Electromyography Device Research Articles

Comparison of the EMG Activity of Shoulder Muscles according to Arm Position during Prone Arm Lift Exercise

Background Full-can exercise was associated with a significantly higher scapulohumeral rhythm than empty-can exercise. These findings suggest that the movements of the scapula and glenohumeral joint are affected by the position of the arm. Purpose We investigated the effect of arm position on the muscle activity of scapular upward rotators during prone arm lift exercise. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods Thirty-two healthy subjects were participated in this study. The muscle activity of the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and infraspinatus (IS) were measured using a surface electromyography device. All subjects were asked to perform prone arm lift exercise according to the three arm positions: palm down (PD), neutral (NT), and palm up (PU). One-way repeated analysis of variance was conducted. Results The EMG activities of the UT, LT, and SA were significantly different among three conditions (PU vs. NT vs. PD; <italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). The muscle activities of the UT and LT were significantly higher in the PD than in the PU (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.017). The muscle activity of SA was significantly higher in the PU than in the PD (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.017). However, the activity of the IS muscle was not significantly different among the three conditions (<italic>p</italic>&gt;0.05). Conclusions Prone arm lift exercise for SA strengthening is recommended to be performed in a PU position.

Evaluation of Dynamic Spinal Morphology and Core Muscle Activation in Cyclists—A Comparison between Standing Posture and on the Bicycle

(1) Background: Cycling is characterized by a sustained sitting posture on the bicycle, where physiologic spinal curvatures are modified from standing to cycling. Therefore, the main objective was to evaluate and compare the morphology of the spine and the core muscle activity in standing posture and cycling at low intensity. (2) Methods: Twelve competitive cyclists participated in the study. Spinal morphology was evaluated using an infrared-camera system. Muscle activation was recorded using a surface electromyography device. (3) Conclusions: The lumbar spine changes its morphology from lordosis in standing to kyphosis (lumbar flexion) when pedaling on the bicycle. The sacral tilt significantly increases its anterior tilt when cycling compared to when standing. The spinal morphology and sacral tilt are dynamic depending on the pedal's position during the pedal stroke quadrants. The infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, external oblique, and pectoralis major showed significantly higher activation pedaling than when standing, although with very low values.

Electromyography Wearable Device Applied to the Medical Field

Electromyography is a diagnostic practice that examines the condition of the muscles and the nerves that regulate them. It allows neuromuscular disorders and lesions to be diagnosed, categorized based on their severity, and the most appropriate related treatment to be carried out based on the type of ailment detected. A neurologist or physical therapist is usually the one who performs this type of exam. The idea of carrying out this research arises from the need to work with a device that can perform the functions described so far to apply these medical studies to sports, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation to achieve full recovery after suffering a neuromuscular injury. This paper intends to work within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to connect professionals and patients through the Internet and speed up diagnoses and treatments. This article discusses the design of a wearable electromyography device capable of performing the functions of acquisition, processing, and transmission of the signal generated by the muscles to diagnose and treat neuromuscular diseases or injuries. Specifically, the paper focuses on the design of a device that is capable of acquiring the signal generated by the muscles and processing the signal.

Correlation between cervical auscultation and electromyography in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing

Objective: Correlate the acoustic data of cervical auscultation to the electrical activity of the muscles involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study involving a quantitative approach and was approved on January by CEP/UFSCPA (number 1.389.050). All participants of the study signed an informed consent form. The pharyngeal phase of swallowing was assessed by employing auscultation and surface electromyography. Individuals ingested 90 ml of water. The auscultation data were transferred to DeglutiSom® software, the duration and amplitude of electromyographic activity was measured during swallowing using a Miotec® surface electromyography device. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: Fifty-seven women participated in this study. The average age was 23.4 years on average. It must be highlighted that the greater the average peak frequency of auscultation, lower was the average peak of the suprahyoid muscle and the greater the intensity, the greater was the peak, as well as the average of the suprahyoid peaks. It was possible to demonstrate that the peak of suprahyoid muscle activity was significantly higher than the peak of infra hyoid muscle activity for swallowing 90 ml of water. Conclusion: The acoustic swallowing parameters in healthy individuals are correlated with the electrical activity of muscles involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.

Comparing the Effect of 8 Weeks of Suspension Training and Core Stability on the Onset of Electromyography Activity of Selected Muscles and the Pain in Amateur Soccer Players With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Purpose: Back pain is one of the most common injuries that affects many people worldwide. Core stability exercises are among the training methods for treating back pain. Suspension training with TRX (total body resistance exercise) has recently become popular among athletes and coaches. The present study aims to compare the effect of common core stability exercises with suspension exercises using TRX in amateur male soccer players with non-specific chronic back pain. Methods: The current research is a clinical trial study. The study population comprised amateur male soccer players with non-specific chronic back pain. Of whom, 30 were selected as a sample using Cochran’s formula and according to the inclusion criteria. Then, they were randomly divided into two equal groups of suspension exercises on the unstable level (15 people) and core stability on the stable level (15 people). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to obtain the pain intensity, and the surface electromyography device and force plate were used to check the activity start time. first, the pre-test evaluations were done in the Mofaghian Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, and then the subjects performed the study exercises for 8 weeks. Moreover, after 8 weeks of training, the post-test was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze anthropometric characteristics, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality of data, covariance, and the Mann-Whitney tests to compare the results between two groups at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of the covariance analysis test showed a significant difference in the start time of the electromyography of the muscles between the two groups of suspension exercises and common core stability exercises after 8 weeks of exercises (rectus abdominis, P=0.01; multifidus, P=0.001; transverse abdominis, P=0.001, and external oblique, P=0.001). Also, the results of the Mann-Whitney U test for comparing the pain intensity between the two groups showed a significant difference (P=0.02). Conclusion: Considering the greater effectiveness of suspension exercises compared to common core stability exercises and the existing reports that suspension exercises have a low risk of injury in connection with unnecessary high loads, the use of these exercises in people with low back pain is recommended than using a stable surface.

Surface Electromyography-Driven Therapeutic Gaming for Rehabilitation of Upper Extremity Weakness: A Pilot Study.

In patients with severe upper extremity weakness that may result from peripheral nerve injuries, stroke, and spinal cord injuries, standard therapy in the earliest stages of recovery consists primarily of passive rather than active exercises. Adherence to prescribed therapy may be poor, which may contribute to suboptimal functional outcomes. The authors have developed and integrated a custom surface electromyography device with a video game to create an interactive, biofeedback-based therapeutic gaming platform. Sensitivity of the authors' custom surface electromyography device was evaluated with simultaneous needle electromyography recordings. Testing of this therapeutic gaming platform was conducted with a single 30-minute gameplay session in 19 patients with a history of peripheral nerve injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and direct upper extremity trauma, including 11 patients who had undergone nerve and/or tendon transfers. The device was highly sensitive in detecting low levels of voluntary muscle activation and was used with 10 distinct muscles of the arm, forearm, and hand. Nerve and tendon transfer patients successfully activated the donor nerve/muscle and elicited the desired movement to engage in gameplay. On surveys of acceptability and usability, patients felt the system was enjoyable, motivating, fun, and easy to use, and their hand therapists expressed similar enthusiasm. Surface electromyography-based therapeutic gaming is a promising approach to rehabilitation that warrants further development and investigation to examine its potential efficacy, not only for building muscle strength and endurance but also for facilitating motor relearning after nerve and tendon transfer surgical procedures. Therapeutic, IV.

Разработка портативного электромиографа для фиксации биоэлектрических потенциалов, возникающих в мышцах

The paper discusses the diagnostic method of electromyography, which allows assessing the state of functioning of the nerve that innervates the damaged muscle. The method is based on registration and analysis of bioelectrical potentials of muscles and peripheral nerves. Purpose of the study: develop an algorithm of operation and a structural diagram of an electromyography device with the possibility of converting the recording results to a PC, display and smartphone via USB and bluetooth for their analysis. Materials and methods. A method is proposed for measuring muscle function, which involves observing the movement of muscles from the surface of the skin over the muscle. The muscle sensor gives an output signal depending on its activity. Using a surface electrode, you can track the overall movement of the muscles. Using the program for interfacing the Myoware EMG muscle sensor with the Arduino, we obtain an analog signal. The sensor values can be observed on the serial plotter. The next task was to read the sensor data or analog voltage on the LCD1602 display. We have connected the I2C pins (SDA and SCL) of the LCD1602 to A4 and A5 of the Arduino. LCD1602 module displays 2 lines of 16 characters. After downloading the special code LCD1602 via I2C, the display began to display the value of the EMG analog signal, as well as the voltage. The Arduino can communicate with other devices via Bluetooth using the HC-05 (zs-040) module. This module allows the Arduino to connect and communicate with other devices such as a smartphone, computer or other. Results. Based on the results of the study, an idea was obtained of the bioelectric potential that occurs in the muscle. The applied method of fixation of bioelectrical signals in muscles is of practical importance for clinical neurology; its implementation will facilitate and increase the diagnostic accuracy of electrophysiological studies. Conclusion. In this study, a structural diagram of the device and the solution of a technical problem based on technical requirements have been developed, and an algorithm for the device has been developed. 4,963 rubles were spent on the implementation of practical study taking into account the costs of basic and auxiliary materials, as well as other direct costs.

Design and Evaluation of a Custom-Made Electromyographic Biofeedback System for Facial Rehabilitation.

BackgroundIn the rehabilitation of postoperative facial palsy, physical therapy is of paramount importance. However, in the early rehabilitation phase, voluntary movements are often limited, and thus, the motivation of patients is impacted. In these situations, biofeedback of facial electromyographic (EMG) signals enables the visual representation of the rehabilitation progress, even without apparent facial movements. In the present study, we designed and evaluated a custom-made EMG biofeedback system enabling cost-effective facial rehabilitation.MethodsThis prospective study describes a custom-made EMG system, consisting of a microcontroller board and muscle sensors, which was used to record the EMG of frontal and zygomatic facial muscles during frowning and smiling. First, the mean EMG amplitudes and movement onset detection rates (ACC) achieved with the custom-made EMG system were compared with a commercial EMG device in 12 healthy subjects. Subsequently, the custom-made device was applied to 12 patients with and without postoperative facial paresis after neurosurgical intervention. Here, the ratio [laterality index (LI)] between the mean EMG amplitude of the healthy and affected side was calculated and related to the facial function as measured by the House and Brackmann scale (H&B) ranging from 1 (normal) to 6 (total paralysis).ResultsIn healthy subjects, a good correlation was measured between the mean EMG amplitudes of the custom-made and commercial EMG device for both frontal (r = 0.84, p = 0.001) and zygomatic muscles (r = 0.8, p = 0.002). In patients, the LI of the frontal and zygomatic muscles correlated significantly with the H&B (r = −0.83, p = 0.001 and r = −0.65, p = 0.023). The ACC of the custom-made EMG system varied between 65 and 79% depending on the recorded muscle and cohort.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates a good application potential of our custom-made EMG biofeedback device to detect facial EMG activity in healthy subjects as well as patients with facial palsies. There is a correlation between the electrophysiological measurements and the clinical outcome. Such a device might enable cost-efficient home-based facial EMG biofeedback. However, movement detection accuracy should be improved in future studies to reach ranges of commercial devices.

Motor Performance and Skill Acquisition in Oral Motor Training With Exergames: A Pilot Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of oral-motor training with exergames on motor performance and motor skill acquisition in two different age groups.MethodsThirty-two healthy participants were recruited in the current pilot study and divided equally into two groups (Gen Z and Baby Boomers) according to their age. A pair of electromyographic (EMG) electrodes were placed on the participants’ masseter muscles. The EMG device communicated via Bluetooth with a mobile video game in response to the electromyographic activity of the masseter muscles during clenching. During the experimental session, participants were asked to play a video game in five blocks of 5 min each, with a 3-min break between each time block. The goal of the game was to collect as many coins (game points) as possible and to dodge/avoid upcoming obstacles (game life). Motor performance was assessed by performance scores and the number of game lives. Skill acquisition was measured by task efficiency (ratio of performance scores and number of game lives) across time blocks.ResultsThe results of the study showed significantly lower performance scores (p < 0.001), a higher number of game lives (p < 0.001), and lower task efficiency in the Baby Boomer group compared to the Gen Z group. Specifically, the results showed that there was a significant difference in task efficiency between the first and second, third and fourth, fourth- and fifth-time blocks in the Gen Z group (p < 0.002). However, there was only a significant difference between first- and second-time blocks in the Baby Boomer group (p = 1.012), suggesting that skill acquisition in the Baby Boomer group did not change significantly over the course of the time blocks.ConclusionThe study showed higher motor performance and superior motor skill acquisition with novel exergame training in the Gen Z group compared to the Baby Boomer group. The results of the study indicate that there is an improvement in oral motor skills with short-term training, yet the differences in oral motor skills between the two groups are still evident. The Baby Boomer group, unlike the Gen Z group, did not show robust improvement in task efficiency over the course of the series.

Validity of clinical diagnostic criteria for sleep bruxism by comparison with a reference standard using masseteric electromyogram obtained with an ultraminiature electromyographic device.

Evaluation of sleep bruxism (SB) in clinical practice is currently conducted based on clinical findings, i.e., clinical diagnostic criteria consisting of medical interview, findings of tooth wear, and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscles. However, there are many unclear points about validity of the criteria. In this study, validity tests were conducted to clarify the accuracy of the clinical diagnostic criteria for SB by comparison with a reference standard using a single-channel masseteric electromyogram (EMG) obtained with ultraminiature electromyographic devices. The subjects included 30 'probable' bruxers (P-bruxers) who were clinically diagnosed as having SB and 30 non-bruxers. EMG was recorded during sleep under unrestrained and accustomed condition at each subject's home using ultraminiature cordless EMG devices. Bursts with amplitudes of more than 5%, 10%, 20% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) value (EMG-burst-5%, EMG-burst-10%, and EMG-burst-20%) and episodes of sleep bruxism (EMG-episode) were selected for analyses. In all conditions for burst selection, the P-bruxer group showed a significantly larger number of bursts and episodes than those in the non-bruxer group. Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis criteria was 66.7% with the reference standard using EMG-burst-5%/h and 58.3% with that using EMG-episodes/h. By applying single-channel EMG as the reference standard, we were able to conduct validity tests of clinical diagnostic criteria with a larger sample. It was clarified that the level of accuracy of clinical diagnostic criteria for SB were not high despite using the combination of an interview and clinical findings.

Pilot study of a novel transmembranous electromyography device for assessment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles

Electromyography (EMG) can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal muscles in various disease states, but the invasive nature of the conventional needle EMG (nEMG) has its limitations in this setting. We aimed to examine the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of a novel transmembranous EMG (tmEMG) sensor as a non-invasive technique for assessment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles for neuromuscular pathology. The study was a prospective, cohort, pilot study with blinded data analysis in healthy participants (n=6), patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n=5) and bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (n=5). Each patient underwent sampling from bilateral palatoglossus (PG) and genioglossus (GG), using both tmEMG and nEMG. IRR was expressed as percentage agreement and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa coefficient (PABAK). Substantial IRR was found for participants with ALS (81.6%, PABAK 0.63) and OSA (78.8%, PABAK 0.61), and in healthy participants (87.1%, PABAK 0.74). A better IRR was seen with tmEMG (95.7%, PABAK 0.92) than with nEMG (73.9%, PABAK 0.48) for healthy participants and also for those with OSA. Studies from GG had higher IRR than PG. Only one participant had a minor adverse event (sore throat). The current study shows that analysis of PG and GG in both healthy and disease states using tmEMG has high IRR compared with nEMG analysis. Further validation studies can be undertaken to test its utility in analysis of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles.

Light Sleep Detection based on Surface Electromyography Signals for Nap Monitoring

This paper proposes the development of automatic sleep stage detection by using physiological signals. We aim to develop an application to assist drivers after drowsiness or fatigue detection by a commercial driver vigilance system. The proposed method used a low-cost surface electromyography (EMG) device for sleep stage detection. We investigate skeletal muscle location and EMG features from sleep stage 2 to provide an EMG-based nap monitoring system. The results showed that using only one channel of a bipolar EMG signal from an upper trapezius muscle with median power frequency can achieve 84% accuracy. We implement a MyoWare muscle sensor into the proposed nap monitoring device. The results showed that the proposed system is feasible for detecting sleep stages and waking up the napper. A combination of EMG and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals might be yield a high system performance for nap monitoring and alarm system. We will prototype a portable device to connect the application to a smartphone and test with a target group, such as truck drivers and physicians.

Comparison of the occurrence of sleep bruxism under accustomed conditions at home and under polysomnography conditions in a sleep laboratory.

We aimed to clarify the relationship between the number of sleep bruxism (SB) bursts at home and in a laboratory equipped with polysomnography with audio-video recording (PSG-AV). We applied an identical single-channel wearable electromyography (EMG) device for both types of SB burst scorings. The subjects were 20 healthy student volunteers (12 men and 8 women; mean age, 21.9 years) who were clinically diagnosed with bruxism based on the criteria set forth by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2). We used a wearable EMG device attached to the masseteric area (the FLA-500-SD [FLA]), for scoring SB bursts at home and in the laboratory. PSG-AV was set within the laboratory environment as well. The mean interval for both sleep studies was 28.8 days. EMG bursts with amplitudes greater than twice the baseline amplitude and with durations of longer than 0.25 s were selected. EMG bursts with amplitudes ≥5% MVC (maximum voluntary contraction), ≥10% MVC, and ≥20% MVC were selected as well. A cluster of bursts was defined as an episode. In all the conditions for selecting EMG bursts specified above, the number of SB bursts and episodes recorded under laboratory conditions was statistically significantly smaller than that recorded at home. There were no statistically significant differences between the data obtained on the first and second recording days. The results of this study suggest that the unfamiliar environment of a sleep laboratory equipped with PSG-AV affects the emergence of SB as compared with home conditions.

Electromyography activity of quadratus lumborum in individuals with chronic knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Background: In osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint, a commonly seen gait alteration is lateral trunk lean gait. Quadratus lumborum (QL) has a role in controlling the pelvis and trunk during walking. This study has analyzed the electromyography (EMG) activity of QL muscle of the affected and nonaffected side during walking in individuals with chronic knee OA. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the muscle activation of QL in individuals with chronic knee OA during walking. Materials and Methods: EMG device, computer, video camera, abrasive gel (Nuprep gel), T20 paste, and two surface EMG triodes were used to record the QL muscle activity on the affected and nonaffected side. Twenty-seven patients with OA participated in the study. They were made to walk two rounds of 10 m distance and the EMG root mean square (RMS) value was noted down for both sides during the stance phase of the testing limb during walking activity. Results: Comparing the EMG activity of QL of the affected and nonaffected side, during the stance phase of walking, the result was found to be statistically nonsignificant, that is, P > 0.05. Conclusions: The results of this study found no difference in activity of QL in patients with OA between the affected and nonaffected sides.

고관절 외전 각도가 리버스 하이퍼 익스텐션 운동 시 근활성도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether different hip abduction angles might alternate hip extensor muscle activity in reverse hyperextension (RHE) exercise. Fourteen healthy male subjects performed RHE in 4 hip abduction angles (-10°, 0°, 15°, and 30°). Muscle activities of longissimus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and adductor magnus were measured by surface electromyography device. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the results from each angle of muscle and the ratio of muscle activation. During the concentric phase of RHE, gluteus medius activation was greater at 15° and 30° of hip abduction angles (p.001) than at -10 and 0°, while biceps femoris was greatest at -10° (p.001) followed by 0°, 15°, and 30° of hip abduction angles. During the eccentric phase of RHE, gluteus medius activation was greater at 15° and 30° of hip abduction angles (p.003) than -10°, while biceps femoris was greatest at -10° (p.001) followed by 15° and 30°. Our findings suggest that RHE of hip abduction at 15° and 30° might be the most appropriate angle for maximizing gluteal muscle activation.

Home-Based Monitoring of Eating in Adolescents: A Pilot Study

Objectives: To investigate eating episodes in a group of adolescents in their home-setting using wearable electromyography (EMG) and camera, and to evaluate the agreement between the two devices. Approach: Fifteen adolescents (15.5 ± 1.3 years) had a smartphone-assisted wearable-EMG device attached to the jaw to assess chewing features over one evening. EMG outcomes included chewing pace, time, episode count, and mean power. An automated wearable-camera worn on the chest facing outwards recorded four images/minute. The agreement between the camera and the EMG device in detecting eating episodes was evaluated by calculating specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Main results: The features of eating episodes identified by EMG throughout the entire recording time were (mean (SD)); chewing pace 1.64 (0.20) Hz, time 10.5 (10.4) minutes, episodes count 56.8 (39.0), and power 32.1% (4.3). The EMG device identified 5.1 (1.8) eating episodes lasting 27:51 (16:14) minutes whereas the cameras indicated 2.4 (2.1) episodes totaling 14:49 (11:18) minutes, showing that the EMG-identified chewing episodes were not all detected by the camera. However, overall accuracy of eating episodes identified ranged from 0.8 to 0.92. Significance: The combination of wearable EMG and camera is a promising tool to investigate eating behaviors in research and clinical-settings.

Muscle Activation of Serratus Anterior during Self-Resisted Scapular Protraction with Forward Flexion on Unstable Surface in Sitting Position

Background The muscle activation of the serratus anterior (SA) is important for the performance of glenohumeral joint during functional activities. However, little research in comparison of SA muscle activation during self-resisted scapular protraction exercises in forward flexion of shoulder has been reported. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activity of SA during three different scapular protraction exercises according to various conditions [Forward flexion with protraction (FFP), FFP with self-resistance (FFPS), FFPS with hand-exerciser (FFPSH)] in healthy individuals in sitting position. Study design Comparative, repeated measures design Methods Twenty subjects were participated. The muscle activity of SA, upper trapezius (UT) and pectoralis major (PM) were measured by using a surface electromyography device. Each subject was asked to perform three different scapular protraction exercises (FFP vs. FFPS vs. FFPSH) in random order. One-way repeated measures analysis of the variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test were used. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.01. Results The muscle activity of SA and the SA/UT ratio were significantly different among three conditions (FFP vs. FFPS vs. FFPSH) (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01). The muscle activity of SA and the SA/UT ratio during FFPSH were significantly greater compared to those with FFP and FFPS (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01). However, the SA/PM ratio was not significantly different among three conditions (<italic>p</italic>&gt;0.05). Conclusions FFPSH exercise for facilitation of SA muscle can be recommended.

The Effects of Hydrotherapy Prehabilitation Exercise on the Level of Pain and Core Muscles Electromyography in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients’ Candidate of Laminectomy Surgery

Background and Aims The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of aquatic exercise prehabilitation pre-surgery along with eight weeks of exercise rehabilitation after laminectomy surgery on pain and core muscles electromyography in women with a chronic low back. Methods A total of 30 females with CLBP candidates for laminectomy surgery enrolled in this single-blind randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly allocated into the intervention (n=15, Mean±SD age 46.2±5.45) and control (n=15, Mean±SD age 46.26±5.39). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain, and a surface Electromyography (EMG) device was also used to measure selective core muscles activity of participants. The intervention group participated in 4 weeks of aquatic therapy as a rehabilitation program pre laminectomy surgery and eight weeks of aquatic therapy as a rehabilitation program after surgery. The control group participated in the same program only eight weeks after surgery as a routine rehabilitation program. All tests and measurement procedures were done for all participants, pre-surgery and at the end of 8 weeks rehabilitation. Results The findings of the presents study indicated that prehabilitation program pre laminectomy surgery in women with CLBP significantly reduced levels of pain (p&lt;0.0001) and increased muscles strength or EMG of selective core muscles (p&lt;0.0001) of the intervention group compared to the control group at the end of the program. Conclusion In general, the statistical analysis concluded that pre-rehabilitation exercises as a hydrotherapy protocol had significant pain intensity and main muscle activity. Therefore, a comprehensive rehabilitation program for women with chronic low back pain has more beneficial effects than a routine rehabilitation program for these patients. Therefore it is recommended it is most helpful if the healthcare system in Iran includes a rehabilitation program as part of a comprehensive program for patients with CLBP. They are a candidate to have laminectomy surgery.

Prediction of Myoelectric Biomarkers in Post-Stroke Gait.

Electromyography (EMG) is sensitive to neuromuscular changes resulting from ischemic stroke and is considered a potential predictive tool of post-stroke gait and rehabilitation management. This study aimed to evaluate the potential myoelectric biomarkers for the classification of stroke-impaired muscular activity of the stroke patient group and the muscular activity of the control healthy adult group. We also proposed an EMG-based gait monitoring system consisting of a portable EMG device, cloud-based data processing, data analytics, and a health advisor service. This system was investigated with 48 stroke patients (mean age 70.6 years, 65% male) admitted into the emergency unit of a hospital and 75 healthy elderly volunteers (mean age 76.3 years, 32% male). EMG was recorded during walking using the portable device at two muscle positions: the bicep femoris muscle and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of both lower limbs. The statistical result showed that the mean power frequency (MNF), median power frequency (MDF), peak power frequency (PKF), and mean power (MNP) of the stroke group differed significantly from those of the healthy control group. In the machine learning analysis, the neural network model showed the highest classification performance (precision: 88%, specificity: 89%, accuracy: 80%) using the training dataset and highest classification performance (precision: 72%, specificity: 74%, accuracy: 65%) using the testing dataset. This study will be helpful to understand stroke-impaired gait changes and decide post-stroke rehabilitation.

Classification of abnormal muscle synergies during sit-to-stand motion in individuals with acute stroke

For clinicians to provide more efficient early mobilization in patients with acute stroke, they must quantitatively evaluate the motion characteristics of the patients. To measure the motion in the acute phase, it is necessary to prevent physical interference between the measurement and medical equipment. This study classified abnormal muscle synergies during sit-to-stand motion in patients with acute stroke by using small, wirelessly operable, noninvasive surface electromyography devices. Four patients with acute stroke and four healthy adults performed a six-directional isometric contraction task and a sit-to-stand motion task. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm was applied to the muscle activity data to extract the muscle synergies. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify these synergies. The results suggest that sit-to-stand motion characteristics according to the severity of effects in patients with acute stroke can be quantitatively classified by muscle synergy analysis. The spatial structure of muscle synergies of patients was classified into different clusters from that of the healthy adults. The abnormal muscle synergy in patients with severe paresis is considered severe in that it cannot be modulated according to the task. The muscle synergies in patients with moderate paresis were modulated in the sit-to-stand motion to compensate for extensor muscle weakness. Such abnormal muscle synergy in the sit-to-stand motion is useful as a reference for motion practice, especially for early mobilization after the onset of a stroke. In addition, the results verify that the early to late stages of recovery can be consistently evaluated with this small, wireless noninvasive electromyography device.