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Ghédira M, Vieira TM, Cerone GL, Gazzoni M, Gracies JM, Hutin E. Antagonist Activation Measurement in Triceps Surae Using High-Density and Bipolar Surface EMG in Chronic Hemiparesis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3701. [PMID: 38931485 PMCID: PMC11207549 DOI: 10.3390/s24123701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
After a stroke, antagonist muscle activation during agonist command impedes movement. This study compared measurements of antagonist muscle activation using surface bipolar EMG in the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and high-density (HD) EMG in the GM and soleus (SO) during isometric submaximal and maximal dorsiflexion efforts, with knee flexed and extended, in 12 subjects with chronic hemiparesis. The coefficients of antagonist activation (CAN) of GM and SO were calculated according to the ratio of the RMS amplitude during dorsiflexion effort to the maximal agonist effort for the same muscle. Bipolar CAN (BipCAN) was compared to CAN from channel-specific (CsCAN) and overall (OvCAN) normalizations of HD-EMG. The location of the CAN centroid was explored in GM, and CAN was compared between the medial and lateral portions of SO. Between-EMG system differences in GM were observed in maximal efforts only, between BipCAN and CsCAN with lower values in BipCAN (p < 0.001), and between BipCAN and OvCAN with lower values in OvCAN (p < 0.05). The CAN centroid is located mid-height and medially in GM, while the CAN was similar in medial and lateral SO. In chronic hemiparesis, the estimates of GM hyperactivity differ between bipolar and HD-EMGs, with channel-specific and overall normalizations yielding, respectively, higher and lower CAN values than bipolar EMG. HD-EMG would be the way to develop personalized rehabilitation programs based on individual antagonist activations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Ghédira
- Laboratoire Analyse et Restauration du Mouvement (ARM), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France; (M.G.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Taian Martins Vieira
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy; (T.M.V.); (G.L.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Giacinto Luigi Cerone
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy; (T.M.V.); (G.L.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gazzoni
- Laboratory for Engineering of the Neuromuscular System, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy; (T.M.V.); (G.L.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Jean-Michel Gracies
- Laboratoire Analyse et Restauration du Mouvement (ARM), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France; (M.G.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Emilie Hutin
- Laboratoire Analyse et Restauration du Mouvement (ARM), Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France; (M.G.); (J.-M.G.)
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Reliability of high-density surface electromyography for assessing characteristics of the thoracic erector spinae during static and dynamic tasks. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 67:102703. [PMID: 36096034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish intra- and inter-session reliability of high-density surface electromyography (HDEMG)-derived parameters from the thoracic erector spinae (ES) during static and dynamic goal-directed voluntary movements of the trunk, and during functional reaching tasks. METHODS Twenty participants performed: 1) static trunk extension, 2) dynamic trunk forward and lateral flexion, and 3) multidirectional functional reaching tasks on two occasions separated by 7.5 ± 1.2 days. Muscle activity was recorded bilaterally from the thoracic ES. Root mean square (RMS), coordinates of the barycentre, mean frequency (MNF), and entropy were derived from the HDEMG signals. Reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement. RESULTS Good-to-excellent intra-session reliability was found for all parameters and tasks (ICC: 0.79-0.99), whereas inter-session reliability varied across tasks. Static tasks demonstrated higher reliability in most parameters compared to functional and dynamic tasks. Absolute RMS and MNF showed the highest overall reliability across tasks (ICC: 0.66-0.98), while reliability of the barycentre was influenced by the direction of the movements. CONCLUSION RMS and MNF derived from HDEMG show consistent inter-session reliability in goal-directed voluntary movements of the trunk and reaching tasks, whereas the measures of the barycentre and entropy demonstrate task-dependent reliability.
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Wei C, Wang H, Hu F, Zhou B, Feng N, Lu Y, Tang H, Jia X. Single-channel surface electromyography signal classification with variational mode decomposition and entropy feature for lower limb movements recognition. Biomed Signal Process Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jing C, Li K, Li Z, Sun Y, Wu J, Li Y, Li Y, Zhou L, Zhang Z, Zhao M, Zhang Y. Tai Chi postural training for dyskinesia rehabilitation: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in convalescent ischaemic stroke patients. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046003. [PMID: 34006551 PMCID: PMC8137247 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is not only seriously damaging to the physical and mental health of patients, but also has become a major social public health problem. Effective dyskinesia rehabilitation treatment in convalescence is of great significance for AIS patients' prognosis and quality of life. Tai Chi (TC) shows great potential in improving motor function. This trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified TC postural training (TPT), and to explore the related central-peripheral neurotransmitter mechanisms. METHODS/DESIGN The proposed study will be a multicentre randomised controlled trial. The trial will randomise 120 eligible AIS patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive TPT or Bobath rehabilitation training. Each training session will last 40 min and will be implemented once a day and five times per week (from Monday to Friday) in a duration of 4 weeks. After finishing the 4-week treatment, another 3-month follow-up period will be seen. Root mean square generated from the surface electromyogram (sEMG) will be the primary outcome. Other sEMG time-domain parameters and frequency-domain parameters and clinical scales assessment will be the secondary outcomes. Peripheral blood samples will be collected at baseline and at the end of 4-week treatment, which will be used to explore the related therapeutic mechanisms. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis will both be implemented in this trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by Ethics Committee of Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, being granted approval numbers DZMEC-KY-2020-22. The research results will be disseminated through (open access) peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000032999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyang Jing
- First Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kuangshi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zongheng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Sun
- First Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- First Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- First Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyue Li
- First Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
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Nugent FJ, Vinther A, McGregor A, Thornton JS, Wilkie K, Wilson F. The relationship between rowing-related low back pain and rowing biomechanics: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med 2021; 55:bjsports-2020-102533. [PMID: 33397675 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is common in rowers. Understanding rowing biomechanics may help facilitate prevention and improve rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES To define the kinematics and muscle activity of rowers and to compare with rowers with current or LBP history. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Scopus from inception to December 2019. Grey literature was searched. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Experimental and non-experimental designs. METHODS Primary outcomes were kinematics and muscle activity. Modified Quality Index (QI) checklist was used. RESULTS 22 studies were included (429 participants). Modified QI score had a mean of 16.7/28 points (range: 15-21). Thirteen studies investigated kinematics and nine investigated muscle activity. Rowers without LBP ('healthy') have distinct kinematics (neutral or anterior pelvic rotation at the catch, greater hip range of motion, flatter low back spinal position at the finish) and muscle activity (trunk extensor dominant with less flexor activity). Rowers with LBP had relatively greater posterior pelvic rotation at the catch, greater hip extension at the finish and less efficient trunk muscle activity. In both groups fatigue results in increased lumbar spine flexion at the catch, which is greater on the ergometer. There is insufficient evidence to recommend one ergometer type (fixed vs dynamic) over the other to avoid LBP. Trunk asymmetries are not associated with LBP in rowers. CONCLUSION Improving clinicians' and coaches' understanding of safe and effective rowing biomechanics, particularly of the spine, pelvis and hips may be an important strategy in reducing incidence and burden of LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank James Nugent
- Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Sport and Human Performance Research Cluster, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anders Vinther
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alison McGregor
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jane S Thornton
- Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie Wilkie
- Bodysystem Physiotherapy, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fiona Wilson
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Vieira TM, Botter A. The Accurate Assessment of Muscle Excitation Requires the Detection of Multiple Surface Electromyograms. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 49:23-34. [PMID: 33044329 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
When sampling electromyograms (EMGs) with one pair of electrodes, it seems implicitly assumed the detected signal reflects the net muscle excitation. However, this assumption is discredited by observations of local muscle excitation. Therefore, we hypothesize that the accurate assessment of muscle excitation requires multiple EMG detection and consideration of electrode-fiber alignment. We advise prudence when drawing inferences from individually collected EMGs.
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Lennon O, Logeswaran K, Mistry S, Moore T, Severini G, Cornall C, O'Sullivan C, McCarthy Persson U. Effect of the Triceps Brachii Facilitation Technique on Scapulohumeral Muscle Activation during Reach and Point in a Healthy Population. Physiother Can 2019; 71:309-318. [PMID: 31762541 DOI: 10.3138/ptc-2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Neurodevelopmental techniques are commonly used in upper limb rehabilitation, but little evidence supports the facilitation techniques associated with this concept. This exploratory study determined whether a facilitation technique at the triceps muscle affected scapulothoracic muscle activity during reach in healthy participants compared with self-selected posture and reach. The secondary aim was to determine whether muscle activation levels differed between the facilitation technique and the optimized posture or guided movement. We also hypothesized that activity in the scapular stabilizers (lower trapezius [LT] and serratus anterior [SA]) would be increased during the facilitated movement than in the other conditions. Methods: The study included 17 healthy participants (aged 20-70 y). Surface electromyography recorded muscle activity in the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and LT muscles and in the SA, middle deltoid (MD), and triceps during five performance conditions. We used Friedman's test to explore differences in muscle activity across conditions and Bonferroni's post hoc test to explore the differences between conditions. Results: The facilitation technique produced decreased activity in the SA, MD, and triceps muscles (p < 0.01) compared with the self-executed control condition. Compared with optimized posture with independent reach, facilitated movement again produced similar reductions in MD and triceps activity, with decreased LT activity also noted (p < 0.01). Lower activity levels were noted during facilitation than during manual guidance, with or without optimized posture, in the UT, MT, (p < 0.01), SA, and MD muscles (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Triceps facilitation did not increase scapular stability activity, but the activity levels in several other muscle groups (SA, MD, and triceps) were reduced during triceps facilitation compared with optimized posture or guided movement. Detailed analysis of this technique, including co-registered kinematic data and timing of muscle onset, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olive Lennon
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
| | | | - Srushti Mistry
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
| | - Tara Moore
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
| | - Giacomo Severini
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College
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Tankisi H, Burke D, Cui L, de Carvalho M, Kuwabara S, Nandedkar SD, Rutkove S, Stålberg E, van Putten MJAM, Fuglsang-Frederiksen A. Standards of instrumentation of EMG. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 131:243-258. [PMID: 31761717 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Standardization of Electromyography (EMG) instrumentation is of particular importance to ensure high quality recordings. This consensus report on "Standards of Instrumentation of EMG" is an update and extension of the earlier IFCN Guidelines published in 1999. First, a panel of experts in different fields from different geographical distributions was invited to submit a section on their particular interest and expertise. Then, the merged document was circulated for comments and edits until a consensus emerged. The first sections in this document cover technical aspects such as instrumentation, EMG hardware and software including amplifiers and filters, digital signal analysis and instrumentation settings. Other sections cover the topics such as temporary storage, trigger and delay line, averaging, electrode types, stimulation techniques for optimal and standardised EMG examinations, and the artefacts electromyographers may face and safety rules they should follow. Finally, storage of data and databases, report generators and external communication are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital & Dept of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - David Burke
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Medicina-iMM, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | | | | | - Erik Stålberg
- Department Clin Neurophysiology, Inst Neurosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Fuglsang-Frederiksen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital & Dept of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Murillo C, Martinez-Valdes E, Heneghan NR, Liew B, Rushton A, Sanderson A, Falla D. High-Density Electromyography Provides New Insights into the Flexion Relaxation Phenomenon in Individuals with Low Back Pain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15938. [PMID: 31685948 PMCID: PMC6828973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research using high-density electromyography (HDEMG) has provided a more precise understanding of the behaviour of the paraspinal muscles in people with low back pain (LBP); but so far, HDEMG has not been used to investigate the flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP). To evaluate this, HDEMG signals were detected with grids of electrodes (13 × 5) placed bilaterally over the lumbar paraspinal muscles in individuals with and without LBP as they performed repetitions of full trunk flexion. The root mean square of the HDEMG signals was computed to generate the average normalized amplitude; and the spatial FRP onset was determined and expressed as percentage of trunk flexion. Smoothing spline analysis of variance models and the contrast cycle difference approach using the Bayesian interpretation were used to determine statistical inference. All pain-free controls and 64.3% of the individuals with LBP exhibited the FRP. Individuals with LBP and the FRP exhibited a delay of its onset compared to pain-free controls (significant mean difference of 13.3% of trunk flexion). They also showed reduced normalized amplitude compared to those without the FRP, but still greater than pain-free controls (significant mean difference of 27.4% and 11.6% respectively). This study provides novel insights into changes in lumbar muscle behavior in individuals with LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Murillo
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicola R Heneghan
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bernard Liew
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alison Rushton
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andy Sanderson
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Martinez-Valdes E, Wilson F, Fleming N, McDonnell SJ, Horgan A, Falla D. Rowers with a recent history of low back pain engage different regions of the lumbar erector spinae during rowing. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:1206-1212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Boccia G, Martinez-Valdes E, Negro F, Rainoldi A, Falla D. Motor unit discharge rate and the estimated synaptic input to the vasti muscles is higher in open compared with closed kinetic chain exercise. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 127:950-958. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00310.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicting results have been reported on whether closed kinetic chain exercises (such as a leg press) may induce more balanced activation of vastus medialis (VM) and lateralis (VL) muscles compared with open kinetic chain exercise (such as pure knee extension). This study aimed to 1) compare between-vasti motor unit activity and 2) analyze the combined motor unit behavior from both muscles between open and closed kinetic chain exercises. Thirteen participants (four women, mean ± SD age: 27 ± 5 yr) performed isometric knee extension and leg press at 10, 30, 50, 70% of the maximum voluntary torque. High density surface EMG signals were recorded from the VM and VL and motor unit firings were automatically identified by convolutive blind source separation. We estimated the total synaptic input received by the two muscles by analyzing the difference in discharge rate from recruitment to target torque for motor units matched by recruitment threshold. When controlling for recruitment threshold and discharge rate at recruitment, the motor unit discharge rates were higher for knee extension compared with the leg press exercise at 50% [estimate = 1.2 pulses per second (pps), standard error (SE) = 0.3 pps, P = 0.0138] and 70% (estimate = 2.0 pps, SE = 0.3 pps, P = 0.0001) of maximal torque. However, no difference between the vasti muscles were detected in both exercises. The estimates of synaptic input to the muscles confirmed these results. In conclusion, the estimated synaptic input received by VM and VL was similar within and across exercises. However, both muscles had higher firing rates and estimated synaptic input at the highest torque levels during knee extension. Taken together, the results show that knee-extension is more suitable than leg-press exercise at increasing the concurrent activation of the vasti muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is a significant debate on whether open kinetic chain, single-joint knee extension exercise can influence the individual and combined activity of the vasti muscles compared with closed kinetic chain, multijoint leg press exercise. Here we show that attempting to change the contribution of either the vastus medialis or vastus lateralis via different forms of exercise does not seem to be a viable strategy. However, the adoption of open kinetic chain knee extension induces greater discharge rate and estimated synaptic input to both vasti muscles compared with the leg press.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Boccia
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainoldi
- NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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12
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Gallina A, Garland SJ, Wakeling JM. Identification of regional activation by factorization of high-density surface EMG signals: A comparison of Principal Component Analysis and Non-negative Matrix factorization. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 41:116-123. [PMID: 29879693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether principal component analysis (PCA) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) perform similarly for the identification of regional activation within the human vastus medialis. EMG signals from 64 locations over the VM were collected from twelve participants while performing a low-force isometric knee extension. The envelope of the EMG signal of each channel was calculated by low-pass filtering (8 Hz) the monopolar EMG signal after rectification. The data matrix was factorized using PCA and NMF, and up to 5 factors were considered for each algorithm. Association between explained variance, spatial weights and temporal scores between the two algorithms were compared using Pearson correlation. For both PCA and NMF, a single factor explained approximately 70% of the variance of the signal, while two and three factors explained just over 85% or 90%. The variance explained by PCA and NMF was highly comparable (R > 0.99). Spatial weights and temporal scores extracted with non-negative reconstruction of PCA and NMF were highly associated (all p < 0.001, mean R > 0.97). Regional VM activation can be identified using high-density surface EMG and factorization algorithms. Regional activation explains up to 30% of the variance of the signal, as identified through both PCA and NMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gallina
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - S Jayne Garland
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London N6A 5B9, Canada.
| | - James M Wakeling
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada
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13
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Martinez-Valdes E, Negro F, Falla D, De Nunzio AM, Farina D. Surface electromyographic amplitude does not identify differences in neural drive to synergistic muscles. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 124:1071-1079. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01115.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude is typically used to compare the neural drive to muscles. We experimentally investigated this association by studying the motor unit (MU) behavior and action potentials in the vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles. Eighteen participants performed isometric knee extensions at four target torques [10, 30, 50, and 70% of the maximum torque (MVC)] while high-density EMG signals were recorded from the VM and VL. The absolute EMG amplitude was greater for VM than VL ( P < 0.001), whereas the EMG amplitude normalized with respect to MVC was greater for VL than VM ( P < 0.04). Because differences in EMG amplitude can be due to both differences in the neural drive and in the size of the MU action potentials, we indirectly inferred the neural drives received by the two muscles by estimating the synaptic inputs received by the corresponding motor neuron pools. For this purpose, we analyzed the increase in discharge rate from recruitment to target torque for motor units matched by recruitment threshold in the two muscles. This analysis indicated that the two muscles received similar levels of neural drive. Nonetheless, the size of the MU action potentials was greater for VM than VL ( P < 0.001), and this difference explained most of the differences in EMG amplitude between the two muscles (~63% of explained variance). These results indicate that EMG amplitude, even following normalization, does not reflect the neural drive to synergistic muscles. Moreover, absolute EMG amplitude is mainly explained by the size of MU action potentials. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electromyographic (EMG) amplitude is widely used to compare indirectly the strength of neural drive received by synergistic muscles. However, there are no studies validating this approach with motor unit data. Here, we compared between-muscles differences in surface EMG amplitude and motor unit behavior. The results clarify the limitations of surface EMG to interpret differences in neural drive between muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Marco De Nunzio
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Royal School of Mines, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Martinez-Valdes E, Falla D, Negro F, Mayer F, Farina D. Differential Motor Unit Changes after Endurance or High-Intensity Interval Training. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 49:1126-1136. [PMID: 28121801 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using a novel technique of high-density surface EMG decomposition and motor unit (MU) tracking, we compared changes in the properties of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis MU after endurance (END) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). METHODS Sixteen men were assigned to the END or the HIIT group (n = 8 each) and performed six training sessions for 14 d. Each session consisted of 8-12 × 60-s intervals at 100% peak power output separated by 75 s of recovery (HIIT) or 90-120 min continuous cycling at ~65% V˙O2peak (END). Pre- and postintervention, participants performed 1) incremental cycling to determine V˙O2peak and peak power output and 2) maximal, submaximal (10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]), and sustained (until task failure at 30% MVC) isometric knee extensions while high-density surface EMG signals were recorded from the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. EMG signals were decomposed (submaximal contractions) into individual MU by convolutive blind source separation. Finally, MU were tracked across sessions by semiblind source separation. RESULTS After training, END and HIIT improved V˙O2peak similarly (by 5.0% and 6.7%, respectively). The HIIT group showed enhanced maximal knee extension torque by ~7% (P = 0.02) and was accompanied by an increase in discharge rate for high-threshold MU (≥50% knee extension MVC) (P < 0.05). By contrast, the END group increased their time to task failure by ~17% but showed no change in MU discharge rates (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS HIIT and END induce different adjustments in MU discharge rate despite similar improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness. Moreover, the changes induced by HIIT are specific for high-threshold MU. For the first time, we show that HIIT and END induce specific neuromuscular adaptations, possibly related to differences in exercise load intensity and training volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- 1Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, GERMANY; 2School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM; 3Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, ITALY; and 4Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Royal School of Mines, London, UNITED KINGDOM
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15
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Dos Anjos FV, Pinto TP, Gazzoni M, Vieira TM. The Spatial Distribution of Ankle Muscles Activity Discriminates Aged from Young Subjects during Standing. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:190. [PMID: 28469567 PMCID: PMC5395606 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During standing, age-related differences in the activation of ankle muscles have been reported from surface electromyograms (EMGs) sampled locally. Given though activity seems to distribute unevenly within ankle muscles, the local sampling of surface EMGs may provide a biased view on how often and how much elderly and young individuals activate these muscles during standing. This study aimed therefore at sampling EMGs from multiple regions of individual ankle muscles to evaluate whether the distribution of muscle activity differs between aged and young subjects during standing. Thirteen young and eleven aged, healthy subjects were tested. Surface EMGs were sampled at multiple skin locations from tibialis anterior, soleus and medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles while subjects stood at ease. The root mean square amplitude of EMGs was considered to estimate the duration, the degree of activity and the size of the region where muscle activity was detected. Our main findings revealed the medial gastrocnemius was active for longer periods in aged (interquartile interval; 74.1-98.2%) than young (44.9-81.9%) individuals (P = 0.02). Similarly, while tibialis anterior was rarely active in young (0.7-4.4%), in elderly subjects (2.6-82.5%) it was often recruited (P = 0.01). Moreover, EMGs with relatively higher amplitude were detected over a significantly wider proximo-distal region of medial gastrocnemius in aged (29.4-45.6%) than young (20.1-31.3%) subjects (P = 0.04). These results indicate the duration and the size of active muscle volume, as quantified from the spatial distribution of surface EMGs, may discriminate aged from young individuals during standing; elderlies seem to rely more heavily on the active loading of ankle muscles to control their standing posture than young individuals. Most importantly, current results suggest different conclusions on the active control of standing posture may be drawn depending on the skin location from where EMGs are collected, in particular for the medial gastrocnemius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio V Dos Anjos
- Laboratorio di Ingegneria del Sistema Neuromuscolare, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni, Politecnico di TorinoTorino, Italy
| | - Talita P Pinto
- Laboratorio di Ingegneria del Sistema Neuromuscolare, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni, Politecnico di TorinoTorino, Italy
| | - Marco Gazzoni
- Laboratorio di Ingegneria del Sistema Neuromuscolare, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni, Politecnico di TorinoTorino, Italy
| | - Taian M Vieira
- Laboratorio di Ingegneria del Sistema Neuromuscolare, Dipartimento di Elettronica e Telecomunicazioni, Politecnico di TorinoTorino, Italy
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