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Tavoian D, Clark BC, Clark LA, Wages NP, Russ DW. Comparison of strategies for assessment of rate of torque development in older and younger adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:551-560. [PMID: 37624389 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05299-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing appreciation of the role of rate of torque development (RTD) in physical function of older adults (OAs). This study compared various RTD strategies and electromyography (EMG) in the knee extensors and focused on discriminating groups with potential limitations in voluntary activation (VA) and associations of different RTD indices with functional tests that may be affected by VA in OAs. Neuromuscular function was assessed in 20 younger adults (YAs, 22.0 ± 1.7 years) and 50 OAs (74.4 ± 7.0 years). Isometric ballistic and peak torque during maximal voluntary contractions (pkTMVC), doublet stimulation and surface EMG were assessed and used to calculate VA during pkTMVC and RTD and rate of EMG rise during ballistic contractions. Select mobility tests (e.g., gait speed, 5× chair rise) were also assessed in the OAs. Voluntary RTD and RTD normalized to pkTMVC, doublet torque, and peak doublet RTD were compared. Rate of EMG rise and voluntary RTD normalized to pkTMVC did not differ between OAs and YAs, nor were they associated with functional test scores. Voluntary RTD indices normalized to stimulated torque parameters were significantly associated with VA (r = 0.319-0.459), and both indices were significantly lower in OAs vs YAs (all p < 0.020). These RTD indices showed significant association with the majority of mobility tests, but there was no clear advantage among them. Thus, voluntary RTD normalized to pkTMVC was ill-suited for use in OAs, while results suggests that voluntary RTD normalized to stimulated torque parameters may be useful for identifying central mechanisms of RTD impairment in OAs.Clinical trial registration number NCT02505529; date of registration 07/22/2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallin Tavoian
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
- University of Arizona, AHSC 4212, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Leatha A Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Nathan P Wages
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - David W Russ
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
- School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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2
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Osborne JO, Tallent J, Girard O, Marshall PW, Kidgell D, Buhmann R. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation during maximal voluntary contraction: a Delphi survey with expert consensus. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:2203-2212. [PMID: 37247005 PMCID: PMC10492693 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of electrical stimulation to assess voluntary activation of muscle/s is a popular method employed in numerous exercise science and health research settings. This Delphi study aimed to collate expert opinion and provide recommendations for best practice when using electrical stimulation during maximal voluntary contractions. METHODS A two-round Delphi study was undertaken with 30 experts who completed a 62-item questionnaire (Round 1) comprising of open- and closed-ended questions. Consensus was assumed if ≥ 70% of experts selected the same response; such questions were removed from the subsequent Round 2 questionnaire. Responses were also removed if they failed to meet a 15% threshold. Open-ended questions were analysed and converted into closed-ended questions for Round 2. It was assumed there was no clear consensus if a question failed to achieve a ≥ 70% response in Round 2. RESULTS A total of 16 out of 62 (25.8%) items reached consensus. Experts agreed that electrical stimulation provides a valid assessment of voluntary activation in specific circumstances, such as during maximal contraction, and this stimulation can be applied at either the muscle or the nerve. Experts recommended using doublet stimuli, self-adhesive electrodes, a familiarisation session, real-time visual or verbal feedback during the contraction, a minimum current increase of + 20% to ensure supramaximal stimulation, and manually triggering stimuli. CONCLUSION The results of this Delphi consensus study can help researchers make informed decisions when considering technical parameters when designing studies involving electrical stimulation for the assessment of voluntary activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Osborne
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Medisin- Og Helsebygget, UiT, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - J Tallent
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VA, Australia
| | - O Girard
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P W Marshall
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Department of Exercise Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Kidgell
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VA, Australia
| | - R Buhmann
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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Crotty ED, Furlong LAM, Harrison AJ. Reliability of mechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscle tendon unit with consideration to joint angle and sex. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287431. [PMID: 37352329 PMCID: PMC10289375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The reliability of mechanical measures can be impacted by the protocol used, including factors such as joint angle and the sex of participants. This study aimed to determine the inter-day reliability of plantar flexor mechanical measures across ankle joint angles and contraction types and consider potential sex-specific effects. 14 physically-active individuals participated in two identical measurement sessions involving involuntary and voluntary plantar flexor contractions, at three ankle angles (10° plantarflexion (PF), 0° (anatomical zero (AZ)), and 10° dorsiflexion (DF)), while torque and surface EMG were recorded. The reliability of mechanical parameters of maximal voluntary torque (MVT), rate of torque development (RTD), electromechanical delay, and tendon stiffness were assessed using absolute and relative reliability measures. MVT measures were reliable across ankle angles. RTD measures showed good group level reliability and moderate reliability for an individual during the early phase of contraction across ankle angles. Explosive voluntary torque measures tended to be less reliable from 50 ms onward, with varied reliability across angles for late-phase RTD. Tendon stiffness demonstrated the best reliability at the DF angle. Sex-based differences in the reliability of tendon measures found that females had significantly different initial tendon length between testing sessions. Despite this, tendon excursion, force, and stiffness measures demonstrated similar reliability compared to males. Ankle angle changes influence the reliability of plantar flexor mechanical measurements across contraction types, particularly for voluntary contractions. These results highlight the importance of establishing potential protocol effects on measurement reliability prior to quantifying plantar flexor mechanical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan D. Crotty
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Laura-Anne M. Furlong
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andrew J. Harrison
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Le Corre A, Caron N, Turpin NA, Dalleau G. Mechanisms underlying altered neuromuscular function in people with DPN. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023:10.1007/s00421-023-05150-2. [PMID: 36763123 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05150-2] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes alters numerous physiological functions and can lead to disastrous consequences in the long term. Neuromuscular function is particularly affected and is impacted early, offering an opportunity to detect the onset of diabetes-related dysfunctions and follow the advancement of the disease. The role of physical training for counteracting the deleterious effects of diabetes is well accepted but at the same time, it appears difficult to reliably assess the effects of exercise on functional capacity in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this paper, we will review the specific characteristics of various neuromuscular dysfunctions associated with diabetes according to the DPN presence or not, and their changes over time. We present several propositions regarding the onset of neuromuscular alterations in people with diabetes compared to people with DPN. It appears that motor unit loss and neuromuscular transmission impairment are among the main mechanisms explaining the considerable degradation of neuromuscular function in the transition from a diabetic to neuropathic state. Rate of force development and contractile properties could start to decrease with the onset of preferential type II fiber atrophy, commonly reported in people with DPN. Finally, Mmax amplitude could decrease with neuromuscular fatigue only in people with DPN, reflecting the fatigue-related neuromuscular transmission impairment reported in people with DPN. In this review, we show that the different neuromuscular parameters are altered at different stages of diabetes, according to the presence of DPN or not. The precise evaluation of these parameters might participate in adapting the physical training prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin Le Corre
- IRISSE (EA 4075), UFR SHE, University of La Réunion, 117 Rue du Général Ailleret, 97430, Le Tampon, France.
| | - Nathan Caron
- IRISSE (EA 4075), UFR SHE, University of La Réunion, 117 Rue du Général Ailleret, 97430, Le Tampon, France
| | - Nicolas A Turpin
- IRISSE (EA 4075), UFR SHE, University of La Réunion, 117 Rue du Général Ailleret, 97430, Le Tampon, France
| | - Georges Dalleau
- IRISSE (EA 4075), UFR SHE, University of La Réunion, 117 Rue du Général Ailleret, 97430, Le Tampon, France
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Batista-Ferreira L, Rabelo NF, da Cruz GM, Costa JNDA, Elias LA, Mezzarane RA. Effects of voluntary contraction on the soleus H-reflex of different amplitudes in healthy young adults and in the elderly. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:1039242. [PMID: 36590063 PMCID: PMC9797586 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1039242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of H-reflex studies used a moderate steady voluntary contraction in an attempt to keep the motoneuron pool excitability relatively constant. However, it is not clear whether the voluntary muscle activation itself represents a confounding factor for the elderly, as a few ongoing mechanisms of reflex modulation might be compromised. Further, it is well-known that the amount of either inhibition or facilitation from a given conditioning depends on the size of the test H-reflex. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of voluntary contraction over a wide range of reflex amplitudes. A significant reflex facilitation during an isometric voluntary contraction of the soleus muscle (15% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction-MVC) was found for both young adults and the elderly (p < 0.05), regardless of their test reflex amplitudes (considering the ascending limb of the H-reflex recruitment curve-RC). No significant difference was detected in the level of reflex facilitation between groups for all the amplitude parameters extracted from the RC. Simulations with a computational model of the motoneuron pool driven by stationary descending commands yielded qualitatively similar amount of reflex facilitation, as compared to human experiments. Both the experimental and modeling results suggest that possible age-related differences in spinal cord mechanisms do not significantly influence the reflex modulation during a moderate voluntary muscle activation. Therefore, a background voluntary contraction of the ankle extensors (e.g., similar to the one necessary to maintain upright stance) can be used in experiments designed to compare the RCs of both populations. Finally, in an attempt to elucidate the controversy around changes in the direct motor response (M-wave) during contraction, the maximum M-wave (Mmax) was compared between groups and conditions. It was found that the Mmax significantly increases (p < 0.05) during contraction and decreases (p < 0.05) with age arguably due to muscle fiber shortening and motoneuron loss, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Batista-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Natielle Ferreira Rabelo
- Neural Engineering Research Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Menezes da Cruz
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Abdala Elias
- Neural Engineering Research Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo André Mezzarane
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, University of Brasília, Brasília, Goiás, Brazil,*Correspondence: Rinaldo André Mezzarane,
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Sakugawa RL, Orssatto LBR, Sampaio LT, de Brito Fontana H, Diefenthaeler F. Pressure on the electrode to reduce discomfort during neuromuscular electrical stimulation in individuals with different subcutaneous-fat thickness: is the procedure effective and reliable? IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2021; 30:1-7. [PMID: 34941513 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2021.3138202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The addition of manual pressure on the electrode during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to reduce current intensity and perceived discomfort. In this study we aimed to test i) whether this approach affect the reliability of commonly made torque output measurements and ii) whether subcutaneous-fat thickness influence the efficacy of this approach in reducing current intensity and perceived discomfort. Twenty-one men (24±3.1 years) performed knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contractions with and without manual pressure on the NMES femoral nerve electrode (superimposed and resting doublets, 2 pulses at 100 Hz) during two separate sessions. Torque output was measured in an isokinetic dynamometer and thigh subcutaneous-fat thickness assessed with ultrasonography. A scale of perceived discomfort was presented after contractions. Reductions in current intensity (p<0.001) and discomfort during superimposed doublet (p=0.002) and resting doublet (p=0.002) were confirmed for the condition in which pressure was applied to the electrode. Fat thickness was correlated to changes in current intensity (r=0.63; p=0.002) and changes in discomfort (r=0.45; p=0.04) and no differences between pressure conditions and testing sessions were observed for torque output (p>0.05; ICC 0.95). Adding manual pressure during NMES on femoral nerve reduces discomfort and the maximal NMES intensity required to reach maximum torque without affecting torque output magnitude and reliability. Greater reduction in intensity and discomfort were observed in participants with higher subcutaneous-fat thickness levels after adding pressure on the electrode.
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7
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Arora NK, Sharma S, Saifi S, Sharma S, Arora IK. Effects of combined whole body vibration and resistance training on lower quadrants electromyographic activity, muscle strength and power in athletes. Foot (Edinb) 2021; 49:101844. [PMID: 34560431 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole body vibration (WBV) with resistance training is one of the increasing ways of gaining ankle and foot complex muscle strength and power for the rehabilitative and prophylactic purpose in athletes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of combined WBV and resistance training (RVE) with strength training alone (RE) on alteration of gastrocnemius lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus muscle activity and strength, and power performance in athletes. METHODS The study was performed on 23 university-level male athletes who were randomized into two groups as RVE (n = 12; age 22.2 ± 1.94 years) and RE (n = 11; age 21.60 ± 1.78 years). The training program was scheduled three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions). Gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) were measured for muscle activity and isometric strength with surface EMG device and handheld dynamometer respectively. Counter-movement jump (CMJ) was used for measuring power. All the participants were assessed for outcome measures at baseline and then after 6 weeks. Group (RVE vs. RE) by time (pre vs. post) effects were compared through a 2-way interaction utilizing mixed model repeated measure ANOVA. RESULTS After training, VMO muscle activity (group effects) increased significantly in the RVE group (p < 0.05). However, both the groups showed statistically significant time and group × time interaction effects for muscle activity of VMO, isometric strength (VMO and GL), and CMJ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION WBV might serve as an adjunct modality for enhancement of the neuromuscular activity of the VMO muscle. However, RVE had no additive effect when compared to RE alone on muscle strength and power in athletes. The long-term impacts of combined WBV and resistance training on other foot and ankles muscle should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar Arora
- Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, A Central University, New Delhi, India
| | - Saurabh Sharma
- Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, A Central University, New Delhi, India.
| | - Sana Saifi
- Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, A Central University, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ishant Kumar Arora
- Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, A Central University, New Delhi, India
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Tavakkoli Oskouei S, Malliaras P, D Hill K, Garofolini A, Clark R, Perraton L. Assessment of ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties: A reliability study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2021; 61:102603. [PMID: 34563759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine test-retest reliability of ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties in healthy people to improve understanding of additional measurement and analysis procedures that may be used in outcome assessment. Ten healthy participants (age 29.60 ± 5.36 years) volunteered. Isometric torquemax, rate of torque development (RTD), rate of electromyography rise (RER), impulse, electromechanical delay (EMD), torque steadiness, and torque sensing were obtained during two testing sessions 60 min apart. ICC values ranged from 0.81 to 0.99, indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. Lower bands of the 95% CIs were all above 0.75 apart from the early phase measures (≤50 ms) derived from explosive torque-time and EMG-time curves, which were between 0.32 and 0.73, indicating poor to moderate reliability. Heteroscedasticity was observed for RTD, impulse, and EMD. LOA as a function of the mean (X̅) for these measures ranged from meandifference ± 0.25X̅ to ± 0.68X̅. EMD showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI [0.63, 0.98]). Torque sensing and torque steadiness showed good reliability (0.81 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.89). Thus, ankle plantar flexor neuromuscular properties showed good to excellent test-retest reliability. However, reliability of measures in the early phase of muscle contraction were consistently lower than the late phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Tavakkoli Oskouei
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Peter Malliaras
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keith D Hill
- Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ross Clark
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Perraton
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Clark BC, Rutkove S, Lupton EC, Padilla CJ, Arnold WD. Potential Utility of Electrical Impedance Myography in Evaluating Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Function Deficits. Front Physiol 2021; 12:666964. [PMID: 34025454 PMCID: PMC8138591 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.666964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle function deficits associated with advancing age are due to several physiological and morphological changes including loss of muscle size and quality (conceptualized as a reduction in the intrinsic force-generating capacity of a muscle when adjusted for muscle size). Several factors can contribute to loss of muscle quality, including denervation, excitation-contraction uncoupling, increased fibrosis, and myosteatosis (excessive levels of inter- and intramuscular adipose tissue and intramyocellular lipids). These factors also adversely affect metabolic function. There is a major unmet need for tools to rapidly and easily assess muscle mass and quality in clinical settings with minimal patient and provider burden. Herein, we discuss the potential for electrical impedance myography (EIM) as a tool to evaluate muscle mass and quality in older adults. EIM applies weak, non-detectible (e.g., 400 μA), mutifrequency (e.g., 1 kHz–1 MHz) electrical currents to a muscle (or muscle group) through two excitation electrodes, and resulting voltages are measured via two sense electrodes. Measurements are fast (~5 s/muscle), simple to perform, and unaffected by factors such as hydration that may affect other simple measures of muscle status. After nearly 2 decades of study, EIM has been shown to reflect muscle health status, including the presence of atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration, in a variety of conditions (e.g., developmental growth and maturation, conditioning/deconditioning, and obesity) and neuromuscular diseases states [e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophies]. In this article, we describe prior work and current evidence of EIM’s potential utility as a measure of muscle health in aging and geriatric medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Seward Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Carlos J Padilla
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Test-Retest Reliability of Plantar Flexion Torque Generation During a Functional Knee Extended Position in Older and Younger Men. J Aging Phys Act 2020; 29:626-631. [PMID: 33361497 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2020-0288] [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: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Measuring ankle torque is of paramount importance. This study compared the test-retest reliability of the plantar flexion torque-generating capacity between older and younger men. Twenty-one older (68 ± 6 years) and 22 younger (25 ± 5 years) men were tested twice for maximal isometric plantar flexion. Peak torque (PT), rate of torque development, and contractile impulses (CI) were obtained from 0 to 50 ms (rate of torque development0-50; CI0-50) and from 100 to 200 ms (rate of torque development100-200; CI100-200). Typical error as the coefficient of variation (CVTE) and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to assess test-retest reliability. Student's t test was applied to investigate systematic errors. The CVTE ratio was used for between-group comparisons. Only PT demonstrated acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ .75 and CV ≤ 10%). Older men demonstrated greater CVTE than younger men for PT (ratio = 2.24), but lesser for rapid torque (ratio ≤ 0.84). Younger men demonstrated systematic error for PT (6.5%) and CI100-200 (-8.9%). In conclusion, older men demonstrated greater variability for maximal torque output, but lesser for rapid torque.
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11
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Lichtenstein E, Morat M, Roth R, Donath L, Faude O. Agility-based exercise training compared to traditional strength and balance training in older adults: a pilot randomized trial. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8781. [PMID: 32328344 PMCID: PMC7164429 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty. METHODS We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n = 12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n = 15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES > 0.18[-0.27;0.89]) and RTD (ES > 0.43[-0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extension RTD (ES = 0.35[-0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8% of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7% of sessions). DISCUSSION Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected physical performance indicators among community-dwelling healthy seniors. In particular, lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lichtenstein
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mareike Morat
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, Institute of Training and Computer Science in Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Roth
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars Donath
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, Institute of Training and Computer Science in Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Bond CW, Dorman JC, MacFadden LN, Munce TA. Dynamic Postural Stability in Active, Adolescent Males Following Repeated Bouts of Aerobic Exercise in Hot and Temperate Environments: A Pilot Study. Mil Med 2020; 185:368-375. [PMID: 32074301 PMCID: PMC7029836 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Proper jump-landing neuromuscular control is crucial in mitigating lower-extremity musculoskeletal injuries. The presence of fatigue, especially in extreme environments, may degrade dynamic postural stability (DPS) and result in lower-extremity injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of moderate intensity exercise in hot (HOT) and temperate (TEMP) ambient temperatures and residual effects of a previous bout on DPS during a single-legged jump-landing. It was hypothesized that the participants would display worse DPS after HOT compared to TEMP. Methods Six recreationally active young males (16.8 ± 0.7 year, 1.88 ± 0.12 m, 83.8 ± 19.8 kg) completed two, 60-minute bouts of exercise with 60 minutes of rest between bouts in both HOT (35°C) and TEMP (22.2°C). Heart rate and core body temperature (Tc) were monitored continuously, and DPS was assessed before and after each bout. Results The DPS time and condition effects were not identified (p > 0.05), but HOT elicited some notable (d > 0.20) increases in heart rate, Tc, and DPS compared to TEMP. Conclusions The DPS decrements varied between subjects suggesting individual-specific etiology. Repeated bouts of exercise in HOT may place an individual at a greater risk for injury than TEMP if proper prevention strategies are not used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin W Bond
- Sanford Sports Science Institute, Sanford Health, 2215 W Pentagon Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
| | - Jason C Dorman
- Sanford Sports Science Institute, Sanford Health, 2215 W Pentagon Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
| | - Lisa N MacFadden
- Sanford Sports Science Institute, Sanford Health, 2215 W Pentagon Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
| | - Thayne A Munce
- Sanford Sports Science Institute, Sanford Health, 2215 W Pentagon Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
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Hébert-Losier K, Murray L. Reliability of centre of pressure, plantar pressure, and plantar-flexion isometric strength measures: A systematic review. Gait Posture 2020; 75:46-62. [PMID: 31593873 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centre of pressure (COP), plantar pressure (PP), and plantar-flexion isometric strength (PFisom) are often examined in relation to postural control and gait. RESEARCH QUESTION Our aim was to systematically review and quality appraise articles addressing the reliability of COP and PP measures in static stance and PFisom measures. METHODS Three electronic databases (SCOPUS®, SportDISCUS™, and PubMed) were searched and supplemented by a manual search. Peer-reviewed original research on the reliability of COP, PP, and PFisom in healthy adults (≥18 years) was included. Quality appraisal was done according to the updated COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments reliability checklist. Data regarding study characteristics, test protocols, outcome measures, and reliability metrics were extracted. RESULTS Forty articles met inclusion and were assessed for their methodological quality. Only four articles (10%) obtained uppermost quality scores. From the reviewed studies, the most reliable measures were: COP sway area and path length; PP mean pressure, percentage body weight distribution, and contact area; and PFisom peak torque and force. Although these measures generally exhibited good-to-excellent relative reliability based on correlation coefficients, absolute reliability based on typical errors were not always optimal (variation > 10%). Literature on PP reliability was scarce (n = 2). SIGNIFICANCE Our findings highlight the need for better quality methodological reliability studies to be undertaken to make stronger inferences about the reliability of COP, PP, and PFisom measures. The most reliable measures based on the current review are: COP sway area and path length; PP mean pressure, percentage of body weight distribution, and contact area; and PFisom peak torque and peak force. These measures are the ones that should be selected preferentially in clinical settings, bearing in mind that their typical errors might be suboptimal despite exhibiting strong relative reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hébert-Losier
- University of Waikato, Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, 52 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, Tauranga, New Zealand.
| | - Lauralee Murray
- University of Waikato, Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, 52 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, Tauranga, New Zealand.
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Improving the measurement of TMS-assessed voluntary activation in the knee extensors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216981. [PMID: 31170180 PMCID: PMC6553714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the accuracy, validity, reliability and sensitivity of an alternative method for the measure of TMS-assessed voluntary activation (VATMS) in the knee extensors. METHODS Ten healthy males (24 ± 5 years) completed a neuromuscular assessment protocol before and after a fatiguing isometric exercise: two sets of five contractions (50%, 62.5%, 75%, 87.5%, 100% Maximal Voluntary Contraction; MVC) with superimposed TMS-evoked twitches for calculation of VATMS using either the first 5 stimulations (1x5C) or all 10 (2x5C). This was performed on two separate occasions (between-day reliability). Accuracy and validity were compared with a routinely used protocol [i.e. 50%, 75%, and 100% of MVC (1x3C) performed three times (3x3C)]. RESULTS 95% confidence interval for estimated resting twitch, a key determinant of VATMS, was similar between 1x5C, 2x5C, and 3x3C but improved by six-fold when compared to 1x3C (P<0.05). In a fresh state, potentiated twitch force was unchanged following 1x5C but decreased following 2x5C (P<0.05). A recovery was found post-exercise but was smaller for 1x5C compared to 2x5C (P<0.05), with no difference between the latter two (P>0.05). Absolute reliability was strong enough for both 1x5C and 2x5C to depict a true detectable change in the sample's VATMS following the fatiguing exercise (TEM < 3% at rest, <9% post-exercise) but 2x5C was marginally more sensitive to individual's changes from baseline. CONCLUSION Both 1x5C and 2x5C provide reliable measures of VATMS. However, 1x5C may hold stronger internal validity. Both protocols allow detection of 'true' changes in sample's means but not individual scores following a fatiguing isometric exercise.
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Ansdell P, Brownstein CG, Škarabot J, Hicks KM, Simoes DCM, Thomas K, Howatson G, Hunter SK, Goodall S. Menstrual cycle-associated modulations in neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors in eumenorrheic women. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:1701-1712. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01041.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone concentrations of eumenorrheic women typically fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and can affect neural function such that estrogen has neuroexcitatory effects, and progesterone induces inhibition. However, the effects of these changes on corticospinal and intracortical circuitry and the motor performance of the knee extensors are unknown. The present two-part investigation aimed to 1) determine the measurement error of an exercise task, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-, and motor nerve stimulation (MNS)-derived responses in women ingesting a monophasic oral contraceptive pill (hormonally-constant) and 2) investigate whether these measures were modulated by menstrual cycle phase (MCP), by examining them before and after an intermittent isometric fatiguing task (60% of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) with the knee extensors until task failure in eumenorrheic women on days 2, 14, and 21 of the menstrual cycle. The repeatability of neuromuscular measures at baseline and fatigability ranged between moderate and excellent in women taking the oral contraceptive pill. MVC was not affected by MCP ( P = 0.790). Voluntary activation (MNS and TMS) peaked on day 14 ( P = 0.007 and 0.008, respectively). Whereas corticospinal excitability was unchanged, short-interval intracortical inhibition was greatest on day 21 compared with days 14 and 2 ( P < 0.001). Additionally, time to task failure was longer on day 21 than on both days 14 and 2 (24 and 36%, respectively, P = 0.030). The observed changes were larger than the associated measurement errors. These data demonstrate that neuromuscular function and fatigability of the knee extensors vary across the menstrual cycle and may influence exercise performance involving locomotor muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present two-part study first demonstrated the repeatability of transcranial magnetic stimulation- and electrical motor nerve stimulation-evoked variables in a hormonally constant female population. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the eumenorrheic menstrual cycle affects neuromuscular function. Changing concentrations of neuroactive hormones corresponded to greater voluntary activation on day 14, greater intracortical inhibition on day 21, and lowest fatigability on day 21. These alterations of knee extensor neuromuscular function have implications for locomotor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ansdell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Callum G. Brownstein
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Université Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty M. Hicks
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Davina C. M. Simoes
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sandra K. Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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17
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Dekerle J, Ansdell P, Schäfer L, Greenhouse-Tucknott A, Wrightson J. Methodological issues with the assessment of voluntary activation using transcranial magnetic stimulation in the knee extensors. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019; 119:991-1005. [PMID: 30746563 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The assessment of voluntary activation of the knee extensors using transcranial magnetic stimulation (VATMS) is routinely performed to assess the supraspinal function. Yet methodological scrutiny of the technique is scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine face validity and reliability of VATMS and its two main determinants (superimposed twitch during a maximal voluntary contraction [SIT100%] and estimated resting twitch [ERT]). METHODS SIT100%, ERT, and VATMS were measured on ten healthy males (age 24 ± 5 years) before and following intermittent isometric fatiguing exercise on two separate occasions. RESULTS The findings indicated issues regarding the accuracy of ERT and suggested a three-point relationship should not be used to determine ERT. Reliabilities for VATMS, SIT100%, and ERT were acceptable pre- but much weaker post-exercise (especially for SIT100%). Despite statistically significant changes in main neuromuscular variables following the intermittent isometric fatiguing exercise (P < 0.05), when post-exercise reliability was considered, the exercise effect on VATMS was smaller than the smallest detectable change in 18 of the 20 individual tests performed, and for the whole sample for one of two visits. Finally, maximal voluntary contraction was reduced significantly following the neuromuscular assessment (NMA) pre-exercise but recovered during the NMA post-exercise. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate a lack of sensitivity of key neuromuscular measurements to exercise and to evidence both presence of neuromuscular fatigue following the NMA in itself, and recovery of the neuromuscular function during the NMA post-exercise. These results challenge the face validity of this routinely used protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Dekerle
- Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, East Sussex, Eastbourne, UK.
| | - P Ansdell
- Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, East Sussex, Eastbourne, UK.,Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumbria, UK
| | - L Schäfer
- Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, East Sussex, Eastbourne, UK
| | - A Greenhouse-Tucknott
- Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, East Sussex, Eastbourne, UK
| | - J Wrightson
- Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, East Sussex, Eastbourne, UK.,Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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18
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Wier CG, Crum AE, Reynolds AB, Iyer CC, Chugh D, Palettas MS, Heilman PL, Kline DM, Arnold WD, Kolb SJ. Muscle contractility dysfunction precedes loss of motor unit connectivity in SOD1(G93A) mice. Muscle Nerve 2018; 59:254-262. [PMID: 30370671 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electrophysiological measurements are used in longitudinal clinical studies to provide insight into the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the relationship between muscle weakness and motor unit (MU) degeneration. Here, we used a similar longitudinal approach in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1[G93A]) mouse model of ALS. METHODS In vivo muscle contractility and MU connectivity assays were assessed longitudinally in SOD1(G93A) and wild type mice from postnatal days 35 to 119. RESULTS In SOD1(G93A) males, muscle contractility was reduced by day 35 and preceded MU loss. Muscle contractility and motor unit reduction were delayed in SOD1(G93A) females compared with males, but, just as with males, muscle contractility reduction preceded MU loss. DISCUSSION The longitudinal contractility and connectivity paradigm employed here provides additional insight into the SOD1(G93A) mouse model and suggests that loss of muscle contractility is an early finding that may precede loss of MUs and motor neuron death. Muscle Nerve 59:254-262, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Wier
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexander E Crum
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Anthony B Reynolds
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Chitra C Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Deepti Chugh
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Marilly S Palettas
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick L Heilman
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - David M Kline
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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Blomkvist AW, Eika F, de Bruin ED, Andersen S, Jorgensen M. Handgrip force steadiness in young and older adults: a reproducibility study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:96. [PMID: 29609577 PMCID: PMC5879800 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Force steadiness is a quantitative measure of the ability to control muscle tonus. It is an independent predictor of functional performance and has shown to correlate well with different degrees of motor impairment following stroke. Despite being clinically relevant, few studies have assessed the validity of measuring force steadiness. The aim of this study was to explore the reproducibility of handgrip force steadiness, and to assess age difference in steadiness. Method Intrarater reproducibility (the degree to which a rating gives consistent result on separate occasions) was investigated in a test-retest design with seven days between sessions. Ten young and thirty older adults were recruited and handgrip steadiness was tested at 5%, 10% and 25% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) using Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB). Coefficients of variation were calculated from the mean force produced (CVM) and the target force (CVT). Area between the force curve and the target force line (Area) was also calculated. For the older adults we explored reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and agreement using standard error of measurement (SEM), limits of agreement (LOA) and smallest real difference (SRD). Results A systematic improvement in handgrip steadiness was found between sessions for all measures (CVM, CVT, Area). CVM and CVT at 5% of MVC showed good to high reliability, while Area had poor reliability for all percentages of MVC. Averaged ICC for CVM, CVT and Area was 0.815, 0.806 and 0.464, respectively. Averaged ICC on 5%, 10%, and 25% of MVC was 0.751, 0.667 and 0.668, respectively. Measures of agreement showed similar trends with better results for CVM and CVT than for Area. Young adults had better handgrip steadiness than older adults across all measures. Conclusion The CVM and CVT measures demonstrated good reproducibility at lower percentages of MVC using the WBB, and could become relevant measures in the clinical setting. The Area measure had poor reproducibility. Young adults have better handgrip steadiness than old adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W Blomkvist
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Eika
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, HCP H 25.1, Leopold-Ruzicka-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, SE141, 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Stig Andersen
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Jorgensen
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Merlet AN, Cattagni T, Cornu C, Jubeau M. Effect of knee angle on neuromuscular assessment of plantar flexor muscles: A reliability study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195220. [PMID: 29596480 PMCID: PMC5875874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-session reliability of neuromuscular assessment of plantar flexor (PF) muscles at three knee angles. METHODS Twelve young adults were tested for three knee angles (90°, 30° and 0°) and at three time points separated by 1 hour (intra-session) and 7 days (inter-session). Electrical (H reflex, M wave) and mechanical (evoked and maximal voluntary torque, activation level) parameters were measured on the PF muscles. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation were calculated to determine intra- and inter-session reliability. RESULTS The mechanical measurements presented excellent (ICC>0.75) intra- and inter-session reliabilities regardless of the knee angle considered. The reliability of electrical measurements was better for the 90° knee angle compared to the 0° and 30° angles. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the knee angle may influence the reliability of neuromuscular assessments, which indicates the importance of considering the knee angle to collect consistent outcomes on the PF muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angèle N. Merlet
- Laboratory Movement, Interactions, Performance, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Cattagni
- Laboratory Movement, Interactions, Performance, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
- Inserm Unit 1179, Team 3: Technologies and Innovative Therapies Applied to Neuromuscular diseases, UVSQ. CIC 805, Physiology-Functional Testing Ward, AP-HP, Raymond Poincaré Teaching Hospital, Garches, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Christophe Cornu
- Laboratory Movement, Interactions, Performance, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Marc Jubeau
- Laboratory Movement, Interactions, Performance, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
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Tonson A, Noble KE, Meyer RA, Rozman MR, Foley KT, Slade JM. Age Reduces Microvascular Function in the Leg Independent of Physical Activity. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 49:1623-1630. [PMID: 28709153 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The microvasculature is critical in the control of blood flow. Aging and reduced physical activity (PA) may both decrease microvascular function. PURPOSE The primary aim was to evaluate the influence of age on microvascular function in adults with similar PA levels. Secondary aims were to assess the reliability of muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging in older adults (OA) and the relationship between PA and microvascular function in OA. METHODS Microvascular blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) responses were measured in young adults (YA, n = 12, mean ± SD age = 21 ± 1 yr old, PA = 239 ± 73 × 10 counts per day) and OA (n = 13, 64 ± 4 yr old, PA = 203 ± 48 × 10 counts per day). Functional magnetic resonance images (3T, echo planar BOLD) of the leg were acquired after brief (1 s) maximal voluntary isometric contractions. The test-retest reliability of BOLD responses and the Pearson correlation between peak BOLD and PA were assessed in a group of OA (OA-r) with a broad range of PA (66 ± 5 yr old, n = 9, PA range = 54 × 10 to 674 × 10 counts per day). RESULTS Peak BOLD microvascular responses were reduced for OA compared with YA. OA peak BOLD was 27% lower in the soleus (3.3% ± 0.8% OA vs 4.5% ± 1.4% YA; P = 0.017) and 40% lower in the anterior compartment (1.6% ± 0.6% OA vs 2.7% ± 1.1% YA; P = 0.006). Coefficients of variation were 8.6% and 11.8% for peak BOLD in the soleus and anterior compartment, respectively, with an intraclass correlation of 0.950 for both muscle regions. The correlation between peak BOLD and PA was r ≥ 0.715, P ≤ 0.030. CONCLUSIONS Aging was associated with reduced microvascular function in leg muscles, independent of PA. The findings also revealed good reliability for BOLD magnetic resonance imaging in OA for the soleus and anterior compartment muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Tonson
- 1Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; 2Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and 3Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Djordjevic D, Uygur M. Methodological considerations in the calculation of the rate of force development scaling factor. Physiol Meas 2017; 39:015001. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aa9f51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Arvanitidis A, Henriksen K, Karsdal M, Nedergaard A. Neo-epitope Peptides as Biomarkers of Disease Progression for Muscular Dystrophies and Other Myopathies. J Neuromuscul Dis 2016; 3:333-346. [PMID: 27854226 PMCID: PMC5123625 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, serological biomarkers of neuromuscular diseases as dystrophies, myopathies and myositis have been limited to routine clinical biochemistry panels. Gauging the pathological progression is a prerequisite for proper treatment and therefore identifying accessible, easy to monitor biomarkers that can predict the disease progression would be an important advancement. Most muscle diseases involve accelerated muscle fiber degradation, inflammation, fatty tissue substitution and/or fibrosis. All these pathological traits have been shown to give rise to serological peptide biomarkers in other tissues, underlining the potential application of existing biomarkers of such traits in muscle disorders. A significant quantity of tissue is involved in these pathological mechanisms alongside with qualitative changes in protein turnover in myofibrillar, extra-cellular matrix and immunological cell protein fractions accompanied by alterations in body fluids. We propose that protein and peptides can leak out of the afflicted muscles and can be of use in diagnosis, prediction of pathology trajectory and treatment efficacy. Proteolytic cleavage systems are especially modulated during a range of muscle pathologies, thereby giving rise to peptides that are differentially released during disease manifestation. Therefore, we believe that pathology-specific post-translational modifications like cleavages can give rise to neoepitope peptides that may represent a promising class of peptides for discovery of biomarkers pertaining to neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arvanitidis
- Nordic Bioscience, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Herlev, Denmark
| | - K. Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Herlev, Denmark
| | - M.A. Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Herlev, Denmark
| | - A. Nedergaard
- Nordic Bioscience, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Herlev, Denmark
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Mahato NK, Montuelle S, Cotton J, Williams S, Thomas J, Clark B. Development of a morphology-based modeling technique for tracking solid-body displacements: examining the reliability of a potential MRI-only approach for joint kinematics assessment. BMC Med Imaging 2016; 16:38. [PMID: 27189195 PMCID: PMC4870733 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-016-0140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Single or biplanar video radiography and Roentgen stereophotogrammetry (RSA) techniques used for the assessment of in-vivo joint kinematics involves application of ionizing radiation, which is a limitation for clinical research involving human subjects. To overcome this limitation, our long-term goal is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-only, three dimensional (3-D) modeling technique that permits dynamic imaging of joint motion in humans. Here, we present our initial findings, as well as reliability data, for an MRI-only protocol and modeling technique. Methods We developed a morphology-based motion-analysis technique that uses MRI of custom-built solid-body objects to animate and quantify experimental displacements between them. The technique involved four major steps. First, the imaging volume was calibrated using a custom-built grid. Second, 3-D models were segmented from axial scans of two custom-built solid-body cubes. Third, these cubes were positioned at pre-determined relative displacements (translation and rotation) in the magnetic resonance coil and scanned with a T1 and a fast contrast-enhanced pulse sequences. The digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images were then processed for animation. The fourth step involved importing these processed images into an animation software, where they were displayed as background scenes. In the same step, 3-D models of the cubes were imported into the animation software, where the user manipulated the models to match their outlines in the scene (rotoscoping) and registered the models into an anatomical joint system. Measurements of displacements obtained from two different rotoscoping sessions were tested for reliability using coefficient of variations (CV), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and Limits of Agreement analyses. Results Between-session reliability was high for both the T1 and the contrast-enhanced sequences. Specifically, the average CVs for translation were 4.31 % and 5.26 % for the two pulse sequences, respectively, while the ICCs were 0.99 for both. For rotation measures, the CVs were 3.19 % and 2.44 % for the two pulse sequences with the ICCs being 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. A novel biplanar imaging approach also yielded high reliability with mean CVs of 2.66 % and 3.39 % for translation in the x- and z-planes, respectively, and ICCs of 0.97 in both planes. Conclusions This work provides basic proof-of-concept for a reliable marker-less non-ionizing-radiation-based quasi-dynamic motion quantification technique that can potentially be developed into a tool for real-time joint kinematics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri K Mahato
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
| | - Stephane Montuelle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - John Cotton
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Susan Williams
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - James Thomas
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.,School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Brian Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
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Maffiuletti NA, Aagaard P, Blazevich AJ, Folland J, Tillin N, Duchateau J. Rate of force development: physiological and methodological considerations. Eur J Appl Physiol 2016; 116:1091-116. [PMID: 26941023 PMCID: PMC4875063 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 761] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The evaluation of rate of force development during rapid contractions has recently become quite popular for characterising explosive strength of athletes, elderly individuals and patients. The main aims of this narrative review are to describe the neuromuscular determinants of rate of force development and to discuss various methodological considerations inherent to its evaluation for research and clinical purposes. Rate of force development (1) seems to be mainly determined by the capacity to produce maximal voluntary activation in the early phase of an explosive contraction (first 50–75 ms), particularly as a result of increased motor unit discharge rate; (2) can be improved by both explosive-type and heavy-resistance strength training in different subject populations, mainly through an improvement in rapid muscle activation; (3) is quite difficult to evaluate in a valid and reliable way. Therefore, we provide evidence-based practical recommendations for rational quantification of rate of force development in both laboratory and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Maffiuletti
- Human Performance Lab, Schulthess Clinic, Lengghalde 6, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Per Aagaard
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Muscle Research Cluster (SMRC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research (CESSR), School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Jonathan Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Neale Tillin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Jacques Duchateau
- Laboratory of Applied Biology, ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Stutzig N, Siebert T. Reproducibility of electromyographic and mechanical parameters of the triceps surae during submaximal and maximal plantar flexions. Muscle Nerve 2016; 53:464-70. [PMID: 26173034 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuromuscular parameters must be reproducible to examine neuromuscular adaptations in interventional and clinical studies. The reproducibility of neuromuscular parameters for the soleus (SOL), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) was assessed over a period of 2 weeks. METHODS Thirteen subjects (27.4 years, 69.5 kg) were tested for numerous electromyographic (e.g., voluntary and electrical evoked EMG) and mechanical (e.g., voluntary activation level) parameters in 3 test sessions. RESULTS The majority of the data (28 of 34) revealed moderate and substantial reproducibility. Hmax20% /Mmax20% and Vsup /Msup were less reproducible in LG than in MG and SOL. Muscle activity and M-waves did not differ between muscles. The ICC for the mechanical data was >0.79. CONCLUSIONS The H-reflex during voluntary contraction of the LG should be considered with caution. Mechanical data on muscle activation level are reproducible. The reproducibility of neuromuscular parameters is sufficient for interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Stutzig
- Institute of Sport and Movement Science, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 28, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tobias Siebert
- Institute of Sport and Movement Science, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 28, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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Gillett JG, Lichtwark GA, Boyd RN, Barber LA. FAST CP: protocol of a randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of a 12-week combined Functional Anaerobic and Strength Training programme on muscle properties and mechanical gait deficiencies in adolescents and young adults with spastic-type cerebral palsy. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e008059. [PMID: 26116614 PMCID: PMC4486965 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have muscles that are smaller, weaker and more resistant to stretch compared to typically developing people. Progressive resistance training leads to increases in muscle size and strength. In CP, the benefits of resistance training alone may not transfer to improve other activities such as walking; however, the transfer of strength improvements to improved mobility may be enhanced by performing training that involves specific functional tasks or motor skills. This study aims to determine the efficacy of combined functional anaerobic and strength training in (1) influencing muscle strength, structure and function and (2) to determine if any changes in muscle strength and structure following training impact on walking ability and gross motor functional capacity and performance in the short (following 3 months of training) and medium terms (a further 3 months post-training). METHODS AND ANALYSIS 40 adolescents and young adults with CP will be recruited to undertake a 12-week training programme. The training programme will consist of 3 × 75 min sessions per week, made up of 5 lower limb resistance exercises and 2-3 functional anaerobic exercises per session. The calf muscles will be specifically targeted, as they are the most commonly impacted muscles in CP and are a key muscle group involved in walking. If, as we believe, muscle properties change following combined strength and functional training, there may be long-term benefits of this type of training in slowing the deterioration of muscle function in people with spastic-type CP. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the ethics committees at The University of Queensland (2014000066) and Children's Health Queensland (HREC/15/QRCH/30). The findings will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and local research organisations' media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614001217695).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarred G Gillett
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia Queensland Children's Motion Analysis Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glen A Lichtwark
- Queensland Children's Motion Analysis Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roslyn N Boyd
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lee A Barber
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Mechanomyographic parameter extraction methods: an appraisal for clinical applications. SENSORS 2014; 14:22940-70. [PMID: 25479326 PMCID: PMC4299047 DOI: 10.3390/s141222940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The research conducted in the last three decades has collectively demonstrated that the skeletal muscle performance can be alternatively assessed by mechanomyographic signal (MMG) parameters. Indices of muscle performance, not limited to force, power, work, endurance and the related physiological processes underlying muscle activities during contraction have been evaluated in the light of the signal features. As a non-stationary signal that reflects several distinctive patterns of muscle actions, the illustrations obtained from the literature support the reliability of MMG in the analysis of muscles under voluntary and stimulus evoked contractions. An appraisal of the standard practice including the measurement theories of the methods used to extract parameters of the signal is vital to the application of the signal during experimental and clinical practices, especially in areas where electromyograms are contraindicated or have limited application. As we highlight the underpinning technical guidelines and domains where each method is well-suited, the limitations of the methods are also presented to position the state of the art in MMG parameters extraction, thus providing the theoretical framework for improvement on the current practices to widen the opportunity for new insights and discoveries. Since the signal modality has not been widely deployed due partly to the limited information extractable from the signals when compared with other classical techniques used to assess muscle performance, this survey is particularly relevant to the projected future of MMG applications in the realm of musculoskeletal assessments and in the real time detection of muscle activity.
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Ibitoye MO, Estigoni EH, Hamzaid NA, Wahab AKA, Davis GM. The effectiveness of FES-evoked EMG potentials to assess muscle force and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury. SENSORS 2014; 14:12598-622. [PMID: 25025551 PMCID: PMC4168418 DOI: 10.3390/s140712598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The evoked electromyographic signal (eEMG) potential is the standard index used to monitor both electrical changes within the motor unit during muscular activity and the electrical patterns during evoked contraction. However, technical and physiological limitations often preclude the acquisition and analysis of the signal especially during functional electrical stimulation (FES)-evoked contractions. Hence, an accurate quantification of the relationship between the eEMG potential and FES-evoked muscle response remains elusive and continues to attract the attention of researchers due to its potential application in the fields of biomechanics, muscle physiology, and rehabilitation science. We conducted a systematic review to examine the effectiveness of eEMG potentials to assess muscle force and fatigue, particularly as a biofeedback descriptor of FES-evoked contractions in individuals with spinal cord injury. At the outset, 2867 citations were identified and, finally, fifty-nine trials met the inclusion criteria. Four hypotheses were proposed and evaluated to inform this review. The results showed that eEMG is effective at quantifying muscle force and fatigue during isometric contraction, but may not be effective during dynamic contractions including cycling and stepping. Positive correlation of up to r = 0.90 (p < 0.05) between the decline in the peak-to-peak amplitude of the eEMG and the decline in the force output during fatiguing isometric contractions has been reported. In the available prediction models, the performance index of the eEMG signal to estimate the generated muscle force ranged from 3.8% to 34% for 18 s to 70 s ahead of the actual muscle force generation. The strength and inherent limitations of the eEMG signal to assess muscle force and fatigue were evident from our findings with implications in clinical management of spinal cord injury (SCI) population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morufu Olusola Ibitoye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Eduardo H Estigoni
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - 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.
| | - Glen M Davis
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia.
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Barbosa TC, Machado AC, Braz ID, Fernandes IA, Vianna LC, Nobrega ACL, Silva BM. Remote ischemic preconditioning delays fatigue development during handgrip exercise. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2014; 25:356-64. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. C. Barbosa
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - A. C. Machado
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - I. D. Braz
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - I. A. Fernandes
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - L. C. Vianna
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - A. C. L. Nobrega
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - B. M. Silva
- Laboratory of Exercise Sciences; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Fluminense Federal University; Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Department of Physiology; Section of Exercise Physiology; Federal University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
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Fischmann A, Morrow JM, Sinclair CDJ, Reilly MM, Hanna MG, Yousry T, Thornton JS. Improved anatomical reproducibility in quantitative lower-limb muscle MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 39:1033-8. [PMID: 24123788 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the influence of two limb positions and slice prescription using scout-image-based and surface-anatomy-based methods on the reproducibility of quantitative MRI of lower-limb muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten healthy subjects were scanned at 3 Tesla with a two-dimensional turbo spin-echo T1-weighted acquisition. Imaging was performed at thigh and calf level in two subject limb positions and independently repeated by a second operator. Regions-of-interest (ROI) were drawn on three muscles at thigh and calf levels on axial slices at fixed distance from the knee joint and at a level determined by surface anatomy. RESULTS Test-retest reliability of muscle cross-sectional area and ROI area overlap were similar for both limb positioning methods. Changing limb position between scans reduced ROI overlap (P < 0.01). Scout-image-based slice prescription resulted in narrower limits of agreement and higher intraclass correlation coefficients compared with surface-anatomy-based slice prescription. CONCLUSION Slice prescription based on fixed distance from the knee joint provided superior reproducibility of slice location than a surface anatomy-based method and should be used for longitudinal quantitative MRI studies. Exact subject positioning will depend on scanner and coil configuration, but should be consistent through a longitudinal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Fischmann
- University of Basel Hospital, Department of Radiology, Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel Childrens Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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Siebert T, Till O, Stutzig N, Günther M, Blickhan R. Muscle force depends on the amount of transversal muscle loading. J Biomech 2014; 47:1822-8. [PMID: 24725439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscles are embedded in an environment of other muscles, connective tissue, and bones, which may transfer transversal forces to the muscle tissue, thereby compressing it. In a recent study we demonstrated that transversal loading of a muscle with 1.3Ncm(-2) reduces maximum isometric force (Fim) and rate of force development by approximately 5% and 25%, respectively. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of increasing transversal muscle loading on contraction dynamics. Therefore, we performed isometric experiments on rat M. gastrocnemius medialis (n=9) without and with five different transversal loads corresponding to increasing pressures of 1.3Ncm(-2) to 5.3Ncm(-2) at the contact area between muscle and load. Muscle loading was induced by a custom-made plunger which was able to move in transversal direction. Increasing transversal muscle loading resulted in an almost linear decrease in muscle force from 4.8±1.8% to 12.8±2% Fim. Compared to an unloaded isometric contraction, rate of force development decreased from 20.2±4.0% at 1.3Ncm(-2) muscle loading to 34.6±5.7% at 5.3Ncm(-2). Experimental observation of the impact of transversal muscle loading on contraction dynamics may help to better understand muscle tissue properties. Moreover, applying transversal loads to muscles opens a window to analyze three-dimensional muscle force generation. Data presented in this study may be important to develop and validate muscle models which enable simulation of muscle contractions under compression and enlighten the mechanisms behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Siebert
- Institute of Sport and Motion Science, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 28, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Olaf Till
- Institute of Motion Science, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Norman Stutzig
- Institute of Sport and Motion Science, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 28, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael Günther
- Institute of Sport and Motion Science, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 28, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Reinhard Blickhan
- Institute of Motion Science, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Cook SB, Kanaley JA, Ploutz-Snyder LL. Neuromuscular function following muscular unloading and blood flow restricted exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2014; 114:1357-65. [PMID: 24643427 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-014-2864-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study is to evaluate central and peripheral neuromuscular function in the knee extensors (KE) and plantar flexors (PF) after 30 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and to examine the effects of low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance training on the KE during ULLS. METHODS Strength, cross-sectional area (CSA), central activation, evoked force, and rates of force development and relaxation were assessed in the KE and PF before and after ULLS in sixteen subjects (9 M, 7F; 18-49 years). Eight of those subjects participated in BFR on the KE three times per week during ULLS (ULLS + Exercise). RESULTS The ULLS group had decrements in strength and CSA of the KE (16 and 7 %, respectively) and PF (27 and 8 %, respectively) and the ULLS + Exercise maintained strength and CSA of the KE (P > 0.05), but significantly lost strength and CSA in the PF (21 and 5 %; P > 0.05). KE central activation declined 6 % in the ULLS group and was maintained in the ULLS + Exercise group, but a time × group interaction was not evident (P = 0.31). PF central activation was reduced in both groups (ULLS: -7.6 ± 9.9 and -7.9 ±11.6 %; time main effect P = 0.01). A time × group interaction for KE-evoked twitch force (P = 0.04) demonstrated a 9 % decline in the ULLS + Exercise group following the intervention. Evoked PF doublet torque decreased 12 % in both groups (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Central and peripheral neuromuscular function is compromised during unloading. While BFR resistance training on the KE during unloading can maintain muscle mass and strength, it may only partially attenuate neuromuscular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer B Cook
- Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, 124 Main Street, Durham, NH, 03824, USA,
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Bachasson D, Temesi J, Bankole C, Lagrange E, Boutte C, Millet G, Verges S, Levy P, Feasson L, Wuyam B. Assessement of quadriceps strength, endurance and fatigue in FSHD and CMT: Benefits and limits of femoral nerve magnetic stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2014; 125:396-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Cavuoto LA, Nussbaum MA. The influences of obesity and age on functional performance during intermittent upper extremity tasks. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2014; 11:583-590. [PMID: 24484265 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2014.887848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the main and interactive effects of obesity and age on functional performance were assessed during intermittent exertions involving the upper extremity. The prevalence of obesity has doubled over the past 30 years and this increase is associated with higher health care costs, rates of workplace injury, and lost workdays. Obesity and aging can modify job demands and affect worker capacity in terms of muscular and psychomotor function. However, there is a lack of empirical studies quantifying the work-relevant (or ergonomic) impacts related to task demands, capacities, and their potential imbalance. Eight obese and eight non-obese participants from each of two age groups (18-25 and 50-65 years) completed three endurance tasks involving fixed levels of task demands: hand grip, shoulder flexion, and a simulated assembly task using the upper extremity. Measures of functional performance including endurance, discomfort, motor control, and task performance were recorded for each of the task conditions. Endurance times were ∼60% longer for the non-obese group, and older participants had longer endurance times; however there was no evidence of interactive effects of obesity and age. Obesity also impaired functional performance, as indicated by higher rates of strength loss, increases in discomfort, and declines in task performance. These observed impairments may reflect underlying physiological differences among individuals who are obese, but that are independent of age. Obesity-related impairments may have implications for the design of work duration and demand level to prevent fatigue development for workers who are obese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora A Cavuoto
- a Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering , University at Buffalo, SUNY , Buffalo , New York
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Ditroilo M, De Vito G, Delahunt E. Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2013; 23:1111-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Quadriceps function assessment using an incremental test and magnetic neurostimulation: A reliability study. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2013; 23:649-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Ditroilo M, Smith IJ, Fairweather MM, Hunter AM. Long-term stability of tensiomyography measured under different muscle conditions. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2013; 23:558-63. [PMID: 23461833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tensiomyography (TMG) is a technique utilised to measure mechanical and contractile properties of skeletal muscle. Aim of this study was to assess long-term stability of TMG across a variety of muscle conditions. Gastrocnemius Medialis of 21 healthy males was measured using TMG in rested conditions, after a warm-up, after a maximal voluntary contraction and after a fatigue protocol. Participants were re-tested on a second occasion 4weeks apart. Among the parameters examined, Contraction Time, Sustain Time and Delay time exhibited a good level of absolute reliability (CV=3.8-9.4%) and poor to excellent level of relative reliability (ICC=0.56-0.92). On the other hand, relative reliability was good to excellent for muscle Displacement (ICC=0.86-0.96), whereas its level of absolute reliability was questionable (CV=8.0-14.8%). Minimum detectable change was less than 20% in most conditions for the aforementioned parameters. Half-relaxation Time yielded overall insufficient reliability. In general, the level of reliability tended to increase after the maximal voluntary contraction and the fatigue protocol were administered, probably because of more controlled conditions preceding the measurement. Information about the long-term stability of TMG across different muscle conditions is essential when intervention studies are undertaken with an exercising population, particularly athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ditroilo
- Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, University of Hull, England, UK.
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Kamandulis S, Skurvydas A, Brazaitis M, Stanislovaitis A, Duchateau J, Stanislovaitiene J. Effect of a periodized power training program on the functional performances and contractile properties of the quadriceps in sprinters. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2012; 83:540-545. [PMID: 23367816 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2012.10599143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Our purpose was to compare the effect of a periodized preparation consisting of power endurance training and high-intensity power training on the contractile properties of the quadriceps muscle and functional performances in well trained male sprinters (n = 7). After 4 weeks of high-intensity power training, 60-m sprint running time improved by an average of 1.83% (SD = 0.96; p < .05). This improvement was inversely related to an increase in maximal voluntary contraction torque (r = -.89, p < .05) and poorly correlated with changes in the contractile kinetics of the quadriceps muscle (r range from .36 to -.46). These findings suggest that sprint performance is poorly predicted by muscle intrinsic properties and that a neural adaptation appears to explain most of the observed functional adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigitas Kamandulis
- Research Center for Fundamental and Clinical Movement Science, Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education, Kaunas.
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Validity of the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity Accelerometry System for Quantitative Gait Analysis in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 93:2090-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2012.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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41
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Buckthorpe MW, Hannah R, Pain T, Folland JP. Reliability of neuromuscular measurements during explosive isometric contractions, with special reference to electromyography normalization techniques. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:566-76. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.23322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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42
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Pitcher CA, Elliott CM, Williams SA, Licari MK, Kuenzel A, Shipman PJ, Valentine JP, Reid SL. Childhood muscle morphology and strength: Alterations over six months of growth. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:360-6. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.23326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lienhard K, Schneider D, Maffiuletti NA. Validity of the Optogait photoelectric system for the assessment of spatiotemporal gait parameters. Med Eng Phys 2012; 35:500-4. [PMID: 22818403 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the discriminant and concurrent (criterion-related) validity of a recently introduced floor-based photocell system (Optogait, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) with a validated electronic walkway for the assessment of spatiotemporal gait parameters. Fifteen patients (mean age±standard deviation: 65±7 years) with total knee arthroplasty and 15 healthy matched control subjects were asked to walk at different velocities while gait variables were recorded simultaneously by the two instruments. The Optogait and the criterion instrument detected the same differences in walking parameters between patients and controls. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.933 (swing time) and 0.999 (cycle time, cadence and walking speed). Cycle time and stance time were significantly longer, while swing time, step length, cadence and walking speed were significantly lower for Optogait (p<0.001) compared to the criterion instrument. The Optogait system demonstrated high discriminant and concurrent validity with an electronic walkway for the assessment of spatiotemporal gait parameters in orthopedic patients and healthy controls. However, the two measuring instruments cannot be used interchangeably for quantitative gait analysis, and further validation of floor-based photocell technology is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Lienhard
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland
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Sasaki K, Tomioka Y, Ishii N. Activation of fast-twitch fibers assessed with twitch potentiation. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:218-27. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.23290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Bringard A, Layec G, Micallef JP, Bendahan D, Perrey S. Gas exchange measurements within a magnetic environment: validation of a new system. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2012; 182:37-46. [PMID: 22366154 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although simultaneous measurements of pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2) and Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P MRS) is attractive to investigate muscular metabolism during exercise, the superconducting magnet requires the design of specific gas exchange analyser (GEA). Thus, this study aimed to assess the validity of a commercial GEA system (ZAN600) compatible with (31)P MRS measurements. Using nonmagnetic pneumotachograph and prolonged sampling line (from 2m, control condition, to 6.5m) did not alter the proper synchronisation between flow and gas concentration signals. Also, end-expiratory fraction of O2 (FETO2) and CO(2) (FETCO2), and finally the values of steady-state ventilation (V(E)), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and VO2 kinetics during moderate knee-extension exercise were not significantly different between 2m and 6.5m conditions and between 6.5m condition inside and outside the magnet. These results showed that a prolonged sampling line used inside the superconducting magnet did not affect the accuracy of VO2 measurements of a commercial GEA system; the latter appears suitable for simultaneous measurements of VO2 and (31)P MRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Bringard
- Movement To Health, Montpellier-1 University, Euromov, 700 av du Pic Saint-Loup, 34090 Montpellier, France.
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Ditroilo M, Forte R, McKeown D, Boreham C, De Vito G. Intra- and inter-session reliability of vertical jump performance in healthy middle-aged and older men and women. J Sports Sci 2011; 29:1675-82. [PMID: 22098486 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2011.614270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite its widespread use in performance assessment, the reliability of vertical jump in an ageing population has not been addressed properly. The aim of the present study was to assess intra- and inter-day reliability of countermovement jump in healthy middle-aged (55-65 years) and older (66-75 years) men and women. Eighty-two participants were recruited and asked to perform countermovement jumps on two different occasions interspersed by 4 weeks. The middle-aged groups exhibited excellent absolute reliability for flight height, jump height, peak force, peak power, peak force/body mass, and peak power/body mass, with coefficients of variation ranging from 2.9% to 7.2% in men and from 3.6% to 6.9% in women and moderate-to-high intraclass correlations (0.75 to 0.97 in men; 0.77 to 0.95 in women). The older groups displayed good coefficients of variation (4.2% to 10.8% in men and 3.4% to 9.5% in women), but the intraclass correlations were low-to-high (0.43 to 0.84 in men; 0.42 to 0.93 in women). Overall, intra-session reliability was higher than inter-session reliability. Peak power was by far the most consistent variable, whereas flight and jump height had the most marked variability. The minimum detectable change varied from 10.5% to 33%, depending on the variable examined, suggesting important implications for intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ditroilo
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Bezerra P, Zhou S, Crowley Z, Davie A, Baglin R. Effects of electromyostimulation on knee extensors and flexors strength and steadiness in older adults. J Mot Behav 2011; 43:413-21. [PMID: 21978241 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2011.620039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is known that electromyostimulation (EMS) alone or superimposed over voluntary contraction (EV) can effectively improve muscle strength. However, the effect of this type of training on the ability to control force production at submaximal levels is unknown. The authors examined the effects of EV training on steadiness in force production of knee extensors and flexors in older adults. Forty participants, including 20 men and 20 women, 60-77 years of age, were randomly allocated into a control group (CG) and an electromyostimulation superimposed over voluntary contraction (EVG) group. The EVG performed 30 bilateral isometric knee extension and flexion contractions per session, 3 training sessions per week, for 6 weeks. The variations in force production, expressed in absolute (standard deviation [SD]) and relative (coefficient of variation [CV]) terms, were assessed in isometric contractions at 5%, 15% and 25% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) levels. Results indicated that MVC increased in knee extension and flexion in EVG (p < .05) after the training; steadiness CV also improved at 15% MVC in knee flexion (p < .05) but no significant changes were found in knee extension and steadiness SD. The training-induced changes in MVC were not correlated to steadiness CV that might indicate different mechanisms underlying these adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Bezerra
- School of Health and Human Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia.
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Test-retest reliability of v-wave responses in the soleus and gastrocnemius medialis. J Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 28:217-21. [PMID: 21399516 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e31821215cf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the reliability of the first volitional (V) wave, which can be used as a measure of efferent neural drive, while also reflecting reflex excitability. Ten subjects volunteered for one familiarization session followed by an experimental test session and an identical retest session spaced 3 to 8 days apart. V-waves were evoked in the tibial nerve during plantar flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), along with standard error of measurement and 95% confidence intervals for the following variables: MVC force, surface electromyogram activity (EMG), and the peak-to-peak V-wave amplitude in soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM). The superimposed M-wave (MSUP) accompanying V-wave stimulation was also obtained for normalization purposes. Substantial reliability was documented for V/MSUP in both SOL (ICC = 0.86) and GM (0.90), as well as for the non-normalized V-wave in SOL (0.92). Moderate reliability was displayed for the non-normalized V-wave response in GM (0.78). Substantial reliability was also established for EMG/MSUP (>0.82) and MVC force (0.98). This study provides novel evidence that V-wave responses can be consistently measured in the SOL and GM, thus advocating its continued use in future research.
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Unilateral lower limb suspension: integrative physiological knowledge from the past 20 years (1991-2011). Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 112:9-22. [PMID: 21533809 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-1971-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In 1991, Hans Berg and colleagues published the first research investigation using unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) as a human model to study the influence of unloading on skeletal muscle. ULLS requires a participant to perform all activities with axillary crutches while wearing one thick-soled shoe. The elevated shoe eliminates ground contact with the adjacent foot, thereby unloading the lower limb. Today, ULLS is a well-known ground-based analog for microgravity. The present review will synthesize the physiological findings from investigations using ULLS to study the deleterious effects of unloading. Compromised human performance and the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and circulatory mechanisms leading to altered function will be a major emphasis of the work. Results from prolonged bed rest will also be included in order for general comparisons to be made between analogs. Finally, the efficacy of exercise to mitigate the negative consequences of unloading is presented.
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Coso JD, Hamouti N, Estevez E, Mora-Rodriguez R. Reproducibility of two electrical stimulation techniques to assess neuromuscular fatigue. Eur J Sport Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2010.487117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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