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Saad N, Moustafa IM, Ahbouch A, Alsaafin NM, Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Are Rotations and Translations of Head Posture Related to Gait and Jump Parameters? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6211. [PMID: 37834858 PMCID: PMC10573992 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the relationship between head posture displacements and biomechanical parameters during gait and jumping. One hundred male and female students (20 ± 3 yrs) were assessed via the PostureScreen Mobile® app to quantify postural displacements of head rotations and translations including: (1) the cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) (°), (2) anterior head translation (AHT) (cm), (3) lateral head translation in the coronal plane (cm), and (4) lateral head side bending (°). Biomechanical parameters during gait and jumping were measured using the G-Walk sensor. The assessed gait spatiotemporal parameters were cadence (steps/min), speed (m/s), symmetry index, % left and right stride length (% height), and right and left propulsion index. The pelvic movement parameters were (1) tilt symmetry index, (2) tilt left and right range, (3) obliquity symmetry index, (4) obliquity left and right range, (5) rotation symmetry index, and (6) rotation left and right range. The jump parameters measured were (1) flight height (cm), (2) take off force (kN), (3) impact Force (kN), (4) take off speed (m/s), (5) peak speed (m/s), (6) average speed concentric phase (m/s), (7) maximum concentric power (kW), (8) average concentric power (kW) during the counter movement jump (CMJ), and (9) CMJ with arms thrust (CMJAT). At a significance level of p ≤ 0.001, moderate-to-high correlations (0.4 < r < 0.8) were found between CVA, AHT, lateral translation head, and all the gait and jump parameters. Weak correlations (0.2 < r < 0.4) were ascertained for lateral head bending and all the gait and jump parameters except for gait symmetry index and pelvic symmetry index, where moderate correlations were identified (0.4 < r < 0.6). The findings indicate moderate-to-high correlations between specific head posture displacements, such as CVA, lateral head translation and AHT with the various gait and jump parameters. These findings highlight the importance of considering head posture in the assessment and optimization of movement patterns during gait and jumping. Our findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and may have implications for clinical practice and sports performance training. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish causality in these relationships, which could potentially lead to the development of targeted interventions for improving movement patterns and preventing injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Saad
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates (I.M.M.)
| | - Ibrahim M. Moustafa
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates (I.M.M.)
- Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, RIMHS–Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Ahbouch
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates (I.M.M.)
| | - Nour Mustafa Alsaafin
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates (I.M.M.)
| | - Paul A. Oakley
- Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Independent Researcher, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8Y8, Canada
| | - Deed E. Harrison
- CBP Nonprofit (a Spine Research Foundation), Eagle, ID 83616, USA
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Characteristics of Surface Electromyograph Activity of Cervical Extensors and Flexors in Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58121770. [PMID: 36556971 PMCID: PMC9781307 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We identified typical surface electromyogram (sEMG) activities of the cervical extensors and flexors during motions in the three anatomical planes in healthy adults. The aim of this study was to explore characteristics of sEMG activities of these cervical muscles in nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) patients based on healthy adults. Materials and Methods: Participants were 24 NSNP patients (NSNP group, mean ± SD of age, 47.5 ± 15.5) and 24 healthy adults (control group, 20.5 ± 1.4). For each participant, sEMG of the cervical extensors and flexors was recorded during neck flexion, extension, bilateral lateral flexion, bilateral rotation, and at the neutral position in Phase I (the neck from the neutral position to the maximum range of motion), Phase II (at the maximum range of motion), and Phase III (from the maximum range of motion to the neutral position), yielding a total of 42 phases. A percentage of maximum voluntary contraction to normalize muscle activity in each phase was calculated to obtain the ratio of muscle activities in the extensors and flexors in each of 36 phases of the motions to the neutral position and ratio of the flexors to extensors in activity for 21 phases. Results: In 28 of 36 phases of the motions, the ratios of muscle activities in the extensors and flexors to the neutral position in the NSNP group were significantly larger than the control group (p < 0.05). In 6 of 21 phases, the ratios of the flexors to extensors in activity in the NSNP group were significantly larger than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In NSNP patients, the activity of the cervical extensors and flexors associated with neck motion increased with an imbalance in activity between these muscles compared to their activity in healthy adults. The results of this study will be useful in understanding the pathogenesis of NSNP and in constructing an objective evaluation of the treatment efficacy on NSNP patients.
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Nam SM, Lee DY. Effects of Visual Cue Deprivation Balance Training with Head Control on Balance and Gait Function in Stroke Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:629. [PMID: 35630046 PMCID: PMC9148052 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Visual cue deprivation is the instability of head control is increased. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation balance training by applying head control feedback to the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 41 patients diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. Subjects were randomly assigned to any of the following groups: the experimental group I, the experimental group II or the control group. The randomization method used a simple randomization method. To evaluate changes in balance function, a LOS (Limit of Stability) and a BBS (Berg Balance Scale) were performed. In addition, to evaluate changes in ST (stride time), SL (stride length), and cadence, a LEGSys were performed. Results: A two-way repeated ANOVA was conducted to analyze the differences between groups. There were significant differences between groups in all variables for the balance function. There were significant differences between groups in all variables for the balance function. There were significant differences between groups in SL and cadence for the gait function. Conclusions: Visual cue deprivation balance training applying head control feedback is effective in improving dynamic balance ability and cadence. It is necessary to constantly maintain the head orientation by feedback and to properly control the head movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Min Nam
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation & Exercise Management, Yeungnam University College, Daegu-si 42415, Korea;
| | - Do-Youn Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Gyeongsan-si 38541, Korea
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Neuromechanical response of the upper body to unexpected perturbations during gait initiation in young and older adults. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:909-919. [PMID: 32447739 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of upper body motion deteriorates with ageing leading to impaired ability to preserve balance during gait, but little is known on the contribution of the upper body to preserve balance in response to unexpected perturbations during locomotor transitions, such as gait initiation. AIM To investigate differences between young and older adults in the ability to modify the trunk kinematics and muscle activity following unexpected waist lateral perturbations during gait initiation. METHODS Ten young (25 ± 2 years) and ten older adults (73 ± 5 years) initiated locomotion from stance while a lateral pull was randomly applied to the pelvis. Two force plates were used to define the feet centre-of-pressure displacement. Angular displacement of the trunk in the frontal plane was obtained through motion analysis. Surface electromyography of cervical and thoracic erector spinae muscles was recorded bilaterally. RESULTS A lower trunk lateral bending towards the stance leg side in the preparatory phase of gait initiation was observed in older participants following perturbation. Right thoracic muscle activity was increased in response to the perturbation during the initial phase of gait initiation in young (+ 68%) but not in older participants (+ 7%). CONCLUSIONS The age-related reduction in trunk movement could indicate a more rigid behaviour of the upper body employed by older compared to young individuals in response to unexpected perturbations preceding the initiation of stepping. Older adults' delayed activation of thoracic muscles could suggest impaired reactive mechanisms that may potentially lead to a fall in the early stages of the gait initiation.
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Degani AM, Leonard CT, Danna-Dos-Santos A. The effects of aging on the distribution and strength of correlated neural inputs to postural muscles during unperturbed bipedal stance. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:1537-1553. [PMID: 32451586 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of aging on the distribution of common descending neural drives to main postural muscles acting on the ankle, knee, hip, and lower trunk. The presence, distribution, and strength of these drives were assessed using intermuscular coherence estimations at a low-frequency band (0-55 Hz). Ten healthy older adults (68.7 ± 3.5 years) with no recent history of falls and ten healthy younger adults (26.8 ± 2.7 years) performed bipedal stances with eyes either opened or closed. Electromyographic (EMG) signals of six postural muscles were recorded. Estimations of intermuscular coherence were obtained from fifteen muscle pairs and four muscle groups. In general, single-pair and pooled coherence analyzes revealed significant levels of signal synchronization within 1-10 Hz. Significant common drives to anterior, posterior, and antagonist muscle groups were observed for both cohorts of participants. However, older participants showed significantly stronger EMG-EMG synchronization in the frequency domain compared to younger participants. It seems that age-related sarcopenia, visual-vestibular-proprioceptive decline, cortical activation increase, presynaptic inhibition modulation decrease, and co-contraction increase had a major impact on strengthening the common drives to the aforementioned muscle groups. Differently from young adults, the absence of visual inputs did not reduce the magnitude of signal synchronization in older adults. These results suggest that the aging central nervous system seems to organize similar arrangements of common drives to postural antagonist muscles at different joints, and to postural muscles pushing the body either forward or backward when visual information is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Degani
- Department of Physical Therapy, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5383, USA. .,Unified Clinics, Western Michigan University, 1000 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5383, USA.
| | - Charles T Leonard
- School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812-4680, USA
| | - Alessander Danna-Dos-Santos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5383, USA
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Hassan MA, Sazonov E. Orientation-Based Food Image Capture for Head Mounted Egocentric Camera. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2019:7145-7148. [PMID: 31947482 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8857078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Current head-mounted wearable sensors for monitoring of food intake operates by fusing multiple modalities such as inertial and image sensing. The image capture may be performed periodically, capturing a large number of irrelevant images, increasing power consumption and reducing the battery life. In this manuscript, we propose an efficient approach for food image capture, that captures the images only when the head tilt angle estimated from the accelerometer data matches that during ingestion of food. The method was developed and validated using data from 15 volunteers consuming unrestricted meals in a free-living environment between 12.5 to 18.5 hours. The tilt angle of the head was computed using 3D accelerometer data. A classifier for image capture was developed using a curve fitting approach on the tilt angles of the head. The proposed method achieved a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.47 in predicting capture of food images, thus potentially improving the battery life of the wearable device.
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Wang D, Mahe G, Fang J, Piscione J, Couvet S, Retiere D, Laporte S, Vidal PP. Inconsistent anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in rugby players: a source of injuries? BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018; 4:e000303. [PMID: 29955372 PMCID: PMC6018848 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We are developing since 2010 with Thales and the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) M-Rex, a new kind of rugby scrum simulator. The study questioned whether it could improve safety and protect players from injury by using it as a tool for training/coaching the packs. Aim To explore the anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) during the engagement of the ruck, because these predictive neck and back muscles contractions protect the spinal cord at the time of impacts, which is crucial to prevent injuries. Methods We quantified the kinematics and the EMG activities in high-level front row players during their initial engagement, when scrummaging with M-Rex. All studies were performed with one player interacting with the robot, at first, and then with the three players acting together. Results For most of the tested high-level players, the APA latencies were highly variable from trial to trial even though the engagement resulted in similar impacts. At time, the onset of the electromyography activity in the neck and back muscles showed latencies inferior to 50 ms or even close to zero prior to the impact, which rendered muscle contractions inefficient as APAs. We were also unable to identify clear muscular synergies underlying the APAs because of their great variability on a trial-to-trial basis. Finally, the APAs were not related to the amplitude of the ensuing impact and were asymmetric in most trials. All these characteristics held true, whether the player was playing alone or with two other frontline players. Conclusion Our result suggest that APAs should be systematically tested in high-level rugby players as well as in any high-level sport men at risk of neck and back injuries. Because APAs can be efficiently trained, our study paves the way to design individual position-specific injury prevention programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danping Wang
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Zhejiang, China
- Plateforme d’étude de la Sensorimotricité, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Gael Mahe
- UFR de mathématiques et informatique–LIPADE, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Junying Fang
- Faculté des sciences fondamentales et biomédicales, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Sébastien Laporte
- LBM/Institut de Biomécanique Humaine Georges Charpak, Arts et Metiers ParisTech, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Paul Vidal
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Zhejiang, China
- COGNition and ACtion Group (COGNAC-G), Université Paris Descartes–CNRS UMR-MD–SSA, Paris, France
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Lo Martire R, Gladh K, Westman A, Äng BO. Neck Muscle EMG-Force Relationship and Its Reliability During Isometric Contractions. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2017; 3:16. [PMID: 28411326 PMCID: PMC5392189 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-017-0083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susceptible to injury, the neck is subject to scientific investigations, frequently aiming to elucidate possible injury mechanisms via surface electromyography (EMG) by indirectly estimating cervical loads. Accurate estimation requires that the EMG-force relationship is known and that its measurement error is quantified. Hence, this study examined the relationship between EMG and isometric force amplitude of the anterior neck (AN), the upper posterior neck (UPN), and the lower posterior neck (LPN) and then assessed the relationships' test-retest reliability across force-percentiles within and between days. METHODS EMG and force data were sampled from 18 participants conducting randomly ordered muscle contractions at 5-90% of maximal voluntary force during three trials over 2 days. EMG-force relationships were modeled with general linear mixed-effects regression. Overall fitted lines' between-trial discrepancies were evaluated. Finally, the reliability of participants' fitted regression lines was quantified by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM). RESULTS A rectilinear model had the best fit for AN while positively oriented quadratic models had the best fit for UPN and LPN, with mean adjusted conditional coefficients of determination and root mean square errors of 0.97-0.98 and 4-5%, respectively. Overall EMG-force relationships displayed a maximum 6% between-trial discrepancy and over 20% of maximal force, and mean ICC was above 0.79 within day and 0.27-0.61 between days across areas. Corresponding SEM was below 12% both within and between days across areas, excluding UPN between days, for which SEM was higher. CONCLUSIONS EMG-force relationships were elucidated for three neck areas, and provided models allow inferences to be drawn from EMG to force on a group level. Reliability of EMG-force relationship models was higher within than between days, but typically acceptable for all but the lowest contraction intensities, and enables adjustment for measurement imprecision in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Lo Martire
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23 100, Huddinge, 141 83, Sweden. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristofer Gladh
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23 100, Huddinge, 141 83, Sweden.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Westman
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23 100, Huddinge, 141 83, Sweden.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Björn O Äng
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23 100, Huddinge, 141 83, Sweden.,School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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Lo Martire R, Gladh K, Westman A, Lindholm P, Nilsson J, Äng BO. Neck muscle activity in skydivers during parachute opening shock. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 26:307-16. [PMID: 25754941 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This observational study investigated skydiver neck muscle activity during parachute opening shock (POS), as epidemiological data recently suggested neck pain in skydivers to be related to POS. Twenty experienced skydivers performed two terminal velocity skydives each. Surface electromyography quantified muscle activity bilaterally from the anterior neck, the upper and lower posterior neck, and the upper shoulders; and two triaxial accelerometers sampled deceleration. Muscle activity was normalized as the percentage of reference maximum voluntary electrical activity (% MVE); and temporal muscle activity onset was related to POS onset. Our results showed that neck muscle activity during POS reached mean magnitudes of 53-104% MVE, often exceeding reference activity in the lower posterior neck and upper shoulders. All investigated muscle areas' mean temporal onsets occurred <50 ms after POS onset (9-34 ms latencies), which is consistent with anticipatory motor control. The high muscle activity observed supports that the neck is under substantial strain during POS, while temporal muscle activation suggests anticipatory motor control to be a strategy used by skydivers to protect the cervical spine from POS. This study's findings contribute to understanding the high rates of POS-related neck pain, and further support the need for evaluation of neck pain preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lo Martire
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Gladh
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Westman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Lindholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B O Äng
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Simon ADS, do Pinho AS, Grazziotin Dos Santos C, Pagnussat ADS. Facilitation handlings induce increase in electromyographic activity of muscles involved in head control of cerebral palsy children. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:2547-2557. [PMID: 25010566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) activation of the main cervical muscles involved in the head control during two postures widely used for the facilitation of head control in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). A crossover trial involving 31 children with clinical diagnosis of CP and spastic quadriplegia was conducted. Electromyography was used to measure muscular activity in randomized postures. Three positions were at rest: (a) lateral decubitus, (b) ventral decubitus on the floor and (c) ventral decubitus on the wedge. Handlings for facilitating the head control were performed using the hip joint as key point of control in two postures: (a) lateral decubitus and (b) ventral decubitus on wedge. All children underwent standardized handlings, performed by the same researcher with experience in the neurodevelopmental treatment. EMG signal was recorded from muscles involved in the head control (paraspinal and sternocleidomastoid muscles) in sagittal, frontal and transverse planes, at the fourth cervical vertebra (C4), tenth thoracic vertebra (T10) and sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) levels. The results showed a significant increase in muscle activation when handling was performed in the lateral decubitus at C4 (P<0.001), T10 (P<0.001) and SCM (P=0.02) levels. A significant higher muscle activation was observed when handling was performed in lateral decubitus when compared to ventral decubitus at C4 level (P<0.001). Handling in ventral decubitus also induced an increase in EMG activation at T10 (P=0.018) and SCM (P=0.004) levels but not at C4 level (P=0.38). In conclusion, handlings performed in both positions may induce the facilitation of head control, as evaluated by the activity of cervical and upper trunk muscles. Handling performed in lateral decubitus may induce a slightly better facilitation of head control. These findings contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy practice for the rehabilitation of severely spastic quadriplegic CP children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise de Saldanha Simon
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Reabilitação, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil
| | - Alexandre Severo do Pinho
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil
| | - Camila Grazziotin Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Aline de Souza Pagnussat
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Reabilitação, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil; Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.
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Mani H, Izumi T, Konishi T, Samukawa M, Yamamoto K, Watanabe K, Asaka T. Characteristics of postural muscle activation patterns induced by unexpected surface perturbations in elite ski jumpers. J Phys Ther Sci 2014; 26:833-9. [PMID: 25013278 PMCID: PMC4085203 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.26.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] This study investigated the characteristics of postural control following
postural disturbance in elite athletes. [Subjects] Ten elite ski jumpers and ten control
subjects participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects were required to maintain balance
without stepping following unexpected horizontal surface perturbation in a forward or
backward direction. [Results] A lower and reproducible peak magnitude of the center of
mass velocity was shown in the athlete group compared to the control group.
Cross-correlation analyses showed longer time lags at the moment of peak correlation
coefficient between trunk flexor and extensor muscle activities, and shorter time lags and
higher correlations between ankle flexor and extensor muscle activities were shown in the
athlete group than in the control group. [Conclusion] The elite ski jumpers showed
superior balance performance following surface perturbations, more reciprocal patterns in
agonist-antagonist pairs of proximal postural muscles, and more co-contraction patterns in
distal postural muscles during automatic postural responses than control individuals. This
strategy may be useful in sports requiring effective balance recovery in environments with
a dynamically changing surface, as well as in rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Mani
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Izumi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Tomoya Konishi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Mina Samukawa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Keizo Yamamoto
- Department of Sport Education, Hokusho University, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Watanabe
- Center for Collaborative Research and Community Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Japan
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Forbes PA, Siegmund GP, Happee R, Schouten AC, Blouin JS. Vestibulocollic reflexes in the absence of head postural control. J Neurophysiol 2014; 112:1692-702. [PMID: 25008409 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00343.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Percutaneous electrical vestibular stimulation evokes reflexive responses in appendicular muscles that are suppressed during tasks in which the muscles are not contributing to balance control. In neck muscles, which stabilize the head on the torso and in space, it is unclear whether similar postural task dependence shapes vestibular reflexes. We investigated whether vestibulocollic reflexes are modulated during tasks in which vestibular information is not directly relevant to maintaining the head balanced on the torso. We hypothesized that vestibulocollic reflexes would be 1) evoked when neck muscles are not involved in balancing the head on the torso and 2) invariant across synergistic neck muscle contraction tasks. Muscle activity was recorded bilaterally in sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles during head-free and head-fixed conditions while subjects were exposed to stochastic electrical vestibular stimulation (± 5 mA, 0-75 Hz). Significant vestibular reflex responses (P < 0.05) were observed during head-free and head-fixed trials. Response magnitude and timing were similar between head-free and head-fixed trials for sternocleidomastoid, but splenius capitis magnitudes decreased with the head fixed by ∼ 25% (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, this indicates that vestibulocollic responses are evoked independent of the requirement to maintain postural control of the head on the torso. Response magnitude and timing were similar across focal muscle contractions (i.e., axial rotation/flexion/extension) provided the muscle was active. In contrast, when subjects cocontracted neck muscles, vestibular-evoked responses decreased in sternocleidomastoid by ∼ 30-45% (P < 0.05) compared with focal muscle contractions but remained unchanged in splenius capitis. These results indicate robust vestibulocollic reflex coupling, which we suggest functions through its closed-loop influence on head posture to ensure cervical spine stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forbes
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gunter P Siegmund
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Riender Happee
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred C Schouten
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine (MIRA), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Sébastien Blouin
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Brain Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
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Schomacher J, Falla D. Function and structure of the deep cervical extensor muscles in patients with neck pain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:360-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Blood AJ. Imaging studies in focal dystonias: a systems level approach to studying a systems level disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:3-15. [PMID: 23814533 PMCID: PMC3580788 DOI: 10.2174/157015913804999513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal dystonias are dystonias that affect one part of the body, and are sometimes task-specific. Brain imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques have been valuable in defining the pathophysiology of dystonias in general, and are particularly amenable to studying focal dystonias. Over the past few years, several common themes have emerged in the imaging literature, and this review summarizes these findings and suggests some ways in which these distinct themes might all point to one common systems-level mechanism for dystonia. These themes include (1) the role of premotor regions in focal dystonia, (2) the role of the sensory system and sensorimotor integration in focal dystonia, (3) the role of decreased inhibition/increased excitation in focal dystonia, and (4) the role of brain imaging in evaluating and guiding treatment of focal dystonias. The data across these themes, together with the features of dystonia itself, are consistent with a hypothesis that all dystonias reflect excessive output of postural control/stabilization systems in the brain, and that the mechanisms for dystonia reflect amplification of an existing functional system, rather than recruitment of the wrong motor programs. Imaging is currently being used to test treatment effectiveness, and to visually guide treatment of dystonia, such as placement of deep brain stimulation electrodes. In the future, it is hoped that imaging may be used to individualize treatments across behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical domains, thus optimizing both the speed and effectiveness of treatment for any given individual with focal dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Blood
- Mood and Motor Control Laboratory, Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Genetics, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, MA, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Lindstrøm R, Schomacher J, Farina D, Rechter L, Falla D. Association between neck muscle coactivation, pain, and strength in women with neck pain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:80-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Santos MJ, Kanekar N, Aruin AS. The role of anticipatory postural adjustments in compensatory control of posture: 1. Electromyographic analysis. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2009; 20:388-97. [PMID: 19660966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) postural adjustments are the two principal mechanisms that the central nervous system uses to maintain equilibrium while standing. We studied the role of APAs in compensatory postural adjustments. Eight subjects were exposed to external predictable and unpredictable perturbations induced at the shoulder level, while standing with eyes open and closed. Electrical activity of leg and trunk muscles was recorded and analyzed during four epochs representing the time duration typical for anticipatory and compensatory postural control. No anticipatory activity of the trunk and leg muscles was seen in the case of unpredictable perturbations; instead, significant compensatory activation of muscles was observed. When the perturbations were predictable, strong anticipatory activation was seen in all the muscles: such APAs were associated with significantly smaller compensatory activity of muscles and COP displacements after the perturbations. The outcome of the study highlights the importance of APAs in control of posture and points out the existence of a relationship between the anticipatory and the compensatory components of postural control. It also suggests a possibility to enhance balance control by improving the APAs responses during external perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio J Santos
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Postural changes during eye-head movements. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2008. [PMID: 18718323 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)00649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
We investigated postural sway in young subjects during eye-head movements. Subjects stood on the force plate wearing a helmet on which a laser spot was attached. Visual targets were presented stepwise at 60 degrees to right and left or 50 degrees to upward and downward of the straight-ahead position. Subjects were asked to look at the targets quickly by directing the laser spot to the target. The anterior-posterior component of centre of pressures (COPs) exhibited the largest changes and shortest latencies during downward movements. Most of the subjects showed COP changes preceding the onset of downward head movements, and these changes were associated with EMG activity of biceps femoris and gastrocnemius. When subjects were asked to look at the target only by eyes, no consistent change was detected in ground reaction forces. These results indicate that the eye-head movements elicited the COP changes that preceded the onset of head movements.
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