Neuromuscular state of children of different gestational ages during transition from intrauterine immersion to earth’s gravity

Abstract

This study describes the neuromuscular state of premature babies in the context of the ontogenetic gravity and zero gravity model using the results of superficial interference electromyography (IEMG). During six postnatal weeks, the IEMG of premature babies is similar to the EMG of a full-term baby during the first days of extrauterine life; it is characterized by a “simplified” temporal structure, as well as low amplitude and frequency. The IEMG dynamics of a premature baby is slow, in contrast to that one in a full-term baby. This is, probably, due to the fact that the locomotion system of the latter is better prepared and more mature after spending as much time as possible in an intrauterine state. On the other hand, complexity and high amplitude of the IEMG in a premature baby, compared to a full-term baby of the same postconceptual age, are associated with the inevitable sensory stimulation after birth. Abilitation procedures provided to a premature baby could be adapted to the purposes of post-flight rehabilitation of astronauts.