Electromyographic Evaluation Research Articles

Clinical and electromyographic evaluation of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of gummy smile: A prospective clinical study.

Background. The present study aimed to assess the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the management of gummy smile and evaluate its stability after administrating BTX-A clinically and using electromyography. Methods. The investigators designed and implemented a prospective clinical study on 10 patients with a gummy smile. Patients with different types of gummy smile were injected with BTX-A in the levator muscles of the upper lip and were followed for six months. The effect of BTX-A was evaluated clinically and using electromyography preoperatively and after two weeks and three and six months. Statistical analyses were carried out using repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests for pairwise comparisons. Results. The sample consisted of 10 patients with an anterior gummy smile (n=3), posterior gummy smile (n=2), mixed gummy smile (n=3), and asymmetrical gummy smile (n=2). There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between the mean gingival display and compound muscle action potential at two-weeks and three-month follow-ups. The maximum result was obtained at the two-week interval. The mean gingival display and C-MAP values increased slightly at the three-month postoperative interval and gradually increased to the baseline values at six-month follow-up. Conclusion. BTX-A is an effective, minimally invasive, and temporary treatment modality for gummy smiles. The electromyographic study is a convenient method for assessing changes in the upper lip muscle contractility to quantify the effect of BTX-A in the treatment of gummy smile.

Physiology‐Based Stretchable Electronics Design Method for Accurate Surface Electromyography Evaluation

AbstractStretchable electronics‐based surface electromyography (sEMG) evaluation devices are expected to play a big role in clinical diagnosis. However, the stability and quality of the signals collected by existing stretchable electronics are too poor, especially when muscle movement is involved, making them inappropriate for high standard clinical diagnosis. Here, a physiology‐based design method for stretchable electronics and a novel airbag‐type stretchable electrode array (ASEA) device for assessment of the complex female pelvic floor muscle (PFM) is proposed. Clinical trials show that the ASEA device is able to provide stable contact interface and multi‐channel accurate data acquisition. The stability and quality of the sEMG signal are much better than those obtained by the existing stretchable electronics‐based PFM electrode devices. Furthermore, a muscle‐unit evaluation method (MUEM) to assess the PFM complex state is proposed, especially its cross‐interaction between muscles. Clinical trials show that MUEM can accurately and comprehensively assess PFM state and the correlations between main muscles, which unveils the mechanisms of some special muscle states that are not possible using traditional methods. This proof of concept research holds the promise for the development of new diagnostic strategies for muscle pathological research, and has the potential for clinical application and general implication.

Electromyographic Evaluation of the Shoulder Muscle after a Fatiguing Isokinetic Protocol in Recreational Overhead Athletes.

The goal of our study was to examine the muscle activity of the shoulder girdle after isokinetic fatigue, which may simulate muscle activities commonly occurring during specific sport-related activities in recreational overhead asymptomatic athletes. We hypothesized that exercise-induced fatigue, reported after isokinetic protocols, may cause a decrease in the median frequency (MF) of the upper trapezius (UT), infraspinatus (IS), and deltoid muscles. Twenty-four male overhead volleyball (n = 8), handball (n = 8), and tennis (n = 8) athletes participated in this study. All subjects were without shoulder injury history. The surface electromyography (SEMG) was collected on the right (dominant) side of the shoulder girdle muscles in the following order: UT, IS and anterior (DA), and posterior deltoideus (DP). The fatigue protocol consisted of three sets of 32 maximum isokinetic concentric contractions while performing shoulder internal and external rotation at an isokinetic speed of 120 o/s. The resultant difference in median frequency (ΔMF) values consistently dropped after the fatiguing tasks across all recorded muscles, in terms of the initial MF (MFINI = 65.1 ± 1.1 Hz) and final MF (MFFIN = 57.9 ± 0.9 Hz), and the main effect of time was significant (F(1,22) = 43.15, p < 0.001). MF values decreased mostly for IS (ΔMFIS = −9.9 ± 1.6 Hz) and DP (ΔMFPD = −9.5 ± 1.9 Hz) muscles, while DA and UT showed smaller changes (ΔMFDA = −6.9 ± 1.5 Hz) and (ΔMFUT = −3.2 ± 1.3 Hz). The results of our study show a meaningful contribution in determining increased fatigue of the shoulder girdle muscles during repeated isokinetic internal-external rotation protocols. We have also demonstrated a significant decrease in MF in all examined muscles, especially IS and DA.

Electromyographic Patterns and the Identification of Subtypes of Awake Bruxism.

The future of awake bruxism assessment will incorporate physiological data, possibly electromyography (EMG) of the temporal muscles. But up to now, temporal muscle contraction patterns in awake bruxism have not been characterized to demonstrate clinical utility. The present study aimed to perform surface EMG evaluations of people assessed for awake bruxism to identify possible different subtypes. A 2-year active search for people with awake bruxism in three regions of the country resulted in a total of 303 participants (223 women, 38 ± 13 years, mean and SD). Their inclusion was confirmed through non-instrumental approaches for awake bruxism: self-reported questionnaire and clinical exam, performed by three experienced and calibrated dentists (Kappa = 0.75). Also, 77 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited (49 women, 36 ± 14 years). Temporalis surface EMG was performed with a portable device (Myobox; NeuroUp, Brazil). EMG signals were sent to a computer via Bluetooth 4.0 at a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz. Digital signal processing was performed using the commercial neuroUP software, transformed in RMS and then normalized for peak detection (EMG peaks/min), in a 10 min session. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct subtypes of awake bruxism: phasic, tonic, and intermediate. Individuals with a predominance of EMG peaks/min were classified as the “phasic” subtype (16.8%). Those with the highest EMG rest power were classified as the “tonic” subtype (32.3%). There was also an “intermediate” subtype (50.8%), when both variables remained low. Characterization of awake bruxism physiology is important for future establishment of instrumental assessment protocols and treatment strategies.

Video electroencephalogram combined with electromyography in the diagnosis of hyperkinetic movement disorders with an unknown cause.

Diagnosis of hyperkinetic movement disorders with an unknown cause is usually challenging. The objective of this study is to learn about video electroencephalogram (VEEG) combined with electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of hyperkinetic movement disorders with an unknown cause. We performed an observational cohort study by recruiting consecutive patients with hyperkinetic movements as the main manifestation with an unknown cause for VEEG combined with EMG evaluations. A total of 77 consecutive patients were enrolled for VEEG-EMG examination. Among them, 57 patients changed their diagnosis after VEEG-EMG assessment, with a mean final diagnosis age of 35.4 ± 20.3years (range, 4-74years). The mean duration between initial and final diagnosis was 54.8 ± 71.3months (range 0.5-300months). The most common misdiagnosed hyperkinetic movement disorders were myoclonus (40.4%), followed by tremors (24.6%), dystonia (15.8%), psychogenic movement disorders (10.5%), and periodic leg movement syndrome (PLMS) (7.0%). Outcomes of therapy were significantly improved after VEEG-EMG examination (p = 0.000). Simultaneous VEEG and EMG are important in the diagnosis of hyperkinetic movement disorders with an unknown cause.

Botulinum toxin type A and acupuncture for masticatory myofascial pain: a randomized clinical trial.

BoNT-A has been widely used for TMD therapy. However, the potential benefits compared to dry needling techniques are not clear. Objective this study aimed to compare the immediate effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections and Acupuncture in myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients.Methodology 54 women were divided into three groups (n=18). AC patients received four sessions of traditional acupuncture, being one session/week during 20-min. BoNT-A patients were bilaterally injected with 30U and 10U in masseter and anterior temporal muscles, respectively. Moreover, a control group received saline solution (SS) in the same muscles. Self-perceived pain was assessed by visual analog scale, while pressure pain threshold (PPT) was verified by a digital algometer. Electromyographic evaluations (EMG) of anterior temporal and masseter muscles were also measured. All variables were assessed before and 1-month after therapies. The mixed-design two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used for analysis, considering a=0.05.Results Self-perceived pain decreased in all groups after one month of therapy (P<.001). BoNT-A was not better than AC in pain reduction (P=0.05), but both therapies were more effective in reducing pain than SS (P<0.05). BoNT-A was the only treatment able to improve PPT values (P<0.05); however, a severe decrease of EMG activity was also found in this group, which is considered an adverse effect.Conclusion after one month of follow-up, all therapies reduced the self-perceived pain in myofascial TMD patients, but only BoNT-A enhanced PPT yet decreased EMG.

Electromyographic evaluation of the masseter and temporalis muscles activity in patients with complete denture, implant supported and implant retained mandibular overdentures. a cross-over study

This study was conducted to compare the electromyographic [EMG] activity of both masseter and the anterior temporalis muscles in patients with: Conventional complete dentures, Implant supported overdentures without attachments and, Implant retained overdentures with locator attachments. Material and methods: Six completely edentulous male patients with atrophied mandibular ridges received upper and lower conventional complete denture. EMG activity were measured for both masseter and the anterior temporalis muscles during clenching without food, clenching hard (carrot) and soft (banana) foods. Measurements were made at time of denture insertion, one month and two months after. Two implants were installed in canine regions of the mandible. After osteointegration, healing abutments were connected and the mandibular denture were relined with hard acrylic resin. Measurements were repeated, then healing abutments were replaced with locator attachments, and measurements were repeated again. Results: The highest EMG activity/amplitude of masseter and temporalis muscles, were noted with locator overdentures, and the lowest values were observed with conventional dentures. There was no statistically difference in muscle activity between implant supported overdentures and complete dentures. For all groups, muscle activity for masseter and temporalis muscles increased with advance of time. For both groups, muscle activity was significantly higher during clenching of hard food than clenching without food or with soft food Conclusion: Within the scope of this study, implant retained overdentures are recommended for edentulous patients rather than conventional complete dentures or implant supported overdentures as it improves EMG activity/amplitude of masseter and temporalis muscles.

Clinical and electromyographic evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of interference currents and traction therapy in the treatment of patients with vertebral radiculopathy

Background. Relevance of elaboration of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) treatment methods is сonditioned by widespread of this pathology. Pain syndrome (PS) reducing activity and life quality of workable patients is the most prevailing clinical manifestation of this disease. Сonservative treatment methods of LSR directed to decrease pain, oedema and compression of nerve roots as well as contributing to сonductivity improvement include medication, physiotherapeutic and orthopaedic treatment.&#x0D; Aims: Clinical neurophysiological justification of combined use of interference therapy (IT) and spine traction (ST) in complex treatment of vertebral LSR.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The first-control group (n=32) who were treated by using ST as a treatment. The second ― treatment group (n=32) included those who were treated by using the IT and ST on the same day. All patients had radicular syndromes. All patients passed the lumbar MRI scan. PS was estimated according to the visual-analogic scale (VAS) and McGills questionnaire. Estimation of life quality of patients was based on Roland-Morris questionnaire. Electromyography registered dynamics of impulse conduction on motor fibres, as well as parametеrs of compound muscle action potential and H-reflex.&#x0D; Results. Positive effect of combined use of interference therapy with spine traction in complex treatment of vertebral radiculopathy patients are proved. It has been established that the therapeutic effect of the complex application of IT and ST lies in the improvement in the afferent and efferent links of the neuromotor apparatus, as well as the functional state of the spinal alpha-motoneurons associated with the acceleration of the regenerative processes.&#x0D; Conclusion. Results of the clinical neurophysiological investigation, carried out before and after rehabilitative treatment allow to recommend combined therapy of IT and ST for treatment of vertebral LSR.

Management of urinary and bowel dysfunction in rabbit model of spinal cord injury using Schwann cells and muscle progenitors: functional study and evidence for novel mechanism of action.

We tried to investigate the role of Schwann and satellite cells in the treatment of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction; following spinal cord injury in the rabbit model. Twelve male New Zealand rabbits underwent induction of neurogenic bladder by spinal cord injury. Rabbits underwent the fibertractography analysis to confirm the induction of spinal cord injury. Then, animals were randomly divided into two groups. In group I (n = 4), Schwann cells were obtained from autologous peroneal nerve. In group II (n = 4), the co-culture of nerve-muscle cells was obtained from autologous peroneal nerve and quadriceps muscle. Animals in the control group (n = 4) did not undergo any rehabilitation therapy. One and 4months after injection of cells into the external anal sphincter, electromyography, urethral pressure profiles, urodynamic studies, voiding cystourethrogram, and manometry was performed to confirm the efficacy of treatment in short- (1month) and long-term (4months) follow-ups. The investigations validated that no statistically significant difference was detected between the two experimental groups in a short-term follow-up (p-value > 0.05). However, the functional features were improved in group II in long-term follow-up. In both groups, the external anal sphincter contracted in response to electrical signals delivered to the muscle. However, more signals were detected in group II in electromyography evaluation. The immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the histological features of the bladder and spinal cord were more satisfactory in group II in all follow-ups compared to group I, in terms of less edema, inflammation, presence of progenitor cells, and expression of muscle and nerve markes. Our results suggested that the injection of nerve-muscle co-culture cells into the external anal sphincter may be a helpful tactic for ameliorating the urological complications; following spinal cord injury induction in the rabbit model.

Effect of two Dynamic Tape™ applications on the electromyographic activity of the gluteus medius and functional performance in women: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial

IntroductionDynamic Tape™ (DT) is a biomechanical tape that is used to directly manage load, modify movement patterns, and assist functioning. However, no studies have evaluated its effectiveness in increasing gluteus medius (GM) muscle activation and improving functional performance. ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of two forms of DT applications on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the GM muscle and lower limb functional performance. MethodsThirty-three, healthy, recreationally active women were randomly assigned into two groups: 1) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method for Kinesio Tape® application (KG, n = 17) and 2) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method suggested for DT (DG, n = 16). The EMG evaluation of GM was performed at rest, in maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and in the single-leg squat, drop landing, and jump landing + maximum vertical jump tests. Functional performance was evaluated using the triple hop test and the 6-m timed hop test. ResultsNo significant changes in GM activation or functional performance were found, regardless of the stretching method used. No significant intergroup differences were observed (α = 5%). ConclusionDT did not increase GM activation in functional activities, and it did not improve functional performance in the lower limbs in healthy women, regardless of the form of application used.

Clinical and surface electromyography evaluation pre and post orofacial myology therapy

Purpose: The objective of this study is to observe the efficacy of orofacial myofunctional therapy in children who breathe through their mouths “mouth breathers” using a clinical assessment and surface electromyography. Method: 30 nasal breath (control group) and 30 mouth breathers (study group) were evaluated initially, and the study group was re-evaluated after 12 sessions of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Assessments involved the MBGR protocol and surface electromyography. Results: The control group had significantly better scores on all nasal breathing tests compared to mouth breathers both before and after therapy. However, mouth breathers demonstrated statistically significant improvements over time with therapy. Conclusion: After twelve orofacial myology therapy sessions, the mouth breathers improved but not to normal levels. Inadequate muscular strength remained for the required tasks suggesting that additional therapeutic intervention is needed or that therapeutic success is inhibited by a vertical craniofacial growth pattern.

An in vivo electromyographic evaluation of pain relief using different therapies in masticatory myalgia patients.

ObjectivesThis study is aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of moist heat fomentation therapy with ultrasound therapy in patients with the masticatory myalgia.Materials and MethodsThe study was conducted on 42 patients with masticatory myalgia, dividing them into two groups; Group A (21 patients), received moist heat therapy and Group B (21 patients), received ultrasound therapy for seven effective days. Prior and after the treatment the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the electromyography (EMG) scores were recorded and compared. The observations were analyzed clinically and statistical support was taken to assess the NRS and EMG data.ResultsIrrespective of the groups, patients testified a significant reduction in pain after the treatment. From the EMG readings; even though the standard deviation for each group was varied considerably, EMG recorded an improved muscle activity. Statistical analysis was used to assess and identify the best treatment methodology between the two modalities.ConclusionFrom the statistical analysis, it is concluded that, though both the therapies had significantly reduced the symptomatic response, it is moist heat fomentation that improved muscle activity both statistically and clinically in comparison to ultrasound.

EMG evaluation of masseter muscle during maximum clenching in complete denture wearers after reducing the occlusal vertical dimension

The rehabilitation of masticatory function, which made by natural teeth, one of the most goals of the treatment of complete dentures patients, Studies indicate that the change in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) affects the patient's biting force. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the Electromyography (EMG) of masseter muscle during maximum clenching after reducing the OVD in complete dentures wears.Materials and Methods: Seven completely edentulous subjects, 2females and 5 males, their ages were between (45 -70) years precipitated in this study. One upper and two lower complete dentures were fabricated for each subject, the first set of upper and lower complete dentures was made with an appropriate OVD, while the second set of complete dentures were made with reduced OVD (about 3 mm). The EMG of the master, in both sides during maximum tooth clenching were performed two months after the patient delivered the first complete denture. The same procedures were repeated for the second set of complete denture wears after two weeks.Results: The mean value of the EMG of master muscle during maximum clenching for complete denture wearers with an appropriate OVD was (435.35) uV, while for the patients, who wear complete dentures with reduced OVD was (299.25) uV.Conclusions: There are statistically significant differences in the mean value of the EMG between the two groups at the confidence level of 95%. The value of the EMG in dentures with reduced OVD was smaller than that of appropriate OVD in the research sample.

Ultrasonographic and electromyographic evaluation of three types of occlusal splints on masticatory muscle activity, thickness, and length in patients with bruxism

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate occlusal splint type differences in patients with bruxism. Methods Seventeen controls and 51 patients were divided into three subgroups, each assigned to use a different occlusal splint (hard, soft, or semi-soft) for 3 months and assessed by ultrasonography and electromyography (EMG) before (BT) and 3 months after treatment (AT). Results EMG values in all of the occlusal splint groups were significantly lower AT than BT (p < 0.05). BT and AT EMG values in the control group did not differ. Mean muscle thicknesses in bruxism patients was greater than in controls, and the greatest muscle thickness changes occurred with the hard occlusal splint (p < 0.05). Discussion A decrease in EMG activity occurred with all three splint types and was most prominent in the hard occlusal splint group. Ultrasonographic measurements of muscle length and thickness should be used alongside EMG to measure muscle activity in bruxism patients.

Comparison of Physiotherapeutic Intervention Programs on Handgrip Force and Myoelectric Activity in Individuals with COPD

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) modifies the electrical activity of accessory respiratory muscles, also leading to a marked peripheral muscular dysfunction, measured by the handgrip strength taken as an indicator of total body strength. Objective: To compare the effects of two different physiotherapeutic programs on handgrip strength and myoelectric activity in COPD patients. Methods: Participated in the study 17 individuals, randomly allocated into 2 groups: 1) Maneuvers: 62.7±15.4 years, 1.65±0.12 m, 81.4±18.2 kg, BMI: 29.9±5.0 kg/m2 ; 2) Threshold: 64.4±11.2 years, 1.58±0.08 m, 70.7±9.4 kg, BMI: 28.6±3.7 kg/m2 , diagnosed with COPD, submitted to surface electromyographic (sEMG) evaluation of sternocleidomatoid (SCM) and anterior scalene (AS), and handgrip strength, before and after the interventions. The data were analyzed with SPSS (20.0). Pared t-student and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare mean values of the handgrip strength and the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the sEMG signal (SCM and AS muscles), pre- and post-interventions. In addition, independent t-Student and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the RMS average of the sEMG signal between the right and left sides. Significant level was set at 5%. Results: When comparing pre and post-intervention values, there was a significant increase for the Threshold group handgrip strength (P=0.037). It was observed a sEMG activity of SCM and AS during dynamometry, vital capacity, forced vital capacity on inspiratory and expiratory pressure (P&lt;0.05) for both analyzed groups. In the comparison of the myoelectric activity between the right and left sides for the SCM and AS, there was a significant difference in handgrip strength (P=0.009) and forced vital capacity (P=0.001) of the SCM muscle, post intervention for the Threshold group. Conclusion: The proposed physiotherapeutic programs improved the overall muscle strength for the Threshold group and the electromyographic activity of SCM and AS in the 2 groups.This study was registered in ReBEC: RBR-4VGP58

Platelet-rich Plasma and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Local Infiltration Promote Functional Recovery and Histological Repair of Experimentally Transected Sciatic Nerves in Rats

IntroductionPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) products and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to have a significant potential as neurogenic therapeutic modulator systems. This study aimed to investigate such biological blood derivatives that could enhance nerve regeneration when applied locally in the primary repair of peripheral nerve transection of an experimental rat model.MethodsA total of 42 two-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into three “treatment” groups (control, PRP, and MSCs). All the subjects were operated under anesthesia, and the surgical site was infiltrated with either normal saline, PRP derived from the animal’s peripheral blood, or MSCs derived from the animal’s femoral bone marrow. All three groups were also sub-divided into two sub-groups based on the post-operative administration of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or not in order to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs on the final outcome. Three months post-surgery, electromyography evaluation of both hind limbs (right operated and left non-operated) was performed. The animals were euthanized, and nerve repair specimens were prepared for histology.ResultsPRP group had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the sciatic nerve repair when compared with the control group, whereas the MSC group had a positive effect but was not statistically significant (p=0.2). The number of counted neural axons at the area distal to the nerve repair site were significantly repetitive (p<0.05) in both the PRP and MSC groups when compared with the control group.ConclusionsBoth PRP and MSCs appear to play an essential role in the enhancement of nerve repair in terms of functionality and histology. MSCs group demonstrated a positive effect, whereas the PRP group showed statistically significant better results.

The design and evaluation of electromyography and inertial biofeedback in hand motor therapy gaming

ABSTRACT This article details the design of a co-created, evidence-based biofeedback therapy game addressing the research question: is the biofeedback implementation efficient, effective, and engaging for promoting quality movement during a therapy game focused on hand gestures? First, we engaged nine young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) as design partners to co-create the biofeedback implementation. A commercially available, tap-controlled game was converted into a gesture-controlled game with added biofeedback. The game is controlled by forearm electromyography and inertial sensors. Changes required to integrate biofeedback are described in detail and highlight the importance of closely linking movement quality to short- and long-term game rewards. After development, 19 participants (8–17 years old) with CP played the game at home for 4 weeks. Participants played 17 ± 9 min/day, 4 ± 1 day/week. The biofeedback implementation proved efficient (i.e. participants reduced compensatory arm movements by 10.2 ± 4.0%), effective (i.e. participants made higher quality gestures over time), and engaging (i.e. participants consistently chose to review biofeedback). Participants found the game usable and enjoyable. Biofeedback design in therapy games should consider principles of motor learning, best practices in video game design, and user perspectives. Design recommendations for integrating biofeedback into therapy games are compiled in an infographic to support interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.

Evaluation of Electromyographic Activity Concomitant to Class II Correction Using Carrier Distalizer Appliance

Purpose: To assess the electromyographic activity of oral muscles concomitant to Class II malocclusion correction using Carrier Distalizer appliance. Materials and Methods: 10 female patients with age ranged between (18-21) years old were selected for this study. All patients were examined to fulfill the inclusion criteria. All patients in this study underwent radiographic evaluation (panoramic and lateral cephalometric) and electromyographic evaluation before and after Class II correction using Carrier Distalizer appliance. Study duration for patients was six months. Results: The result of this study showed that no significant changes occurred in skeletal measurements except increase angle of convexity. Regarding electromyographic measurements there is statistically significant increase in masseter muscle activity at rest and at occlusion after treatment. And about the dentoalveolar changes including slight maxillary molar distalization, in addition to mesialization of the lower molars and proclination of the lower incisors. Conclusion: It was concluded that Carriere Distalizer appliance was able to correct Class II molar relation into Class I relation in adult patients with masseter and temporalis muscles activity were improved after treatment.

The Influence of Rotator Cuff Muscles Fatigue on the Activation and Firing Rate of the Motor Units of Core Muscles

The muscles responsible by control and stabilization between trunk a superior and inferior member are known as core muscles. To investigate the influence of rotator cuff muscle fatigue in the activation of core muscles. We evaluated 23 individuals, from both sexes, with no history of superior limbs and column, which passed through the electromyographic evaluation of transversus abdominis/internal oblique and lumbar multifidus muscles, during the test of closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, before and after a fatigue protocol. We found no significant statistical differences between the firing rate of the motor units, before and after the induction of rotator cuff muscles fatigue (p &gt; 0.05). However, in women we found a tendency for a decrease in the firing rate of the motor units, and increase in the activation of left multifidus muscles and transversus abdominis right, even with no statistical relevance. Men presented a decrease in the activation of the right multifidus after the muscle fatigue. There are no significant differences in core muscles activation before and after the fatigue protocol. However, it was possible to observe a decrease in the median frequency after the fatigue protocol in women.

Investigating the role of nasal muscles in nasal obstruction after open technique rhinoplasty: A case-control study by electromyographic evaluation

Aim: Although the effects of rhinoplasty on nasal muscles by electromyography (EMG) or electroneuronography have been studied, the role of the nasal muscles in nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty operations has not yet been investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of the open rhinoplasty on nasal muscles and to reveal the role of the nasal muscles in post-operative nasal obstruction. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent open technique rhinoplasty by a single surgeon due to external nasal deformity were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups six months after the surgery: Study group with nasal obstruction and control group without nasal obstruction. EMG was performed to all patients for the activity of M. procerus, M. transversus nasalis and M. dilator before and after rhinoplasty. Results: It was observed that the amplitudes of M. transversus nasalis and M. dilator muscles in the patients with nasal obstruction were significantly lower than the patients without nasal obstruction (P=0.01, P=0.003, respectively). Post-operative electromyographic activities of nasal muscles significantly decreased in all patients compared to pre-operative amplitudes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that nasal muscles or SMAS may be damaged during open technique rhinoplasty and as a result of this damage (especially in M. transversus nasalis and M. dilator) nasal respiration can be affected, which may lead to post-operative nasal obstruction. Preservation of these muscles and SMAS during rhinoplasty operations may reduce the incidence of post-operative nasal obstruction.