Electromyographic Activity Research Articles

Influence of Changing Hip Position on Electromyographic Activities of Selected Trunk Muscles During Bridging Exercises in Healthy Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how rectus abdominis, external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), erector spinae, multifidus (MF), and gluteus maximus (GMax) muscle activities change with different hip positions during back and side bridging exercises. Thirty-six healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study and performed 6 exercises including back bridging (BB) in neutral hip position, BB with internal rotation, BB with external rotation (BB + ER), side bridging with hips in neutral (SB), side bridging with hips in flexion (SB + HF), and side bridging with hips in extension (SB + HE). Muscle activity was observed using surface electromyography, normalized using maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance compared muscle readings for each position. Back bridging with internal rotation showed significant differences in EO (P = .01) and IO (P < .001) compared with other BB positions. Multifidus and GMax differed significantly in BB + ER (P = .04). Side bridging exhibited significant differences in EO (P = .02; P < .001) and IO (P < .001) compared with the other 2 SB positions, with peak in SB + HF. Erector spinae, MF, and GMax also differed significantly (P < .001, P = .02, P < .001, respectively) with peak in SB + HE. The findings revealed that EO and IO muscles were most active during BB with internal rotation, whereas the MF and GMax muscles were most active during BB + ER. In terms of SB, the EO and IO muscles were most active with either SB + HF or SB + HE, whereas the erector spinae, MF, and GMax muscles were most active with SB + HE.

Investigating in vivo force and work production of rat medial gastrocnemius at varying locomotor speeds using a Muscle avatar.

Traditional work loop studies, that use sinusoidal length trajectories with constant frequencies, lack the complexities of in vivo muscle mechanics observed in modern studies. This study refines methodology of the "avatar" method (a modified work loop) to infer in vivo muscle mechanics using ex vivo experiments with mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. The "avatar" method involves using EDL muscles to replicate in vivo time varying force, as demonstrated by previous studies focusing on guinea fowl lateral gastrocnemius (LG). The present study extends this method by using in vivo length trajectories and electromyographic (EMG) activity from rat medial gastrocnemius (MG) during various gaits on a treadmill. Methodological enhancements from previous work, including adjusted stimulation protocols and systematic variation of starting length, improved predictions of in vivo time varying force production (R2 0.80 - 0.96). The study confirms there are significant influence of length, stimulation, and their interactions on work loop variables (peak force, length at peak force, highest and average shortening velocity, and maximum and minimum active velocity), highlighting the importance of these interactions when muscles produce in vivo forces. We also investigated the limitations of traditional work loops in capturing muscle dynamics in legged locomotion (R2 0.01 - 0.71). While in vivo length trajectories enhanced force prediction, accurately predicting work per cycle remained challenging. Overall, the study emphasizes the utility of the "avatar" method in elucidating dynamic muscle mechanics and highlights areas for further investigation to refine its application in understanding in vivo muscle function.

Centrally mediated responses to NMES are influenced by muscle group and stimulation parameters

Wide-pulse high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (WPHF NMES) can generate a progressive increase in tetanic force through reflexive recruitment of motor units, called extra force. This phenomenon has previously been observed on different muscle groups, but little is known on potential inter-muscle differences. We compared extra force and sustained electromyographic (EMG) activity induced by NMES between plantar flexors, knee extensors, elbow flexors and within muscle groups using pulse durations of 0.2, 1 and 2 ms and stimulation frequencies of 20, 50, 100 and 147 Hz. Extra force production and sustained EMG activity were higher for plantar flexors compared to elbow flexors at all tested parameters (except 0.2 ms for extra force). When compared to elbow flexors, extra force of the knee extensors was only higher at 100 Hz and with 1 ms while sustained EMG activity was higher at all frequencies with pulse durations of 0.2 and 2 ms. Peripheral nerve architecture as well as muscle typology and function could influence the occurrence and magnitude of centrally-mediated responses to NMES. The present findings suggest that the use of wide-pulse high-frequency NMES to promote reflexive recruitment seems to be more pertinent for lower limb muscles, plantar flexors in particular.

Can We Differentiate Between Organic and Functional Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Males With Parkinson's Disease?

To determine the type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A case-control study was carried out in 46 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 formed by 23 PD patients with BOO (a URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Group 2 formed by 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compressive obstruction (an opening pressure > 35 cm H2O) and URA parameter ≥ 29 cm H2O). Both groups underwent a pressure-flow study to calculate Dynamic Urethral Resistance Relationship (DURR) patterns. Based on previous research, we describe two types of DURR pattern. Pattern A typical of dynamic or functional obstruction and pattern B typical of static or organic obstruction. We found that PD patients had a significantly higher frequency of pattern A (70%) than BPH patients (4%). Other significant differences between groups were age (greater in PD group), bladder compliance (greater in PD group), maximum flow rate [Qmax (greater in BPH group)], maximum detrusor pressure [Pmax (greater in BPH group)], detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate [PQmax (greater in BPH group)], opening detrusor pressure (greater in BPH group), and the bladder contractility parameters BCI and Wmax (greater in BPH group). There were no significant differences in perineal voiding electromyography (EMG) activity between groups nor relationship between voiding EMG activity and the type of DURR pattern. Our results are consistent with the usefulness of the DURR pattern to differentiate between functional and organic BOO in PD patients. Most PD patients have functional obstruction although a minority has organic obstruction consistent with BPH.

Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring during Parotidectomy: The Current Practices and Patterns of the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery (KSHNS).

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the current practices and trends of intraoperative facial nerve (FN) monitoring (IOFNM) during parotidectomy. Methods: A questionnaire containing 33 questions collecting information on the usage, indications, settings, techniques, loss of signal (LOS) management, anesthesiologist cooperation, and perception of usefulness of IOFNM was distributed among 348 members of the Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery (KSHNS) via a dedicated website. Results: The response rate was approximately 25.6%, and 97% of the respondents reported using IOFNM selectively or routinely during parotidectomy. IOFNM usage decreased as the surgeon's level of experience increased (p = 0.089), from 100% in those with less than 5 years of experience to 75% in those with 20 or more years. Approximately 95% of respondents reported that the initial event threshold for electromyography activity used was 50-149 μV. Moreover, 52.4% of respondents performed neural mapping of the FN before visual identification. Initial management of LOS in visually intact FNs included checking the IOFNM system (75.3%), confirmation of muscle relaxant dosage (75.3%), and facial twitch identification (58.8%). Further management included proceeding with surgery regardless of persistent LOS (81.2%) and steroid administration sometimes or all of the time (72.9%). Overall, 98.8% of respondents found IOFNM beneficial for safe execution of parotidectomy. Conclusions: The majority of KSHNS surgeons used IOFNM during parotidectomy, although the clinical implementation of the procedure and LOS management varied between practitioners. This could be attributed to the lack of standardized protocols for IOFNM, emphasizing the need for the development of evidence-based consensus guidelines for all institutions.

Electromyographic activity of shoulder muscles on two preventive exercise programmes for swimmer’s shoulder: elastic band versus weight

ABSTRACT Strength programmes have shown good results in preventing swimmer’s shoulder. However, there aren’t studies based on electromyographic (EMG) analysis in these programmes. This study aims to compare an EMG activity of the middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), infraspinatus (IS), serratus anterior (SA), and pectoralis major (PM) in two swimmer’s shoulder preventive programmes – one performed with elastic band and the other with weights. Twenty competitive swimmers performed two strength programmes consisting of five exercises each, while the analysis of EMG activity in MT, LT, IS, SA, and PM for each exercise was recorded. The superficial EMG was used to collect data at a sampling frequency of 1000 hz. The Paired Sample T-test or the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare EMG activity between programmes. The internal rotation at 90º (p < 0.001) and external rotation at 90º (p ≤ 0.01) exercises produced high myoelectric shoulder muscle activity with an elastic band. Conversely, scapular punches (p < 0.001) exercise has high shoulder EMG activity when performed with weights. Performing the same preventive exercise programme with two different instruments produces great variability in the myoelectric activity of the shoulder muscles.

Comparison of muscle activity in school students while carrying backpacks and trolley bags.

Trolley bags have gained popularity among students, but there is limited research comparing them to backpack-style school bags. This study aimed to compare how carrying a backpack versus a trolley bag affects the activity of trunk and lower limb muscles in secondary school students. Electromyographic activity was measured in 25 students (13.4±1.1 years) as they walked on level ground and up/down stairs while carrying both types of bags. The activity of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, lumbar erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles was assessed on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The study found significantly reduced muscle activation in most of the targeted muscles when walking on level ground with the trolley bag and when going up/down stairs with the backpack. Lifting a trolley bag depends on the slope of the walking surface and is more efficient on level ground, while carrying a backpack is more efficient when going up and down stairs. Since it is not practical to switch bags when encountering stairs in schools, a bag with a mixed model design incorporating features of both trolley and backpack may be more beneficial and practical for students to use. Students, parents, and teachers should be aware of the injury risks associated with carrying different types of bags.

Neuromuscular characteristics of eccentric, concentric and isometric contractions of the knee extensors.

We compared voluntary drive and corticospinal responses during eccentric (ECC), isometric (ISOM) and concentric (CON) muscle contractions to shed light on neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the lower voluntary drive in a greater force production in ECC than other contractions. Sixteen participants (20-33 years) performed ISOM and isokinetic (30°/s) CON and ECC knee extensor contractions (110°-40° knee flexion) in which electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis. Voluntary activation (VA) was measured during ISOM, CON and ECC maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation elicited motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and corticospinal silent periods (CSP) during MVCs and submaximal (30%) contractions, and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in submaximal contractions. MVC torque was greater (P < 0.01) during ECC (302.6 ± 90.0 Nm) than ISOM (269.8 ± 81.5 Nm) and CON (235.4 ± 78.6 Nm), but VA was lower (P < 0.01) for ECC (68.4 ± 14.9%) than ISOM (78.3 ± 13.1%) and CON (80.7 ± 15.4%). In addition, EMG/torque was lower (P < 0.02) for ECC (1.9 ± 1.1μV.Nm-1) than ISOM (2.2 ± 1.2μV.Nm-1) and CON (2.7 ± 1.6μV.Nm-1), CSP was shorter (p < 0.04) for ECC (0.097 ± 0.03s) than ISOM (0.109 ± 0.02s) and CON (0.109 ± 0.03s), and MEP amplitude was lower (P < 0.01) for ECC (3.46 ± 1.67mV) than ISOM (4.21 ± 2.33mV) and CON (4.01 ± 2.06mV). Similar results were found for EMG/torque and CSP during 30% contractions, but MEP and SICI showed no differences among contractions (p > 0.05). The lower voluntary drive indicated by reduced VA during ECC may be partly explained by lower corticospinal excitability, while the shorter CSP may reflect extra muscle spindle excitation of the motoneurons from vastus lateralis muscle lengthening.

Locomotion and Postural Control in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Novel Kinesiological Assessment.

Background/Objectives: The purposes of the present study were to assess gait by using a novel approach that plots two adjacent joint angles and the postural control in individuals with autism (ASD) and individuals with typical neurodevelopmental (TD). Methods: The surface electromyography (sEMG) activity was measured synchronously with the other variables. Twenty young adult men, 10 with TD and 10 with a diagnosis of ASD, took part in this study. Results: There was a significant difference between ASD and TD groups in the area described by the knee-ankle diagram (p < 0.05). The sEMG activity recorded from the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) during the contact phase of gait was significantly lower in the ASD group compared with the TD group (p < 0.05). The sEMG activity recorded in the different postural conditions showed differences in LG and tibialis anterior (TA) between the ASD and TD groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The knee-ankle diagram provided a sensitive and specific movement descriptor to differentiate individuals with ASD from individuals with TD. The reduced LG activation is responsible for the reduced area in the knee-ankle diagram and 'toe-walking' in individuals with ASD and represents the common denominator of an altered ankle strategy during locomotion and postural control.

The Effect of 8 Weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training on Pain, Electromyography Activity of Lumbar Muscles, and Quality of Life in People with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week DNS training program on pain, EMG activity, and quality of life in individuals with CLBP. Design: Semi-experimental study. Participants: Thirty male participants with non-specific CLBP, divided into DNS (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Main Outcome Measures: Pain levels (Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale), lumbar muscle EMG activity (MegaWin EMG device), and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). Results: The DNS group showed significant pain reduction (P=0.00), increased EMG activity in rectus abdominis (P=0.000), erector spinae (P=0.002), and gluteus maximus (P=0.002), and improved quality of life (P=0.02). Conclusions: DNS exercises significantly reduce pain, enhance muscle activity, and improve quality of life in CLBP patients

Comparison of kinematic parameters, muscle activity and movement timing between “good” and “poor” performers of a single-leg squat

IntroductionVisual scales offer a cost-effective alternative to complex biomechanical analysis for single-leg squat (SLS) performance. There is a lack of consensus on the relationship between visual rating and kinematic measurements in physical therapy assessments. The study aimed to compare kinematic parameters, muscle activity and timing between good and poor performers of SLS, selected based on visual evaluation of movement. MethodsForty asymptomatic male volunteers were classified based on a visual assessment of their SLS movements. For participants rated as good performers (n = 19) and poor performers (n = 8), electromyographic activity, kinematic parameters and movement timing were compared. ResultsSLS execution was significantly different in groups in terms of the hip frontal plane and spine transversal plane of movement and the timing of the hip and knee motion. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in multifidus muscle activity during SLS, frontal plane movement of the knee and squat depth. ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that coordination and timing of movements should be carefully considered during SLS examinations to obtain a comprehensive evaluation for planning exercise rehabilitation.

COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF CYCLE TIME PROTOCOLS OF AUSSIE CURRENT NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTROSTIMULATION ON MULTIFIDUS MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) represents a therapeutic approach for addressing chronic low back pain (CLBP); however, the influence of NMES dose on muscle activity remains subject to debate. Objective: To compare the impact of two distinct NMES protocols employing Aussie current, characterized by varying dosages emphasizing time cycle alterations, on electromyographic activity within the multifidus muscles in individuals afflicted with CLBP. Methods: A randomized clinical trial encompassed 18 volunteers diagnosed with mechanical CLBP. These volunteers were randomly assigned to two NMES intervention groups with dissimilar dosages: 15 repetitions ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) and 30 repetitions ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text] ). In both interventions, the current amplitude was tailored to individual perception and documented at the culmination of each session. Over the course of four weeks, two sessions took place per week. Electromyographic activity of the multifidus muscles was evaluated using surface electromyography before and after the intervention. The assessment focuses on both time-domain analysis using Root Mean Square (RMS) and frequency-domain analysis involving mean activation frequency (FREQ). Results: There are no interactions between the time and intervention, but there is the time effect on RMS, indicating that post-intervention muscle activity exceeded pre-intervention values in both groups. FREQ values did not exhibit statistically significant discrepancies. Conclusions: This study showed that NMES using the Aussie current is effective in increasing muscle activity in individuals with CLBP, and the results were not influenced by the different cycle times with equal volumes.

Barefoot vs shod walking and jogging on the electromyographic activity of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius

Gastrocnemius weakness is associated with Achilles tendinopathies and muscle strains, with the medial gastrocnemius (MG) more commonly injured than the lateral gastrocnemius (LG). Walking and jogging are common in daily activities and sports, and biomechanical differences between shod and barefoot exercise may influence MG and LG activation. Understanding these activation patterns could help optimize training programs for injury prevention and/or rehabilitation. The aim was to compare MG and LG electromyographic activity during walking and jogging, both shod and barefoot. Twenty-nine participants (25.28 ± 4.53 years, 171.31 ± 0.76 cm, 72.68 ± 6.36 kg) completed a warm-up followed by 1 min of walking (80–99 steps/min) and jogging (130–150 steps/min) in both conditions (barefoot and shod, random order). Electromyographic signals were recorded using wearable devices (mDurance Solutions S.L., Granada, Spain; 1024 Hz sampling rate). We measured the root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes for an entire stride cycle and digitally filtered the signals. For analysis, we normalized electromyographic values to the average peak values obtained during two sprints. We analyzed differences with a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Significant effects of condition (barefoot-shod) and gastrocnemius (MG-LG) were observed (all p ≤ 0.023, ƞp2 = 0.17–0.39), with higher MG activation compared to LG in the barefoot conditions (p = 0.004–0.027, d = 0.72–0.83), and nonsignificant differences between muscles in the shod conditions (p > 0.05). Shod exercise compared to barefoot resulted in lower MG activation (p = 0.001–0.003, d = 0.62–0.63) and non-significant differences in LG activation. These results indicate that barefoot walking and jogging increase MG activation compared to shod conditions, with no differences in LG activation. Additionally, footwear reduces differences between MG and LG.

How does prolonged tennis playing affect lower limb muscles' activity during first and second tennis serves?

We examined the effect of prolonged tennis playing on lower limb muscles' activity during the execution of first and second tennis serves. Ten male competitive tennis players executed five first and second serves before (pretest) and after (posttest) a 3-h tennis match. Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four lower limb muscles (vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles) on each leg was recorded along with maximum ball velocity measured by a radar gun and peak vertical forces recorded by a force platform. For the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and soleus muscles of the left leg as well as the vastus lateralis muscle of the right leg, EMG amplitude decreased from pre- to posttests (p≤0.033). These reductions in the EMG signal were generally more pronounced in the first serve (i.e., ranging from -10% to -40%) compared to the second serve (0% to -25%). Maximum ball velocity for both first (159±12 vs. 154±12km/h) and second (126±20 vs. 125±15km/h) serves remained unchanged from pre- to posttests (p=0.638) Similarly, peak vertical forces did not differ between pretest and posttest for both first (1.78±0.30 vs. 1.72±0.29 body weight) and second (1.62±0.25 vs. 1.75±0.23 body weight) serves (p=0.730). In conclusion, a 3-h tennis match led to decreased activation levels in various leg muscles during serves, particularly in first serves compared to second serves. Despite consistent maximum ball velocity and peak vertical forces, these reductions in EMG signals suggest that skilled tennis players may adopt compensatory strategies after prolonged play.

Acute effects of local vibration inducing tonic vibration reflex or illusion of movement on maximal wrist force production.

Local vibration (LV) mainly stimulates primary afferents (Ia) and can induce a tonic vibration reflex (TVR) and an illusion of movement. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these two phenomena on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) capacity. LV (80 Hz) was applied to the wrist flexor muscles in two randomized experiments for 6 min. LV conditions were adjusted to promote either TVR (visual focus on the vibrated wrist) or ILLUSION [hand hidden, visual focus on electromyographic activity of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR)]. Mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) responses of the FCR and extensor carpi radialis muscles were recorded during MVIC in flexion and extension and during electrically evoked contractions at supramaximal intensity. Measurements were performed before (10 min and just before) and after (0 and 30 min) LV protocol. An increase in FCR EMG was observed during LV in the TVR condition (+340%) compared with the illusion condition (P = 0.003). In contrast, the movement illusion was greater in the ILLUSION condition (assessed through subjective scales) (P = 0.004). MVIC was reduced in flexion only after the TVR condition ([Formula: see text], all P < 0.034). Moreover, the decrease in force was correlated with the amount of TVR recorded on the FCR muscle (r = -0.64, P = 0.005). Although potentiated doublets of each muscle did not evolve differently between conditions, a decrease was observed between the first and the last measure. In conclusion, when conducting research to assess maximal strength, it is necessary to have better control and reporting of the phenomena induced during LV.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The maximal force production of the vibrated muscle is reduced after 6 min of LV only in TVR condition. Furthermore, the amount of TVR is negatively correlated with this force decrease. When measuring the effects of LV on maximal force production, it is important to control and report any phenomena induced during vibration, such as TVR or movement illusion, which can be achieved by recording EMG activity of vibrated muscle and quantifying illusion.

Understanding gait alterations: trunk flexion and its effects on walking neuromechanics.

Evolutionary and functional adaptations of morphology and postural tone of the spine and trunk are intrinsically shaped by the field of gravity in which humans move. Gravity also significantly impacts the timing and levels of neuromuscular activation, particularly in foot-support interactions. During step-to-step transitions, the centre of mass velocity must be redirected from downwards to upwards. When walking upright, this redirection is initiated by the trailing leg, propelling the body forward and upward before foot contact of the leading leg, defined as an anticipated transition. In this study, we investigated the neuromechanical adjustments when walking with a bent posture. Twenty adults walked on an instrumented treadmill at 4 km h-1 under normal (upright) conditions and with varying degrees of anterior trunk flexion (10, 20, 30 and 40deg). We recorded lower-limb kinematics, ground reaction forces under each foot, and the electromyography activity of five lower-limb muscles. Our findings indicate that with increasing trunk flexion, there is a lack of these anticipatory step-to-step transitions, and the leading limb performs the redirection after the ground collision. Surprisingly, attenuating distal extensor muscle activity at the end of stance is one of the main impacts of trunk flexion. Our observations may help us to understand the physiological mechanisms and biomechanical regulations underlying our tendency towards an upright posture, as well as possible motor control disturbances in some diseases associated with trunk orientation problems.

Electromyographic comparison of exercises for scapulothoracic muscle activation in men with upper crossed syndrome: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the optimal exercise for improving Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) using electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during ten exercises. MethodA cross-sectional study involved 30 male students (mean age: 25.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 176.8 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 77.7 ± 2.5 kg; BMI: 23.8 ± 0.72 kg/m2) with UCS. Participants were selected based on postural assessments (forward head posture ≥44°, rounded shoulder ≥49°, thoracic kyphosis ≥42°). EMG was used to measure activation levels of UT, MT, LT, and SA, and the UT activation ratio relative to MT, LT, and SA during ten exercises. One-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis. ResultsSide-lying external rotation, standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band, and lying prone “V” demonstrated the least UT activity, with the highest MT and LT activation. The standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band elicited the highest SA activity. UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios were less than one in multiple exercises. Significant differences in muscle activation levels and ratios were observed across all exercises (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionThe findings suggest significant clinical implications for UCS rehabilitation. The identified exercises effectively engage MT and LT while minimizing UT activation, addressing muscular imbalances. Favorable UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios further support these exercises in correcting UCS. These exercises may help counteract the underlying muscular imbalance in UCS by promoting a more balanced activity ratio among the shoulder girdle muscles, potentially improving posture and reducing UCS symptoms.

The Impact of Different Telerehabilitation Methods on Peripheral Muscle Strength and Aerobic Capacity in COPD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Lung diseases have profound effects on the aging population. We aimed to hypothesize and investigate the effect of remote pulmonary telerehabilitation and motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) methods on the clinical status of elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to pulmonary telerehabilitation (PtR) or cognitive telerehabilitation (CtR) groups. The programs were carried out 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The 6-min walk test (6MWT), modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score, blood lactate level (BLL), measurement of peripheral muscle strength (PMS), and electromyography activation levels of accessory respiratory muscles were the main outcomes. There was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both groups in the 6MWT distance and in secondary results, except for BLL. Generally, in the mean muscle activity obtained from the electromyography measurement after the program, there were statistically significant increases in the PtR group and decreases in the CtR group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in PMS in both groups. An active muscle-strengthening program has the same benefits as applying the muscle-strengthening program to the patient as MI and AO. CtR can be a powerful alternative rehabilitation method in respiratory patients who cannot tolerate active exercise programs.

Lower extremity muscle activity during reactive balance differs between adults with chronic traumatic brain injury and controls.

Control of reactive balance is key to achieving safe independent walking and engagement in life activities. After traumatic brain injury (TBI), motor impairments and mobility challenges are persistent sequelae. To date, no studies have explored muscle activity of individuals with chronic TBI during a task that requires reactive control of balance. To investigate lower extremity muscle activity during a reactive balance test performed by adults with chronic severe TBI and matched controls. We hypothesized that abnormal activity of lower extremity muscles would be related with poorer reactive balance performance. Also, we performed an exploratory analysis for those with TBI investigating the impact of unilateral versus bilateral lower extremity involvement in the control of reactive balance. Ten adults with chronic severe TBI who were independent community ambulators and ten matched controls performed the computerized reactive balance test (Propriotest®) while lower extremity muscle activity was recorded. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was contrasted (Mann-Whitney U Test) between groups across each 10 s epoch of the 120 s test. Additionally, test scores were correlated (Spearman) with lower extremity composite EMG activity to distinguish muscle activity patterns related with reactive balance performance. Lastly, reactive balance test scores were correlated with reactive balance test scores and clinical functional measures only for the TBI group. Although the TBI group exhibited greater EMG activity across the entire test compared with the control group, significant differences were not observed. Greater composite EMG activity correlated significantly with poorer reactive balance performance across most of the 10 s windows of the test. Greater muscle activity exhibited during the reactive balance test by individuals with chronic severe TBI compared to those without disabilities, particularly at small unexpected perturbations, highlights the greater physiologic effort required to control reactive balance even after independent ambulation is achieved.

Nociceptive threshold measurement as a non‐invasive functional test of an epidural injection in a dog

AbstractWe present a case of a 3‐year‐old, male Border Collie with severe hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement, notably having a history of a previous hip surgery with inadequate epidural analgesia. Our objective was to evaluate epidural efficacy before surgery using nociceptive threshold measurement. Nociceptive thresholds were measured with transdermal electrical stimulation via the Dolosys Pain Tracker device. The dog received epidural ropivacaine and morphine, resulting in a cessation of withdrawal response and electromyographic activity. This effect was confirmed under anaesthesia. Postoperatively, the dog recovered without relevant complications. In conclusion, nociceptive threshold measurement using the Dolosys Pain Tracker device allowed immediate confirmation of epidural efficacy, reducing the risk of intraoperative analgesic inadequacy. This approach may enhance surgical pain management in challenging cases.