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de Oliveira J, de Souza MA, Assef AA, Maia JM. Multi-Sensing Techniques with Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Assessment: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9232. [PMID: 36501933 PMCID: PMC9740760 DOI: 10.3390/s22239232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of muscle contractions generated by the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) plays a critical role in medical diagnoses, monitoring, rehabilitation, and functional assessments, including the potential for movement prediction modeling used for prosthetic control. Over the last decade, the use of combined traditional techniques to quantify information about the muscle condition that is correlated to neuromuscular electrical activation and the generation of muscle force and vibration has grown. The purpose of this review is to guide the reader to relevant works in different applications of ultrasound imaging in combination with other techniques for the characterization of biological signals. Several research groups have been using multi-sensing systems to carry out specific studies in the health area. We can divide these studies into two categories: human-machine interface (HMI), in which sensors are used to capture critical information to control computerized prostheses and/or robotic actuators, and physiological study, where sensors are used to investigate a hypothesis and/or a clinical diagnosis. In addition, the relevance, challenges, and expectations for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Health Technology (PPGTS), Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Mauren Abreu de Souza
- Graduate Program in Health Technology (PPGTS), Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Amauri Amorin Assef
- Graduate Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (CPGEI), Federal University of Technology of Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba 80230-901, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Miguel Maia
- Graduate Program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (CPGEI), Federal University of Technology of Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba 80230-901, Brazil
- Electronics Engineering Department (DAELN), Federal University of Technology of Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba 80230-901, Brazil
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Ibitoye MO, Hamzaid NA, Abdul Wahab AK, Hasnan N, Davis GM. Quadriceps mechanomyography reflects muscle fatigue during electrical stimulus-sustained standing in adults with spinal cord injury - a proof of concept. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2020; 65:165-174. [PMID: 31539346 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2019-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates whether mechanomyography (MMG) produced from contracting muscles as a measure of their performance could be a proxy of muscle fatigue during a sustained functional electrical stimulation (FES)-supported standing-to-failure task. Bilateral FES-evoked contractions of quadriceps and glutei muscles, of four adults with motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI), were used to maintain upright stance using two different FES frequencies: high frequency (HF - 35 Hz) and low frequency (LF - 20 Hz). The time at 30° knee angle reduction was taken as the point of critical "fatigue failure", while the generated MMG characteristics were used to track the pattern of force development during stance. Quadriceps fatigue, which was primarily responsible for the knee buckle, was characterized using MMG-root mean square (RMS) amplitude. A double exponential decay model fitted the MMG fatigue data with good accuracy [R2 = 0.85-0.99; root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.12-8.10] implying changes in the mechanical activity performance of the muscle's motor units. Although the standing duration was generally longer for the LF strategy (31-246 s), except in one participant, when compared to the HF strategy, such differences were not significant (p > 0.05) but suggested a faster muscle fatigue onset during HF stimulation. As MMG could discriminate between different stimulation frequencies, we speculate that this signal can quantify muscle fatigue characteristics during prolonged FES applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morufu Olusola Ibitoye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Nur Azah Hamzaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khairi Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Glen M Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Cè E, Longo S, Limonta E, Coratella G, Rampichini S, Esposito F. Peripheral fatigue: new mechanistic insights from recent technologies. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019; 120:17-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04264-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Fukuhara S, Oka H. A Simplified Analysis of Real-time Monitoring of Muscle Contraction during Dynamic Exercise Using an MMG/EMG Hybrid Transducer System. ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.14326/abe.8.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Fukuhara
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare
| | - Hisao Oka
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering of Health Systems, Okayama University
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Gulick CN, Coburn JW, Galpin AJ, Costa PB. Mechanomyographic amplitude and frequency vs. isometric torque relationships in women with higher vs. lower strength. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-160629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Ibitoye MO, Hamzaid NA, Abdul Wahab AK, Hasnan N, Olatunji SO, Davis GM. Estimation of Electrically-Evoked Knee Torque from Mechanomyography Using Support Vector Regression. SENSORS 2016; 16:s16071115. [PMID: 27447638 PMCID: PMC4970158 DOI: 10.3390/s16071115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty of real-time muscle force or joint torque estimation during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in physical therapy and exercise science has motivated recent research interest in torque estimation from other muscle characteristics. This study investigated the accuracy of a computational intelligence technique for estimating NMES-evoked knee extension torque based on the Mechanomyographic signals (MMG) of contracting muscles that were recorded from eight healthy males. Simulation of the knee torque was modelled via Support Vector Regression (SVR) due to its good generalization ability in related fields. Inputs to the proposed model were MMG amplitude characteristics, the level of electrical stimulation or contraction intensity, and knee angle. Gaussian kernel function, as well as its optimal parameters were identified with the best performance measure and were applied as the SVR kernel function to build an effective knee torque estimation model. To train and test the model, the data were partitioned into training (70%) and testing (30%) subsets, respectively. The SVR estimation accuracy, based on the coefficient of determination (R2) between the actual and the estimated torque values was up to 94% and 89% during the training and testing cases, with root mean square errors (RMSE) of 9.48 and 12.95, respectively. The knee torque estimations obtained using SVR modelling agreed well with the experimental data from an isokinetic dynamometer. These findings support the realization of a closed-loop NMES system for functional tasks using MMG as the feedback signal source and an SVR algorithm for joint torque estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morufu Olusola Ibitoye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin 24003, Kwara State, Nigeria.
| | - Nur Azah Hamzaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Khairi Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Sunday Olusanya Olatunji
- Computer Science Department, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Dammam, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Glen M Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia.
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Ibitoye MO, Hamzaid NA, Hasnan N, Abdul Wahab AK, Islam MA, Kean VSP, Davis GM. Torque and mechanomyogram relationships during electrically-evoked isometric quadriceps contractions in persons with spinal cord injury. Med Eng Phys 2016; 38:767-75. [PMID: 27289541 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between muscle contractions and joint loading produces torques necessary for movements during activities of daily living. However, during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-evoked contractions in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), a simple and reliable proxy of torque at the muscle level has been minimally investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between muscle mechanomyographic (MMG) characteristics and NMES-evoked isometric quadriceps torques in persons with motor complete SCI. Six SCI participants with lesion levels below C4 [(mean (SD) age, 39.2 (7.9) year; stature, 1.71 (0.05) m; and body mass, 69.3 (12.9) kg)] performed randomly ordered NMES-evoked isometric leg muscle contractions at 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion angles on an isokinetic dynamometer. MMG signals were detected by an accelerometer-based vibromyographic sensor placed over the belly of rectus femoris muscle. The relationship between MMG root mean square (MMG-RMS) and NMES-evoked torque revealed a very high association (R(2)=0.91 at 30°; R(2)=0.98 at 60°; and R(2)=0.97 at 90° knee angles; P<0.001). MMG peak-to-peak (MMG-PTP) and stimulation intensity were less well related (R(2)=0.63 at 30°; R(2)=0.67 at 60°; and R(2)=0.45 at 90° knee angles), although were still significantly associated (P≤0.006). Test-retest interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the dependent variables ranged from 0.82 to 0.97 for NMES-evoked torque, between 0.65 and 0.79 for MMG-RMS, and from 0.67 to 0.73 for MMG-PTP. Their standard error of measurements (SEM) ranged between 10.1% and 31.6% (of mean values) for torque, MMG-RMS and MMG-PTP. The MMG peak frequency (MMG-PF) of 30Hz approximated the stimulation frequency, indicating NMES-evoked motor unit firing rate. The results demonstrated knee angle differences in the MMG-RMS versus NMES-isometric torque relationship, but a similar torque related pattern for MMG-PF. These findings suggested that MMG was well associated with torque production, reliably tracking the motor unit recruitment pattern during NMES-evoked muscle contractions. The strong positive relationship between MMG signal and NMES-evoked torque production suggested that the MMG might be deployed as a direct proxy for muscle torque or fatigue measurement during leg exercise and functional movements in the SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morufu Olusola Ibitoye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Nur Azah Hamzaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khairi Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Md Anamul Islam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Victor S P Kean
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Glen M Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia
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Chen X, Wen H, Li Q, Wang T, Chen S, Zheng YP, Zhang Z. Identifying transient patterns of in vivo muscle behaviors during isometric contraction by local polynomial regression. Biomed Signal Process Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Training-related changes in the EMG–moment relationship during isometric contractions: Further evidence of improved control of muscle activation in strength-trained men? J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2015; 25:697-702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Malek MH, Coburn JW. The utility of electromyography and mechanomyography for assessing neuromuscular function: a noninvasive approach. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2012; 23:23-32, ix. [PMID: 22239871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This article introduces the utility of electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) for the assessment of neuromuscular function, and discusses the interpretation of the EMG and MMG signals for various exercise perturbations. The results of these studies suggest that the use of EMG and MMG to determine muscle fatigue is robust. Future studies with clinical populations are needed, however, to determine the optimal use of EMG and/or MMG for assessing muscle function in rehabilitative settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moh H Malek
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Decker M, Griffin L, Abraham L, Brandt L. Alternating stimulation of synergistic muscles during functional electrical stimulation cycling improves endurance in persons with spinal cord injury. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2010; 20:1163-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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13
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Herda TJ, Weir JP, Ryan ED, Walter AA, Costa PB, Hoge KM, Beck TW, Stout JR, Cramer JT. Reliability of absolute versus log-transformed regression models for examining the torque-related patterns of response for mechanomyographic amplitude. J Neurosci Methods 2009; 179:240-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2009.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Watanabe K, Akima H. Normalized EMG to normalized torque relationship of vastus intermedius muscle during isometric knee extension. Eur J Appl Physiol 2009; 106:665-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-009-1064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Beck TW, Housh TJ, Fry AC, Cramer JT, Weir JP, Schilling BK, Falvo MJ, Moore CA. A wavelet-based analysis of surface mechanomyographic signals from the quadriceps femoris. Muscle Nerve 2009; 39:355-63. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.21208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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16
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Herda TJ, Housh TJ, Weir JP, Ryan ED, Costa PB, DeFreitas JM, Walter AA, Stout JR, Beck TW, Cramer JT. The consistency of ordinary least-squares and generalized least-squares polynomial regression on characterizing the mechanomyographic amplitude versus torque relationship. Physiol Meas 2009; 30:115-28. [DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/30/2/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Esposito F, Limonta E, Cè E, Gobbo M, Veicsteinas A, Orizio C. Electrical and mechanical response of finger flexor muscles during voluntary isometric contractions in elite rock-climbers. Eur J Appl Physiol 2008; 105:81-92. [PMID: 18830618 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-008-0877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To determine the differences between rock-climbers and controls in finger flexor (FF) motor units (MUs) features and activation strategy, eleven climbers and ten controls volunteered for the study. After maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) assessment, five levels of isometric contractions at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% MVC were performed. During contractions, electromyogram (EMG) and mechanomyogram (MMG) were recorded, from which the root mean square (RMS) and mean frequency (MF) were calculated. Climbers showed significantly higher MVC. EMG RMS was statistically higher in climbers than in controls from 60 to 100% MVC. In climbers MMG RMS increased up to 80% MVC, whereas in controls it increased only up to 60% MVC. MMG MF was higher in climbers than in controls from 60 to 100% MVC (P < 0.05). EMG-MMG combined analysis revealed significant differences in MU activation strategy between the two groups. The results are compatible with a shift of climbers' muscles toward faster MUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Esposito
- Institute of Physical Exercise, Health and Sport, University of Milan, Via Colombo 71, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Laser-detected lateral muscle displacement is correlated with force fluctuations during voluntary contractions in humans. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 173:271-8. [PMID: 18644407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2008] [Revised: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fluctuations in muscle force during steady voluntary contractions result from the summation of twitch forces produced by asynchronous activation of multiple motor units. We hypothesized that oscillatory lateral muscle displacement, measured with a non-contact high-resolution laser displacement sensor, is correlated with force fluctuations during steady, voluntary contractions with a human muscle. Eight healthy young adults (20-33 yrs) performed steady isometric contractions with the first dorsal interosseus muscle. Contraction intensity ranged from 2.5% to 60% of the maximal voluntary contraction force. Oscillatory lateral displacement of the muscle surface was measured with a high-resolution laser displacement sensor (0.5 microm resolution), concurrently with abduction force of the index finger. In the time-domain analysis, there was a significant positive peak in the cross-correlation function between lateral muscle displacement and force fluctuations. In addition, the amplitude increased linearly with contraction intensity in both signals. In the frequency-domain analysis, frequency content was similar in both signals, and there was significant coherence between signals for the major frequency range of the signals (<5 Hz). In conclusion, laser-detected lateral displacement of a hand muscle is correlated with force fluctuations across a wide range of contraction intensity during steady voluntary contractions in humans.
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Ryan ED, Beck TW, Herda TJ, Hartman MJ, Stout JR, Housh TJ, Cramer JT. Mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency responses during isometric ramp vs. step muscle actions. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 168:293-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 10/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ryan ED, Cramer JT, Egan AD, Hartman MJ, Herda TJ. Time and frequency domain responses of the mechanomyogram and electromyogram during isometric ramp contractions: A comparison of the short-time Fourier and continuous wavelet transforms. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2008; 18:54-67. [PMID: 17070700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine the mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) time and frequency domain responses of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during isometric ramp contractions and compare the time-frequency of the MMG and EMG signals generated by the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Nineteen healthy subjects (mean+/-SD age=24+/-4 years) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and after completing 2-3, 6-s isometric ramp contractions from 5% to 100% MVC with the right leg extensors. MMG and surface EMG signals were recorded from the VL and RF muscles. Time domains were represented as root mean squared amplitude values, and time-frequency representations were generated using the STFT and CWT. Polynomial regression analyses indicated cubic increases in MMG amplitude, MMG frequency, and EMG frequency, whereas EMG amplitude increased quadratically. From 5% to 24-28% MVC, MMG amplitude remained stable while MMG frequency increased. From 24-28% to 76-78% MVC, MMG amplitude increased rapidly while MMG frequency plateaued. From 76-78% to 100% MVC, MMG amplitude plateaued (VL) or decreased (RF) while MMG frequency increased. EMG amplitude increased while EMG frequency changed only marginally across the force spectrum with no clear deflection points. Overall, these findings suggested that MMG may offer more unique information regarding the interactions between motor unit recruitment and firing rate that control muscle force production during ramp contractions than traditional surface EMG. In addition, although the STFT frequency patterns were more pronounced than the CWT, both algorithms produced similar time-frequency representations for tracking changes in MMG or EMG frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Ryan
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019-6081, USA.
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Ryan ED, Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Beck TW, Herda TJ, Hartman MJ. Inter-individual variability in the torque-related patterns of responses for mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency. J Neurosci Methods 2007; 161:212-9. [PMID: 17187865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2006.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-individual variability for the patterns of responses for mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus isometric torque in lower-strength (LS) and higher-strength (HS) individuals. Twelve participants (mean +/- S.D. age = 25 + 4 years) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and after completing nine submaximal step muscle actions (15%, 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and 95% MVC) of the right leg extensors. MMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle, and MMG amplitude and MPF values were computed for each corresponding percentage of the MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that the composite MMG amplitude versus isometric torque relationship was best fit with a linear model (r(2) = 0.980) for the LS group and a cubic model (r(2) = 0.994) for the HS group. The composite MMG MPF versus isometric torque relationships were best fit with linear models for both the LS (r(2) = 0.529) and HS (r(2)=0.591) groups. However, only 66% of the individuals exhibited the same linear MMG amplitude patterns as the composite relationship for the LS group, whereas only 33% of the individual relationships were cubic for the HS group. Only one subject exhibited a positive linear (r(2) = 0.681) relationship for the MMG(MPF) versus isometric torque relationship for either the LS or HS groups. These findings suggested that strength differences do not affect the patterns of responses for MMG amplitude or MPF. The lack of consistency between the individual and composite patterns of responses suggested some degree of inter-individual variability. Therefore, future studies should examine the individual patterns of response to draw conclusions about motor control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Ryan
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Biophysics Laboratory, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019-6081, USA.
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Kouzaki M, Shinohara M. The frequency of alternate muscle activity is associated with the attenuation in muscle fatigue. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2006; 101:715-20. [PMID: 16728513 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01309.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternate muscle activity between synergist muscles has been demonstrated during low-level sustained contractions [≤5% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force]. To determine the functional significance of the alternate muscle activity, the association between the frequency of alternate muscle activity during a low-level sustained knee extension and the reduction in knee extension MVC force was studied. Forty-one healthy subjects performed a sustained knee extension at 2.5% MVC force for 1 h. Before and after the sustained knee extension, MVC force was measured. The surface electromyogram was recorded from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles. The frequency of alternate muscle activity for RF-VL, RF-VM, and VL-VM pairs was determined during the sustained contraction. The frequency of alternate muscle activity ranged from 4 to 11 times/h for RF-VL (7.0 ± 2.0 times/h) and RF-VM (7.0 ± 1.9 times/h) pairs, but it was only 0 to 2 times/h for the VL-VM pair (0.5 ± 0.7 times/h). MVC force after the sustained contraction decreased by 14% ( P < 0.01) from 573.6 ± 145.2 N to 483.3 ± 130.5 N. The amount of reduction in MVC force was negatively correlated with the frequency of alternate muscle activity for the RF-VL and RF-VM pairs ( P < 0.001 and r = 0.65 for both) but not for the VL-VM pair. The results demonstrate that subjects with more frequent alternate muscle activity experience less muscle fatigue. We conclude that the alternate muscle activity between synergist muscles attenuates muscle fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Kouzaki
- Dept. of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.
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Beck TW, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Weir JP, Cramer JT, Coburn JW, Malek MH. Comparison of a piezoelectric contact sensor and an accelerometer for examining mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus torque relationships during isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2006; 16:324-35. [PMID: 16243542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare a piezoelectric contact sensor with an accelerometer for measuring the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal from the biceps brachii during submaximal to maximal isokinetic and isometric forearm flexion muscle actions. Following determination of isokinetic peak torque (PT) and the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), 10 adults (mean+/-SD age=22.8+/-2.7yrs) performed randomly ordered, submaximal step muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors in 20% increments from 20% to 80% PT and MVC. Surface MMG signals were recorded simultaneously from a contact sensor and an accelerometer placed over the belly of the biceps brachii muscle. During the isokinetic and isometric muscle actions, the contact sensor and accelerometer resulted in linear increases in normalized MMG amplitude with torque (r(2) range=0.84-0.97) but the linear slope of the normalized MMG amplitude versus isokinetic torque relationship for the accelerometer was less (p<0.10) than that of the contact sensor. There was no significant (p>0.05) relationship for normalized MMG mean power frequency (MPF, %max) versus isokinetic and isometric torque for the contact sensor, but the accelerometer demonstrated a quadratic (R(2)=0.94) or linear (r(2)=0.83) relationship for the isokinetic and isometric muscle actions, respectively. There were also a number of significant (p<0.05) mean differences between the contact sensor and accelerometer for normalized MMG amplitude or MPF values. These findings indicated that in some cases involving dynamic and isometric muscle actions, the contact sensor and accelerometer resulted in different torque-related responses that may affect the interpretation of the motor control strategies involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, Center for Youth Fitness and Sports Research, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, USA.
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Place N, Matkowski B, Martin A, Lepers R. Synergists activation pattern of the quadriceps muscle differs when performing sustained isometric contractions with different EMG biofeedback. Exp Brain Res 2006; 174:595-603. [PMID: 16708243 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-006-0504-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to examine (1) endurance time and (2) activation pattern of vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during fatiguing isometric knee extensions performed with different EMG biofeedbacks. Thirteen men (27 +/- 5 year) volunteered to participate in three experimental sessions. Each session involved a submaximal isometric contraction held until failure at an EMG level corresponding to 40% maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC), with visual EMG biofeedback provided for either (1) RF muscle (RF task), (2) VL and VM muscles (Vasti task) or (3) the sum of the VL, VM and RF muscles (Quadriceps task). EMG activity of VL, VM and RF muscles was recorded during each of the three tasks and further analyzed. Time to task failures and MVC loss (P < 0.001) after exercises were similar (P > 0.05) between the three sessions (182 s and approximately 28%, respectively) (P > 0.05). Moreover, the magnitude of central and peripheral fatigue was not different at failure of the three tasks. Activation pattern was similar for knee extensors at the beginning of each task (P > 0.05). However, RF EMG activity decreased (P < 0.05) during the Vasti and the Quadriceps tasks (from approximately 33 to approximately 25% maximal EMG), whereas vasti EMG activity remained constant during the RF task ( approximately 41% maximal EMG). These findings suggest that (1) task failure occurs when sustaining a submaximal level of EMG activity for as long as possible and (2) CNS is not able to differentiate descending drive to the different heads of the quadriceps at the beginning of a sustained contraction, despite a different activation pattern for the bi-articular RF muscle compared to the mono-articular vasti muscles during fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Place
- INSERM ERM 207 Motricité Plasticité, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon Cedex, France.
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Abstract
Measurement of the transverse displacement of the skin over a contracting muscle is known as the surface mechanomyogram. With the concurrent measurement of the electromyogram and twitch force, the mechanomyogram can provide supplementary information about muscle activity and motor performance during such tasks as fatiguing contractions and attempts to perform steady contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Shinohara
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0354, USA.
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Coburn JW, Housh TJ, Malek MH, Weir JP, Cramer JT, Beck TW, Johnson GO. Mechanomyographic and electromyographic responses to eccentric muscle contractions. Muscle Nerve 2006; 33:664-71. [PMID: 16435341 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Little is known regarding the modulation of torque during eccentric muscle actions. Mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) signals have been used to examine motor control strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the MMG and EMG amplitude and frequency in relation to torque during eccentric muscle contractions. Eight women performed eccentric leg extension muscle contractions at 10-100% of peak torque (PT). A piezoelectric crystal contact sensor and bipolar surface electrodes were placed on the vastus medialis to detect the MMG and EMG signals. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that EMG amplitude (r(2)=0.994) and MMG wavelet center frequency (CF) (r(2)=0.846) increased linearly to 100% eccentric PT, whereas there were no significant relationships for EMG wavelet CF or MMG amplitude and eccentric torque. These results suggested that eccentric torque is primarily modulated through changes in motor unit firing rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared W Coburn
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., KHS-235, Fullerton, California 92834-6870, USA.
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Esposito F, Cè E, Gobbo M, Veicsteinas A, Orizio C. Surface EMG and mechanomyogram disclose isokinetic training effects on quadriceps muscle in elderly people. Eur J Appl Physiol 2005; 94:549-57. [PMID: 15942769 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-005-1371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of fast and slow twitch fibers are reduced in the lower limb muscles of elderly subjects. Isokinetic training at medium and high velocities has been widely used to improve muscle performance and force in young as well as elderly subjects. EMG and mechanomyogram (MMG) are compound signals in which the electrical and mechanical activities of recruited motor units (MUs) are summated. The aim of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that isokinetic training in the elderly induces changes in EMG and MMG parameters, compatible with a functional retrieval of fast twitch fiber MUs. In ten sedentary males (62-78 years), the surface EMG and MMG were recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle during isometric contractions at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of the MVC, before and after 12 weeks of isokinetic training (six series of ten repetitions, each at an angular velocity of 2.09 rad s(-1) and 4.19 rad s(-1), two times a week). With training: (a) MVC and CSA increased by about 35+/-5% and 8+/-1%, respectively (P<0.05); (b) the ratio MVC/CSA increased significantly in all subjects by 25+/-5%; (c) the EMG root mean square and MMG spectral mean frequency increased significantly at the highest workloads. In conclusion, our data indicate that isokinetic training in the elderly improved muscle size and performance significantly. The EMG and MMG changes suggest that these results may be due to a retrieval of the fast twitch fiber MUs, contributing to muscle action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Esposito
- Institute of Physical Exercise, Health and Sports, Division of Human Physiology, University of Milan, Via Colombo 71, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Blangsted AK, Vedsted P, Sjøgaard G, Søgaard K. Intramuscular pressure and tissue oxygenation during low-force static contraction do not underlie muscle fatigue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 183:379-88. [PMID: 15799774 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-201x.2005.01411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To test the hypothesis that time-wise increase in intramuscular pressure (IMP) and subsequent decrease in muscle tissue oxygenation (TO(2)) results in muscle fatigue development during a non-exhaustive, low-force contraction evidenced by changes in electromyogram (EMG) and particular mechanomyogram (MMG). METHODS Seven subjects performed static elbow flexion at 10% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 10 min (10% MVC(10 min)). Surface EMG, MMG, IMP and TO(2) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy was recorded from m. biceps brachii during 10% MVC(10 min) and during 5% MVC test contractions of 1 min duration performed before 10% MVC(10 min), 10 and 30 min post-exercise. EMG and MMG were analysed for root mean square (rms) and mean power frequency (mpf). RESULTS During 10% MVC(10 min) MMGrms increased from initial level of 0.04 +/- 0.01 to 0.11 +/- 0.07 m s(-2) in the last minute and MMGmpf and EMGmpf decreased from 34.9 +/- 8.2 to 21.3 +/- 3.8 Hz and from 71.7 +/- 10.9 to 61.7 +/- 10.0 Hz respectively. Similar changes were present in 5% MVC test contractions 30 min post-exercise. Initially, TO(2) decreased by 6.9 +/- 6.5% of resting level but returned to rest within 1 min. IMP remained constant during the contraction after an initial fourfold increase from resting level of 12.2 +/- 10.4 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS IMP was anticipated to increase with time of contraction due to e.g. increased muscle water content; but this was not confirmed. Consequently, muscle blood flow was unlikely to be impeded with contraction time, which may account for the maintenance of TO(2). Thus, decreased TO(2) did not underlie either acute or long-term muscle fatigue development evidenced by changes in EMG and particular MMG variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Blangsted
- Department of Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Beck TW, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Weir JP, Cramer JT, Coburn JW, Malek MH. Gender Comparisons of Mechanomyographic Amplitude and Mean Power Frequency versus Isometric Torque Relationships. J Appl Biomech 2005; 21:96-109. [PMID: 16131708 DOI: 10.1123/jab.21.1.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the patterns of mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency vs. torque relationships in men and women during isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. Seven men (mean age 23.9 ± 3.5 yrs) and 8 women (mean 21.0 ± 1.3 yrs) performed submaximal to maximal isometric muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors. Following determination of the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), they randomly performed submaximal step muscle actions in 10% increments from 10% to 90% MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that the MMG amplitude vs. isometric torque relationship for the men was best fit with a cubic model (R2= 0.983), where MMG amplitude increased slightly from 10% to 20% MVC, increased rapidly from 20% to 80% MVC, and plateaued from 80% to 100% MVC. For the women, MMG amplitude increased linearly (r2= 0.949) from 10% to 100% MVC. Linear models also provided the best fit for the MMG mean power frequency vs. isometric torque relationship in both the men (r2= 0.813) and women (r2= 0.578). The results demonstrated gender differences in the MMG amplitude vs. isometric torque relationship, but similar torque-related patterns for MMG mean power frequency. These findings suggested that the plateau in MMG amplitude at high levels of isometric torque production for the biceps brachii in the men, but not the women, may have been due to greater isometric torque, muscle stiffness, and/or intramuscular fluid pressure in the men, rather than to differences in motor unit activation strategies for modulating isometric torque production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Dept. of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, 68588, USA
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Kouzaki M, Shinohara M, Masani K, Fukunaga T. Force fluctuations are modulated by alternate muscle activity of knee extensor synergists during low-level sustained contraction. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2004; 97:2121-31. [PMID: 15208288 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00418.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study examined the hypothesis that altered synergistic activation of the knee extensors leads to cyclic modulation of the force fluctuations. To test this hypothesis, the force fluctuations were investigated during sustained knee extension at 2.5% of maximal voluntary contraction force for 60 min in 11 men. Surface electromyograms (EMG) were recorded from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles. The SD of force and average EMG (AEMG) of each muscle were calculated for 30-s periods during alternate muscle activity. Power spectrum of force was calculated for the low- (≤3 Hz), middle- (4–6 Hz), and high-frequency (8–12 Hz) components. Alternate muscle activity was observed between RF and the set of VL and VM muscles. The SD of force was not constant but variable due to the alternate muscle activity. The SD was significantly greater during high RF activity compared with high VL and VM activity ( P < 0.05), and the correlation coefficient between the SD and AEMG was significantly greater in RF [0.736 (SD 0.095), P < 0.05] compared with VL and VM. Large changes were found in the high-frequency component. During high RF activity, the correlation coefficient between the SD and high-frequency component [0.832 (SD 0.087)] was significantly ( P < 0.05) greater compared with other frequency components. It is suggested that modulations in knee extension force fluctuations are caused by the unique muscle activity in RF during the alternate muscle activity, which augments the high-frequency component of the fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Kouzaki
- Laboratory of Sports Sciences, Dept. of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.
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Coburn JW, Housh TJ, Weir JP, Malek MH, Cramer JT, Beck TW, Johnson GO. Mechanomyographic Responses of the Vastus Medialis to Isometric and Eccentric Muscle Actions. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004; 36:1916-22. [PMID: 15514507 DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000145449.14799.5f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanomyographic (MMG) signal may be used to examine the motor control strategies used to modulate torque during various types of muscle actions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the MMG amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus torque relationships during isometric and eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. METHODS Eleven adults (mean age +/- SD = 20.8 +/- 1.4 yr) volunteered to perform isometric and eccentric isokinetic leg extension muscle actions at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% of peak torque on a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. A piezoelectric crystal contact sensor was placed on the vastus medialis to detect the MMG signal. RESULTS Polynomial regression analyses indicated that for the isometric muscle actions, the relationships for MMG amplitude (r2 = 0.984) and MPF (r2 = 0.989) versus torque were linear. For the eccentric isokinetic muscle actions, the relationships for MMG amplitude (r2 = 0.580) and MPF (r2 = 0.961) versus torque were also linear. CONCLUSION The patterns for MMG amplitude and MPF may reflect the motor control strategies that modulate torque production for isometric and eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. Based on the results of this and previous studies, it appears that for the vastus medialis, torque is modulated in a similar manner for isometric, concentric, and eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. Specifically, these findings suggest that gradation of torque involves increases in recruitment and firing rate to 100% voluntary torque production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared W Coburn
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0806, USA.
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Beck TW, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Weir JP, Cramer JT, Coburn JW, Malek MH. Mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus torque relationships during isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2004; 14:555-64. [PMID: 15301774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2004.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2003] [Revised: 02/16/2004] [Accepted: 03/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus torque (or force) relationships during isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the biceps brachii. Ten adults (mean +/- SD age = 21.6 +/- 1.7 years) performed submaximal to maximal isokinetic and isometric muscle actions of the dominant forearm flexors. Following determination of isokinetic peak torque (PT) and the isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), the subjects randomly performed submaximal step muscle actions in 10% increments from 10% to 90% PT and MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that MMG amplitude increased linearly with torque during both the isokinetic (r2 = 0.982) and isometric (r2 = 0.956) muscle actions. From 80% to 100% of isometric MVC, however, MMG amplitude appeared to plateau. Cubic models provided the best fit for the MMG MPF versus isokinetic (R2 = 0.786) and isometric (R2 = 0.940) torque relationships, although no significant increase in MMG MPF was found from 10% to 100% of isokinetic PT. For the isometric muscle actions, however, MMG MPF remained relatively stable from 10% to 50% MVC, increased from 50% to 80% MVC, and decreased from 80% to 100% MVC. The results demonstrated differences in the MMG amplitude and MPF versus torque relationships between the isokinetic and isometric muscle actions. These findings suggested that the time and frequency domains of the MMG signal may be useful for describing the unique motor control strategies that modulate dynamic versus isometric torque production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, Center for Youth Fitness and Sports Research, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 110 Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0806, USA.
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Shinohara M, Yoshitake Y, Kouzaki M, Fukuoka H, Fukunaga T. Strength training counteracts motor performance losses during bed rest. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 95:1485-92. [PMID: 12832434 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01173.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of bed rest with or without strength training on torque fluctuations and activation strategy of the muscles. Twelve young men participated in a 20-day bed rest study. Subjects were divided into a non-training group (BRCon) and a strength-training group (BRTr). The training comprised dynamic calf-raise and leg-press exercises. Before and after bed rest, subjects performed maximal contractions and steady submaximal isometric contractions of the ankle extensor muscles and of the knee extensor muscles (2.5-10% of maximal torque). Maximal torque decreased for both the ankle extensors (9%, P < 0.05) and knee extensors (16%, P < 0.05) in BRCon but not in BRTr. For the ankle extensors, the coefficient of variation (CV) for torque increased in both groups (P < 0.05), with a greater amount (P < 0.05) in BRCon (88%) compared with BRTr (41%). For the knee extensors, an increase in the CV for torque was observed only in BRCon (22%). The increase in the CV for torque in BRCon accompanied the greater changes in electromyogram amplitude of medial gastrocnemius (122%) and vastus lateralis (59%) compared with BRTr (P < 0.05). The results indicate that fluctuations in torque during submaximal contractions of the extensor muscles in the leg increase after bed rest and that strength training counteracted the decline in performance. The response varied across muscle groups. Alterations in muscle activation may lead to an increase in fluctuations in motor output after bed rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Shinohara
- Dept. of Integrative Physiology, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0354, USA.
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Miyamoto N, Oda S. Mechanomyographic and electromyographic responses of the triceps surae during maximal voluntary contractions. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2003; 13:451-9. [PMID: 12932419 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-6411(03)00058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of joint angle on the electromyogram (EMG) and mechanomyogram (MMG) during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Eight subjects performed maximal isometric plantar flexor torque productions at varying knee and/or ankle angles. Maximal voluntary torque, EMG, and MMG from the soleus (Sol), medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles were measured at different joint angles. At varying knee angles, the root mean squared (rms) MMG amplitude of the MG and LG increased with knee joint extension from 60 degrees to 180 degrees (full extension) in steps of 30 degrees, whereas that of the Sol was constant. At varying ankle angles, the rms-MMG of all muscles (Sol, MG, and LG) decreased with torque as ankle joint extending from 80 degrees (10 degrees dorsiflexion position) to 120 degrees (30 degrees plantar flexion position) in steps of 10 degrees. In each case, changes in the rms-MMG of the three muscles were almost parallel to those in torque. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the rms-EMG of all muscles among all joint angles. Our data suggest that the MMG amplitudes recorded from individual muscles during MVCs can represent relative torque-angle relationships that cannot be represented by the EMG signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Human Motor Control, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Kouzaki M, Shinohara M, Masani K, Tachi M, Kanehisa H, Fukunaga T. Local blood circulation among knee extensor synergists in relation to alternate muscle activity during low-level sustained contraction. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 95:49-56. [PMID: 12611770 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00671.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relation between local circulation and alternate muscle activity among knee extensor synergists was determined during low-level sustained knee extension at 2.5% of maximal voluntary contraction for 60 min in seven subjects. Blood volume of rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) was assessed by using near-infrared spectroscopy. Surface electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from RF, VL, and vastus medialis (VM). Alternate muscle activity was observed between RF and either VL or VM. Cross-correlation analysis was used to investigate the relation between blood volume and integrated EMG (iEMG) sequences throughout the task. One negative peak in the cross-correlation function was seen between the iEMG and blood volume with time lag of 30-60 s, indicating that muscle activity increases (or decreases) with the decrease (or increase) in local circulation with the corresponding time lag. Two cases in the emergence of alternate muscle activities, i.e., an increase in the EMG of RF accompanied by a decline of EMG in VL (case I) and vice versa (case II) were further analyzed. The time lag between iEMG and blood volume was longer in case I than that in case II. These results were statistically significant in the RF but not in the VL. It is concluded that even during low-level sustained contraction, local circulation is modulated by the alternate muscle activity of knee extensor synergists, and a negative correlation between the muscle activity and blood volume sequences was found in only RF but not in VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Kouzaki
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.
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Yoshitake Y, Shinohara M, Ue H, Moritani T. Characteristics of surface mechanomyogram are dependent on development of fusion of motor units in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2002; 93:1744-52. [PMID: 12381762 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00008.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test whether surface mechanomyogram (MMG) recorded on the skin reflects the contractile properties of individual motor units in humans. Eight motor units in the medial gastrocnemius muscle were identified, and trains of stimulation at 5, 10, 15, and 20 Hz were delivered to each isolated motor unit. There was a significant positive correlation between the duration of MMG and twitch duration. MMG amplitude decreased with increasing stimulation frequency. Reductions in MMG amplitude were in parallel with the reductions in force fluctuations, and the rate of change in both was positively correlated across the motor units. Rate of change in MMG amplitude against force was negatively correlated to half relaxation time and twitch duration. Similar negative correlations were found between force fluctuations and contractile properties. These results provide evidence supporting a direct relation between MMG and contractile properties of individual motor units within the gastrocnemius muscle, indicating that surface MMG is dependent on the contractile properties of the activated motor units in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhide Yoshitake
- Laboratory of Applied Physiology, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Mamaghani NK, Shimomura Y, Iwanaga K, Katsuura T. Mechanomyogram and electromyogram responses of upper limb during sustained isometric fatigue with varying shoulder and elbow postures. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCE 2002; 21:29-43. [PMID: 11938607 DOI: 10.2114/jpa.21.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the behavior of mechanomyogram (MMG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals in the time and frequency domains during sustained isometric contraction, MMG and surface EMG were obtained simultaneously from four muscles: upper trapezius (TP), anterior deltoid (DL), biceps brachii (BB), and brachioradialis (BR) of 10 healthy male subjects. Experimental conditions consisted of 27 combinations of 9 postures [3 shoulder angles (SA): 0 degree, 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 3 elbow angles (EA): 120 degrees, 90 degrees, 60 degrees] and 3 contraction levels: 20%, 40%, and 60% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Subjective evaluations of fatigue were also assessed using the Borg scale at intervals of 60, 30, and 10 sec at 20%, 40%, and 60% MVC tests, respectively. The mean power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS) of both signals were calculated. The current study found clear and significant relationships among physiological and psychological parameters on the one hand and SA and EA on the other. EA's effect on MVC was found to be significant. SA had a highly significant effect on both endurance time and Borg scale. In all experimental conditions, significant correlations were found between the changes in MPF and RMS of EMG in BB with SA and EA (or muscle length). In all four muscles, MMG frequency content was two or three times lower than EMG frequency content. During sustained isometric contraction, the EMG signal showed the well-known shift to lower frequencies (a continuous decrease from onset to completion of the contraction). In contrast, the MMG spectra did not show any shift, although its form changed (generally remaining about constant). Throughout the contraction, increased RMS of EMG was found for all tests, whereas in the MMG signal, a significant progressive increase in RMS was observed only at 20% MVC in all four muscles. This supports the hypothesis that the RMS amplitude of the MMG signal produced during contraction is highly correlated with force production. Possible explanations for this behavioral difference between the MMG and EMG signals are discussed.
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Bichler E, Celichowski J. Changes in the properties of mechanomyographic signals and in the tension during the fatigue test of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle motor units. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2001; 11:387-94. [PMID: 11738951 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-6411(01)00025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of activity-related changes in tension on properties of the mechanomyogram (MMG) was investigated in fast fatigue-able, fast resistant and slow motor units (MUs). A standard fatigue test was used in which rhythmically repeated unfused tetani were evoked. The amplitudes of the rise in tension of the first and the last contraction within the unfused tetanus and the amplitudes of accompanying signals in MMG were calculated. For fast fatigue-able MUs a parallel decrease in the amplitudes of both analysed contractions and in the amplitudes of accompanying MMG signals during the fatigue test was observed. For majority of fast resistant MUs at the beginning of the fatigue test a potentiation occurred and this phenomenon increased the tension of the first contraction and of the peak tetanic tension. However, the potentiation coincided also with a decrease of the amplitude of the last contraction in the tension recording of an unfused tetanus. The MMG reflected both, the increase of amplitude of the first contraction and the decrease of the amplitude of the further contractions within the tetanus. The single twitch contraction evoked immediately before and after the fatigue test was additionally recorded. A decrease (fatigue) or an increase (potentiation) of the twitch tension after the fatigue test was reflected by a decrease or an increase in the amplitude of MMG, respectively. However, the fatigue failed to change significantly the time parameters of MMG. To conclude, fatigue and potentiation can occur during activity of fast MUs and both these phenomena involve changes in the amplitude of oscillations in tension of unfused tetani which are reflected in MMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bichler
- Department of Neurobiology, University School of Physical Education, 55 Grunwaldszka Str, 60-352 Poznan, Poland.
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Perry SR, Housh TJ, Weir JP, Johnson GO, Bull AJ, Ebersole KT. Mean power frequency and amplitude of the mechanomyographic and electromyographic signals during incremental cycle ergometry. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2001; 11:299-305. [PMID: 11532601 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-6411(00)00057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationships for mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, MMG mean power frequency (MPF), electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, and EMG MPF versus power output during incremental cycle ergometry. Seventeen adults volunteered to perform an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. The test began at 50 W and the power output was increased by 30 W every 2 min until the subject could no longer maintain 70 rev min(-1). The MMG and EMG signals were recorded simultaneously from the vastus lateralis during the final 10 s of each power output and analyzed. MMG amplitude, MMG MPF, EMG amplitude, EMG MPF, and power output were normalized as a percentage of the maximal value from the cycle ergometer test. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that MMG amplitude increased (P<0.05) linearly across power output, but there was no change (P>0.05) in MMG MPF. EMG amplitude and MPF were fit best (P<0.05) with quadratic models. These results demonstrated dissociations among the time and frequency domains of MMG and EMG signals, which may provide information about motor control strategies during incremental cycle ergometry. The patterns for amplitude and frequency of the MMG signal may be useful for examining the relationship between motor-unit recruitment and firing rate during dynamic tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Perry
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 0229, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, USA.
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Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Ebersole KT, Perry SR, Bull AJ. Mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power output during maximal, concentric, isokinetic muscle actions. Muscle Nerve 2000; 23:1826-31. [PMID: 11102905 DOI: 10.1002/1097-4598(200012)23:12<1826::aid-mus5>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the velocity-related patterns for mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, mean power output (MP), and peak torque (PT) of the superficial muscles of the quadriceps femoris (vastus lateralis [VL], rectus femoris [RF], and vastus medialis [VM]) during maximal, concentric, isokinetic leg extensions. Twelve adult women (mean +/- SD: 22 +/- 3 years of age) performed such leg extensions at velocities of 60 degrees, 120 degrees, 180 degrees, 240 degrees, and 300 degrees /s on a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. PT decreased (P < 0.05) across velocity to 240 degrees /s. MP and MMG amplitude for each muscle (VL, RF, and VM) increased (P < 0.05) with velocity to 240 degrees /s and then plateaued. EMG amplitude increased (P < 0.05) to 240°/s for the VL, remained unchanged across velocity (P > 0.05) for the RF, and increased (P < 0.05) to 300 degrees /s for the VM. The results indicated close similarities between the velocity-related patterns for MMG amplitude and MP, but dissociations among EMG amplitude, MMG amplitude, and PT. These findings support the recent hypothesis that MMG amplitude is more closely related to MP than PT during maximal, concentric, isokinetic muscle actions and, therefore, may be useful for monitoring training-induced changes in muscle power.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Cramer
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0229, USA.
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