUS EMG signal was performed to reduce baseline variation. Amplitude and frequency of one-second samples of the EUS EMG signal were measured before LPP (tonic activity) and during peak LPP activity. Results The SE, CE, and WE signals demonstrated tonic activity before LPP and an increase in activity during LPP, suggesting that the electrodes accurately recorded EUS activity during tonic activity and during the bladder-to-EUS guarding reflex, regardless of the size or location of detection areas. SE recordings required significantly less baseline correction than both CE and WE recordings. The activity in CE-recorded EMG was significantly higher than that of the SE and WE both in single and simultaneous recordings. Conclusions These electrodes may be suitable for testing EUS EMG activity. The SE signal had significantly less baseline variation and the CE detected local activity more sensitively than the other electrodes, which may provide insight into choosing an appropriate electrode for EUS EMG recording. PMID:19680661

Day vs. day-night use of ankle-foot orthoses in young children with spastic diplegia: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoke; Xiao, Nong; Li, Hongying; Du, Senjie

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of treatment with hinged ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) during the day vs. during both the day and the night in young ambulant children with spastic diplegia. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 112 ambulatory children (70 boys and 42 girls; mean age, 2 yrs 6.93 mos; range, 1 yr 1 mo to 4 yrs 0 mo) with spastic diplegia participated. Forty-eight were classified at level I of the Gross Motor Function Classification System; the remaining 64 were at level II. Using stratified randomization, all children were assigned to either the day AFO-wearing group (n = 56, wearing AFOs all day) or the day-night AFO-wearing group (n = 56, wearing AFOs all day and all night). The two groups underwent conventional rehabilitative treatments five times a week for 8 wks. The primary outcomes measured were passive ankle dorsiflexion angle and sections D and E of the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure; the root mean square of surface electromyography in the ventral and dorsal lower limb muscles was compared in a subgroup (ten from each group). Seven children did not complete the full intervention: three in the day AFO-wearing group and four in the day-night AFO-wearing group. Significant baseline-postintervention improvements were found for passive ankle dorsiflexion angle and the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure in both groups (P < 0.05). On the basis of the score changes, there was no significant difference between these two groups with respect to passive ankle dorsiflexion angle; however, the improvements in the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure were significantly better in the day AFO-wearing group (P < 0.01). A significant root mean square decrease in gastrocnemius (P < 0.05) was present after the intervention in the day AFO-wearing group, whereas the muscles affected in the day-night AFO-wearing group were the gastrocnemius (P < 0.05) and the tibialis anterior (P < 0.001). The results demonstrate that the daytime use of AFOs was more effective in improving Gross Motor Function Measure scores than the day-night use. In addition, the prolonged wearing of AFOs may influence muscle activity, which should be monitored in the clinic.

Progressive mobility program and technology to increase the level of physical activity and its benefits in respiratory, muscular system, and functionality of ICU patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Schujmann, Debora Stripari; Lunardi, Adriana Claudia; Fu, Carolina

2018-05-10

Enhanced mobility in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) could minimize the negative effects of critical illness, such as declines in cognitive, muscular, respiratory, and functional capacity. We aim to compare the functional status at ICU discharge of patients who underwent a progressive mobilization protocol versus patients who received conventional physiotherapy. We also examine the level of physical activity in the ICU, the degree of pulmonary and muscle function, and the length of stay to analyze correlations between these variables. This is a protocol for a randomized controlled trial with blind evaluation. Ninety-six ICU patients will be recruited from a single center and randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention group. To determine the level of protocol activity the patient will receive, the patients' ability to participate actively and their muscle strength will be considered. The protocol consists of five phases, ranging from passive therapies to walking and climbing stairs. The primary outcome will be the functional status at ICU discharge, measured with the Barthel Index and the ICU Mobility Scale (IMS). Measured secondary outcomes will include the level of physical activity, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, handgrip strength, surface electromyography of the lower limb muscles, and results of the Timed Up and Go and 2-Minute Walk tests. Evaluations will be made within 2 days of ICU discharge except for the level of activity, which will be evaluated daily. Physiological variables and activity level will be analyzed by chi-square and t tests, according to the intention-to-treat paradigm. Mobility and exercise in the ICU should be undertaken with intensity, quantity, duration, and frequency adjusted according to the patients' status. The results of this study may contribute to new knowledge of early mobility in the ICU, activity level, and varying benefits in critical patients, directing new approaches to physiotherapeutic interventions in these patients. Recruitment will begin in February 2017, and the expected completion date is August 2018. Patients are already being recruited. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02889146 . Registered on 3 March 2016.

The value of adding transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim) to traditional therapy for post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Li, L; Li, Y; Huang, R; Yin, J; Shen, Y; Shi, J

2015-02-01

Dysphagia is not uncommon after stroke. Dysphagia may delay the functional recovery and substantially affects the quality of life after stroke, mainly if lest untreated. To detect and treat dysphagia as early as possible is critical for patients' recovery after stroke. Electrical stimulation has been reported as a treatment for pharyngeal dysphagia in recent studies, but the therapeutic effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim®) therapy lacks convincing supporting evidence, needs further clinical investigation. To investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim®) and traditional swallowing therapy on recovery of swallowing difficulties after stroke. Randomized controlled trial. University hospital. 135 stroke patients who had a diagnosis of dysphagia at the age between 50-80. 135 subjects were randomly divided into three groups: traditional swallowing therapy (N. = 45), VitalStim® therapy (N. = 45), and VitalStim® therapy plus traditional swallowing therapy (N. = 45). The traditional swallowing therapy included basic training and direct food intake training. Electrical stimulation was applied by an occupational therapist, using a modified hand-held battery-powered electrical stimulator (VitalStim® Dual Channel Unit and electrodes, Chattanooga Group, Hixson, TN, USA). Surface electromyography (sEMG), the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess swallowing function before and 4 weeks after the treatment. The study included 118 subjects with dysphagia, 40 in the traditional swallowing therapy group and VitalStim® therapy group, 38 in the VitalStim and traditional swallowing therapy group. There were significant differences in sEMG value, SSA and VFSS scores in each group after the treatment (P < 0.001). After 4-week treatment, sEMG value (917.1 ± 91.2), SSA value (21.8 ± 3.5), oral transit time (0.4 ± 0.1) and pharyngeal transit time (0.8 ± 0.1) were significantly improved in the VitalStim® and traditional swallowing therapy group than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Data suggest that VitalStim® therapy coupled with traditional swallowing therapy may be beneficial for post-stroke dysphagia. VitalStim® therapy coupled with traditional swallowing therapy can improve functional recovery for post-stroke dysphagia.

Shoulder Muscle Activation Levels During the Push-Up-Plus Exercise on Stable and Unstable Surfaces.

PubMed

Torres, Rafaela J B; Pirauá, André L T; Nascimento, Vinícius Y S; Dos Santos, Priscila S; Beltrão, Natália B; de Oliveira, Valéria M A; Pitangui, Ana Carolina R; de Araújo, Rodrigo C

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of the use of stable and unstable surfaces on electromyography (EMG) activity and coactivation of the scapular and upper-limb muscles during the push-up plus (with full protraction of the scapula). Muscle activation of anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major, biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) levels and coactivation index were determined by surface EMG in 20 young men during push-up plus performed on a stable and unstable condition (2 unstable devices applied to hands and feet). The paired t test and Cohen d were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that during the execution of the push-up plus on the unstable surface an increased EMG activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles (SA, MT, and LT) was observed, while AD and PD muscles showed a decrease. During exercise execution on the unstable surface there was a higher index of coactivation of the scapular muscles (SA-MT and UT-LT pairs). No significant differences were observed in TB-BB and AD-PD pairs. These results suggest that the push-up-plus exercise associated with unstable surfaces produced greater EMG activity levels and coactivation index of the scapular stabilizing muscle. On the other hand, the use of an unstable surface does not promote the same effect for the shoulder muscles.

Cycling induced by electrical stimulation improves muscle activation and symmetry during pedaling in hemiparetic patients.

PubMed

Ambrosini, Emilia; Ferrante, Simona; Ferrigno, Giancarlo; Molteni, Franco; Pedrocchi, Alessandra

2012-05-01

A randomized controlled trial, involving 35 post-acute hemiparetic patients, demonstrated that a four-week treatment of cycling induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES-cycling) promotes motor recovery. Analyzing additional data acquired during that study, the present work investigated whether these improvements were associated to changes in muscle strength and motor coordination. Participants were randomized to receive FES-cycling or placebo FES-cycling. Clinical outcome measures were: the Motricity Index (MI), the gait speed, the electromyography activation of the rectus femoris and biceps femoris, and the mechanical work produced by each leg during voluntary pedaling. To provide a comparison with normal values, healthy adults also carried out the pedaling test. Patients were evaluated before, after training, and at follow-up visits. A significant treatment effect in favor of FES-treated patients was found in terms of MI scores and unbalance in mechanical works, while differences in gait speed were not significant (ANCOVA). Significant improvements in the activation of the paretic muscles were highlighted in the FES group, while no significant change was found in the placebo group (Friedman test). Our findings suggested that improvements in motor functions induced by FES-cycling training were associated with a more symmetrical involvement of the two legs and an improved motor coordination.

A stretchable and flexible system for skin-mounted measurement of motion tracking and physiological signals.

PubMed

Pinghung Wei; Raj, Milan; Yung-Yu Hsu; Morey, Briana; DePetrillo, Paolo; McGrane, Bryan; Xianyan Wang; Lin, Monica; Keen, Bryan; Papakyrikos, Cole; Lowe, Jared; Ghaffari, Roozbeh

2014-01-01

In this paper, we present a stretchable wearable system capable of i) measuring multiple physiological parameters and ii) transmitting data via radio frequency to a smart phone. The electrical architecture consists of ultra thin sensors (<; 20 μm thick) and a conformal network of associated active and passive electronics in a mesh-like geometry that can mechanically couple with the curvilinear surfaces of the human body. Spring-like metal interconnects between individual chips on board the device allow the system to accommodate strains approaching ~30% A representative example of a smart patch that measures movement and electromyography (EMG) signals highlights the utility of this new class of medical skin-mounted system in monitoring a broad range of neuromuscular and cardiovascular diseases.

Swarm-wavelet based extreme learning machine for finger movement classification on transradial amputees.

PubMed

Anam, Khairul; Al-Jumaily, Adel

2014-01-01

The use of a small number of surface electromyography (EMG) channels on the transradial amputee in a myoelectric controller is a big challenge. This paper proposes a pattern recognition system using an extreme learning machine (ELM) optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO). PSO is mutated by wavelet function to avoid trapped in a local minima. The proposed system is used to classify eleven imagined finger motions on five amputees by using only two EMG channels. The optimal performance of wavelet-PSO was compared to a grid-search method and standard PSO. The experimental results show that the proposed system is the most accurate classifier among other tested classifiers. It could classify 11 finger motions with the average accuracy of about 94 % across five amputees.

Optical characteristics of modified fiber tips in single fiber, laser Doppler flowmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberg, P. Ake; Cai, Hongming; Rohman, Hakan; Larsson, Sven-Erik

1994-02-01

Percutaneous laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and bipolar surface electromyography (EMG) were used simultaneously for measurement of skeletal muscle (trapezius) perfusion in relation to static load and fatigue. On-line computer (386 SX) processing of the LDF- and EMG- signals made possible interpretation of the relationship between the perfusion and the activity of the muscle. The single fiber laser Doppler technique was used in order to minimize the trauma. A ray-tracing program was developed in the C language by which the optical properties of the fiber and fiber ends could be simulated. Isoirradiance graphs were calculated for three fiber end types and the radiance characteristics were measured for each fiber end. The three types of fiber-tips were evaluated and compared in flow model measurements.

A stretchable electrode array for non-invasive, skin-mounted measurement of electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG).

PubMed

Ma, Rui; Kim, Dae-Hyeong; McCormick, Martin; Coleman, Todd; Rogers, John

2010-01-01

This paper reports a class of stretchable electrode array capable of intimate, conformal integration onto the curvilinear surfaces of skin on the human body. The designs employ conventional metallic conductors but in optimized mechanical layouts, on soft, thin elastomeric substrates. These devices exhibit an ability to record spontaneous EEG activity even without conductive electrolyte gels, with recorded alpha rhythm responses that are 40% stronger than those collected using conventional tin electrodes and gels under otherwise similar conditions. The same type of device can also measure high quality ECG and EMG signals. The results suggest broad utility for skin-mounted measurements of electrical activity in the body, with advantages in signal levels, wearability and modes of integration compared to alternatives.

Intarsia-sensorized band and textrodes for real-time myoelectric pattern recognition.

PubMed

Brown, Shannon; Ortiz-Catalan, Max; Petersson, Joel; Rodby, Kristian; Seoane, Fernando

2016-08-01

Surface Electromyography (sEMG) has applications in prosthetics, diagnostics and neuromuscular rehabilitation. Self-adhesive Ag/AgCl are the electrodes preferentially used to capture sEMG in short-term studies, however their long-term application is limited. In this study we designed and evaluated a fully integrated smart textile band with electrical connecting tracks knitted with intarsia techniques and knitted textile electrodes. Real-time myoelectric pattern recognition for motor volition and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were used to compare its sensing performance versus the conventional Ag-AgCl electrodes. After a comprehending measurement and performance comparison of the sEMG recordings, no significant differences were found between the textile and the Ag-AgCl electrodes in SNR and prediction accuracy obtained from pattern recognition classifiers.

Curved Microneedle Array-Based sEMG Electrode for Robust Long-Term Measurements and High Selectivity

PubMed Central

Kim, Minjae; Kim, Taewan; Kim, Dong Sung; Chung, Wan Kyun

2015-01-01

Surface electromyography is widely used in many fields to infer human intention. However, conventional electrodes are not appropriate for long-term measurements and are easily influenced by the environment, so the range of applications of sEMG is limited. In this paper, we propose a flexible band-integrated, curved microneedle array electrode for robust long-term measurements, high selectivity, and easy applicability. Signal quality, in terms of long-term usability and sensitivity to perspiration, was investigated. Its motion-discriminating performance was also evaluated. The results show that the proposed electrode is robust to perspiration and can maintain a high-quality measuring ability for over 8 h. The proposed electrode also has high selectivity for motion compared with a commercial wet electrode and dry electrode. PMID:26153773

Differences between motor point and innervation zone locations in the biceps brachii. An exploratory consideration for the treatment of spasticity with botulinum toxin.

PubMed

Guzmán-Venegas, Rodrigo A; Araneda, Oscar F; Silvestre, Rony A

2014-12-01

Botulinum toxin (BTX) acts on the neuromuscular junction which can be located by the innervation zone (IZ). Clinically, the motor point (MP) is homologous to the IZ and it is used as the injection site of BTX. Differences in the effectiveness of the application of BTX between MP and IZ locations have been determined. Compare the location of the MP obtained using electrical stimulation and the location of the IZ using a linear surface electrodes array on the biceps brachii muscle. The biceps brachii muscle of twenty men was assessed. The MP was located using the torque measurement generated by electrical stimulation. The IZ was detected using a linear surface electrodes array. A difference between the MP and the IZ positions (75.8 vs. 86.5mm, delta 10.7 mm; p=0.003, post-hoc power 0.89) was observed. The magnitude of the difference between the MP and the IZ may be clinically relevant. The IZ location using surface electromyography as a guide to optimize BTX injection is proposed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interfacing peripheral nerve with macro-sieve electrodes following spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Birenbaum, Nathan K; MacEwan, Matthew R; Ray, Wilson Z

2017-06-01

Macro-sieve electrodes were implanted in the sciatic nerve of five adult male Lewis rats following spinal cord injury to assess the ability of the macro-sieve electrode to interface regenerated peripheral nerve fibers post-spinal cord injury. Each spinal cord injury was performed via right lateral hemisection of the cord at the T 9-10 site. Five months post-implantation, the ability of the macro-sieve electrode to interface the regenerated nerve was assessed by stimulating through the macro-sieve electrode and recording both electromyography signals and evoked muscle force from distal musculature. Electromyography measurements were recorded from the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles, while evoked muscle force measurements were recorded from the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and gastrocnemius muscles. The macro-sieve electrode and regenerated sciatic nerve were then explanted for histological evaluation. Successful sciatic nerve regeneration across the macro-sieve electrode interface following spinal cord injury was seen in all five animals. Recorded electromyography signals and muscle force recordings obtained through macro-sieve electrode stimulation confirm the ability of the macro-sieve electrode to successfully recruit distal musculature in this injury model. Taken together, these results demonstrate the macro-sieve electrode as a viable interface for peripheral nerve stimulation in the context of spinal cord injury.

Olfactory ensheathing glia transplantation combined with LASERPONCTURE in human spinal cord injury: Results measured by electromyography monitoring.

PubMed

Bohbot, Albert

2010-01-01

Preliminary results were measured by electromyography monitoring (electromyoscan) on three subjects suffering from spinal cord injury and who underwent a double therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate regained voluntary activity below the injury in subjects who received a double therapy: 1) an olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) transplantation using procedures developed by Dr. Hongyun Huang at the Xishan Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Beijing, China, and 2) LASERPONCTURE developed by Albert Bohbot, Laboratoire de Recherches sur le LASERPONCTURE, La Chapelle Montlinard, France. Materials uses were the LASERPONCTURE device developed by Albert Bohbot; the PROCOMP5 equipment with softwares BIOGRAPH INFINITI 5 and REHAB SUITE; the sensors MYOSCAN-PRO EMG (SA9401M-50) to record muscle activity, and FLEX/PRO-SA9309M to record skin conductance were fixed on the skin. An infrared laser, whose frequencies and power settings cannot be disclosed due to its proprietary nature, was applied after an OEG injection performed according to Dr. Hongyun Huang's procedures. Three cases, two males and one female, were selected for this study. Presentation and comments of the graphs recordings of voluntary muscle activity below the injury are provided. This preliminary study suggests that the double therapy restores some voluntary muscle activity as measured by electromyography monitoring.

Tremor Detection Using Parametric and Non-Parametric Spectral Estimation Methods: A Comparison with Clinical Assessment

PubMed Central

Martinez Manzanera, Octavio; Elting, Jan Willem; van der Hoeven, Johannes H.; Maurits, Natasha M.

2016-01-01

In the clinic, tremor is diagnosed during a time-limited process in which patients are observed and the characteristics of tremor are visually assessed. For some tremor disorders, a more detailed analysis of these characteristics is needed. Accelerometry and electromyography can be used to obtain a better insight into tremor. Typically, routine clinical assessment of accelerometry and electromyography data involves visual inspection by clinicians and occasionally computational analysis to obtain objective characteristics of tremor. However, for some tremor disorders these characteristics may be different during daily activity. This variability in presentation between the clinic and daily life makes a differential diagnosis more difficult. A long-term recording of tremor by accelerometry and/or electromyography in the home environment could help to give a better insight into the tremor disorder. However, an evaluation of such recordings using routine clinical standards would take too much time. We evaluated a range of techniques that automatically detect tremor segments in accelerometer data, as accelerometer data is more easily obtained in the home environment than electromyography data. Time can be saved if clinicians only have to evaluate the tremor characteristics of segments that have been automatically detected in longer daily activity recordings. We tested four non-parametric methods and five parametric methods on clinical accelerometer data from 14 patients with different tremor disorders. The consensus between two clinicians regarding the presence or absence of tremor on 3943 segments of accelerometer data was employed as reference. The nine methods were tested against this reference to identify their optimal parameters. Non-parametric methods generally performed better than parametric methods on our dataset when optimal parameters were used. However, one parametric method, employing the high frequency content of the tremor bandwidth under consideration (High Freq) performed similarly to non-parametric methods, but had the highest recall values, suggesting that this method could be employed for automatic tremor detection. PMID:27258018

Speckle phase near random surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaoyi; Cheng, Chuanfu; An, Guoqiang; Han, Yujing; Rong, Zhenyu; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Meina

2018-03-01

Based on Kirchhoff approximation theory, the speckle phase near random surfaces with different roughness is numerically simulated. As expected, the properties of the speckle phase near the random surfaces are different from that in far field. In addition, as scattering distances and roughness increase, the average fluctuations of the speckle phase become larger. Unusually, the speckle phase is somewhat similar to the corresponding surface topography. We have performed experiments to verify the theoretical simulation results. Studies in this paper contribute to understanding the evolution of speckle phase near a random surface and provide a possible way to identify a random surface structure based on its speckle phase.

A Novel Phonology- and Radical-Coded Chinese Sign Language Recognition Framework Using Accelerometer and Surface Electromyography Sensors

PubMed Central

Cheng, Juan; Chen, Xun; Liu, Aiping; Peng, Hu

2015-01-01

Sign language recognition (SLR) is an important communication tool between the deaf and the external world. It is highly necessary to develop a worldwide continuous and large-vocabulary-scale SLR system for practical usage. In this paper, we propose a novel phonology- and radical-coded Chinese SLR framework to demonstrate the feasibility of continuous SLR using accelerometer (ACC) and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. The continuous Chinese characters, consisting of coded sign gestures, are first segmented into active segments using EMG signals by means of moving average algorithm. Then, features of each component are extracted from both ACC and sEMG signals of active segments (i.e., palm orientation represented by the mean and variance of ACC signals, hand movement represented by the fixed-point ACC sequence, and hand shape represented by both the mean absolute value (MAV) and autoregressive model coefficients (ARs)). Afterwards, palm orientation is first classified, distinguishing “Palm Downward” sign gestures from “Palm Inward” ones. Only the “Palm Inward” gestures are sent for further hand movement and hand shape recognition by dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm and hidden Markov models (HMM) respectively. Finally, component recognition results are integrated to identify one certain coded gesture. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SLR framework with a vocabulary scale of 223 characters can achieve an averaged recognition accuracy of 96.01% ± 0.83% for coded gesture recognition tasks and 92.73% ± 1.47% for character recognition tasks. Besides, it demonstrats that sEMG signals are rather consistent for a given hand shape independent of hand movements. Hence, the number of training samples will not be significantly increased when the vocabulary scale increases, since not only the number of the completely new proposed coded gestures is constant and limited, but also the transition movement which connects successive signs needs no training samples to model even though the same coded gesture performed in different characters. This work opens up a possible new way to realize a practical Chinese SLR system. PMID:26389907

A Novel Phonology- and Radical-Coded Chinese Sign Language Recognition Framework Using Accelerometer and Surface Electromyography Sensors.

PubMed

Cheng, Juan; Chen, Xun; Liu, Aiping; Peng, Hu

2015-09-15

Sign language recognition (SLR) is an important communication tool between the deaf and the external world. It is highly necessary to develop a worldwide continuous and large-vocabulary-scale SLR system for practical usage. In this paper, we propose a novel phonology- and radical-coded Chinese SLR framework to demonstrate the feasibility of continuous SLR using accelerometer (ACC) and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. The continuous Chinese characters, consisting of coded sign gestures, are first segmented into active segments using EMG signals by means of moving average algorithm. Then, features of each component are extracted from both ACC and sEMG signals of active segments (i.e., palm orientation represented by the mean and variance of ACC signals, hand movement represented by the fixed-point ACC sequence, and hand shape represented by both the mean absolute value (MAV) and autoregressive model coefficients (ARs)). Afterwards, palm orientation is first classified, distinguishing "Palm Downward" sign gestures from "Palm Inward" ones. Only the "Palm Inward" gestures are sent for further hand movement and hand shape recognition by dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm and hidden Markov models (HMM) respectively. Finally, component recognition results are integrated to identify one certain coded gesture. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SLR framework with a vocabulary scale of 223 characters can achieve an averaged recognition accuracy of 96.01% ± 0.83% for coded gesture recognition tasks and 92.73% ± 1.47% for character recognition tasks. Besides, it demonstrats that sEMG signals are rather consistent for a given hand shape independent of hand movements. Hence, the number of training samples will not be significantly increased when the vocabulary scale increases, since not only the number of the completely new proposed coded gestures is constant and limited, but also the transition movement which connects successive signs needs no training samples to model even though the same coded gesture performed in different characters. This work opens up a possible new way to realize a practical Chinese SLR system.

Botulinum toxin injection - larynx

MedlinePlus

Injection laryngoplasty; Botox - larynx: spasmodic dysphonia-BTX; Essential voice tremor (EVT)-btx; Glottic insufficiency; Percutaneous electromyography - guided botulinum toxin treatment; Percutaneous indirect laryngoscopy - guided botulinum toxin treatment; ...

The effect of involuntary motor activity on myoelectric pattern recognition: a case study with chronic stroke patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xu; Li, Yun; Chen, Xiang; Li, Guanglin; Zev Rymer, William; Zhou, Ping

2013-08-01

Objective. This study investigates the effect of the involuntary motor activity of paretic-spastic muscles on the classification of surface electromyography (EMG) signals. Approach. Two data collection sessions were designed for 8 stroke subjects to voluntarily perform 11 functional movements using their affected forearm and hand at relatively slow and fast speeds. For each stroke subject, the degree of involuntary motor activity present in the voluntary surface EMG recordings was qualitatively described from such slow and fast experimental protocols. Myoelectric pattern recognition analysis was performed using different combinations of voluntary surface EMG data recorded from the slow and fast sessions. Main results. Across all tested stroke subjects, our results revealed that when involuntary surface EMG is absent or present in both the training and testing datasets, high accuracies (>96%, >98%, respectively, averaged over all the subjects) can be achieved in the classification of different movements using surface EMG signals from paretic muscles. When involuntary surface EMG was solely involved in either the training or testing datasets, the classification accuracies were dramatically reduced (<89%, <85%, respectively). However, if both the training and testing datasets contained EMG signals with the presence and absence of involuntary EMG interference, high accuracies were still achieved (>97%). Significance. The findings of this study can be used to guide the appropriate design and implementation of myoelectric pattern recognition based systems or devices toward promoting robot-aided therapy for stroke rehabilitation.

Paracetamol 325 mg/tramadol 37.5 mg effect on pain during needle electromyography: a double-blind crossover clinical trial.

PubMed

Kalantar, Seyed Sadeq; Abbasi, Mehrshad; Faghihi-Kashani, Sara; Majedi, Hossein; Ahmadi, Mona; Agah, Elmira; Tafakhori, Abbas

2016-12-01

Needle insertion during electromyography (EMG) may cause varying levels of pain that could lead to inaccurate assessment and premature termination of the procedure. The aim of this study is to compare paracetamol 325 mg/tramadol 37.5 mg with placebo in relieving pain before EMG. This is a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial; forty-four healthy individuals, including 27 males with a mean age of 35.3 years (range 18-59 years), entered this study. The needles were inserted unilaterally 2 h after administration of two analgesic tablets of paracetamol 325 mg/tramadol 37.5 mg or two placebo tablets. The pain was scored through a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) immediately and 2 h after the procedure. The side effects were also recorded. Within a week, the procedure was repeated on the other upper limb, changing the treatment and placebo. The immediate and 2-h VAS scores were notably lower after administration of treatment compared to placebo (immediate pain: 17.5 ± 12.8 vs. 32.1 ± 16.0, P < 0.001; and 2-h pain: 1.6 ± 5.6 vs. 5.8 ± 7.9, P = 0. 002). There was a higher prevalence of side effects when treatment was used (48 vs. 9 %, P < 0.001). Although most symptoms were mild, transient and resolved without medical interventions, on one occasion a volunteer experienced brief loss of consciousness and one subject had severe vertigo that required hospitalization and fluid therapy. Paracetamol 325 mg/tramadol 37.5 mg administration prior to EMG could effectively alleviate pain. Further application of this medication in patients with neuromuscular disorders would warrant additional clinical trials, particularly considering the adverse events.

Bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles during synchronous whole-body vibration--a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Stania, Magdalena; Chmielewska, Daria; Kwaśna, Krystyna; Smykla, Agnieszka; Taradaj, Jakub; Juras, Grzegorz

2015-10-24

More and more frequently stress urinary incontinence affects young healthy women. Hence, early implementation of effective preventive strategies in nulliparous continent women is essential, including pelvic floor muscle training. An initial evaluation based on the bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) during whole-body vibration (WBV) would help to devise the best individualized training for prevention of stress urinary incontinence in woman. We hypothesized that synchronous WBV enhances bioelectrical activity of the PFM which depends on vibration frequency and peak-to-peak vibration displacement. The sample consisted of 36 nulliparous continent women randomly allocated to three comparative groups. Group I and II subjects participated in synchronous whole-body vibrations on a vibration platform; the frequency and peak-to-peak displacement of vibration were set individually for each group. Control participants performed exercises similar to those used in the study groups but without the concurrent application of vibrations. Pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) activity was recorded using a vaginal probe during three experimental trials limited to 30s, 60s and 90 s. The mean amplitude and variability of the signal were normalized to the Maximal Voluntary Contraction - MVC. Friedman's two-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean normalized amplitudes (%MVC) of the sEMG signal from the PFM during 60s- and 90 s-trials between the group exposed to high-intensity WBV and control participants (p < 0.05). Longer trial duration was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the variability of sEMG signal amplitude in the study and control groups (p < 0.05). Synchronous high-intensity WBV (40 Hz, 4 mm) of long duration (60s, 90 s) significantly enhances the activation of the PFM in young continent women. Prolonged maintenance of a static position significantly decreases the variability of sEMG signal amplitude independent of whole-body vibrations. Single whole-body vibrations in nulliparous continent women does not cause pelvic floor muscle fatigue. The trial was registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no. ACTRN12615000966594); registration date: 15/09/2015.

Learning a locomotor task: with or without errors?

PubMed

Marchal-Crespo, Laura; Schneider, Jasmin; Jaeger, Lukas; Riener, Robert

2014-03-04

Robotic haptic guidance is the most commonly used robotic training strategy to reduce performance errors while training. However, research on motor learning has emphasized that errors are a fundamental neural signal that drive motor adaptation. Thus, researchers have proposed robotic therapy algorithms that amplify movement errors rather than decrease them. However, to date, no study has analyzed with precision which training strategy is the most appropriate to learn an especially simple task. In this study, the impact of robotic training strategies that amplify or reduce errors on muscle activation and motor learning of a simple locomotor task was investigated in twenty two healthy subjects. The experiment was conducted with the MAgnetic Resonance COmpatible Stepper (MARCOS) a special robotic device developed for investigations in the MR scanner. The robot moved the dominant leg passively and the subject was requested to actively synchronize the non-dominant leg to achieve an alternating stepping-like movement. Learning with four different training strategies that reduce or amplify errors was evaluated: (i) Haptic guidance: errors were eliminated by passively moving the limbs, (ii) No guidance: no robot disturbances were presented, (iii) Error amplification: existing errors were amplified with repulsive forces, (iv) Noise disturbance: errors were evoked intentionally with a randomly-varying force disturbance on top of the no guidance strategy. Additionally, the activation of four lower limb muscles was measured by the means of surface electromyography (EMG). Strategies that reduce or do not amplify errors limit muscle activation during training and result in poor learning gains. Adding random disturbing forces during training seems to increase attention, and therefore improve motor learning. Error amplification seems to be the most suitable strategy for initially less skilled subjects, perhaps because subjects could better detect their errors and correct them. Error strategies have a great potential to evoke higher muscle activation and provoke better motor learning of simple tasks. Neuroimaging evaluation of brain regions involved in learning can provide valuable information on observed behavioral outcomes related to learning processes. The impacts of these strategies on neurological patients need further investigations.

Disgust, but not anger provocation, enhances levator labii superioris activity during exposure to moral transgressions.

PubMed

Whitton, Alexis E; Henry, Julie D; Rendell, Peter G; Grisham, Jessica R

2014-02-01

Physical disgust is elicited by, and amplifies responses to, moral transgressions, suggesting that moral disgust may be a biologically expanded form of physical disgust. However, there is limited research comparing the effects of physical disgust to that of other emotions like anger, making it difficult to determine if the link between disgust and morality is unique. The current research evaluated the specificity of the relationship between disgust and morality by comparing links with anger, using state, physiological and trait measures of emotionality. Participants (N=90) were randomly allocated to have disgust, anger or no emotion induced. Responses to images depicting moral, negative non-moral, and neutral themes were then recorded using facial electromyography. Inducing disgust, but not anger, increased psychophysiological responses to moral themes. Trait disgust, but not trait anger, correlated with levator labii responses to moral themes. These findings provide strong evidence of a unique link between physical disgust and morality. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

I Can Stomach That! Fearlessness About Death Predicts Attenuated Facial Electromyography Activity in Response to Death-Related Images.

PubMed

Velkoff, Elizabeth A; Forrest, Lauren N; Dodd, Dorian R; Smith, April R

2016-06-01

Objective measures of suicide risk can convey life-saving information to clinicians, but few such measures exist. This study examined an objective measure of fearlessness about death (FAD), testing whether FAD relates to self-reported and physiological aversion to death. Females (n = 87) reported FAD and disgust sensitivity, and facial electromyography was used to measure physiological facial responses consistent with disgust while viewing death-related images. FAD predicted attenuated expression of physiological death aversion, even when controlling for self-reported death-related disgust sensitivity. Diminished physiological aversion to death-related stimuli holds promise as an objective measure of FAD and suicide risk. © 2015 The American Association of Suicidology.

Coordination of deep hip muscle activity is altered in symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement.

PubMed

Diamond, Laura E; Van den Hoorn, Wolbert; Bennell, Kim L; Wrigley, Tim V; Hinman, Rana S; O'Donnell, John; Hodges, Paul W

2017-07-01

Diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasing, yet the associated physical impairments remain poorly defined. This morphological hip condition can cause joint pain, stiffness, impaired function, and eventually hip osteoarthritis. This exploratory study compared coordination of deep hip muscles between people with and without symptomatic FAI using analysis of muscle synergies (i.e., patterns of activity of groups of muscles activated in synchrony) during gait. Fifteen individuals (11 males) with symptomatic FAI (clinical examination and imaging) and 14 age- and sex-comparable controls without morphological FAI underwent testing. Intramuscular fine-wire and surface electrodes recorded electromyographic activity of selected deep and superficial hip muscles. A non-negative matrix factorization algorithm extracted three synergies which were compared between groups. Information regarding which muscles were activated together in the FAI group (FAI group synergy vector) was used to reconstruct individual electromyography patterns and compare groups. Variance accounted for (VAF) by three synergies was less for the control (94.8 [1.4]%) than FAI (96.0 [1.0]%) group (p = 0.03). VAF of obturator internus was significantly higher in the FAI group (p = 0.02). VAF of the reconstructed individual electromyography patterns with the FAI or control group vector were significantly higher for the FAI group (p < 0.01). Following reconstruction, VAF of quadratus femoris was significantly more reduced in controls (p = 0.04), indicating greater between-subject variability. Coordination of deep hip muscles in the synergy related to hip joint control during early swing differed between groups. This phase involves movement towards the impingement position, which has relevance for the interpretation of synergy differences and potential clinical importance. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1494-1504, 2017. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identification and agreement of first turn point by mathematical analysis applied to heart rate, carbon dioxide output and electromyography

PubMed Central

Zamunér, Antonio R.; Catai, Aparecida M.; Martins, Luiz E. B.; Sakabe, Daniel I.; Silva, Ester Da

2013-01-01

Background The second heart rate (HR) turn point has been extensively studied, however there are few studies determining the first HR turn point. Also, the use of mathematical and statistical models for determining changes in dynamic characteristics of physiological variables during an incremental cardiopulmonary test has been suggested. Objectives To determine the first turn point by analysis of HR, surface electromyography (sEMG), and carbon dioxide output () using two mathematical models and to compare the results to those of the visual method. Method Ten sedentary middle-aged men (53.9±3.2 years old) were submitted to cardiopulmonary exercise testing on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer until exhaustion. Ventilatory variables, HR, and sEMG of the vastus lateralis were obtained in real time. Three methods were used to determine the first turn point: 1) visual analysis based on loss of parallelism between and oxygen uptake (); 2) the linear-linear model, based on fitting the curves to the set of data (Lin-Lin ); 3) a bi-segmental linear regression of Hinkley' s algorithm applied to HR (HMM-HR), (HMM- ), and sEMG data (HMM-RMS). Results There were no differences between workload, HR, and ventilatory variable values at the first ventilatory turn point as determined by the five studied parameters (p>0.05). The Bland-Altman plot showed an even distribution of the visual analysis method with Lin-Lin , HMM-HR, HMM-CO2, and HMM-RMS. Conclusion The proposed mathematical models were effective in determining the first turn point since they detected the linear pattern change and the deflection point of , HR responses, and sEMG. PMID:24346296

Uterine electromyography during active phase compared with latent phase of labor at term.

PubMed

Trojner Bregar, Andreja; Lucovnik, Miha; Verdenik, Ivan; Jager, Franc; Gersak, Ksenija; Garfield, Robert E

2016-02-01

In a prospective study in a tertiary university hospital we wanted to determine whether uterine electromyography (EMG) can differentiate between the active and latent phase of labor. Thirty women presenting at ≥37(0/7) weeks of gestation with regular uterine contractions, intact membranes, and a Bishop score <6. EMG was recorded from the abdominal surface for 30 min. Latent phase was defined as no cervical change within at least 4 h. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05 significant). Diagnostic accuracy of EMG was determined by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. The integral of the amplitudes of the power density spectrum (PDS) corresponding to the PDS energy within the "bursts" of uterine EMG activity was compared between the active and latent labor groups. Seventeen (57%) women were found to be in the active phase of labor and 13 (43%) were in the latent phase. The EMG PDS integral was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in the active (mean 3.40 ± 0.82 μV) compared with the latent (mean 1.17 ± 0.33 μV) phase of labor. The PDS integral had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.80 to distinguish between active and latent phases of labor, compared with number of contractions on tocodynamometry (AUC = 0.79), and Bishop score (AUC = 0.78). The combination (sum) of PDS integral, tocodynamometry, and Bishop score predicted active phase of labor with an AUC of 0.90. Adding uterine EMG measurements to the methods currently used in the clinics could improve the accuracy of diagnosing active labor. © 2015 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Heterogeneity of muscle recruitment pattern during pedaling in professional road cyclists: a magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography study.

PubMed

Hug, François; Bendahan, David; Le Fur, Yann; Cozzone, Patrick J; Grélot, Laurent

2004-07-01

Although a number of studies have been devoted to the analysis of the activity pattern of the muscles involved in pedaling in sedentary subjects and/or amateur cyclists, data on professional cyclists are scarce and the issue of inter-individual differences has never been addressed in detail. In the present series of experiments, we performed a non-invasive investigation using functional magnetic resonance imaging and surface electromyography to determine the pattern of activity of lower limb muscles during two different exhausting pedaling exercises in eight French professional cyclists. Each subject performed an incremental exercise during which electromyographic activity of eight lower limb muscles and respiratory variables were recorded. After a 3-h recovery period, transverse relaxation times (T2) were measured before and just after a standardized constant-load maximal exercise in order to quantify exercise-related T2 changes. The global EMG activity illustrated by the root mean square clearly showed a large inter-individual difference during the incremental exercise regardless of the investigated muscle (variation coefficient up to 81%). In addition, for most of the muscles investigated, the constant-load exercise induced T2 increases, which varied noticeably among the subjects. This high level of variation in the recruitment of lower limb muscles in professional cyclists during both incremental and constant-load exercises is surprising given the homogeneity related to maximal oxygen consumption and training volume. The high degree of expertise of these professional cyclists was not linked to the production of a common pattern of pedaling and our results provide an additional evidence that the nervous system has multiple ways of accomplishing a given motor task, as has been suggested previously by neural control theorists and experimentalists.

Electromyography and Mechanomyography Signals During Swallowing in Healthy Adults and Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

PubMed

Constantinescu, Gabriela; Hodgetts, William; Scott, Dylan; Kuffel, Kristina; King, Ben; Brodt, Chris; Rieger, Jana

2017-02-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used as an adjuvant to dysphagia therapy to demonstrate the activity of submental muscles during swallowing exercises. Mechanomyography (MMG) has been suggested as a potential superior alternative to sEMG; however, this advantage is not confirmed for signal acquired from submental muscles. This study compared the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained from sEMG and MMG sensors during swallowing tasks, in healthy participants and those with a history of head and neck cancer (HNC), a population with altered anatomy and a high incidence of dysphagia. Twenty-two healthy adults and 10 adults with a history of HNC participated in this study. sEMG and MMG signals were acquired during dry, thin liquid, effortful, and Mendelsohn maneuver swallows. SNR was compared between the two sensors using repeated measures ANOVAs and subsequent planned pairwise comparisons. Test-retest measures were collected on 20 % of participants. In healthy participants, MMG SNR was higher than that of sEMG for dry [t(21) = -3.02, p = 0.007] and thin liquid swallows [t(21) = -4.24, p < 0.001]. Although a significant difference for sensor was found in HNC participants F(1,9) = 5.54, p = 0.043, planned pairwise comparisons by task revealed no statistically significant difference between the two sensors. sEMG also showed much better test-retest reliability than MMG. Biofeedback provided as an adjuvant to dysphagia therapy in patients with HNC should employ sEMG technology, as this sensor type yielded better SNR and overall test-retest reliability. Poor MMG test-retest reliability was noted in both healthy and HNC participants and may have been related to differences in sensor application.

Reliability of surface electromyography activity of gluteal and hamstring muscles during sub-maximal and maximal voluntary isometric contractions.

PubMed

Bussey, Melanie D; Aldabe, Daniela; Adhia, Divya; Mani, Ramakrishnan

2018-04-01

Normalizing to a reference signal is essential when analysing and comparing electromyography signals across or within individuals. However, studies have shown that MVC testing may not be as reliable in persons with acute and chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the test-retest reliability of the muscle activity in the biceps femoris and gluteus maximus between a novel sub-MVC and standard MVC protocols. This study utilized a single individual repeated measures design with 12 participants performing multiple trials of both the sub-MVC and MVC tasks on two separate days. The participant position in the prone leg raise task was standardised with an ultrasonic sensor to improve task precession between trials/days. Day-to-day and trial-to-trial reliability of the maximal muscle activity was examined using ICC and SEM. Day-to-day and trial-to-trial reliability of the EMG activity in the BF and GM were high (0.70-0.89) to very high (≥0.90) for both test procedures. %SEM was <5-10% for both tests on a given day but higher in the day-to-day comparisons. The lower amplitude of the sub-MVC is a likely contributor to increased %SEM (8-13%) in the day-to-day comparison. The findings show that the sub-MVC modified prone double leg raise results in GM and BF EMG measures similar in reliability and precision to the standard MVC tasks. Therefore, the modified prone double leg raise may be a useful substitute for traditional MVC testing for normalizing EMG signals of the BF and GM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deep Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks Applied to Electromyography Data: A Resource for the Classification of Movements for Prosthetic Hands

PubMed Central

Atzori, Manfredo; Cognolato, Matteo; Müller, Henning

2016-01-01

Natural control methods based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and pattern recognition are promising for hand prosthetics. However, the control robustness offered by scientific research is still not sufficient for many real life applications, and commercial prostheses are capable of offering natural control for only a few movements. In recent years deep learning revolutionized several fields of machine learning, including computer vision and speech recognition. Our objective is to test its methods for natural control of robotic hands via sEMG using a large number of intact subjects and amputees. We tested convolutional networks for the classification of an average of 50 hand movements in 67 intact subjects and 11 transradial amputees. The simple architecture of the neural network allowed to make several tests in order to evaluate the effect of pre-processing, layer architecture, data augmentation and optimization. The classification results are compared with a set of classical classification methods applied on the same datasets. The classification accuracy obtained with convolutional neural networks using the proposed architecture is higher than the average results obtained with the classical classification methods, but lower than the results obtained with the best reference methods in our tests. The results show that convolutional neural networks with a very simple architecture can produce accurate results comparable to the average classical classification methods. They show that several factors (including pre-processing, the architecture of the net and the optimization parameters) can be fundamental for the analysis of sEMG data. Larger networks can achieve higher accuracy on computer vision and object recognition tasks. This fact suggests that it may be interesting to evaluate if larger networks can increase sEMG classification accuracy too. PMID:27656140

A study of surgeons' postural muscle activity during open, laparoscopic, and endovascular surgery.

PubMed

Szeto, G P Y; Ho, P; Ting, A C W; Poon, J T C; Tsang, R C C; Cheng, S W K

2010-07-01

Different surgical procedures impose different physical demands on surgeons and high prevalence rates of neck and shoulder pain have been reported among general surgeons. Past research has examined electromyography in surgeons mainly during simulated conditions of laparoscopic and open surgery but not during real-time operations and not for long durations. The present study compares the neck-shoulder muscle activities in three types of surgery and between different surgeons. The relationships of postural muscle activities to musculoskeletal symptoms and personal factors also are examined. Twenty-five surgeons participated in the study (23 men). Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded in the bilateral cervical erector spinae, upper trapezius, and anterior deltoid muscles during three types of surgical procedures: open, laparoscopic, and endovascular. In each procedure, EMG data were captured for 30 min to more than 1 h. The surgeons were asked to rate any musculoskeletal symptoms before and after surgery. The present study showed significantly higher muscle activities in the cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscles in open surgery compared with endovascular and laparoscopic procedures. Muscle activities were fairly similar between endovascular and laparoscopic surgery. The upper trapezius usually has an important role in stabilizing both the neck and upper limb posture, and this muscle also recorded higher activities in open compared with laparoscopic and endovascular surgeries. Surgeons reported similar degrees of musculoskeletal symptoms in open and laparoscopic surgeries, which were higher than endovascular surgery. The present study showed that open surgery imposed significantly greater physical demands on the neck muscles compared with endovascular and laparoscopic surgeries. This may be due to the lighter manual task demands of these minimally invasive surgeries compared with open procedures, which generally required more dynamic movements and more forceful exertions.

Deep Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks Applied to Electromyography Data: A Resource for the Classification of Movements for Prosthetic Hands.

PubMed

Atzori, Manfredo; Cognolato, Matteo; Müller, Henning

2016-01-01

Natural control methods based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and pattern recognition are promising for hand prosthetics. However, the control robustness offered by scientific research is still not sufficient for many real life applications, and commercial prostheses are capable of offering natural control for only a few movements. In recent years deep learning revolutionized several fields of machine learning, including computer vision and speech recognition. Our objective is to test its methods for natural control of robotic hands via sEMG using a large number of intact subjects and amputees. We tested convolutional networks for the classification of an average of 50 hand movements in 67 intact subjects and 11 transradial amputees. The simple architecture of the neural network allowed to make several tests in order to evaluate the effect of pre-processing, layer architecture, data augmentation and optimization. The classification results are compared with a set of classical classification methods applied on the same datasets. The classification accuracy obtained with convolutional neural networks using the proposed architecture is higher than the average results obtained with the classical classification methods, but lower than the results obtained with the best reference methods in our tests. The results show that convolutional neural networks with a very simple architecture can produce accurate results comparable to the average classical classification methods. They show that several factors (including pre-processing, the architecture of the net and the optimization parameters) can be fundamental for the analysis of sEMG data. Larger networks can achieve higher accuracy on computer vision and object recognition tasks. This fact suggests that it may be interesting to evaluate if larger networks can increase sEMG classification accuracy too.

Identification and agreement of first turn point by mathematical analysis applied to heart rate, carbon dioxide output and electromyography.

PubMed

Zamunér, Antonio R; Catai, Aparecida M; Martins, Luiz E B; Sakabe, Daniel I; Da Silva, Ester

2013-01-01

The second heart rate (HR) turn point has been extensively studied, however there are few studies determining the first HR turn point. Also, the use of mathematical and statistical models for determining changes in dynamic characteristics of physiological variables during an incremental cardiopulmonary test has been suggested. To determine the first turn point by analysis of HR, surface electromyography (sEMG), and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) using two mathematical models and to compare the results to those of the visual method. Ten sedentary middle-aged men (53.9 ± 3.2 years old) were submitted to cardiopulmonary exercise testing on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer until exhaustion. Ventilatory variables, HR, and sEMG of the vastus lateralis were obtained in real time. Three methods were used to determine the first turn point: 1) visual analysis based on loss of parallelism between VCO2 and oxygen uptake (VO2); 2) the linear-linear model, based on fitting the curves to the set of VCO2 data (Lin-LinVCO2); 3) a bi-segmental linear regression of Hinkley's algorithm applied to HR (HMM-HR), VCO2 (HMM-VCO2), and sEMG data (HMM-RMS). There were no differences between workload, HR, and ventilatory variable values at the first ventilatory turn point as determined by the five studied parameters (p>0.05). The Bland-Altman plot showed an even distribution of the visual analysis method with Lin-LinVCO2, HMM-HR, HMM-VCO2, and HMM-RMS. The proposed mathematical models were effective in determining the first turn point since they detected the linear pattern change and the deflection point of VCO2, HR responses, and sEMG.

A cross-sectional electromyography assessment in linear scleroderma patients

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Muscle atrophy and asymmetric extremity growth is a common feature of linear scleroderma (LS). Extra-cutaneous features are also common and primary neurologic involvement, with sympathetic dysfunction, may have a pathogenic role in subcutaneous and muscle atrophy. The aim was investigate nerve conduction and muscle involvement by electromyography in pediatric patients with LS. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of LS pediatric patients who had regular follow up at a single pediatric center from 1997–2013. We selected participants if they had consistently good follow up and enrolled consecutive patients in the study. We examined LS photos as well as clinical, serological and imaging findings. Electromyograms (EMG) were performed with bilateral symmetric technique, using surface and needle electrodes, comparing the affected side with the contralateral side. Abnormal muscle activity was categorized as a myopathic or neurogenic pattern. Results Nine LS subjects were selected for EMG, 2 with Parry-Romberg/Hemifacial Atrophy Syndrome, 7 linear scleroderma of an extremity and 2 with mixed forms (linear and morphea). Electromyogram analysis indicated that all but one had asymmetric myopathic pattern in muscles underlying the linear streaks. Motor and sensory nerve conduction was also evaluated in upper and lower limbs and one presented a neurogenic pattern. Masticatory muscle testing showed a myopathic pattern in the atrophic face of 2 cases with head and face involvement. Conclusion In our small series of LS patients, we found a surprising amount of muscle dysfunction by EMG. The muscle involvement may be possibly related to a secondary peripheral nerve involvement due to LS inflammation and fibrosis. Further collaborative studies to confirm these findings are needed. PMID:25053924

Electromyography-controlled exoskeletal upper-limb-powered orthosis for exercise training after stroke.

PubMed

Stein, Joel; Narendran, Kailas; McBean, John; Krebs, Kathryn; Hughes, Richard

2007-04-01

Robot-assisted exercise shows promise as a means of providing exercise therapy for weakness that results from stroke or other neurological conditions. Exoskeletal or "wearable" robots can, in principle, provide therapeutic exercise and/or function as powered orthoses to help compensate for chronic weakness. We describe a novel electromyography (EMG)-controlled exoskeletal robotic brace for the elbow (the active joint brace) and the results of a pilot study conducted using this brace for exercise training in individuals with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. Eight stroke survivors with severe chronic hemiparesis were enrolled in this pilot study. One subject withdrew from the study because of scheduling conflicts. A second subject was unable to participate in the training protocol because of insufficient surface EMG activity to control the active joint brace. The six remaining subjects each underwent 18 hrs of exercise training using the device for a period of 6 wks. Outcome measures included the upper-extremity component of the Fugl-Meyer scale and the modified Ashworth scale of muscle hypertonicity. Analysis revealed that the mean upper-extremity component of the Fugl-Meyer scale increased from 15.5 (SD 3.88) to 19 (SD 3.95) (P = 0.04) at the conclusion of training for the six subjects who completed training. Combined (summated) modified Ashworth scale for the elbow flexors and extensors improved from 4.67 (+/-1.2 SD) to 2.33 (+/-0.653 SD) (P = 0.009) and improved for the entire upper limb as well. All subjects tolerated the device, and no complications occurred. EMG-controlled powered elbow orthoses can be successfully controlled by severely impaired hemiparetic stroke survivors. This technique shows promise as a new modality for assisted exercise training after stroke.

Thigh Muscle Activity, Knee Motion, and Impact Force During Side-Step Pivoting in Agility-Trained Female Basketball Players

PubMed Central

Wilderman, Danielle R; Ross, Scott E; Padua, Darin A

2009-01-01

Context: Improving neuromuscular control of hamstrings muscles might have implications for decreasing anterior cruciate ligament injuries in females. Objective: To examine the effects of a 6-week agility training program on quadriceps and hamstrings muscle activation, knee flexion angles, and peak vertical ground reaction force. Design: Prospective, randomized clinical research trial. Setting: Sports medicine research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty female intramural basketball players with no history of knee injury (age  =  21.07 ± 2.82 years, height  =  171.27 ± 4.66 cm, mass  =  66.36 ± 7.41 kg). Intervention(s): Participants were assigned to an agility training group or a control group that did not participate in agility training. Participants in the agility training group trained 4 times per week for 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measure(s): We used surface electromyography to assess muscle activation for the rectus femoris, vastus medialis oblique, medial hamstrings, and lateral hamstrings for 50 milliseconds before initial ground contact and while the foot was in contact with the ground during a side-step pivot maneuver. Knee flexion angles (at initial ground contact, maximum knee flexion, knee flexion displacement) and peak vertical ground reaction force also were assessed during this maneuver. Results: Participants in the training group increased medial hamstrings activation during ground contact after the 6-week agility training program. Both groups decreased their vastus medialis oblique muscle activation during ground contact. Knee flexion angles and peak vertical ground reaction force did not change for either group. Conclusions: Agility training improved medial hamstrings activity in female intramural basketball players during a side-step pivot maneuver. Agility training that improves hamstrings activity might have implications for reducing anterior cruciate ligament sprain injury associated with side-step pivots. PMID:19180214

Electromyographic analysis of upper body, lower body, and abdominal muscles during advanced Swiss ball exercises.

PubMed

Marshall, Paul W M; Desai, Imtiaz

2010-06-01

Although there is now some evidence examining the use of a Swiss ball during core stability and resistance exercises, this has commonly been performed using basic or isometric exercises. There is currently no evidence examining more advanced Swiss ball exercises. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not muscle activity measured during advanced Swiss ball exercises was at an approximate intensity recommended for strength or endurance training in advanced, or novice individuals. After a familiarization session, 14 recreationally active subjects performed 6 different "advanced" Swiss ball exercises in a randomized order. The primary dependent variables in this study were the activity levels collected from anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, rectus abdominis (RA), external obliques, lumbar erector spinae, vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris using surface electromyography. All signals were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contractions performed before testing for each muscle. The results of this study showed that the Swiss ball roll elicited muscle activity in triceps brachii (72.5+/-32.4%) and VL (83.6+/-44.2%) commensurate with the intensity recommended for strength exercises in advanced trainers. Rectus abdominis activity was greatest during the bridge exercise (61.3+/-28.5%, p

Mind-muscle connection training principle: influence of muscle strength and training experience during a pushing movement.

PubMed

Calatayud, Joaquin; Vinstrup, Jonas; Jakobsen, Markus D; Sundstrup, Emil; Colado, Juan Carlos; Andersen, Lars L

2017-07-01

To investigate the effect of different attentional focus conditions on muscle activity during the push-up exercise and to assess the possible influence of muscle strength and training experience. Eighteen resistance-trained men performed 1RM bench press testing and were familiarized with the procedure during the first session. In the second session, three different conditions were randomly performed: regular push-up and push-up focusing on using the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles, respectively. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded and analyzed (EMG normalized to max; nEMG) for the triceps brachii and pectoralis major muscles. Participants had on average 8 (SD 6) years of training experience and 1RM of 1.25 (SD 0.28) kg per kg bodyweight. Focusing on using pectoralis major increased activity in this muscle by 9% nEMG (95% CI 5-13; Cohen's d 0.60) compared with the regular condition. Triceps activity was not significantly influenced by triceps focus although borderline significant, with a mean difference of 5% nEMG (95% CI 0-10; Cohen's d 0.30). However, years of training experience was positively associated with the ability to selectively activate the triceps (β = 0.41, P = 0.04), but not the pectoralis. Bench press 1RM was not significantly associated with the ability to selectively activate the muscles. Pectoralis activity can be increased when focusing on using this muscle during push-ups, whereas the ability to do this for the triceps is dependent on years of training experience. Maximal muscle strength does not appear to be a decisive factor for the ability to selectively activate these muscles.

The effect of isolating the paretic limb on weight-bearing distribution and EMG activity during squats in hemiplegic and healthy individuals.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Kyu; An, Duk-Hyun; Yoo, Won-Gyu; Hwang, Byong-Yong; Kim, Tae-Ho; Oh, Jae-Seop

2017-05-01

Neural reorganization for movement therapy after a stroke is thought to be an important mechanism that facilitates motor recovery. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of exercise programs in improving the lower limbs. We investigated the immediate effect of isolating the paretic limb using different foot positions ((i) foot parallel; both feet parallel, (ii) foot asymmetry; paretic foot backward by 10 cm, and (iii) foot lifting; nonparetic foot lifting by normalization to 25% of knee height) on weight-bearing distribution and electromyography (EMG) of the thigh muscle during squats. In total, 20 patients with hemiplegia and 16 healthy subjects randomly performed three squat conditions in which the knee joint was flexed to 30°. Weight distribution was measured using the BioRescue system. Muscle activity was measured using a surface EMG system. Patients with hemiplegia exhibited significantly decreased weight bearing on the paretic foot at 0° and 30° knee flexion compared with the nondominant foot of a healthy subject. The muscle activity of the quadriceps was significantly lower in patients with hemiplegia compared to healthy subjects. Weight bearing and EMG activity of the quadriceps femoris on the paretic or nondominant side significantly increased during a knee flexion of 30° with under the foot asymmetry and foot lifting positions compared with the parallel foot position. Isolating the paretic limb using the asymmetric foot positions and lifting of the foot during squats might help patients with hemiplegia to improve weight-bearing and achieve greater activation of the quadriceps muscle in the paretic limb.

Hamstring injury prevention in soccer: Before or after training?

PubMed

Lovell, R; Knox, M; Weston, M; Siegler, J C; Brennan, S; Marshall, P W M

2018-02-01

We examined the effects of a 12-week program of Nordic hamstring exercises (NHE), administered before or after football training, upon eccentric hamstring strength, muscle activity, and architectural adaptations. Amateur soccer players were randomized into three groups. The control group (CON; n=11) undertook core stability exercises, whereas a periodized NHE program was delivered either before (NHE BEF ; n=10) or after (NHE AFT ; n=14) biweekly training sessions. Outcome measures included peak torque and concomitant normalized peak surface electromyography signals (sEMG) of the biceps femoris (BF) and medial hamstring (MH) muscles during knee flexor maximal eccentric contractions, performed at 30°·s -1 . Ultrasonography was used to determine BF muscle thickness, muscle fiber pennation angle, and fascicle length. Performing the NHE derived likely moderate peak torque increases in both NHE BEF (+11.9%; 90% confidence interval: 3.6%-20.9%) and NHE AFT (+11.6%; 2.6%-21.5%) vs CON. Maximum sEMG increases were moderately greater in the BF of both NHE training groups vs CON. There were likely moderate increases in BF muscle thickness (+0.17 cm; 0.05-0.29 cm) and likely small pennation angle increases (+1.03°; -0.08° to 2.14°) in NHE AFT vs CON and NHE BEF . BF fascicle length increases were likely greater in NHE BEF (+1.58 cm; 0.48-2.68 cm; small effect) vs CON and NHE AFT . A 12-week eccentric hamstring strengthening program increased strength and sEMG to a similar magnitude irrespective of its scheduling relative to the football training session. However, architectural adaptations to support the strength gains differed according to the timing of the injury prevention program. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Core Muscle Activity, Exercise Preference, and Perceived Exertion during Core Exercise with Elastic Resistance versus Machine.

PubMed

Vinstrup, Jonas; Sundstrup, Emil; Brandt, Mikkel; Jakobsen, Markus D; Calatayud, Joaquin; Andersen, Lars L

2015-01-01

Objectives. To investigate core muscle activity, exercise preferences, and perceived exertion during two selected core exercises performed with elastic resistance versus a conventional training machine. Methods. 17 untrained men aged 26-67 years participated in surface electromyography (EMG) measurements of five core muscles during torso-twists performed from left to right with elastic resistance and in the machine, respectively. The order of the exercises was randomized and each exercise consisted of 3 repetitions performed at a 10 RM load. EMG amplitude was normalized (nEMG) to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC). Results. A higher right erector spinae activity in the elastic exercise compared with the machine exercise (50% [95% CI 36-64] versus 32% [95% CI 18-46] nEMG) was found. By contrast, the machine exercise, compared with the elastic exercise, showed higher left external oblique activity (77% [95% CI 64-90] versus 54% [95% CI 40-67] nEMG). For the rectus abdominis, right external oblique, and left erector spinae muscles there were no significant differences. Furthermore, 76% preferred the torso-twist with elastic resistance over the machine exercise. Perceived exertion (Borg CR10) was not significantly different between machine (5.8 [95% CI 4.88-6.72]) and elastic exercise (5.7 [95% CI 4.81-6.59]). Conclusion. Torso-twists using elastic resistance showed higher activity of the erector spinae, whereas torso-twist in the machine resulted in higher activity of the external oblique. For the remaining core muscles the two training modalities induced similar muscular activation. In spite of similar perceived exertion the majority of the participants preferred the exercise using elastic resistance.

Neural mechanisms and functional correlates of altered postural responses to perturbed standing balance with chronic low back pain

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Jesse V.; Roy, Carrie L.; Hitt, Juvena R.; Popov, Roman E.; Henry, Sharon M.

2016-01-01

This study sought to determine the effects of chronic low back pain (LBP) on the cortical evoked potentials, muscle activation, and kinematics of postural responses to perturbations of standing balance. Thirteen subjects with chronic, recurrent, non-specific LBP and 13 subjects without LBP participated. The subjects responded to unpredictably timed postural perturbations while standing on a platform that randomly rotated either “toes up” or “toes down”. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to calculate the negative peak (N1) and subsequent positive peak (P2) amplitudes of the perturbation evoked cortical potentials. Passive-marker motion capture was used to calculate joint and center-of-mass (CoM) displacements. Surface electromyography was used to record muscle onset latencies. Questionnaires assessed pain, interference with activity, fear of activity, and pain catastrophizing. Results demonstrated that subjects with LBP exhibited significantly larger P2 potentials, delayed erector spinae, rectus abdominae, and external oblique onset latencies, as well as smaller trunk extension yet larger trunk flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion displacements compared to subjects without LBP. For the subjects with LBP, CoM displacements significantly and positively correlated with knee displacements as well as activity interference and fear scores. The P2 potentials significantly and negatively correlated with CoM displacements as well as activity interference, catastrophizing, and fear scores. These results demonstrate that people with LBP exhibit altered late-phase cortical processing of postural perturbations concomitant with altered kinematic and muscle responses, and these cortical and postural response characteristics correlate with each other as well as with clinical reports of pain-related fears and activity interference. PMID:27771534

Activity of Lower Limb Muscles During Squat With and Without Abdominal Drawing-in and Pilates Breathing.

PubMed

Barbosa, Alexandre C; Martins, Fábio M; Silva, Angélica F; Coelho, Ana C; Intelangelo, Leonardo; Vieira, Edgar R

2017-11-01

Barbosa, AC, Martins, FM, Silva, AF, Coelho, AC, Intelangelo, L, and Vieira, ER. Activity of lower limb muscles during squat with and without abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3018-3023, 2017-The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing on the activity of lower limb muscles during squats. Adults (n = 13, 22 ± 3 years old) with some Pilates experience performed three 60° squats under each of the following conditions in a random order: (I) normal breathing, (II) drawing-in maneuver with normal breathing, and (III) drawing-in maneuver with Pilates breathing. Peak-normalized surface electromyography of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior during the knee flexion and extension phases of squat exercises was analyzed. There were significant differences among the conditions during the knee flexion phase for the rectus femoris (p = 0.001), biceps femoris (p = 0.038), and tibialis anterior (p = 0.001), with increasing activation from conditions I to III. For the gastrocnemius medialis, there were significant differences among the conditions during the knee extension phase (p = 0.023), with increased activity under condition I. The rectus and biceps femoris activity was higher during the extension vs. flexion phase under conditions I and II. The tibialis anterior activity was higher during the flexion compared with the extension phase under all conditions, and the medial gastrocnemius activity was higher during the extension phase under condition I. Doing squats with abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing resulted in increased rectus, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior activity during the flexion phase, increasing movement stability during squat exercises.

Overground vs. treadmill-based robotic gait training to improve seated balance in people with motor-complete spinal cord injury: a case report.

PubMed

Chisholm, Amanda E; Alamro, Raed A; Williams, Alison M M; Lam, Tania

2017-04-11

Robotic overground gait training devices, such as the Ekso, require users to actively participate in triggering steps through weight-shifting movements. It remains unknown how much the trunk muscles are activated during these movements, and if it is possible to transfer training effects to seated balance control. This study was conducted to compare the activity of postural control muscles of the trunk during overground (Ekso) vs. treadmill-based (Lokomat) robotic gait training, and evaluate changes in seated balance control in people with high-thoracic motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Three individuals with motor-complete SCI from C7-T4, assumed to have no voluntary motor function below the chest, underwent robotic gait training. The participants were randomly assigned to Ekso-Lokomat-Ekso or Lokomat-Ekso-Lokomat for 10 sessions within each intervention phase for a total of 30 sessions. We evaluated static and dynamic balance control through analysis of center of pressure (COP) movements after each intervention phase. Surface electromyography was used to compare activity of the abdominal and erector spinae muscles during Ekso and Lokomat walking. We observed improved postural stability after training with Ekso compared to Lokomat during static balance tasks, indicated by reduced COP root mean square distance and ellipse area. In addition, Ekso training increased total distance of COP movements during a dynamic balance task. The trunk muscles showed increased activation during Ekso overground walking compared to Lokomat walking. Our findings suggest that the Ekso actively recruits trunk muscles through postural control mechanisms, which may lead to improved balance during sitting. Developing effective training strategies to reactivate the trunk muscles is important to facilitate independence during seated balance activity in people with SCI.

Spinal muscle evaluation in healthy individuals and low-back-pain patients: a literature review.

PubMed

Demoulin, Christophe; Crielaard, Jean-Michel; Vanderthommen, Marc

2007-01-01

This article reviews available techniques for spinal muscle investigation, as well as data on spinal muscles in healthy individuals and in patients with low back pain. In patients with chronic low back pain, medical imaging studies show paraspinal muscle wasting with reductions in cross-sectional surface area and fiber density. In healthy individuals, the paraspinal muscles contain a high proportion of slow-twitch fibers (Type I), reflecting their role in maintaining posture. The proportion of Type I fibers is higher in females, leading to better adaptation to aerobic exertion compared to males. Abnormalities seen in paraspinal muscles from patients with chronic low back pain include marked Type II fiber atrophy, conversion of Type I to Type II fibers, and an increased number of nonspecific abnormalities. Limited data are available from magnetic resonance spectroscopy used to investigate muscle metabolism and from near infrared spectroscopy used to measure oxygen uptake by the paraspinal muscles. Surface electromyography in patients with chronic low back pain shows increased paraspinal muscle fatigability, often with abolition of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon.

Are the yips a task-specific dystonia or "golfer's cramp"?

PubMed

Adler, Charles H; Crews, Debra; Kahol, Kanav; Santello, Marco; Noble, Brie; Hentz, Joseph G; Caviness, John N

2011-09-01

This study compared golfers with and without the yips using joint movement and surface electromyographic detectors. Fifty golfers (25 with and 25 without complaints of the yips) were studied while putting. All putts were videotaped. Surface electromyography assessed arm cocontraction. A CyberGlove II (Immersion Technologies, Palo Alto, CA) assessed right-arm angular movements. Primary analysis was done by subjective complaint of the yips, whereas secondary analysis was done by video evidence of an involuntary movement. When grouped by subjective complaints, there were no differences in any movement parameter. When grouped by video evidence of an involuntary movement, yips cases had more (P < 0.001) angular movement in wrist pronation/supination and a trend (P = 0.08) for wrist flexor/extensor cocontraction (yips: 7 of 17, 41.2%; no yips: 6 of 33, 18.2%). Golfers with video evidence of an involuntary movement while putting have excessive rotation of the right wrist in a pronation/supination motion and, as previously reported, a trend for wrist flexor/extensor cocontraction. Copyright © 2011 Movement Disorder Society.

Effect of virtual reality exercise using the nintendo wii fit on muscle activities of the trunk and lower extremities of normal adults.

PubMed

Park, Jungseo; Lee, Daehee; Lee, Sangyong

2014-02-01

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effect of virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit on the muscle activities of the trunk and lower extremities of normal adults. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 24 normal adults who were divided into a virtual reality exercise group (VREG, n=12) and a stable surface exercise group (SEG, n=12). [Methods] The exercises of the VREG using the Nintendo Wii Fit and the SEG using a stable surface were conducted three times a week for six weeks. Electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), erector spinae (ES), and rectus abdominal (RA) muscles. [Results] VREG showed significant within group differences in TA and MG muscle activities, while the SEG showed a significant difference in the muscle activity of the MG. [Conclusion] Virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit was an effective intervention for the muscle activities of the TA and MG of normal adults.

Effect of Virtual Reality Exercise Using the Nintendo Wii Fit on Muscle Activities of the Trunk and Lower Extremities of Normal Adults

PubMed Central

Park, Jungseo; Lee, Daehee; Lee, Sangyong

2014-01-01

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effect of virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit on the muscle activities of the trunk and lower extremities of normal adults. [Subjects] The subjects of the study were 24 normal adults who were divided into a virtual reality exercise group (VREG, n=12) and a stable surface exercise group (SEG, n=12). [Methods] The exercises of the VREG using the Nintendo Wii Fit and the SEG using a stable surface were conducted three times a week for six weeks. Electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), erector spinae (ES), and rectus abdominal (RA) muscles. [Results] VREG showed significant within group differences in TA and MG muscle activities, while the SEG showed a significant difference in the muscle activity of the MG. [Conclusion] Virtual reality exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit was an effective intervention for the muscle activities of the TA and MG of normal adults. PMID:24648647

Effectiveness of the Wavelet Transform on the Surface EMG to Understand the Muscle Fatigue During Walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, M. S.; Mamun, Md.

2012-01-01

Muscle fatigue is the decline in ability of a muscle to create force. Electromyography (EMG) is a medical technique for measuring muscle response to nervous stimulation. During a sustained muscle contraction, the power spectrum of the EMG shifts towards lower frequencies. These effects are due to muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue is often a result of unhealthy work practice. In this research, the effectiveness of the wavelet transform applied to the surface EMG (SEMG) signal as a means of understanding muscle fatigue during walk is presented. Power spectrum and bispectrum analysis on the EMG signal getting from right rectus femoris muscle is executed utilizing various wavelet functions (WFs). It is possible to recognize muscle fatigue appreciably with the proper choice of the WF. The outcome proves that the most momentous changes in the EMG power spectrum are symbolized by WF Daubechies45. Moreover, this research has compared bispectrum properties to the other WFs. To determine muscle fatigue during gait, Daubechies45 is used in this research to analyze the SEMG signal.

Small Vocabulary Recognition Using Surface Electromyography in an Acoustically Harsh Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Betts, Bradley J.; Jorgensen, Charles

2005-01-01

This paper presents results of electromyographic-based (EMG-based) speech recognition on a small vocabulary of 15 English words. The work was motivated in part by a desire to mitigate the effects of high acoustic noise on speech intelligibility in communication systems used by first responders. Both an off-line and a real-time system were constructed. Data were collected from a single male subject wearing a fireghter's self-contained breathing apparatus. A single channel of EMG data was used, collected via surface sensors at a rate of 104 samples/s. The signal processing core consisted of an activity detector, a feature extractor, and a neural network classifier. In the off-line phase, 150 examples of each word were collected from the subject. Generalization testing, conducted using bootstrapping, produced an overall average correct classification rate on the 15 words of 74%, with a 95% confidence interval of [71%, 77%]. Once the classifier was trained, the subject used the real-time system to communicate and to control a robotic device. The real-time system was tested with the subject exposed to an ambient noise level of approximately 95 decibels.

Surface EMG in advanced hand prosthetics.

PubMed

Castellini, Claudio; van der Smagt, Patrick

2009-01-01

One of the major problems when dealing with highly dexterous, active hand prostheses is their control by the patient wearing them. With the advances in mechatronics, building prosthetic hands with multiple active degrees of freedom is realisable, but actively controlling the position and especially the exerted force of each finger cannot yet be done naturally. This paper deals with advanced robotic hand control via surface electromyography. Building upon recent results, we show that machine learning, together with a simple downsampling algorithm, can be effectively used to control on-line, in real time, finger position as well as finger force of a highly dexterous robotic hand. The system determines the type of grasp a human subject is willing to use, and the required amount of force involved, with a high degree of accuracy. This represents a remarkable improvement with respect to the state-of-the-art of feed-forward control of dexterous mechanical hands, and opens up a scenario in which amputees will be able to control hand prostheses in a much finer way than it has so far been possible.

Electromechanical delay of abdominal muscles is modified by low back pain prevention exercise.

PubMed

Szpala, Agnieszka; Rutkowska-Kucharska, Alicja; Drapala, Jaroslaw

2014-01-01

The objective of the research was to assess the effect of a 4-week-long training program on selected parameters: electromechanical delay (EMD) and amplitude of electromyographic signal (EMG). Fourteen female students of the University School of Physical Education participated in the study. Torques and surface electromyography were evaluated under static conditions. Surface electrodes were glued to both sides of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and erector spinae (ES) muscles. The 4-week-long program was aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles and resulted in increased EMD during maximum torque production by flexors of the trunk, increased amplitudes of the signals of the erector spinae ( p = 0.005), and increased EMG amplitude asymmetry of the lower ( p = 0.013) and upper part ( p = 0.006) of the rectus abdominis muscle. In a training program composed of a large number of repetitions of strength exercises, in which the training person uses their own weight as the load (like in exercises such as curl-ups), the process of recruitment of motor units is similar to that found during fatiguing exercises and plyometric training.

bioLights: light emitting wear for visualizing lower-limb muscle activity.

PubMed

Igarashi, Naoto; Suzuki, Kenji; Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2010-01-01

Analysis of muscle activity by electrophysiological techniques is commonly used to analyze biomechanics. Although the simultaneous and intuitive understanding of both muscle activity and body motion is important in various fields, it is difficult to realize. This paper proposes a novel technique for visualizing physiological signals related to muscle activity by means of surface electromyography. We developed a wearable light-emitting interface that indicates lower-limb muscle activity or muscular tension on the surface of the body in real time by displaying the shape of the activated muscle. The developed interface allows users to perceive muscle activity in an intuitive manner by relating the level of the muscle activity to the brightness level of the glowing interface placed on the corresponding muscle. In order to verify the advantage of the proposed method, a cognitive experiment was conducted to evaluate the system performance. We also conducted an evaluation experiment using the developed interface in conjunction with an exoskeleton robot, in order to investigate the possible applications of the developed interface in the field of neurorehabilitation.

Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in female stroke patients: a randomized, controlled and blinded trial.

PubMed

Shin, Doo Chul; Shin, Seung Ho; Lee, Myung Mo; Lee, Kyoung Jin; Song, Chang Ho

2016-03-01

To examine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the contractility of pelvic floor muscle and lower urinary tract symptoms in female stroke patients. Randomized, single-blind controlled study. Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. Thirty one female patients who were more than three months post-stroke and stress urinary incontinence. The subjects were randomized to either a PFMT group (n = 16), or a control group (n = 15). Both groups received general rehabilitation exercise for 6 weeks, but the PFMT group additionally received PFMT for 6 weeks. Vaginal function test using a perineometer (maximal vaginal squeeze pressure) and intra-vaginal electromyography (activity of pelvic floor muscle), and urinary symptoms and quality of life using a Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom questionnaire. After intervention, the maximal vaginal squeeze pressures for the PFMT and control groups were 18.35 (5.24) and 8.46 (3.50) mmHg, respectively. And the activities of pelvic floor muscle of the PFMT and control groups was 12.09 (2.24) ㎶ and 9.33 (3.40) ㎶, respectively. After intervention, the changes of scores for inconvenience in the activity of daily living of the PFMT and control groups were -15.00 (6.25) and -0.17 (1.59), respectively. In addition, the changes of score for lower urinary tract symptom was improved more in the PFMT group (-4.17 (4.00)) than in the control group (-0.25 (1.29)) (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that PFMT is beneficial for the management of urinary incontinence in female stroke patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

Use of multiple-site performance-contingent SEMG reward programming in pediatric rehabilitation: a retrospective review.

PubMed

Bolek, Jeffrey E

2006-09-01

We completed a retrospective review of the effectiveness of multi-site, performance-contingent reward programming on functional change in motor performance of 16 treatment resistant children. Patients were previously treated in physical or occupational therapy for head control, standing balance training, sitting and upper extremity use (brachial plexus injury). They then participated in a program that utilized multiple surface electromyography sites the use of which was rewarded with videos for performing the correct constellation of recruitment pattern (e.g., contracting some muscles while relaxing others). Onset of reward was calibrated for each patient and transfer of skill to outside the clinic was encouraged by linking a verbal cue to the correct motor plan. Fourteen of the 16 patients improved. The implications of the use of this technique in the treatment of motor dysfunction is discussed.

A novel functional electrical stimulation-control system for restoring motor function of post-stroke hemiplegic patients

PubMed Central

Huang, Zonghao; Wang, Zhigong; Lv, Xiaoying; Zhou, Yuxuan; Wang, Haipeng; Zong, Sihao

2014-01-01

Hemiparesis is one of the most common consequences of stroke. Advanced rehabilitation techniques are essential for restoring motor function in hemiplegic patients. Functional electrical stimulation applied to the affected limb based on myoelectric signal from the unaffected limb is a promising therapy for hemiplegia. In this study, we developed a prototype system for evaluating this novel functional electrical stimulation-control strategy. Based on surface electromyography and a vector machine model, a self-administered, multi-movement, force-modulation functional electrical stimulation-prototype system for hemiplegia was implemented. This paper discusses the hardware design, the algorithm of the system, and key points of the self-oscillation-prone system. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the prototype system for further clinical trials, which is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed rehabilitation technique. PMID:25657728

21 CFR 886.1640 - Ophthalmic preamplifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the eyeball after stimulation by light), electrooculography (testing for retinal dysfunction by comparing the standing potential in the front and the back of the eyeball), and electromyography (recording...

21 CFR 886.1640 - Ophthalmic preamplifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the eyeball after stimulation by light), electrooculography (testing for retinal dysfunction by comparing the standing potential in the front and the back of the eyeball), and electromyography (recording...

21 CFR 886.1640 - Ophthalmic preamplifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the eyeball after stimulation by light), electrooculography (testing for retinal dysfunction by comparing the standing potential in the front and the back of the eyeball), and electromyography (recording...

21 CFR 886.1640 - Ophthalmic preamplifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the eyeball after stimulation by light), electrooculography (testing for retinal dysfunction by comparing the standing potential in the front and the back of the eyeball), and electromyography (recording...

21 CFR 886.1640 - Ophthalmic preamplifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the eyeball after stimulation by light), electrooculography (testing for retinal dysfunction by comparing the standing potential in the front and the back of the eyeball), and electromyography (recording...

Comparison of tool feed influence in CNC polishing between a novel circular-random path and other pseudo-random paths.

PubMed

Takizawa, Ken; Beaucamp, Anthony

2017-09-18

A new category of circular pseudo-random paths is proposed in order to suppress repetitive patterns and improve surface waviness on ultra-precision polished surfaces. Random paths in prior research had many corners, therefore deceleration of the polishing tool affected the surface waviness. The new random path can suppress velocity changes of the polishing tool and thus restrict degradation of the surface waviness, making it suitable for applications with stringent mid-spatial-frequency requirements such as photomask blanks for EUV lithography.

Emulation of Forward-looking Radar Technology for Threat Detection in Rough Terrain Environments: A Scattering and Imaging Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

a) Ground with flat surface; (b) Ground with randomly rough surface, hrms =1.2 cm, lc=14.93 cm; (c) Ground with randomly rough surface, hrms =1.6 cm...horizontal-horizontal (hh)-polarized images for 20 m×10 m scene: (a) Ground with flat surface; (b) Ground with randomly rough surface, hrms =1.2 cm...lc=14.93 cm; (c) Ground with randomly rough surface, hrms =1.6 cm, lc=14.93 cm. Ground electrical properties: εr=6, σd=10 mS/m. Frequency span: 0.3

Toward modeling locomotion using electromyography-informed 3D models: application to cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Sartori, M; Fernandez, J W; Modenese, L; Carty, C P; Barber, L A; Oberhofer, K; Zhang, J; Handsfield, G G; Stott, N S; Besier, T F; Farina, D; Lloyd, D G

2017-03-01

This position paper proposes a modeling pipeline to develop clinically relevant neuromusculoskeletal models to understand and treat complex neurological disorders. Although applicable to a variety of neurological conditions, we provide direct pipeline applicative examples in the context of cerebral palsy (CP). This paper highlights technologies in: (1) patient-specific segmental rigid body models developed from magnetic resonance imaging for use in inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics pipelines; (2) efficient population-based approaches to derive skeletal models and muscle origins/insertions that are useful for population statistics and consistent creation of continuum models; (3) continuum muscle descriptions to account for complex muscle architecture including spatially varying material properties with muscle wrapping; (4) muscle and tendon properties specific to CP; and (5) neural-based electromyography-informed methods for muscle force prediction. This represents a novel modeling pipeline that couples for the first time electromyography extracted features of disrupted neuromuscular behavior with advanced numerical methods for modeling CP-specific musculoskeletal morphology and function. The translation of such pipeline to the clinical level will provide a new class of biomarkers that objectively describe the neuromusculoskeletal determinants of pathological locomotion and complement current clinical assessment techniques, which often rely on subjective judgment. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1368. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1368 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electromyography of the buccal musculature of octopus (Octopus bimaculoides): a test of the function of the muscle articulation in support and movement.

PubMed

Uyeno, Theodore A; Kier, William M

2007-01-01

The buccal mass musculature of the octopus (Octopus bimaculoides) was studied with electromyography to test the predictions of a previous morphological study in which we suggested that the muscles of the buccal mass serve as both the effectors of movement and as the joint itself, forming a new category of flexible joint termed a ;muscle articulation'. The predictions of muscle function were tested by correlating muscle electrical activity in isolated buccal masses with spontaneous beak movements. Bipolar electromyography electrodes were implanted in the various beak muscles and beak position was recorded simultaneously with an electronic movement monitor (N=14). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the lateral mandibular muscles produce opening movements of the beaks and provide the first definitive explanation of the opening mechanism. The results are also consistent with the hypothesis that the superior mandibular muscle functions primarily in closing. Co-contraction of the lateral mandibular muscles and the superior mandibular muscles was also observed, suggesting that these muscles may also stabilize the beaks during movement or provide a means of controlling the location of the pivot between the beaks. This study provides an important first test of the predictions of the role of the complex musculature found in muscle articulations such as the cephalopod buccal mass.

Novel use of combination of electromyography and ultrasound to guide quadratus lumborum block after open appendicectomy.

PubMed

Mullins, Cormac F; O'Brien, Conor; O'Connor, Therese C

2017-05-15

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block facilitates the administration of anaesthesia to the anterior abdominal wall. The use of ultrasound (US) improves the accuracy of the QL block and reduces the risk of adverse events. Electromyography (EMG) in combination with US for muscle plane blocks has not been described previously. We postulated that the addition of EMG-guided needle positioning might assist the execution of this block. This case report describes the first use of combined needle EMG and US to carry out a QL block performed for postoperative analgesia following an open appendicectomy. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

An EMG-CT method using multiple surface electrodes in the forearm.

PubMed

Nakajima, Yasuhiro; Keeratihattayakorn, Saran; Yoshinari, Satoshi; Tadano, Shigeru

2014-12-01

Electromyography computed tomography (EMG-CT) method is proposed for visualizing the individual muscle activities in the human forearm. An EMG conduction model was formulated for reverse-estimation of muscle activities using EMG signals obtained with multi surface electrodes. The optimization process was calculated using sequential quadratic programming by comparing the estimated EMG values from the model with the measured values. The individual muscle activities in the deep region were estimated and used to produce an EMG tomographic image. For validation of the method, isometric contractions of finger muscles were examined for three subjects, applying a flexion load (4.9, 7.4 and 9.8 N) to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger. EMG signals in the forearm were recorded during the tasks using multiple surface electrodes, which were bound around the subject's forearm. The EMG-CT method illustrates the distribution of muscle activities within the forearm. The change in amplitude and area of activated muscles can be observed. The normalized muscle activities of all three subjects appear to increase monotonically with increases in the load. Kinesiologically, this method was able to estimate individual muscle activation values and could provide a novel tool for studying hand function and development of an examination for evaluating rehabilitation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stretchable human-machine interface based on skin-conformal sEMG electrodes with self-similar geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wentao; Zhu, Chen; Hu, Wei; Xiao, Lin; Huang, Yong'an

2018-01-01

Current stretchable surface electrodes have attracted increasing attention owing to their potential applications in biological signal monitoring, wearable human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and the Internet of Things. The paper proposed a stretchable HMI based on a surface electromyography (sEMG) electrode with a self-similar serpentine configuration. The sEMG electrode was transfer-printed onto the skin surface conformally to monitor biological signals, followed by signal classification and controlling of a mobile robot. Such electrodes can bear rather large deformation (such as >30%) under an appropriate areal coverage. The sEMG electrodes have been used to record electrophysiological signals from different parts of the body with sharp curvature, such as the index finger, back of the neck and face, and they exhibit great potential for HMI in the fields of robotics and healthcare. The electrodes placed onto the two wrists would generate two different signals with the fist clenched and loosened. It is classified to four kinds of signals with a combination of the gestures from the two wrists, that is, four control modes. Experiments demonstrated that the electrodes were successfully used as an HMI to control the motion of a mobile robot remotely. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51635007, 91323303).

Motor modules during adaptation to walking in a powered ankle exoskeleton.

PubMed

Jacobs, Daniel A; Koller, Jeffrey R; Steele, Katherine M; Ferris, Daniel P

2018-01-03

Modules of muscle recruitment can be extracted from electromyography (EMG) during motions, such as walking, running, and swimming, to identify key features of muscle coordination. These features may provide insight into gait adaptation as a result of powered assistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes (module size, module timing and weighting patterns) of surface EMG data during assisted and unassisted walking in an powered, myoelectric, ankle-foot orthosis (ankle exoskeleton). Eight healthy subjects wore bilateral ankle exoskeletons and walked at 1.2 m/s on a treadmill. In three training sessions, subjects walked for 40 min in two conditions: unpowered (10 min) and powered (30 min). During each session, we extracted modules of muscle recruitment via nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) from the surface EMG signals of ten muscles in the lower limb. We evaluated reconstruction quality for each muscle individually using R 2 and normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE). We hypothesized that the number of modules needed to reconstruct muscle data would be the same between conditions and that there would be greater similarity in module timings than weightings. Across subjects, we found that six modules were sufficient to reconstruct the muscle data for both conditions, suggesting that the number of modules was preserved. The similarity of module timings and weightings between conditions was greater then random chance, indicating that muscle coordination was also preserved. Motor adaptation during walking in the exoskeleton was dominated by changes in the module timings rather than module weightings. The segment number and the session number were significant fixed effects in a linear mixed-effect model for the increase in R 2 with time. Our results show that subjects walking in a exoskeleton preserved the number of modules and the coordination of muscles within the modules across conditions. Training (motor adaptation within the session and motor skill consolidation across sessions) led to improved consistency of the muscle patterns. Subjects adapted primarily by changing the timing of their muscle patterns rather than the weightings of muscles in the modules. The results of this study give new insight into strategies for muscle recruitment during adaptation to a powered ankle exoskeleton.

Clinical Efficacy of Jump Training Augmented With Body Weight Support After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Elias, Audrey R C; Harris, Kari J; LaStayo, Paul C; Mizner, Ryan L

2018-06-01

Limited knee flexion and increased muscle co-contraction during jump landing are believed to diminish outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The efficacy of jump training to improve patients' mechanical and neuromuscular deficits is understudied. Jump training will improve functional, mechanical, and neuromuscular outcomes and higher repetition training augmented by body weight support will result in better retention of gains. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Thirty athletes (18 months after surgery) were screened, and 19 with mechanical deficits and limited clinical outcomes were enrolled in the trial. Testing included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, leg landing mechanics via motion analysis, knee joint effusion using a stroke test, and a surface electromyography-generated co-contraction index during a single-legged landing. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: jump training with normal body weight (JTBW) and high-repetition jump training with body weight support (JTBWS). Knee effusion grading throughout training was used to assess joint tolerance. Changes in outcomes over time were analyzed with mixed-effects modeling. Immediate outcomes were compared with retention testing at 8 weeks after training by use of 2-way analyses of variance with effects of time and group. Significant effects of time were found during the training phase for all outcome measures, but no effects of group or sex were found. IKDC score (pooled; mean ± SD) increased from 76 ± 12 to 87 ± 8 ( P < .001). Knee flexion during single-legged landing increased from 57° ± 11° to 73° ± 9° ( P < .001). Average co-contraction index decreased from 37 ± 15 to 19 ± 6 ( P < .001). All measures were retained over the retention period in both groups. The relative risk of knee effusion of the JTBW group versus the JTBWS group was 4.2 (95% CI, 2.25-7.71; P < .001). Jump training mitigated some risk factors for second injury and osteoarthritis in patients after ACL reconstruction. Training made lasting improvements in physical function measures as well as mechanical and neuromuscular coordination deficits. Higher repetitions used with body weight support did not improve retention but substantially reduced risk for effusion. Jump training is an efficacious intervention for athletes with poor outcomes after ACL reconstruction, and training with body weight support lessens the risk for excessive joint stress during practice. Registration: NCT02148172 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Bell's Palsy (For Kids)

MedlinePlus

... palsy was named after a Scottish doctor, Sir Charles Bell, who studied the two facial nerves that ... who focuses on how the nervous system works — will do a test called electromyography (say: eh-lek- ...

Towards NIRS-based hand movement recognition.

PubMed

Paleari, Marco; Luciani, Riccardo; Ariano, Paolo

2017-07-01

This work reports on preliminary results about on hand movement recognition with Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) and surface ElectroMyoGraphy (sEMG). Either basing on physical contact (touchscreens, data-gloves, etc.), vision techniques (Microsoft Kinect, Sony PlayStation Move, etc.), or other modalities, hand movement recognition is a pervasive function in today environment and it is at the base of many gaming, social, and medical applications. Albeit, in recent years, the use of muscle information extracted by sEMG has spread out from the medical applications to contaminate the consumer world, this technique still falls short when dealing with movements of the hand. We tested NIRS as a technique to get another point of view on the muscle phenomena and proved that, within a specific movements selection, NIRS can be used to recognize movements and return information regarding muscles at different depths. Furthermore, we propose here three different multimodal movement recognition approaches and compare their performances.

Channel and feature selection in multifunction myoelectric control.

PubMed

Khushaba, Rami N; Al-Jumaily, Adel

2007-01-01

Real time controlling devices based on myoelectric singles (MES) is one of the challenging research problems. This paper presents a new approach to reduce the computational cost of real time systems driven by Myoelectric signals (MES) (a.k.a Electromyography--EMG). The new approach evaluates the significance of feature/channel selection on MES pattern recognition. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), an evolutionary computational technique, is employed to search the feature/channel space for important subsets. These important subsets will be evaluated using a multilayer perceptron trained with back propagation neural network (BPNN). Practical results acquired from tests done on six subjects' datasets of MES signals measured in a noninvasive manner using surface electrodes are presented. It is proved that minimum error rates can be achieved by considering the correct combination of features/channels, thus providing a feasible system for practical implementation purpose for rehabilitation of patients.

Active and Progressive Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Using Multisource Information Fusion From EMG and Force-Position EPP.

PubMed

Fan, Yuanjie; Yin, Yuehong

2013-12-01

Although exoskeletons have received enormous attention and have been widely used in gait training and walking assistance in recent years, few reports addressed their application during early poststroke rehabilitation. This paper presents a healthcare technology for active and progressive early rehabilitation using multisource information fusion from surface electromyography and force-position extended physiological proprioception. The active-compliance control based on interaction force between patient and exoskeleton is applied to accelerate the recovery of the neuromuscular function, whereby progressive treatment through timely evaluation contributes to an effective and appropriate physical rehabilitation. Moreover, a clinic-oriented rehabilitation system, wherein a lower extremity exoskeleton with active compliance is mounted on a standing bed, is designed to ensure comfortable and secure rehabilitation according to the structure and control requirements. Preliminary experiments and clinical trial demonstrate valuable information on the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the progressive exoskeleton-assisted training.

Effects of flexi-bar and non-flexi-bar exercises on trunk muscles activity in different postures in healthy adults.

PubMed

Chung, Jun Sub; Park, Seol; Kim, JiYoung; Park, Ji Won

2015-07-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of flexi-bar exercises and non-flexi-bar exercises on trunk muscle activity in different postures in healthy adults. [Subjects] Twenty healthy right-hand dominant adults (10 males and 10 females) were selected for this study. None of the participants had experienced any orthopedic problems in the spine or in the upper and lower extremities in the previous six months. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to adopt three exercise postures: posture 1, quadruped; posture 2, side-bridge; and posture 3, standing. Surface electromyography of selected trunk muscles was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. [Results] The external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae muscle activity showed significant differences between flexi-bar exercises and non-flexi-bar exercises. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that flexi-bar exercises are useful in the activation of trunk muscles.

The role of the antigravity musculature during quiet standing in man.

PubMed

Soames, R W; Atha, J

1981-01-01

The view that postural regulation is achieved by controlling the destabilising effects of gravity through myotatic reflex activity was examined using surface electromyography. Forty seconds of recordings were made of myograms from eighteen muscles in each of a sample of nine young adults. It was observed that antigravity muscular activity in standing is generally low and often absent, and that the myograms from the muscles of the right and left sides of the body differed appreciably, the two sides rarely working together. Some sudden and united bursts of antigravity muscle activity could be observed. These might well have been stretch reflex induced, but they were transient and rare. It is concluded that the view that postural control in quiet standing is continuously mediated in a simple way by stretch reflex mechanisms is probably not valid, and that other mechanisms for controlling posture remain to be identified.

Botulinum toxin type-A injection to treat patients with intractable anismus unresponsive to simple biofeedback training

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yong; Wang, Zhen-Ning; He, Lei; Gao, Ge; Zhai, Qing; Yin, Zhi-Tao; Zeng, Xian-Dong

2014-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection to the puborectalis and external sphincter muscle in the treatment of patients with anismus unresponsive to simple biofeedback training. METHODS: This retrospective study included 31 patients suffering from anismus who were unresponsive to simple biofeedback training. Diagnosis was made by anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, surface electromyography of the pelvic floor muscle, and defecography. Patients were given botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection and pelvic floor biofeedback training. Follow-up was conducted before the paper was written. Improvement was evaluated using the chronic constipation scoring system. RESULTS: BTX-A injection combined with pelvic floor biofeedback training achieved success in 24 patients, with 23 maintaining persistent satisfaction during a mean period of 8.4 mo. CONCLUSION: BTX-A injection combined with pelvic floor biofeedback training seems to be successful for intractable anismus. PMID:25253964

Commercial golf glove effects on golf performance and forearm muscle activity.

PubMed

Sorbie, Graeme G; Darroch, Paul; Grace, Fergal M; Gu, Yaodong; Baker, Julien S; Ugbolue, Ukadike C

2017-01-01

The study aimed to determine whether or not commercial golf gloves influence performance variables and forearm muscle activity during golf play. Fifteen golfers participated in the laboratory based study, each performing 8 golf swings with a Driver and 7-iron whilst wearing a glove and 8 without wearing the glove. Club head speed, ball speed and absolute carry distance performance variables were calculated. Surface electromyography was recorded from the flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor carpi radialis brevis on both forearm muscles. Club head speed, ball speed and absolute carry distance was significantly higher when using the Driver with the glove in comparison to the Driver without the glove (p < 0.05). No significant differences were evident when using the 7-iron and no significant differences were displayed in muscle activity in either of the conditions. Findings from this study suggest that driving performance is improved when wearing a glove.

A canonical correlation analysis based EMG classification algorithm for eliminating electrode shift effect.

PubMed

Zhe Fan; Zhong Wang; Guanglin Li; Ruomei Wang

2016-08-01

Motion classification system based on surface Electromyography (sEMG) pattern recognition has achieved good results in experimental condition. But it is still a challenge for clinical implement and practical application. Many factors contribute to the difficulty of clinical use of the EMG based dexterous control. The most obvious and important is the noise in the EMG signal caused by electrode shift, muscle fatigue, motion artifact, inherent instability of signal and biological signals such as Electrocardiogram. In this paper, a novel method based on Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) was developed to eliminate the reduction of classification accuracy caused by electrode shift. The average classification accuracy of our method were above 95% for the healthy subjects. In the process, we validated the influence of electrode shift on motion classification accuracy and discovered the strong correlation with correlation coefficient of >0.9 between shift position data and normal position data.

Spatial factors and muscle spindle input influence the generation of neuromuscular responses to stimulation of the human foot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Layne, Charles S.; Forth, Katharine E.; Abercromby, Andrew F. J.

2005-05-01

Removal of the mechanical pressure gradient on the soles leads to physiological adaptations that ultimately result in neuromotor degradation during spaceflight. We propose that mechanical stimulation of the soles serves to partially restore the afference associated with bipedal loading and assists in attenuating the negative neuromotor consequences of spaceflight. A dynamic foot stimulus device was used to stimulate the soles in a variety of conditions with different stimulation locations, stimulation patterns and muscle spindle input. Surface electromyography revealed the lateral side of the sole elicited the greatest neuromuscular response in ankle musculature, followed by the medial side, then the heel. These responses were modified by preceding stimulation. Neuromuscular responses were also influenced by the level of muscle spindle input. These results provide important information that can be used to guide the development of a "passive" countermeasure that relies on sole stimulation and can supplement existing exercise protocols during spaceflight.

Analysis of the times involved in processing and communication in a lower limb simulation system controlled by SEMG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Profumieri, A.; Bonell, C.; Catalfamo, P.; Cherniz, A.

2016-04-01

Virtual reality has been proposed for different applications, including the evaluation of new control strategies and training protocols for upper limb prostheses and for the study of new rehabilitation programs. In this study, a lower limb simulation environment commanded by surface electromyography signals is evaluated. The time delays generated by the acquisition and processing stages for the signals that would command the knee joint, were measured and different acquisition windows were analysed. The subjective perception of the quality of simulation was also evaluated when extra delays were added to the process. The results showed that the acquisition window is responsible for the longest delay. Also, the basic implemented processes allowed for the acquisition of three signal channels for commanding the simulation. Finally, the communication between different applications is arguably efficient, although it depends on the amount of data to be sent.

High Fidelity Tape Transfer Printing Based On Chemically Induced Adhesive Strength Modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sim, Kyoseung; Chen, Song; Li, Yuhang; Kammoun, Mejdi; Peng, Yun; Xu, Minwei; Gao, Yang; Song, Jizhou; Zhang, Yingchun; Ardebili, Haleh; Yu, Cunjiang

2015-11-01

Transfer printing, a two-step process (i.e. picking up and printing) for heterogeneous integration, has been widely exploited for the fabrication of functional electronics system. To ensure a reliable process, strong adhesion for picking up and weak or no adhesion for printing are required. However, it is challenging to meet the requirements of switchable stamp adhesion. Here we introduce a simple, high fidelity process, namely tape transfer printing(TTP), enabled by chemically induced dramatic modulation in tape adhesive strength. We describe the working mechanism of the adhesion modulation that governs this process and demonstrate the method by high fidelity tape transfer printing several types of materials and devices, including Si pellets arrays, photodetector arrays, and electromyography (EMG) sensors, from their preparation substrates to various alien substrates. High fidelity tape transfer printing of components onto curvilinear surfaces is also illustrated.

Electromyographic evaluation of the 'vertical' dimension: the Learreta TMJ decompression test.

PubMed

Freire Matos, Marcelo; Durst, Andreas C; Freire Matos, Jane Luzia; Learreta, Jorge Alfonso

2011-10-01

The clinical observation of the incisors overbite is the most common form used to evaluate the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD); however, this technique offers poor information about the compression state of the TMJ. In order to obtain such information, it is necessary to evaluate the electrical activity of the elevator muscles using surface electromyography (EMG). In case of a compressive irritation of the joint receptors, the trigeminal nucleus returns an inhibitory motor response of the elevator muscles that can be measured. The Learreta's EMG decompression test is done by measuring the EMG response of the masticatory muscles at maximal occlusion in four different OVD positions in such a way that the reduction of the TMJ pressure, and subsequently, relief of the inhibitory motor response can be studied. The aim of this study is to illustrate this technique, its clinical use and its limitations.

[Altered hip muscle activation in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain].

PubMed

Nötzel, D; Puta, C; Wagner, H; Anders, C; Petrovich, A; Gabriel, H H W

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to examine postural control in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNRS). Furthermore the influence of visual information (eyes open versus eyes closed) was analyzed. A total of 8 patients with CNRS and 12 healthy control subjects were examined. Surface electromyography (SEMG) recordings were made from 5 trunk and 5 lower limb muscles as well as one hip muscle during application of distal lateral perturbation. Healthy controls (mean ± standard deviation: 96.42±64.77 µV) showed a significantly higher maximum amplitude of the gluteus medius muscle in comparison to patients with CNRS (56.29±39.63 µV). Furthermore activation of several lower limb muscles was found to be dependent on visual information. Patients showed an altered reflex response of the gluteus medius muscle which could be associated with reduced hip stability. © Deutsche Gesellschaft zum Studium des Schmerzes

Source localization in electromyography using the inverse potential problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Doel, Kees; Ascher, Uri M.; Pai, Dinesh K.

2011-02-01

We describe an efficient method for reconstructing the activity in human muscles from an array of voltage sensors on the skin surface. MRI is used to obtain morphometric data which are segmented into muscle tissue, fat, bone and skin, from which a finite element model for volume conduction is constructed. The inverse problem of finding the current sources in the muscles is solved using a careful regularization technique which adds a priori information, yielding physically reasonable solutions from among those that satisfy the basic potential problem. Several regularization functionals are considered and numerical experiments on a 2D test model are performed to determine which performs best. The resulting scheme leads to numerical difficulties when applied to large-scale 3D problems. We clarify the nature of these difficulties and provide a method to overcome them, which is shown to perform well in the large-scale problem setting.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (Vemp): evaluation of responses in normal subjects.

PubMed

Felipe, Lilian; Santos, Marco Aurélio Rocha; Gonçalves, Denise Utsch

2008-01-01

the Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (Vemp) is formed by myogenic neurophysiologic responses activated by high-intensity sound stimulation. The response is registered through surface electromyography of the cervical muscles during muscle contraction. The acoustic stimuli activate the saccular macula, the vestibular inferior nerve and the pathways related to the vestibule-spinal descendant nerves. to describe Vemp parameters in a normal population. thirty adults, 13 men and 17 women with no otoneurological complaints were selected. The stimuli were 200 tone burst, with a frequency of 1Hz and intensity of 118 dB Na, band-pass filter ranging from 10Hz to 1500Hz. The first potential biphasic P13-N23 wave was analyzed. no significant difference was observed between the sides of stimulation in terms of latency and amplitude. However, a statistically significant difference was found for amplitude between genders. Vemp demonstrated to be a reliable instrument in the clinical assessment of the vestibular function.

Design and Development of Non-Contact Bio-Potential Electrodes for Pervasive Health Monitoring Applications.

PubMed

Portelli, Anthony J; Nasuto, Slawomir J

2017-01-01

For the advent of pervasive bio-potential monitoring, it will be necessary to utilize a combination of cheap, quick to apply, low-noise electrodes and compact electronics with wireless technologies. Once available, all electrical activity resulting from the processes of the human body could be actively and constantly monitored without the need for cumbersome application and maintenance. This could significantly improve the early diagnosis of a range of different conditions in high-risk individuals, opening the possibility for new treatments and interventions as conditions develop. This paper presents the design and implementation of compact, non-contact capacitive bio-potential electrodes utilising a low impedance current-to-voltage configuration and a bootstrapped voltage follower, demonstrating results applicable to research applications for capacitive electrocardiography and capacitive electromyography. The presented electrodes use few components, have a small surface area and are capable of acquiring a range of bio-potential signals.

Botulinum toxin type-A injection to treat patients with intractable anismus unresponsive to simple biofeedback training.

PubMed

Zhang, Yong; Wang, Zhen-Ning; He, Lei; Gao, Ge; Zhai, Qing; Yin, Zhi-Tao; Zeng, Xian-Dong

2014-09-21

To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection to the puborectalis and external sphincter muscle in the treatment of patients with anismus unresponsive to simple biofeedback training. This retrospective study included 31 patients suffering from anismus who were unresponsive to simple biofeedback training. Diagnosis was made by anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, surface electromyography of the pelvic floor muscle, and defecography. Patients were given botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection and pelvic floor biofeedback training. Follow-up was conducted before the paper was written. Improvement was evaluated using the chronic constipation scoring system. BTX-A injection combined with pelvic floor biofeedback training achieved success in 24 patients, with 23 maintaining persistent satisfaction during a mean period of 8.4 mo. BTX-A injection combined with pelvic floor biofeedback training seems to be successful for intractable anismus.

Laughing: a demanding exercise for trunk muscles.

PubMed

Wagner, Heiko; Rehmes, Ulrich; Kohle, Daniel; Puta, Christian

2014-01-01

Social, psychological, and physiological studies have provided evidence indicating that laughter imposes an increased demand on trunk muscles. It was the aim of this study to quantify the activation of trunk muscles during laughter yoga in comparison with crunch and back lifting exercises regarding the mean trunk muscle activity. Muscular activity during laughter yoga exercises was measured by surface electromyography of 5 trunk muscles. The activation level of internal oblique muscle during laughter yoga is higher compared to the traditional exercises. The multifidus, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles were nearly half activated during laughter yoga, while the activation of the external oblique muscle was comparable with the crunch and back lifting exercises. Our results indicate that laughter yoga has a positive effect on trunk muscle activation. Thus, laughter seems to be a good activator of trunk muscles, but further research is required whether laughter yoga is a good exercise to improve neuromuscular recruitment patterns for spine stability.

Tongue motor training support system.

PubMed

Sasaki, Makoto; Onishi, Kohei; Nakayama, Atsushi; Kamata, Katsuhiro; Stefanov, Dimitar; Yamaguchi, Masaki

2014-01-01

In this paper, we introduce a new tongue-training system that can be used for improvement of the tongue's range of motion and muscle strength after dysphagia. The training process is organized in game-like manner. Initially, we analyzed surface electromyography (EMG) signals of the suprahyoid muscles of five subjects during tongue-training motions. This test revealed that four types tongue training motions and a swallowing motion could be classified with 93.5% accuracy. Recognized EMG signals during tongue motions were designed to allow control of a mouse cursor via intentional tongue motions. Results demonstrated that simple PC games could be played by tongue motions, achieving in this way efficient, enjoyable and pleasant tongue training. Using the proposed method, dysphagia patients can choose games that suit their preferences and/or state of mind. It is expected that the proposed system will be an efficient tool for long-term tongue motor training and maintaining patients' motivation.