Left Rectus Femoris Muscle Research Articles

Optimization path of physical training in college soccer teaching based on multivariate statistical analysis

Abstract Physical training in college soccer teaching has the problems of poor science and insufficient data management, this paper applies multivariate statistical methods to uncover data associations in training to construct a digital planning method. The digital characteristics of random vectors can be identified through the theoretical analysis of the multivariate statistical analysis algorithm. Correlation analysis is applied to test the validity of the research data, followed by the construction of regression equations of pre-competition functioning on competition fitness, to achieve the statistical examination of the research data. The multivariate statistical analysis algorithm was used to conduct a case study on physical training for college soccer. The results showed that after 16 weeks of soft ladder training the average muscle strength of the left rectus femoris muscle of 35 players in the experimental group increased from 31.17Kg to 33.32Kg (P < 0.01), and the average muscle strength of the right rectus femoris muscle increased from 30.29Kg to 32.37Kg (P < 0.01) There was a highly significant difference. This study provides theoretical references for physical training in college soccer teaching and promotes the development of college sports teaching.

Comparing the Effects of Lumbar-pelvic and Pelvic Belts on the Activity of Pelvic Muscles in Pregnant Women With Back and Pelvic Pain

Objective The physical and hormonal changes occur in pregnant women, which may cause skeletal and muscular discomforts and back and pelvic pain. If the pelvic muscles mechanism is damaged, pelvic joints may have less stability, and the joint is more exposed to shearing force. As a result of this condition, the activity pattern of these muscles of the lumbar region may change, increased muscle activity compensates for the anterior forces, and bending moments may occur, especially when the abdomen volume is increased. In previous studies, the activity of pelvic muscles in the test of active straight leg raise (ASLR) was evaluated in pregnant women without using a pelvic belt. These belts are strapped at the level of the pelvic ring and do not fully support the lumbar region. The lumbar-pelvic belt can extend below the lower angle of the scapula, completely covering the lumbar region and supporting the waist and pelvis simultaneously. As a result, the whole body acts as a unit compared to a pelvic belt. The present study aims to compare the effect of the lumbar-pelvic belt with the pelvic belt in the activity of the pelvic muscles during the ASLR test of the lower limb in pregnant women with back and pelvic pain. Materials & Methods This was a clinical trial study on 48 pregnant women with pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain referred to the Kawsar Specialized and Subspecialty Clinic in Arak City, Iran. The sampling method was convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion. All participants completed the written consent form, and then they were randomly divided into three groups: lumbar-pelvic belt (14 women), pelvic belt (14 women), and control (20 women). First, a demographic questionnaire was completed by the participants. Then the pelvic muscles’ muscle activity was evaluated using surface electromyography during the ASLR test at the beginning of the study and then three weeks later. Covariance analysis was used in SPSS version 26 software for data analysis, and the significance level was considered 0.05. Results After three weeks of using the devices, the activity of the right rectus femoris, left rectus femoris, right biceps femoris, and left biceps femoris muscles decreased in both groups who used the belts and increased in the control group during the ASLR test. The activity of the right biceps femoris and left biceps femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group was significantly reduced compared to the pelvic belt group (P<0.001). Although the activity level of the right rectus femoris and left rectus femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group decreased more than the pelvic belt group, this decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusion The activity of the rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles during the ASLR test decreased in both groups using the pelvic belts and increased in the control group after three weeks. This finding shows the effect of both pelvic belts on improving pelvic muscle activity. However, the lumbar-pelvic belt had a greater impact on improving the activity of the biceps femoris muscles than the pelvic belt during the ASLR test.

Optically pumped magnetometers detect altered maximal muscle activity in neuromuscular disease.

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) are quantum sensors that enable the contactless, non-invasive measurement of biomagnetic muscle signals, i.e., magnetomyography (MMG). Due to the contactless recording, OPM-MMG might be preferable to standard electromyography (EMG) for patients with neuromuscular diseases, particularly when repetitive recordings for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring are mandatory. OPM-MMG studies have focused on recording physiological muscle activity in healthy individuals, whereas research on neuromuscular patients with pathological altered muscle activity is non-existent. Here, we report a proof-of-principle study on the application of OPM-MMG in patients with neuromuscular diseases. Specifically, we compare the muscular activity during maximal isometric contraction of the left rectus femoris muscle in three neuromuscular patients with severe (Transthyretin Amyloidosis in combination with Pompe's disease), mild (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, type 2), and without neurogenic, but myogenic, damage (Myotonia Congenita). Seven healthy young participants served as the control group. As expected, and confirmed by using simultaneous surface electromyography (sEMG), a time-series analysis revealed a dispersed interference pattern during maximal contraction with high amplitudes. Furthermore, both patients with neurogenic damage (ATTR and CMT2) showed a reduced variability of the MMG signal, quantified as the signal standard deviation of the main component of the frequency spectrum, highlighting the reduced possibility of motor unit recruitment due to the loss of motor neurons. Our results show that recording pathologically altered voluntary muscle activity with OPM-MMG is possible, paving the way for the potential use of OPM-MMG in larger studies to explore the potential benefits in clinical neurophysiology.

Muscle Fatigue Revisited - Insights From Optically Pumped Magnetometers.

So far, surface electromyography (sEMG) has been the method of choice to detect and evaluate muscle fatigue. However, recent advancements in non-cryogenic quantum sensors, such as optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), enable interesting possibilities to flexibly record biomagnetic signals. Yet, a magnetomyographic investigation of muscular fatigue is still missing. Here, we simultaneously used sEMG (4 surface electrode) and OPM-based magnetomyography (OPM-MMG, 4 sensors) to detect muscle fatigue during a 3 × 1-min isometric contractions of the left rectus femoris muscle in 7 healthy participants. Both signals exhibited the characteristic spectral compression distinctive for muscle fatigue. OPM-MMG and sEMG slope values, used to quantify the spectral compression of the signals, were positively correlated, displaying similarity between the techniques. Additionally, the analysis of the different components of the magnetic field vector enabled speculations regarding the propagation of the muscle action potentials (MAPs). Altogether these results show the feasibility of the magnetomyographic approach with OPMs and propose a potential alternative to sEMG for the study of muscle fatigue.

Unusual intramuscular locations as a first presentation of hydatid cyst disease in children: a report of two cases

BackgroundHydatid disease is an endemic disease in many countries of the world including the Middle East. It mainly affects the liver and lungs. Intramuscular hydatid disease is rarely reported in children. Such uncommon localization of hydatid cyst may pose difficulties in the clinical and radiological diagnosis; hence affecting patient’s management and outcome even in endemic areas.Case presentationWe herein describe intramuscular hydatid cysts in 2 different children. The first case is a 5-year-old boy who presented with a painless palpable lump over the right lumbar paraspinal region. His history was remarkable for sheep contact. His laboratory results revealed a mild increase in white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein. The lesion showed typical features of a hydatid cyst on ultrasound. Further imaging including ultrasound of the abdomen and CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed infestation of the liver and lung as well. The lesions were resected surgically without complications. The patient received Albendazole preoperatively and after surgery for 3 months. No evidence of recurrence was seen during follow-up.The second case is a 6-year-old girl who presented with an incidental palpable lump in her left thigh during her hospital admission for recurrent meningitis. Ultrasound and MRI imaging were performed demonstrating a unilocular cystic lesion in the left proximal rectus femoris muscle. A provisional diagnosis of hematoma vs. myxoma was given. Biopsy was performed and yielded blood products only. The lesion was resected surgically with a postoperative diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Blood tests performed afterward showed a positive titer for Echinococcus. The patient received Albendazole for 3 months. No evidence of recurrence was seen during follow-up.ConclusionsDespite its rarity; skeletal muscle hydatid cyst should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic muscle lesions in children in endemic areas even if imaging studies did not show any of the typical signs. This will improve patient outcome by preventing unnecessary cystic puncture which might lead to serious complications, such as anaphylaxis and local dissemination.

테니스 플랫 서브 후 스플릿 스텝 동작의 근활성도 비교분석

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the muscle activity of the split-step motion after a tennis flat serve. This study obtained the following results. First, in phase 1 of the skilled and unskilled, the average muscle activity was significant in the left and right spinal erect muscles, left rectus femoris, right medial large muscles, left and right lateral vastus muscles, right biceps femoris, left and right tibialis anterior muscles, and right gastrocnemius It appeared to show a difference. And the maximum muscle activity of Phase 1 was found to be significantly different in the right vertebral erection muscle, medial vastus muscle, lateral vastus muscle, and biceps femoris. Second, the average muscle activity in phase 2 of the skilled and the unskilled showed a significant difference in the left and right medial latissimus, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and right lateral vastus. And the maximum muscle activity of phase2 was found to be significantly different in the left rectus femoris, right medial latissimus, lateral latissimus dorsi, and gastrocnemius. Third, the average muscle activity in phase 3 of the skilled and the unskilled showed a significant difference in the left and right rectus femoris, the right medial vastus, lateral vastus, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. And the maximum muscle activity of phase3 showed significant differences in the right rectus femoris, medial latissimus, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. Fourth, the average muscle activity in phase 4 of the skilled and the unskilled showed a significant difference in the left rectus femoris, medial latissimus, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius. In addition, the maximum muscle activity of phase 4 showed a significant difference in the left rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles.

The evaluation of the tendon and muscle changes of lower extremity in patients with acromegaly.

Although it is well known that acromegaly causes enlargement in the extremities, studies investigating the effects of acromegaly on tendons, muscles and soft tissue are limited. The aims of our study were to investigate tendons, the presence of enthesitis, soft tissue, muscle groups in terms of thickness and pennation angle (PA) which is an indicator of microstructure and strength of the muscle, of the lower extremities. Thirty-nine patients with acromegaly and thirty-nine healthy control subjects similar for age, sex and body mass index were enrolled. Lower extremity tendons, skin, muscle groups were evaluated by ultrasound. The thicknesses of heel skin, heel pad, plantar fascia and Achilles tendon were higher in acromegaly than the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of Achilles enthesitis were increased in the acromegaly group (p < 0.05). The thicknesses of the gastrocnemius medial head, vastus medialis, lateralis muscles for both sides and the left rectus femoris muscle were found to be lower in the acromegaly patients than controls (p < 0.05). However, thicknesses of vastus intermedius, gastrocnemius lateral head and soleus were similar between the acromegaly and control groups (p > 0.05). PA values of the right and left vastus medialis and the right vastus lateralis were found to be decreased in the acromegaly group (p < 0.05). Myostatin levels were lower in acromegaly group (p < 0.05). Acromegaly may cause to an increase in tendon and soft tissue thickness, enthesitis formation, decrease in the thickness of some muscles, and deterioration in microstructures in lower extremity.

Imaging finding and arthroscopic treatment of isolated contracture of the rectus femoris muscle: a case report

BackgroundIsolated rectus femoris (RF) contracture is encountered very rarely in orthopaedic practices. There are few reports on its imaging manifestations and no cases reported to be treated with arthroscopy.Case presentationA 11-year-old girl with a more than 7 years history of restricted left knee flexion was presented. The clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were detailed here. A strip-like induration was palpated in the left thigh, which tends to be more obvious with knee flexion. MRI demonstrated a hypointensity band connected the anterior inferior iliac spine with the patella, and marked atrophy of the left RF muscle. Fibrosis contracture band was confirmed with arthroscope, then divided by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under arthroscopic observation. Followed by debridement of the fibrillar connective tissue and hemostasis around the broken ends. The movement of left knee joint significantly improved after the operation, and the patient recovered nearly full range of motion of this joint after 6 months.ConclusionThe specific MRI findings could assist in confirming clinical early diagnosis of isolated RF contracture. Arthroscopic RFA treatment is an effective technique to treat this disorder with minimally incision.

Comparison of the Left and Right Muscle Activities of the Upper and Lower Extremities during Gait While Carrying a Messenger Bag and Wearing High Heels

Objective: this study aimed to examine the effect of an asymmetric load (a messenger bag) by weight during gait in high heels on the activities of the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles. Method: The subjects wore high heels while carrying a messenger bag that was 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % of their body weight. The activities of the subjects’ trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles were measured by studying the subjects’ normal gait on a treadmill. Results: In a paired comparison with a load of 15 % of each subject’s weight applied, the percentages of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the right and left trapezius muscle were 119.74 ±34.67 % and 46.9±29.23 %, respectively, showing a significant difference between them, and those of the right and left rectus femoris muscle were 166.11±107.78 % and 75.19±37.68 %, showing a significant difference between them(p<.05). Conclusion: This study quantitatively analyzed compensatory action by studying the movement of the body’s center of mass in an unbalanced posture in order to propose an effective method to maintain proper posture.

위중 혈(BL40) 마사지가 아이언 스윙 시 근 협응 변화에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was four professional golfers in KPGA who appealed chronic backache, the present study has been implemented to verify the change in the muscle coordination which appears in an interval between down swing and impact at iron swing before & after the massage on the acupuncture spot at the BL40.BR 1. At iron swing, before & after the massage on the BL40, the muscle activity in a measured interval has not shown any statistical significance.BR 2. A carried out an upper body lead type swing. Left erector spinae muscles and right erector spinae muscles have shown the same muscle coordination. However, the muscle coordination has been changed in rectus abdominis muscle, biceps femoris muscle, and rectus femoris muscle according to the reduction of pain before & after the massage on the BL40BR 3. B carried out a lower body lead type swing. Right biceps femoris muscle and left rectus femoris muscle has shown the same muscle coordination. However, the muscle coordination has been changed in rectus abdomini, left biceps femoris muscle and right biceps femoris muscle according to the reduction of pain before & a fter t he massage o n the B L40BR 4. C changed to a upper body lead type swing after the massage from the lower body lead type swing before the massage on the acupuncture spot at the center behind knee. It has shown other muscle coordination pattern before & after the massage on the BL40BR 5. D carried out a lower body lead type swing. It has shown other muscle coordination pattern before & after the massage on BL40. But it has shown a reduction trend of manifested time between muscles after the massage.

Effect of early rehabilitation physiotherapy on muscle quality and function in critically ill patients

To investigate the effect of early rehabilitation physiotherapy on muscle quality and function in critical patients. A prospective randomized controlled study was performed. Adult critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Anhui Provincial Hospital from October 1st, 2016 to August 31st, 2017 who had been hospitalized for more than 7 days and had acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) > 8 were enrolled, and they were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table method. All patients were given routine treatment, and on this basis, the treatment group was given rehabilitation therapy within 24 hours after admission, including limb active/passive activities, respiratory muscle function training and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, etc. Bedside ultrasound was used to measure the area and cross sectional thickness of left rectus femoris muscle and the cross sectional thickness of middle thigh muscle of patients at 1, 4 and 7 days after treatment; at the same time, the muscle strength of sober patients was evaluated by medical research council (MRC) muscle strength evaluation method, and the mechanical ventilation time, ICU hospitalization time and ICU expenses were recorded. Forty patients were enrolled in this study, with 20 in each group. Compared with the control group, the difference of left rectus femoris muscle area between 1 day and 4 days, 4 days and 7 days, 1 day and 7 days (cm2: 0.19±0.02 vs. 0.31±0.19, 0.02±0.01 vs. 0.08±0.05, 0.04±0.02 vs. 0.38±0.23), and the difference in left rectus femoris thickness (cm: 0.01±0.01 vs. 0.14±0.13, 0.03±0.03 vs. 0.16±0.14) and the difference in middle thigh muscle thickness (cm: 0.02±0.02 vs. 0.11±0.09, 0.03±0.02 vs. 0.16±0.12) between 1 day and 4 days, 1 day and 7 days in the treatment group were significantly reduced (all P < 0.01). The MRC strength score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 7 days (52.06±3.52 vs. 47.94±3.96, P < 0.05). The mechanical ventilation time in the treatment group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 13) were (138.5±34.5) hours and (185.0±40.9) hours, respectively, and the difference between two groups were statistical significance (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence rate of ICU acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) in the treatment group was significantly decreased [5.0% (1/20) vs. 40.0% (8/20), P < 0.05], the length of ICU stay was significantly shortened (days: 17.67±4.91 vs. 22.06±5.94, P < 0.05), and the ICU expenses were significantly reduced (ten thousand yuan: 7.53±2.09 vs. 9.55±1.73, P < 0.05). Early rehabilitation physiotherapy can improve the muscle quality and function in critical patients, and decrease the length of ICU stay.

B1-insensitive T2 mapping of healthy thigh muscles using a T2-prepared 3D TSE sequence.

PurposeTo propose a T2-prepared 3D turbo spin echo (T2prep 3D TSE) sequence for B1-insensitive skeletal muscle T2 mapping and compare its performance with 2D and 3D multi-echo spin echo (MESE) for T2 mapping in thigh muscles of healthy subjects.MethodsThe performance of 2D MESE, 3D MESE and the proposed T2prep 3D TSE in the presence of transmit B1 and B0 inhomogeneities was first simulated. The thigh muscles of ten young and healthy subjects were then scanned on a 3 T system and T2 mapping was performed using the three sequences. Transmit B1-maps and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps were also acquired. The subjects were scanned three times to assess reproducibility. T2 values were compared among sequences and their sensitivity to B1 inhomogeneities was compared to simulation results. Correlations were also determined between T2 values, PDFF and B1.ResultsThe left rectus femoris muscle showed the largest B1 deviations from the nominal value (from 54.2% to 92.9%). Significant negative correlations between T2 values and B1 values were found in the left rectus femoris muscle for 3D MESE (r = -0.72, p<0.001) and 2D MESE (r = -0.71, p<0.001), but not for T2prep 3D TSE (r = -0.32, p = 0.09). Reproducibility of T2 expressed by root mean square coefficients of variation (RMSCVs) were equal to 3.5% in T2prep 3D TSE, 2.6% in 3D MESE and 2.4% in 2D MESE. Significant differences between T2 values of 3D sequences (T2prep 3D TSE and 3D MESE) and 2D MESE were found in all muscles with the highest values for 2D MESE (p<0.05). No significant correlations were found between PDFF and T2 values.ConclusionA strong influence of an inhomogeneous B1 field on the T2 values of 3D MESE and 2D MESE was shown, whereas the proposed T2prep 3D TSE gives B1-insensitive and reproducible thigh muscle T2 mapping.

Temporal Expression of Extracellular Matrix in PPTJ in Vivo Cyclical Loading Model

Patella-Patella Tendon Junction (PPTJ) overuse injury is common athletic and occupational problems. But early pathophysiologic processes are not well known. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) links tissues of the body together and plays an important role in the force transmission and tissue structure maintenance especially in tendons. PURPOSE: Based on our previous study established PPTJ overuse injury model, this study aimed to evaluate expression of Tenascin-C(TN-C) and Collagen type III in PPTJ during the early stage of PPTJ overuse injury. METHOD: 45 female New Zealand rabbits(2.37±0.14 kg) were randomly divided into 5 groups according to cyclical loading times. The left rectus femoris muscles were electrically stimulated to contract repetitively for 60 repetitions/min at 30% peak tetanic force for 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h and 24h cumulative loading respectively. We randomly choosed 9 contralateral limbs served as controls. The PPTJ were harvested, and sections were stained with HE and immunostained TN-C and Collagen type III. Collagen fiber arrangement was asseesed by Bonar scale in HE stained sections under polarized light. 5 regions of interest in PPTJ were digitally photographed at 400× for immunostained sections. Positive staining cells were manually counted in each region and we calculated mean positive stained cell densities of each sample. Polynomial contrasts were used to assess the trend of TN-C positive staining cell desity among five groups. One way ANOVA with Tukey adjusted post hoc pairwise comparisons were used to compare mean collagen fiber arrangement and mean positive staining cell desity of collagen type III in five groups. RESULT: Collagen fiber arrangement in 4h, 6h, 12h and 24h group disordered significantly compared with control group (1.56±0.24, 1.67±0.24, 1.56±0.24, 1.67±0.24 vs 0.40±0.16 respectively, All p<0.01). For mean positive stained cell densities of TN-C, we observed a significant quadratic trend (p< 0.05). Compared with control group(139.7±36.6 cells/mm2), the mean positive stained cell densities of Collagen-III in 2h(278.4±35.2 cells/mm2) and 24h(255.9±31.0 cells/mm2) were significantly higher (All p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression changes in ECM in PPTJ may play a role in the eraly progession of PPTJ overuse. Supported by Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities 2011038

Homologous Muscle Contraction during Unilateral Movement Does Not Show a Dominant Effect on Leg Representation of the Ipsilateral Primary Motor Cortex

Co-activation of homo- and heterotopic representations in the primary motor cortex (M1) ipsilateral to a unilateral motor task has been observed in neuroimaging studies. Further analysis showed that the ipsilateral M1 is involved in motor execution along with the contralateral M1 in humans. Additionally, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have revealed that the size of the co-activation in the ipsilateral M1 has a muscle-dominant effect in the upper limbs, with a prominent decline of inhibition within the ipsilateral M1 occurring when a homologous muscle contracts. However, the homologous muscle-dominant effect in the ipsilateral M1 is less clear in the lower limbs. The present study investigates the response of corticospinal output and intracortical inhibition in the leg representation of the ipsilateral M1 during a unilateral motor task, with homo- or heterogeneous muscles. We assessed functional changes within the ipsilateral M1 and in corticospinal outputs associated with different contracting muscles in 15 right-handed healthy subjects. Motor tasks were performed with the right-side limb, including movements of the upper and lower limbs. TMS paradigms were measured, consisting of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and recruitment curves (RCs) of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the right M1, and responses were recorded from the left rectus femoris (RF) and left tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. TMS results showed that significant declines in SICI and prominent increases in MEPs of the left TA and left RF during unilateral movements. Cortical activations were associated with the muscles contracting during the movements. The present data demonstrate that activation of the ipsilateral M1 on leg representation could be increased during unilateral movement. However, no homologous muscle-dominant effect was evident in the leg muscles. The results may reflect that functional coupling of bilateral leg muscles is a reciprocal movement.

Electromyographic Analysis of Lower Limbs During Baseball Batting

We investigated the muscle activation pattern of lower limbs in baseball batting by recording surface electromyography (sEMG) from 8 muscles, the left and right rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. The muscle activities were compared between 10 skilled baseball players and 10 unskilled novices. The batting motion was divided into 7 phases: waiting, shifting body weight, stepping, landing, swing, impact, and follow through. The timing for these phases was analyzed by using a high-speed video camera. The onset latencies of sEMG were significantly earlier in baseball players at the left-RF (p < 0.01), right-BF (p < 0.05), and left-BF (p < 0.01). The peak amplitudes of sEMG activity were greater in skilled players at the right-RF (p < 0.01), right-BF (p < 0.01), left-BF (p < 0.01), left-TA (p < 0.01), right-MG (p < 0.01), and left-MG (p < 0.05). The timing for shifting, stepping, and landing was also significantly earlier in skilled players (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Our findings suggest that preparations for the swing are made earlier in skilled baseball players who recruit their lower muscles for the swing more effectively than novices.

Effects of the progressive walking-to-running technique on gait kinematics, ultrasound imaging, and motor function in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy – an experimenter-blind case study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the progressive walking-to-running technique (PWRT) in a child with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). A single case study with pre-/post-test. An 11-year-old male, diagnosed with spastic diplegic CP. The PWRT was provided for 60 minutes a day, 2 times a week for 12 weeks. Gross motor function tests, ultrasound imaging, hand-held dynamometer, and the Vicon motion capture system were used to determine motor function, muscle size and strength, and gait kinematics. Gross motor function was improved after the intervention. The size of right and left rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles in their contracted states were enhanced by 1.36, 5.09, 83.74, and 54.37%, respectively. Associated muscle strength was also increased by 58.8, 30.8, 28.0, and 118.2% in both rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles. Left stride length, walking speed, maximal flexion-extension angular excursion of the hip joint were enhanced by 95.7, 87.8, and 100.4% after PWRT, respectively. Our novel walking-running training paradigm was effective for restoring gait and running ability in a child with spastic diplegic CP.

Electromyographic Activity of Lower Limbs to Stop Baseball Batting

We investigated the muscle activation pattern of the lower limbs for the stopping motion of baseball batting by recording surface electromyography (EMG) from 8 muscles, the left and right rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. First, muscle activities for 'Swing' and 'Stopping' trials were examined in 10 skilled baseball players and 10 unskilled novices. Second, the characteristics of EMG activities for 'Stopping' were compared between the 2 groups. The peak latencies of EMG were significantly shorter in 'Stopping' than in 'Swing' at the right-TA, left-BF, and left-MG between both groups. The peak amplitudes of EMG activity were significantly larger in 'Swing' than in 'Stopping' at the right-TA, left-BF, and left-MG in both groups. In addition, the peak amplitudes of EMG activity for 'Stopping' were significantly larger in the players than in novices at the right-RF and right-TA. The characteristics of EMG activity clearly differed between 'Swing' and 'Stopping,' and between baseball players and nonplayers, indicating that evaluating the EMG activity in batting enables the understanding of proficiency. Our findings should help players, novices, and coaches to optimize batting performance.

Vibration-Induced Motor Responses of Infants With and Without Myelomeningocele

The severity of myelomeningocele (MMC) stems both from a loss of neurons due to neural tube defect and a loss of function in viable neurons due to reduced movement experience during the first year after birth. In young infants with MMC, the challenge is to reinforce excitability and voluntary control of all available neurons. Muscle vibration paired with voluntary movement may increase motoneuron excitability and contribute to improvements in neural organization, responsiveness, and control. This study examined whether infants with or without MMC respond to vibration by altering their step or stance behavior when supported upright on a treadmill. This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty-four 2- to 10-month-old infants, 12 with typical development (TD) and 12 with MMC (lumbar and sacral lesions), were tested. Infants were supported upright with their feet in contact with a stationary or moving treadmill during 30-second trials. Rhythmic alternating vibrations were applied to the right and left rectus femoris muscles, the lateral gastrocnemius muscle, or the sole of the foot. Two cameras and behavior coding were used to determine step count, step type, and motor response to vibration onset. Step count decreased and swing duration increased in infants with TD during vibration of the sole of the foot on a moving treadmill (FT-M trials). Across all groups the percentage of single steps increased during vibration of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle on a moving treadmill. Infants with MMC and younger infants with TD responded to onset of vibration with leg straightening during rectus femoris muscle stimulation and by stepping during FT-M trials more often than older infants with TD. Vibration seems a viable option for increasing motor responsiveness in infants with MMC. Follow-up studies are needed to identify optimal methods of administering vibration to maximize step and stance behavior in infants.

Increased EMG response following electromyographic biofeedback treatment of rectus femoris muscle after spinal cord injury

Objective To study increases in electromyographic (EMG) response from the right and left rectus femoris muscles of individuals with long-term cervical spinal cord injuries after EMG biofeedback treatment. Design Repeated measure trials compared EMG responses before and after biofeedback treatment in patients with spinal cord injuries. Main outcome measures The Neuroeducator was used to analyse and provide feedback of the EMG signal and to measure EMG response. Setting Department of Traumatic Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants Twenty subjects (three men and 17 women), between 21 and 49 years of age, with incomplete spinal cord injury at level C6 or higher (range C2 to C6). Of these subjects, 10 received their spinal cord injuries from motor vehicle accidents, one from a gunshot, five from diving, three from falls and one from spinal disc herniation. Results Significant differences were found in the EMG response of the right rectus femoris muscle between pre-initial (T1), post-initial (T2) and additional (T3) biofeedback treatment with the subjects in a sitting position [mean (standard deviation) T1: 26 μV (29); T2: 67 μV (50); T3: 77 μV (62)]. The mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for these comparisons were as follows: T1 to T2, −40.7 (−53.1 to −29.4); T2 to T3, −9.6 (−26.1 to 2.3). Similar differences were found for the left leg in a sitting position and for both legs in the sit-to-stand condition. Conclusions The EMG responses obtained in this study showed that treatment involving EMG biofeedback significantly increased voluntary EMG responses from right and left rectus femoris muscles in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Distant muscular (rectus femoris) metastasis from laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

We report an extremely rare case of distant metastasis to the rectus femoris muscle from a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We present a case report and a review of the world literature concerning distant skeletal muscle metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The patient showed no evidence of distant muscular recurrence at follow up after 21 months; however, two years later he died from brain and suprarenal metastases. This report describes the first case of haematogenous distant metastasis to the left rectus femoris muscle from a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, without evidence of cervical lymph node metastases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second reported case of muscular distant metastasis without cervical lymph node involvement. Although the prognosis associated with skeletal muscle metastasis is considered to be poor, surgical excision may be indicated for an isolated muscular metastasis.