Muscles Of Upper Extremities Research Articles

Non-linear dose response effect of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation on muscle strength in young healthy adults: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that modulates brain excitability in humans. Increasing the stimulation intensity or duration within certain limits could enhance tDCS efficacy with a polarity-dependent effect; anodal stimulation increases cortical excitability, whereas cathodal stimulation decreases excitability. However, recent studies have reported a non-linear effect of cathodal tDCS on neuronal excitability in humans, and there is no conclusive result regarding the effect of cathodal tDCS on muscle performance.MethodsOur study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of different intensities (i.e., 1, 1.5, and 2 mA and sham tDCS) of cathodal tDCS on muscle strength in healthy participants. All participants [mean age 23.17 (3.90) years] were recruited and randomly allocated into four groups (1, 1.5, and 2 mA cathodal tDCS and sham tDCS). Muscle strength in bilateral upper and lower extremities was measured before and immediately after tDCS using a handheld dynamometer.ResultsOur results showed that cathodal tDCS at 1 and 1.5 mA reduced muscle strength bilaterally in upper and lower extremity muscles, whereas stimulation at 2 mA tended to increase muscle strength on the dominant limb.ConclusionThese findings support the non-linear effects of cathodal tDCS on muscle strength, which should be considered for the clinical use of tDCS in motor rehabilitation.Trial registration: NCT04672122, date of first registration 17/12/2020.

Relationship between age and handgrip strength: Proposal of reference values from infancy to senescence.

Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) has been proposed as a key component of frailty and has also been suggested as a central biomarker of healthy aging and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality. (a) To determine whether a nonlinear relationship model could improve the prediction of handgrip strength (HGS) compared to the linear model and (b) to propose percentiles to evaluate HGS according to age and sex for a regional population of Chile from infancy to senescence. A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in a representative sample of the Maule region (Chile). The volunteers amounted to 5,376 participants (2,840 men and 2,536 women), with an age range from 6 to 80 years old. Weight, height, HGS (right and left hand) according to age and sex were evaluated. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method [(L (Lambda; asymmetry), M (Mu; median), and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. There were no differences in HGS from 6 to 11 years of age in both sexes; however, from 12 years of age onwards, males presented higher HGS values in both hands (p < 0.05). The linear regression between age with HGS showed values of R 2 = 0.07 in males and R 2 = 0.02 in females. While in the non-linear model (cubic), the values were: R 2 = 0.50 to 0.51 in men and R 2 = 0.26 in women. The percentiles constructed by age and sex were: P5, P15, P50, P85, and P95 by age range and sex. This study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between chronological age with HGS from infancy to senescence. Furthermore, the proposed percentiles can serve as a guide to assess and monitor upper extremity muscle strength levels at all stages of life.

Effects of athletic training on physical fitness and stroke velocity in healthy youth and adult tennis players: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Better physical fitness and stroke velocity in healthy elite compared to sub-elite tennis players have been shown in previous studies. However, evidence-based knowledge regarding the effectiveness of athletic training on physical fitness and stroke velocity is currently lacking. Thus, the objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to characterize, aggregate, and quantify athletic training effects on measures of physical fitness and stroke velocity in healthy youth and adult tennis players. A computerized systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus from their inception date to August 2022. Studies were included, among others, if the intervention period lasted a minimum of four weeks and if at least one parameter of physical fitness (i.e., speed, agility, lower-extremity muscle power, upper-extremity muscle power/strength, endurance, balance, flexibility) or stroke performance (i.e., stroke velocity) was tested. Initially, 11,511 articles were identified, after removing duplicates and assessing abstracts and full texts, 24 articles were used to calculate weighted standardized mean differences (SMD). For measures of physical fitness, athletic training resulted in small (speed: SMD = 0.44), moderate (endurance: SMD = 0.61, upper-extremity muscle power: SMD = 0.72; flexibility: SMD = 0.63), and large (agility: SMD = 0.93, lower-extremity muscle power: SMD = 0.88; upper-extremity muscle strength: SMD = 0.90; balance: SMD = 0.88) effects. Further, a large effect (SMD = 0.90) on stroke velocity was detected. The additionally performed sub-analyses showed differences in the effectiveness of athletic training on variables of physical fitness and stroke speed when considering players' age (i.e., youth players: <18 years; adult players: ≥18 years). Precisely, there was a high potential for training-related adaptations in adult players with respect to lower-extremity muscle power, upper-extremity muscle strength, and stroke velocity and in youth players with respect to endurance. Interventions to promote physical fitness and stroke velocity in healthy tennis players revealed varying levels of effectiveness ranging from small to large and these were additionally affected by players' age. Therefore, future studies should investigate modalities to increase training efficacy in youth and adult tennis players, especially for fitness components that showed small- to moderate-sized changes.

Relationship between functional classification, upper extremity muscle strength, and agility in wheelchair rugby athletes

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a força e a agilidade de atletas do rúgbi em cadeira de rodas (RCR) por meio de diferentes classificações funcionais (CFs), bem como descrever a relação da agilidade com a força muscular isométrica (FMI) de membros superiores. Foram analisados 10 atletas de RCR, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (G1): CF 0,5 e 1,0; e Grupo 2 (G2): CF 1,5 a 2,5. A FMI foi avaliada pela dinamometria, e a agilidade pelo teste em ziguezague. A correlação de Spearman foi utilizada para descrever a relação entre a FMI e o desempenho no teste de agilidade, enquanto o teste t foi usado para comparar a força e a agilidade entre as diferentes CFs (p≤0,05). A FMI dos extensores do ombro foi maior no G2 (p=0,001; d=3,10), que também se mostrou mais ágil que o G1 (G1=23,66s&gt;G2=17,55s; p=0,015; d=2,00). Verificou-se a correlação entre força muscular bilateral de extensores de ombro e agilidade em ambos os grupos (r=−0,721; p=0,019). Atletas com pontuação alta na CF são mais ágeis comparados a atletas com pontuações baixas e, portanto, apresentam maior velocidade de deslocamento ao executar as tarefas do RCR. Maior força muscular dos extensores de ombro é associada à maior agilidade em atletas do RCR.

근로환경 변화에 따른 근로자의 차별대우 경험, 건강문제 및 만족도 비교 - 근로환경조사 제5차 조사와 제6차 조사 비교 -

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare workers’ experiences of discrimination, health problems, and satisfaction according to changes in the working conditions. Method: For analysis, data from the 5th working conditions survey (survey period: 2017.07.11. to 11.17) and the 6th working conditions survey (survey period: 2020.10.05. to 2021.04.04.) were used for analysis. In the response data, in the case of not answering the main survey items or responding ‘refusal’, the subject were excluded, and the number of study subject was 62,452. Result: First, the importance of the team system appeared as the company’s overall performance compensation tended to increase, and the performance of working over 10 hours a day tended to decrease due to the strengthened application of the Labor Standards Act. Second, due to legal changes, there was a tendency to decrease the experience of discriminatory treatment based on age, nationality, gender, religion, disability, academic background, and employment type (non-regular workers) at work. Third, lower back pain, upper extremity muscle pain, headache and eye fatigue, anxiety and general fatigue increased in response to changes in the occurrence of work-related health problems due to the environmental impact of the COVID-19 infectious disease. Fourth, satisfaction with the working environment tended to increase due to the influence of the anti-bullying clause and the enactment of the Severe Accident Punishment Act to protect workers. Conclusion: The enactment and enforcement of various laws to protect workers increased workers’ satisfaction with the working environment. For the protection and expansion of workers in the future, policies to expand the sickness allowance system and strengthen awareness and protection of workers’ safety are needed.

A Study of Different Frequencies of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Upper Extremity Muscle Activity and Hand Function in Chronic Stroke Patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the upper extremity muscle activity and hand function of chronic stroke patients. The study subjects comprised 18 chronic stroke patients: the 5 Hz rTMS group (HFG), which included nine patients who received rTMS to the affected cerebral hemisphere, and the 1 Hz low-frequency group (LFG), which had nine patients who received rTMS to the nonaffected cerebral hemisphere. The intervention was conducted three times a week for four weeks. Electromyography was used to check muscle activity, and the stroke upper extremity function test (MFT) and grip strength test were performed to check hand function. Pre- and post-evaluations were performed for both groups. A comparison between the two groups showed a significant difference in the activity of the trapezius anterior and triceps brachii muscle for the muscle activities in the HFG group (p 0.05) as well as a significant difference in the MFT results for hand function (p 0.05). In the LFG group, a significant difference was noted in the triceps brachii muscle for muscle activity (p 0.05), but no significant difference was evident in hand function (p 0.05). The comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in muscle activity in the triceps brachii muscle (p 0.05) but no significant difference in hand function (p 0.05). This study confirmed that high-frequency rTMS has a positive effect on upper extremity muscle activity and hand function in chronic stroke patients.

Comparison of Upper Extremity Muscle Activity between Stroke Patients and Healthy Participants while Performing Bimanual Tasks

Comparison of Upper Extremity Muscle Activity between Stroke Patients and Healthy Participants while Performing Bimanual Tasks

Examining kinematics and muscle activity of the upper extremity while performing cleaning tasks: A pre-post shift evaluation

Custodians engage in strenuous manual labour throughout their workday. Uncertainty exists on whether kinematics or muscle activation changes as workers progress through their shift. The purpose of this study was to examine muscle activation and upper extremity kinematics during typical custodial tasks performed at the start and end of the work shift. Electromyography (EMG) of 8 torso and upper extremity muscles and motion capture of the corresponding region were collected for 10 custodial participants while they completed garbage removal, dry mopping, and vacuuming tasks at the start and end of a work shift. The start of shift assessment demonstrated larger anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid and extensor digitorum activation by up to 12.6 %maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) (p < 0.001–0.023). Task affected mean and peak EMG in all muscles except flexor digitorum (p < 0.001–0.0293), and the greatest activation was found during vacuuming (peak <55%MVC in anterior and middle deltoid) and the heaviest garbage removal task (84% MVC peak in upper trapezius). Mopping created the lowest amounts of activation for almost all muscles. Joint range of motion (p < 0.001–0.031) in the shoulder was highest in vacuuming, while trunk flexion was largest in garbage removal tasks. This work replicated common custodial tasks in a laboratory, using actual custodial workers at times relevant to their typical work shifts. The information presented is useful for ergonomists, work tasks designers and custodial administration staff to develop guidelines for injury prevention.

Range of Motion Spherical Grip Affected the Upper Extremity Muscle Strength in Post Stroke Patients

Stroke is a medical emergency. Post-stroke patients generally experience muscle weakness in the limbs, postural disturbances and muscle atrophy. The purpose of this study was to prove the effect of ROM Spherical Grip exercise on post-stroke patients. The type of the study was pre-experimental with one group pre-test-post-test design. The independent variable was Range Of Motion (ROM) Spherical Grip. The dependent variable was the degree of upper extremity muscle strength in post-stroke infarct patients who had hemiparesi. The sampling technique used a consecutive sampling technique. The sample was 33 respondents. The data were taken by measuring the muscle strength before and after being given the intervention. The instrument used an observation sheet for assessing muscle strength and manual muscle testing (MMT) physical examinations in post-stroke patients. The results of this study showed that most of the muscle strength before giving the Spherical Grip ROM exercise was Poor (there was movement but could not fight gravity) as many as 14 respondents (42.4%). After the intervention of the Spherical Grip ROM exercise, the muscle strength was mostly Fair (can move against gravity) as many as 19 respondents (57.6%). There is an increase in upper extremity muscle strength before and after being given ROM Spherical Grip exercise in post-stroke patients who experience hemiparesis. This showed that the Spherical Grip could improve the tone of those who experience weakness and if done continuously could increase muscle strength in post-stroke patients. It is hoped that with this research Spherical grip exercises can be used as one of the treatments for stroke patients who experience decreased upper extremity muscle strength and collaborate with physiotherapy also assisted by taking drugs according to doctor's advice.

Range of Motion Exercise with a Jagged Rubber Ball can Improve Upper Extremity Muscle Strength in Stroke Patients

The provision of ROM exercises with jagged rubber balls can increase the strength of the hand muscles of stroke patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of ROM exercises with serrated rubber balls on increasing the strength of the upper extremity muscles in stroke patients. Design of pre-test and post-test with one group. Selection of a nonprobability sample with a purposive sampling type, the sample is 11 people in the Tabanan General Hospital in the inpatient ward in the stroke corner and outpatient ward. The average hand muscle strength in ROM exercises with a jagged rubber ball was distinguished by the male and female sex, namely before 12.5 and 12.7 after treatment, the average hand muscle strength was 15.2 and 15.6. Based on the mean value, patients with stroke experienced an increase in the normal category as measured using a hand dynamometer before and after giving therapy exercises by holding a jagged rubber ball. The test results of the analysis of the paired sample test above obtained a sig value of 0.000. In conclusion, there is a significant effect of ROM training by holding a serrated rubber ball on increasing upper limb muscle strength in stroke patients at Tabanan Hospital in 2022. It is hoped that it can be used as a nursing intervention to improve function in stroke and revive brain control over muscles. Keywords: strokes; muscle strength; serrated rubber ballLatihan Range of Motion Dengan Bola Karet Bergerigi Dapat Meningkatkan Kekuatan Otot Ekstremitas Atas Pada Pasien StrokeABSTRAK Pemberian latihan ROM dengan bola karet bergerigi dapat meningkatkan kekuatan otot tangan pasien stroke.Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh latihan ROM dengan bola karet bergerigi terhadap peningkatan kekuatan otot ekremitas atas pada pasien stroke.Desain pre-test post-test with one group. Pemilihan sampel nonprobability dengan jenis purposive sampling, sampel adalah 11 orang di RSUD Tabanan pada ruang rawat inap di ruang stroke corner dan rawat jalan. Rata-rata kekuatan otot tangan dalam latihan ROM dengan bola karet bergerigi dibedakan dengan jenis kelamin laki laki dan perempuan yaitu untuk sebelum 12,5 dan 12,7 sesudah perlakuan rata-rata kekuatan otot tangan yaitu 15,2 dan 15,6. Berdasarkan nilai rata rata, pasien dengan stroke mengalami peningkatan kategori normal diukur menggunakan alat ukur hand dynamometer sebelum dan sesudah pemberian latihan terapi menggemgam bola karet bergerigi. Hasil uji analisis uji paired sampel test diatas, didapatkan nilai sig yaitu 0,000. Simpulan terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari latihan ROM dengan menggenggam bola karet bergerigi terhadap peningkatan kekuatan otot ekremitas atas pada pasien Stroke di RSUD Tabanan tahun 2022.Diharapkan dapat dijadikan salah satu intervensi keperawatan untuk meningkatkan fungsional pada stroke dan membangkitkan kembali kendali otak terhadap otot. Keywords: stroke; kekuatan otot; bola karet bergerigi

Movement pattern and upper extremity muscle activation during fast and slow continuous steering movement

Continuous steering movement (CSM) is an essential component of the upper extremity (UE) task during vehicle driving, and could be a suitable candidate for multi-joint rehabilitation programs for patients with UE disabilities. This study aims to evaluate the UE muscle activation during CSM and how the rotating speed and direction affect CSM's kinematic and kinetic performance. Surface electromyography (EMG), hand contact information, and steering torque were measured under fast (180°/s) and slow (60°/s) constant-velocity CSM to reveal the activation of shoulder and elbow muscles, temporal characteristics, and force exertion during the stance and swing phases of a CSM cycle. Data from 24 normal young adults showed that shorter contact duration but higher force exertion occurred in the hand moving in an outward steering direction during only fast CSM in either the clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) direction. During a steering cycle (either fast or slow speed), the triceps brachii, sternal part of the pectoralis major (PS), and posterior deltoid play major roles in generating steering torque in the CW direction of the CSM. In contrast, the PS, clavicular part of the pectoralis major (PC), and anterior deltoid (AD) largely contribute to torque generation during the CCW CSM. During the swing phase of CSM, AD, PC, and PS are the major muscles that move the hand for the next grasping of the steering wheel in all four conditions. Using the mean activation profiles of the major contributing muscles, the functional roles of these elbow and shoulder muscles were analyzed and are discussed herein. These findings help us to further understand the activation patterns of UE muscles and the kinematic and kinetic changes during two rotating directions and two speeds of CSM, and suggest important implications for future practice in clinical training.

Dietary Inflammatory Index and Associations with Sarcopenia Symptomology in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Low-grade systemic inflammation is a key driver of muscle degeneration in older adults, and diets with pro-inflammatory properties may further contribute to loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the associations between the inflammatory potential of the diet and measures of sarcopenia symptomology in community-dwelling older adults. Upper (handgrip strength, HGS) and lower extremity (sit-to-stand) muscle strength, physical performance (timed-up-and-go, TUG) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People version 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria. Multiple 24-hr dietary recalls were used to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), which was then used to group participants into anti- and pro-inflammatory dietary groups. Multiple linear regression investigated associations between DII, muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle quantity adjusted for age, gender, comorbidities, waist circumference and physical activity. Adults 65-85 years (n = 110, 72.1 ± 4.7 years, 76.4% female) were recruited. One participant was identified with sarcopenia, 35.2% were pre-frail, or frail. More participants with a pro-inflammatory DII score had low muscle quantity than those with anti-inflammatory DII (3.4% vs. 6.4%, x2 = 4.537, p = 0.043) and DII was negatively associated with HGS (β = -0.157, p = 0.016) and ASM (β = -0.176, p = 0.002) which remained significant after adjusting for covariates. In this population, DII was associated with less favorable muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle quantity.

Detection Signal Electromyograpy using Dry Electrode and Disposible Electrodes on the Upper Extremity when Lifting Weights

One of the biosignals used to identify human muscle impulses is electromyography. Electromyographic signals are frequently utilized as inputs and are designed to help persons with disabilities or aid in the healing process following stroke therapy. According to studies, this occurrence has led to the development of numerous electromyography module sensor designs to meet different purposes. In this work, disposable electrodes and dry electrodes are used to examine the root mean square RMS values of two different electromyography sensor module types. With a 3 kg barber lift action, each module is used to detect signals in the biceps, which are part of the upper extremity muscles. According to the study's findings, the two electromyography modules with disposable electrodes produced data with a p-value of 0.001766368 0.05. It can be inferred that there is no difference between the E1 and E2 modules because the p-value for the t-test of the two modules with dry electrodes is 0.001766368 0.05. However, there is a variance in the amplitude's magnitude, with a difference of 30mV between the disposable and dry electrodes. The results of this study can be used to teach students, and a module developed as a result of it can be applied to other studies to help find electromyographic signals.

The effects of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy and dynamic arm support on upper extremity muscle coordination in functional tasks

This study's objective is to understand the effect of muscular weakness in persons with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy as well as the effect of a dynamic arm support on muscle coordination and activity performance, during activities of daily living. People with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (n=12, 56.0±14.5 years) and healthy controls (n=12, 55.5±13.4 years) performed five simulated daily activity tasks, while unsupported and supported by the Gowing dynamic arm support. Surface electromyography, kinematics, and maximum force output were recorded. Outcomes were calculated for muscle coordination (muscle synergies), maximum muscle activity, movement performance indicators, and upper limb muscular weakness (maximum force output). Muscle coordination was altered and less consistent in persons with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy compared with healthy controls. The dynamic arm support alleviated muscle efforts and affected muscle coordination in both populations. While populations became more similar, the internal consistency of persons with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy remained unaffected and lower than that of healthy controls. Furthermore, the support affected movements’ performance in both groups. The maximum force outputs were lower in persons with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy than controls. Muscle coordination differences were presumably the result of individual-specific in muscle weakness and compensatory strategies for dealing with gravity compensation and movement constraints.

Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving shoulder biomechanical parameters, functionality, and pain after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study

PurposeAxillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy have been associated with pain, physical symptoms, and decreased functional abilities in the upper extremity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on muscle strength, pain and functionality in this patient group in comparison with progressive resistance training (PRT). MethodsThe study was conducted with a randomized clinical trial design. Sixty-six women were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups: the PNF group (n = 22), the PRT group (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22). The participants were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Outcome measures were determined as pain (the Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity strength (isokinetic dynamometer), functionality (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and perception of change (the Global Rating of Change Scale). Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05288036. ResultsThe results showed statistically significant changes in both treatment groups in terms of shoulder flexors/extensors, abductor/adductors, internal/external rotators strength/power/endurance measurement, pain, and functionality (p < 0.05). Concerning functionality and perception of change, the PNF group had a statistically significantly higher improvement compared to the remaining two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionPNF is an effective technique in increasing upper extremity muscle strength, reducing pain during rest and activity, and improving functionality in patients receiving breast cancer treatment.

The effect of three different sets method used in resistance training on hypertrophy and maximal strength changes

Background and Study Aim. To compare the effects of three different sets method, which is frequently used in resistance training, on strength and hypertrophy values.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Thirty-three young male athletes with similar daily activities and nutrient intakes at the Fitlife fitness center in Sakarya were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into three different groups as Modified German Volume Training (MGVT) (n=11, 21.5 ± 2.4 years), Super Set (SS) (n=11, 22.4 ± 2.9) and Giant Set (GS) (n=11, 23.0 ± 4.3 years). The study was started with a total of thirty-three people, but two participants in the Giant set group were excluded from the measurements because they left the study due to personal reasons. Strength, muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were made in the upper extremity muscles before and after the six-week training period. &#x0D; Results. After six weeks of training, significant increases were observed in the cross-sectional area and thickness (p&lt;0.05) of pectoralis major, deltoid, and latissimus dorsi muscle groups in all three groups, and in the strength parameter (p&lt;0.05) in bench press, barbell row and shoulder press exercises. There was no difference in strength, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness parameters between the groups (p&gt;0,05). &#x0D; Conclusions. Modified German Volume Training (MGVT), Super Set (SS) and Giant Set (GS) methods reveal that there is no difference between the set methods in the 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) strength and hypertrophy development of young male individuals who do not have a history of resistance exercise but have completed the adaptation period, and that there is an improvement in all set methods.

Abnormal proximal-distal interactions in upper-limb of stroke survivors during object manipulation: A pilot study.

Despite its importance, abnormal interactions between the proximal and distal upper extremity muscles of stroke survivors and their impact on functional task performance has not been well described, due in part to the complexity of upper extremity tasks. In this pilot study, we elucidated proximal-distal interactions and their functional impact on stroke survivors by quantitatively delineating how hand and arm movements affect each other across different phases of functional task performance, and how these interactions are influenced by stroke. Fourteen subjects, including nine chronic stroke survivors and five neurologically-intact subjects participated in an experiment involving transport and release of cylindrical objects between locations requiring distinct proximal kinematics. Distal kinematics of stroke survivors, particularly hand opening, were significantly affected by the proximal kinematics, as the hand aperture decreased and the duration of hand opening increased at the locations that requires shoulder abduction and elbow extension. Cocontraction of the extrinsic hand muscles of stroke survivors significantly increased at these locations, where an increase in the intermuscular coherence between distal and proximal muscles was observed. Proximal kinematics of stroke survivors was also affected by the finger extension, but the cocontraction of their proximal muscles did not significantly increase, suggesting the changes in the proximal kinematics were made voluntarily. Our results showed significant proximal-to-distal interactions between finger extension and elbow extension/shoulder abduction of stroke survivors exist during their functional movements. Increased cocontraction of the hand muscles due to increased neural couplings between the distal and proximal muscles appears to be the underlying mechanism.

Three-dimensional Kinematic Analysis and Muscle Activation of the Upper Extremity in Ruesi Dutton Exercises

Objective: To investigate 3-D upper extremity joint angles and muscle activities in selected Ruesi-Dutton exercises.Material and Methods: Twenty-six healthy participants (mean age of 25.65, mean height of 165.08 cm, and mean weight of 56.69 Kg) volunteered to take part in this study. 3-D motion analysis consisted of eight cameras synchronized with a wireless electromyography (EMG) system to collect kinematic data and muscle activity. Participants performed five postures, including the Kae Lom Kho Mue posture, Kae Puat Thong Kae Kho Thao posture, Kae Kiat posture, Kae Puat Thong Sabak Chom posture, and Kae Lom Puat Sisa. The upper extremity joint angles and range of motion (ROM) and EMG were analyzed.Results: Most postures were in the normal range of motion. The percentage of MVIC was more than 1% and the Trapezius muscle is the most active in all postures.Conclusion: The data in this research is useful to help select the correct posture and exercise for a specific condition.

혈류제한 운동이 휠체어 컬링 선수의 신체조성 및 근력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of delivery technique exercise with blood flower restriction(BFR) on upper extremity body composition and muscle strength and the effect of passive lower extremity muscle exercise with BFR band on lower extremity body composition of wheelchair curling players with spinal cord injury.BR Six wheelchair curling players were collected. Body composition and muscle strength extremities were measured pre and post exercise. BFR exercise program was progressed 3 times/week for 4 weeks. The data was analysed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Body composition was not significantly different on upper and lower extremities. In the muscle strength, total work(J) in 60 deg/sec on left elbow flexion were significantly decreased, but wrist flexion were significantly improved both left and right (p.05).BR In conclusion, the delivery technique exercise with BFR was found to help improve the forearm strength of wheelchair curlers. The delivery technique exercise with BFR is recommended as an auxiliary exercise to improve the performance of wheelchair curlers.

Upper Extremity Examination for Neuromuscular Diseases (U-EXTEND): Protocol for a Multimodal Feasibility Study.

Neuromuscular diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), may result in the loss of motor movements, respiratory failure, and early mortality in young children and in adulthood. With novel treatments now available, new evaluation methods are needed to assess progress that is not currently captured in existing motor scale tests. With our feasibility study, our interdisciplinary team of investigators aims to develop a novel, multimodal paradigm of measuring motor function in children with neuromuscular diseases that will revolutionize the way that clinical trial end points are measured, thereby accelerating the pipeline of new treatments for childhood neuromuscular diseases. Through the Upper Extremity Examination for Neuromuscular Diseases (U-EXTEND) study, we hypothesize that the novel objective measures of upper extremity muscle structure and function proposed herein will be able to capture small changes and differences in function that cannot be measured with current clinical metrics. U-EXTEND introduces a novel paradigm in which concrete, quantitative measures are used to assess motor function in patients with SMA and DMD. Aim 1 will focus on the use of ultrasound techniques to study muscle size, quality, and function, specifically isolating the biceps and pronator muscles of the upper extremities for follow-ups over time. To achieve this, clinical investigators will extract a set of measurements related to muscle structure, quality, and function by using ultrasound imaging and handheld dynamometry. Aim 2 will focus on leveraging wearable wireless sensor technology to capture motion data as participants perform activities of daily living. Measurement data will be examined and compared to those from a healthy cohort, and a motor function score will be calculated. Data collection for both aims began in January 2021. As of July 2022, we have enrolled 44 participants (9 with SMA, 20 with DMD, and 15 healthy participants). We expect the initial results to be published in summer 2022. We hypothesize that by applying the described tools and techniques for measuring muscle structure and upper extremity function, we will have created a system for the precise quantification of changes in motor function among patients with neuromuscular diseases. Our study will allow us to track the minimal clinically important difference over time to assess progress in novel treatments. By comparing the muscle scores and functional scores over multiple visits, we will be able to detect small changes in both the ability of the participants to perform the functional tasks and their intrinsic muscle properties. DERR1-10.2196/40856.