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Thompson CK, Johnson MD, Negro F, Farina D, Heckman CJ. Motor Unit Discharge Patterns in Response to Focal Tendon Vibration of the Lower Limb in Cats and Humans. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:836757. [PMID: 35558155 PMCID: PMC9087726 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.836757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-frequency vibration of the tendon provides potent activation of Ia afferents time-locked to the stimulation frequency and provides excitatory ionotropic activation of homonymous motor pools. In cats, the evoked motor unit discharge is constrained to discharge at integer multiples of the vibration frequency, resulting in a probability of discharge that is highly punctuated. Here we quantify the robustness of this punctuated response in the cat and evaluate whether it is present in the human. Soleus electromyography (EMG) was collected from eight cats using 64 channel electrodes during three modes of motoneuron activation. First, tendon vibration parameters were modified. Second, secondary reflex inputs are applied concurrently with tendon vibration. Third, the state of the spinal cord was altered through pharmacological or surgical manipulations. Analogous surface high-density EMG was collected from the lower leg of six humans during both vibration evoked and matched volitional contractions. Array EMG signals from both the cat and human were decomposed into corresponding motor unit action potential spike trains, and the punctuation in discharge was quantified. In the cat, regardless of vibration parameters, secondary synaptic drive, and state of spinal circuitry, focal tendon vibration evoked punctuated motor unit discharge. However, in the human lower limb, the vibration-evoked contractions do not produce punctuated motor unit discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K. Thompson
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael D. Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. J. Heckman
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: C. J. Heckman,
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Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Supplemental Vibrotactile Kinesthetic Feedback on Goal-Directed Movements after Stroke: A Proof of Concept Case Series. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21041519. [PMID: 33671643 PMCID: PMC7926783 DOI: 10.3390/s21041519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many survivors of stroke have persistent somatosensory deficits on the contralesional side of their body. Non-invasive supplemental feedback of limb movement could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of actions involving the upper extremity, potentially improving quality of life after stroke. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility and the immediate effects of providing supplemental kinesthetic feedback to stroke survivors, performing goal-directed actions with the contralesional arm. Three survivors of stroke in the chronic stage of recovery participated in experimental sessions wherein they performed reaching and stabilization tasks with the contralesional arm under different combinations of visual and vibrotactile feedback, which was induced on the ipsilesional arm. Movement kinematics were encoded by a vibrotactile feedback interface in two ways: state feedback—an optimal combination of hand position and velocity; and error feedback—the difference between the actual hand position and its instantaneous target. In each session we evaluated the feedback encoding scheme’s immediate objective utility for improving motor performance as well as its perceived usefulness. All three participants improved their stabilization performance using at least one of the feedback encoding schemes within just one experimental session. Two of the participants also improved reaching performance with one or the other of the encoding schemes. Although the observed beneficial effects were modest in each participant, these preliminary findings show that supplemental vibrotactile kinesthetic feedback can be readily interpreted and exploited to improve reaching and object stabilizing actions performed with the contralesional arm after stroke. These short-term training results motivate a longer multisession training study using personalized vibrotactile feedback as a means to improve the accuracy and efficacy of contralesional arm actions after stroke.
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Gündüz A, Ayas S, Kofler M, Aydın Ş, Kızıltan ME. Modulation of the excitatory phase following the cutaneous silent period by vibration. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:633-637. [PMID: 32648049 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The post-inhibition excitatory phase (E3) of the cutaneous silent period (CSP) is attributed to the resynchronization of motoneuron activity following the inhibitory period but there is also evidence that a somatosensory startle reflex may contribute to this phase. We hypothesized that the startle reflex component contained in E3 will decrease during vibration. METHODS Sixteen healthy individuals were included in the study. CSP was recorded from slightly contracted right thenar muscles after painful index finger stimulation, before, during, and immediately after vibration. The values of the percentage change of E3 relative to pre-stimulus baseline (E3%) were compared before, during, and after vibration for each individual. RESULTS There was a reduction in E3% during vibration and the values returned to normal immediately after vibration (153.1 ± 43.5%, 115.2 ± 30.2%, 154.9 ± 68.2%, respectively; p = 0.030). DISCUSSION E3 is reduced during vibration in healthy individuals, presumably due to suppression of a reflex component, which is superimposed upon the known resynchronization of motoneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Gündüz
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selahattin Ayas
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Şenay Aydın
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Erdemir Kızıltan
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Germer CM, Del Vecchio A, Negro F, Farina D, Elias LA. Neurophysiological correlates of force control improvement induced by sinusoidal vibrotactile stimulation. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:016043. [PMID: 31791034 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab5e08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An optimal level of vibrotactile stimulation has been shown to improve sensorimotor control in healthy and diseased individuals. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms behind the enhanced motor performance caused by vibrotactile stimulation are yet to be fully understood. Therefore, here we aim to evaluate the effect of a cutaneous vibration on the firing behavior of motor units in a condition of improved force steadiness. APPROACH Participants performed a visuomotor task, which consisted of low-intensity isometric contractions of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle, while sinusoidal (175 Hz) vibrotactile stimuli with different intensities were applied to the index finger. High-density surface electromyogram was recorded from the FDI muscle, and a decomposition algorithm was used to extract the motor unit spike trains. Additionally, computer simulations were performed using a multiscale neuromuscular model to provide a potential explanation for the experimental findings. MAIN RESULTS Experimental outcomes showed that an optimal level of vibration significantly improved force steadiness (estimated as the coefficient of variation of force). The decreased force variability was accompanied by a reduction in the variability of the smoothed cumulative spike train (as an estimation of the neural drive to the muscle), and the proportion of common inputs to the FDI motor nucleus. However, the interspike interval variability did not change significantly with the vibration. A mathematical approach, together with computer simulation results suggested that vibrotactile stimulation would reduce the variance of the common synaptic input to the motor neuron pool, thereby decreasing the low frequency fluctuations of the neural drive to the muscle and force steadiness. SIGNIFICANCE Our results demonstrate that the decreased variability in common input accounts for the enhancement in force control induced by vibrotactile stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Marconi Germer
- Neural Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Evaluation of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Neuromuscular Activation Through Electromyographic Pattern of Vastus Lateralis Muscle and on Range of Motion of Knees in Metabolic Syndrome: A Quasi-Randomized Cross-Over Controlled Trial. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9234997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is related to overweight and obesity, and contributes to clinical limitations. Exercise is used for the management of MetS individuals, who are often not motivated to perform this practice. Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) produces several biological effects, besides being safe, effective, and feasible for MetS individuals. This pseudo-randomized and cross-over controlled trial study aimed to analyze the effects of WBVE on MetS individuals’ neuromuscular activation using the surface electromyography (sEMG) pattern (root mean square (RMS)) of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and on the range of motion (ROM) of the knees. Participants (n = 39) were allocated to two groups: the treatment group (TG), which was exposed to WBVE, and the control group (CG). WBVE interventions were performed twice a week, for a period of 5 weeks. ROM and sEMG were analyzed at baseline, after the first session, and before and after the last session. sEMG (%RMS) significantly increased in the acute effect of the last session of WBVE (108.00 ± 5.07, p < 0.008, right leg; 106.20 ± 3.53, p < 0.02, left leg) compared to the CG. ROM did not significantly change in TG or CG. In conclusion, 5 weeks of WBVE exerted neuromuscular effects capable of increasing VL muscle RMS in individuals with MetS, this effect being potentially useful in the physical rehabilitation of these individuals.
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Barrera-Curiel A, Colquhoun RJ, Hernandez-Sarabia JA, DeFreitas JM. The effects of vibration-induced altered stretch reflex sensitivity on maximal motor unit firing properties. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:2215-2221. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00326.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that muscle spindles have a monosynaptic, excitatory connection with α-motoneurons. However, the influence of muscle spindles on human motor unit behavior during maximal efforts remains untested. It has also been shown that muscle spindle function, as assessed by peripheral reflexes, can be systematically manipulated with muscle vibration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of brief and prolonged vibration on maximal motor unit firing properties. A crossover design was used, in which each of the 24 participants performed one to three maximal knee extensions under three separate conditions: 1) control, 2) brief vibration that was applied during the contraction, and 3) after prolonged vibration that was applied for ~20 min before the contraction. Multichannel EMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis during each contraction and was decomposed into its constituent motor unit action potential trains. Surprisingly, an approximate 9% reduction in maximal voluntary strength was observed not only after prolonged vibration but also during brief vibration. In addition, both vibration conditions had a large, significant effect on firing rates (a decrease in the rates) and a small to moderate, nonsignificant effect on recruitment thresholds (a small increase in the thresholds). Therefore, vibration had a detrimental influence on both maximal voluntary strength and motor unit firing properties, which we propose is due to altered function of the stretch reflex pathway. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used vibration to alter muscle spindle function and examined the vibration’s influence on maximal motor unit properties. We discovered that vibration had a detrimental influence on motor unit behavior and motor output by decreasing motor unit firing rates, increasing recruitment thresholds, which led to decreased maximal strength. We believe that understanding the role of muscle spindles during maximal contractions provides a deeper insight into motor control and sensorimotor integration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan J. Colquhoun
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | | | - Jason M. DeFreitas
- Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
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Aydın Ş, Kofler M, Bakuy Y, Gündüz A, Kızıltan ME. Effects of vibration on cutaneous silent period. Exp Brain Res 2019; 237:911-918. [PMID: 30659303 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-05463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Suppression of an ongoing muscle contraction following noxious digital stimulation is called cutaneous silent period (CSP) which is under the influence of several physiological factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of group Ia afferents on the cutaneous silent period (CSP) by applying 2-min vibration. CSP was obtained from abductor pollicis brevis muscle after stimulating index finger. The recordings were repeated three times-before, during and after vibration-which was applied over the tendon of flexor carpi radialis muscle. Onset latency, duration and magnitude of total CSP, inhibitory phases I1 and I2, and of the long-loop reflex were measured and compared. Suppression indices of CSP, I1 and I2 increased significantly during and after vibration, indicating significantly less exteroceptive EMG suppression outlasting the time of vibration. Vibration also caused mild shortening of I2 end latency (p = 0.048) and I2 duration (p = 0.019). Our findings indicate that vibration exerts a powerful influence on CSPs and causes reduction in the magnitude of exteroceptive EMG suppression during and after vibration. Although vibration is known to activate Ia afferents, we cannot exclude contribution of other afferents, e.g. mechanoreceptors, as well as pre- or postsynaptic inhibitory effects on ensuing interneurons, or enhanced vibration-related excitatory influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenay Aydın
- Department of Neurology, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. .,Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Yeliz Bakuy
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Gündüz
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral E Kızıltan
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Acute and chronic neuromuscular adaptations to local vibration training. Eur J Appl Physiol 2017; 117:1939-1964. [PMID: 28766150 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-017-3688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vibratory stimuli are thought to have the potential to promote neural and/or muscular (re)conditioning. This has been well described for whole-body vibration (WBV), which is commonly used as a training method to improve strength and/or functional abilities. Yet, this technique may present some limitations, especially in clinical settings where patients are unable to maintain an active position during the vibration exposure. Thus, a local vibration (LV) technique, which consists of applying portable vibrators directly over the tendon or muscle belly without active contribution from the participant, may present an alternative to WBV. The purpose of this narrative review is (1) to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature related to the acute and chronic neuromuscular changes associated with LV, and (2) to show that LV training may be an innovative and efficient alternative method to the 'classic' training programs, including in the context of muscle deconditioning prevention or rehabilitation. An acute LV application (one bout of 20-60 min) may be considered as a significant neuromuscular workload, as demonstrated by an impairment of force generating capacity and LV-induced neural changes. Accordingly, it has been reported that a training period of LV is efficient in improving muscular performance over a wide range of training (duration, number of session) and vibration (frequency, amplitude, site of application) parameters. The functional improvements are principally triggered by adaptations within the central nervous system. A model illustrating the current research on LV-induced adaptations is provided.
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Dionello CF, de Souza PL, Sá-Caputo D, Morel DS, Moreira-Marconi E, Paineiras-Domingos LL, Frederico EHFF, Guedes-Aguiar E, Paiva PDC, Taiar R, Chiementin X, Marín PJ, Bernardo-Filho M. Do whole body vibration exercises affect lower limbs neuromuscular activity in populations with a medical condition? A systematic review. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2017; 35:667-681. [PMID: 29172012 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-170765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) to evaluate muscle activation when executing whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) in studies provide neuromuscular findings, in healthy and diseased populations. OBJECTIVES Perform a systematic review of the effects of WBVE by sEMG of lower limbs in non-healthy populations. METHODS The search using the defined keywords was performed in PubMed, PEDRo and EMBASE databases by three independent researchers. Applying the PRISMA statement several studies were selected according to eligibility criteria and organized for the review. Full papers were included if they described effects of WBVE for the treatment of illnesses, evaluated by sEMG of lower limbs independently on the year of the publication; in comparison or associated with other treatment and evaluation techniques. RESULTS Seven publications were selected; two in spinal cord injury patients, one in Friedreich's ataxia patients, three in stroke patients and one study in breast cancer survivors. Reported effects of WBV in were muscle activation by sEMG and also on strength, blood flow and exercise resistance; even in paretic limbs. CONCLUSION By the use of sEMG it was verified that WBVE elicits muscle activation in diseased population. These results may lead to the definition of exercise protocols to maintain or increase muscular activation. However, due to the heterogeneity of methods among studies, there is currently no consensus on the sEMG signal processing. These strategies might also induce effects on muscle strength, balance and flexibility in these and other illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fontoura Dionello
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Lopes de Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Danubia Sá-Caputo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Curso de Fisioterapia, Faculdade Bezerra de Araújo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Danielle Soares Morel
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eloá Moreira-Marconi
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eric Heleno Freire Ferreira Frederico
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eliane Guedes-Aguiar
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Patricia de Castro Paiva
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Mestrado Profissional em Saúde, Medicina Laboratorial e Tecnologia Forense, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Redha Taiar
- Université du Reims Champagne Ardenne, Moulain de la Housse, Reims, France
| | - Xavier Chiementin
- Université du Reims Champagne Ardenne, Moulain de la Housse, Reims, France
| | | | - Mario Bernardo-Filho
- Laboratório de Vibrações Mecânicas e Práticas Integrativas e Complementares; Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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