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Esen O, Bailey SJ, Stashuk DW, Howatson G, Goodall S. Influence of nitrate supplementation on motor unit activity during recovery following a sustained ischemic contraction in recreationally active young males. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:2379-2387. [PMID: 38809323 PMCID: PMC11377467 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation enhances muscle blood flow and metabolic efficiency in hypoxia, however, its efficacy on neuromuscular function and specifically, the effect on motor unit (MU) activity is less clear. We investigated whether NO3- supplementation affected MU activity following a 3 min sustained ischemic contraction and whether this is influenced by blood flow restriction (BFR) during the recovery period. METHOD In a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design, 14 males (mean ± SD, 25 ± 6 years) completed two trials following 5 days of supplementation with NO3--rich (NIT) or NO3--depleted (PLA) beetroot juice to modify plasma nitrite (NO2-) concentration (482 ± 92 vs. 198 ± 48 nmol·L-1, p < 0.001). Intramuscular electromyography was used to assess MU potential (MUP) size (duration and area) and mean firing rates (MUFR) during a 3 min submaximal (25% MVC) isometric contraction with BFR. These variables were also assessed during a 90 s recovery period with the first half completed with, and the second half completed without, BFR. RESULTS The change in MUP area and MUFR, did not differ between conditions (all p > 0.05), but NIT elicited a reduction in MUP recovery time during brief isometric contractions (p < 0.001), and during recoveries with (p = 0.002) and without (p = 0.012) BFR. CONCLUSION These novel observations improve understanding of the effects of NO3- on the recovery of neuromuscular function post-exercise and might have implications for recovery of muscle contractile function. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with ID of NCT05993715 on August 08, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Esen
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
| | - Stephen J Bailey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Daniel W Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
- Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
- Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Neuromuscular Fatigue Responses of Endurance- and Strength-Trained Athletes during Incremental Cycling Exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148839. [PMID: 35886690 PMCID: PMC9319915 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the development of neuromuscular fatigue responses during progressive cycling exercise. The sample comprised 32 participants aged 22.0 ± 0.54 years who were assigned into three groups: endurance-trained group (END, triathletes, n = 10), strength-trained group (STR, bodybuilders, n = 10) and control group (CG, recreationally active students, n = 12). The incremental cycling exercise was performed using a progressive protocol starting with a 3 min resting measurement and then 50 W workload with subsequent constant increments of 50 W every 3 min until 200 W. Surface electromyography (SEMG) of rectus femoris muscles was recorded during the final 30 s of each of the four workloads. During the final 15 s of each workload, participants rated their overall perception of effort using the 20-point rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Post hoc Tukey’s HSD testing showed significant differences between the END and STR groups in median frequency and mean power frequency across all workloads (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Athletes from the END group had significantly lower electromyogram amplitude responses than those from the STR (p = 0.0093) and CG groups (p = 0.0006). Increasing RPE points from 50 to 200 W were significantly higher in the STR than in the END group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, there is a significant variation in the neuromuscular fatigue profiles between athletes with different training backgrounds when a cycling exercise is applied. The approximately linear trends of the SEMG and RPE values of both groups of athletes with increasing workload support the increased skeletal muscle recruitment with perceived exertion or fatiguing effect.
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Esen O, Faisal A, Zambolin F, Bailey SJ, Callaghan MJ. Effect of nitrate supplementation on skeletal muscle motor unit activity during isometric blood flow restriction exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1683-1693. [PMID: 35460359 PMCID: PMC9197866 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04946-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Nitrate (NO3−) supplementation has been reported to lower motor unit (MU) firing rate (MUFR) during dynamic resistance exercise; however, its impact on MU activity during isometric and ischemic exercise is unknown. Purpose To assess the effect of NO3− supplementation on knee extensor MU activities during brief isometric contractions and a 3 min sustained contraction with blood flow restriction (BFR). Methods Sixteen healthy active young adults (six females) completed two trials in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Trials were preceded by 5 days of either NO3− (NIT) or placebo (PLA) supplementation. Intramuscular electromyography was used to determine the M. vastus lateralis MU potential (MUP) size, MUFR and near fibre (NF) jiggle (a measure of neuromuscular stability) during brief (20 s) isometric contractions at 25% maximal strength and throughout a 3 min sustained BFR isometric contraction. Results Plasma nitrite (NO2−) concentration was elevated after NIT compared to PLA (475 ± 93 vs. 198 ± 46 nmol L−1, p < 0.001). While changes in MUP area, NF jiggle and MUFR were similar between NIT and PLA trials (all p > 0.05), MUP duration was shorter with NIT compared to PLA during brief isometric contractions and the sustained ischemic contraction (p < 0.01). In addition, mean MUP duration, MUP area and NF jiggle increased, and MUFR decreased over the 3 min sustained BFR isometric contraction for both conditions (all p < 0.05). Conclusions These findings provide insight into the effect of NO3− supplementation on MUP properties and reveal faster MUP duration after short-term NO3− supplementation which may have positive implications for skeletal muscle contractile performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Esen
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK.
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.
| | - Azmy Faisal
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Physical Education for Men, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Fabio Zambolin
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen J Bailey
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Michael J Callaghan
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK
- Manchester University Hospital Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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4
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Merlo A, Bò MC, Campanini I. Electrode Size and Placement for Surface EMG Bipolar Detection from the Brachioradialis Muscle: A Scoping Review. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217322. [PMID: 34770627 PMCID: PMC8587451 DOI: 10.3390/s21217322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The brachioradialis muscle (BRD) is one of the main elbow flexors and is often assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG) in physiology, clinical, sports, ergonomics, and bioengineering applications. The reliability of the sEMG measurement strongly relies on the characteristics of the detection system used, because of possible crosstalk from the surrounding forearm muscles. We conducted a scoping review of the main databases to explore available guidelines of electrode placement on BRD and to map the electrode configurations used and authors’ awareness on the issues of crosstalk. One hundred and thirty-four studies were included in the review. The crosstalk was mentioned in 29 studies, although two studies only were specifically designed to assess it. One hundred and six studies (79%) did not even address the issue by generically placing the sensors above BRD, usually choosing large disposable ECG electrodes. The analysis of the literature highlights a general lack of awareness on the issues of crosstalk and the need for adequate training in the sEMG field. Three guidelines were found, whose recommendations have been compared and summarized to promote reliability in further studies. In particular, it is crucial to use miniaturized electrodes placed on a specific area over the muscle, especially when BRD activity is recorded for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Merlo
- LAM-Motion Analysis Laboratory, S. Sebastiano Hospital, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Circondaria 29, 42015 Correggio, Italy;
- Merlo Bioengineering, 43100 Parma, Italy;
| | | | - Isabella Campanini
- LAM-Motion Analysis Laboratory, S. Sebastiano Hospital, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Circondaria 29, 42015 Correggio, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Rakshit R, Xiang Y, Yang J. Functional muscle group- and sex-specific parameters for a three-compartment controller muscle fatigue model applied to isometric contractions. J Biomech 2021; 127:110695. [PMID: 34454329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110695] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The three-compartment controller with enhanced recovery (3CC-r) model of muscle fatigue has previously been validated separately for both sustained (SIC) and intermittent isometric contractions (IIC) using different objective functions, but its performance has not yet been tested against both contraction types simultaneously using a common objective function. Additionally, prior validation has been performed using common parameters at the joint level, whereas applications to many real-world tasks will require the model to be applied to agonistic and synergistic muscle groups. Lastly, parameters for the model have previously been derived for a mixed-sex cohort not considering the differece in fatigabilities between the sexes. In this work we validate the 3CC-r model using a comprehensive isometric contraction database drawn from 172 publications segregated by functional muscle group (FMG) and sex. We find that prediction errors are reduced by 19% on average when segregating the dataset by FMG alone, and by 34% when segregating by both sex and FMG. However, minimum prediction errors are found to be higher when validated against both SIC and IIC data together using torque decline as the outcome variable than when validated sequentially against hypothesized SIC intensity-endurance time curves with endurance time as the outcome variable and against raw IIC data with torque decline as the outcome variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwik Rakshit
- Human-Centric Design Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Yujiang Xiang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - James Yang
- Human-Centric Design Research Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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Sharp MH, Sahin K, Stefan MW, Gheith RH, Reber DD, Ottinger CR, Orhan C, Tuzcu M, Sahin N, Lowery RP, Durkee S, Wilson JM. Marine Phytoplankton Improves Exercise Recovery in Humans and Activates Repair Mechanisms in Rats. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:1070-1082. [PMID: 33352600 PMCID: PMC8566026 DOI: 10.1055/a-1320-1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of marine phytoplankton supplementation on 1) perceived recovery and ground reaction forces in humans following a non-functional overreaching resistance-training program and 2) myogenic molecular markers associated with muscle cell recovery in a rat model. In the human trial, a 5-week resistance-training program with intentional overreaching on weeks 2 and 5 was implemented. Results indicate that marine phytoplankton prompted positive changes in perceived recovery at post-testing and, while both marine phytoplankton and placebo conditions demonstrated decreased peak and mean rate of force development following the overreaching weeks, placebo remained decreased at post-testing while marine phytoplankton returned to baseline levels. In the rat model, rats were divided into four conditions: (i) control, (ii) exercise, (iii) exercise + marine phytoplankton 2.55 mg·d-1, or (iv) exercise+marine phytoplankton 5.1 mg·d-1. Rats in exercising conditions performed treadmill exercise 5 d·wk-1 for 6 weeks. Marine phytoplankton in exercising rats increased positive and decrease negative myogenic factors regulating satellite cell proliferation. Taken together, marine phytoplankton improved perceptual and functional indices of exercise recovery in an overreaching human model and, mechanistically, this could be driven through cell cycle regulation and a potential to improve protein turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Sharp
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Kazim Sahin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Firat University School of Veterinary Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Matt W Stefan
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Raad H Gheith
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Dallen D Reber
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Charlie R Ottinger
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Cemal Orhan
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Firat University School of Veterinary Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Tuzcu
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nurhan Sahin
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Firat University School of Veterinary Medicine, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ryan P Lowery
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
| | - Shane Durkee
- Department of Consumer Health, Lonza Inc, Morristown, United States
| | - Jacob M Wilson
- Research Department, Applied Science & Performance Institute, Tampa, United States
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Training induced fatigability assessed by sEMG in Pre-Olympic ice-skaters. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14199. [PMID: 32848196 PMCID: PMC7450047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the size of the change and asymmetry in fatigability of gluteus maximus muscles during endurance training in short-track. The research has taken into account the position of athletes during skating and the problem of fatigue and pain in these muscles. The research covered involved eight female athletes of the Polish National Team in short track, which had been prepared to the Olympic Games in PyeongChang. The surface electromyography (sEMG) system was used to measure fatigue of right and left gluteus maximus muscles, in the modified Biering–Sorensen test. The test was conducted five times during the training: before training, after warmup, and after each of 3 series of the endurance training. Comparing the mean frequency of the surface electromyography power spectrum of the test, statistically significant reduction of the average frequency value of the right muscle from 55.61 ± 7.08 to 48.64 ± 4.48 Hz and left muscle from 58.78 ± 4.98 to 53.18 ± 4.62 Hz was reported, which prove the muscle fatigue. In subsequent series tests, the sEMG signal frequency of begin decrease more than the end of the each measurement, which determines the fatigue threshold. The size of the d Cohen effect in fatigue drops along with subsequent five tests during the training. Skaters has higher frequency reduction of the right lower limb, which indicates its greater fatigue during skateing. The fatigue and asymmetry in muscle observed in short-track has implications for training and performance.
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Mallette MM, Cheung SS, Kumar RI, Hodges GJ, Holmes MWR, Gabriel DA. The effects of local forearm heating and cooling on motor unit properties during submaximal contractions. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:200-211. [DOI: 10.1113/ep088256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Mallette
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo Ontario Canada
- Department of Kinesiology Brock University St Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Stephen S. Cheung
- Department of Kinesiology Brock University St Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Robert I. Kumar
- Department of Kinesiology Brock University St Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Gary J. Hodges
- Department of Kinesiology Brock University St Catharines Ontario Canada
| | | | - David A. Gabriel
- Department of Kinesiology Brock University St Catharines Ontario Canada
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Fuentes del Toro S, Wei Y, Olmeda E, Ren L, Guowu W, Díaz V. Validation of a Low-Cost Electromyography (EMG) System via a Commercial and Accurate EMG Device: Pilot Study. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19235214. [PMID: 31795083 PMCID: PMC6928739 DOI: 10.3390/s19235214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) devices are well-suited for measuring the behaviour of muscles during an exercise or a task, and are widely used in many different research areas. Their disadvantage is that commercial systems are expensive. We designed a low-cost EMG system with enough accuracy and reliability to be used in a wide range of possible ways. The present article focuses on the validation of the low-cost system we designed, which is compared with a commercially available, accurate device. The evaluation was done by means of a set of experiments, in which volunteers performed isometric and dynamic exercises while EMG signals from the rectus femoris muscle were registered by both the proposed low-cost system and a commercial system simultaneously. Analysis and assessment of three indicators to estimate the similarity between both signals were developed. These indicated a very good result, with spearman’s correlation averaging above 0.60, the energy ratio close to the 80% and the linear correlation coefficient approximating 100%. The agreement between both systems (custom and commercial) is excellent, although there are also some limitations, such as the delay of the signal (<1 s) and noise due to the hardware and assembly in the proposed system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Fuentes del Toro
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (E.O.); (V.D.)
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-916-624-9912
| | - Yuyang Wei
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (Y.W.); (L.R.)
| | - Ester Olmeda
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (E.O.); (V.D.)
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Lei Ren
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (Y.W.); (L.R.)
| | - Wei Guowu
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Vicente Díaz
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain; (E.O.); (V.D.)
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
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Hamilton-Wright A, Stashuk DW. Improved MUP Template Estimation Using Local Time Warping and Kernel Weighted Averaging. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2019; 2018:2647-2650. [PMID: 30440951 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2018.8512886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A motor unit potential (MUP) template, which represents the shapes of the MUPs within a MUP train, provides information related to the morphology and physiology of the sampled motor unit. This work presents an improved MUP template estimation technique that uses local time warping and kernel weighted ensemble averaging. An analysis of the algorithm, and a description of the improvements compared with spike triggered averaging is given. MUP template estimates were evaluated using simulated EMG signals with a known gold standard template for each motor unit potential train. Statistically significant reduction in template estimation error is shown, both within the baseline and duration portions of a MUP.
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Toro SFD, Santos-Cuadros S, Olmeda E, Álvarez-Caldas C, Díaz V, San Román JL. Is the Use of a Low-Cost sEMG Sensor Valid to Measure Muscle Fatigue? SENSORS 2019; 19:s19143204. [PMID: 31330807 PMCID: PMC6679263 DOI: 10.3390/s19143204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Injuries caused by the overstraining of muscles could be prevented by means of a system which detects muscle fatigue. Most of the equipment used to detect this is usually expensive. The question then arises whether it is possible to use a low-cost surface electromyography (sEMG) system that is able to reliably detect muscle fatigue. With this main goal, the contribution of this work is the design of a low-cost sEMG system that allows assessing when fatigue appears in a muscle. To that aim, low-cost sEMG sensors, an Arduino board and a PC were used and afterwards their validity was checked by means of an experiment with 28 volunteers. This experiment collected information from volunteers, such as their level of physical activity, and invited them to perform an isometric contraction while an sEMG signal of their quadriceps was recorded by the low-cost equipment. After a wavelet filtering of the signal, root mean square (RMS), mean absolute value (MAV) and mean frequency (MNF) were chosen as representative features to evaluate fatigue. Results show how the behaviour of these parameters across time is shown in the literature coincides with past studies (RMS and MAV increase while MNF decreases when fatigue appears). Thus, this work proves the feasibility of a low-cost system to reliably detect muscle fatigue. This system could be implemented in several fields, such as sport, ergonomics, rehabilitation or human-computer interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Fuentes Del Toro
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain.
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain.
| | - Silvia Santos-Cuadros
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Ester Olmeda
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Carolina Álvarez-Caldas
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Vicente Díaz
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - José Luís San Román
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
- Institute for Automotive Vehicle Safety (ISVA), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain
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Muscle Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Stimulation Eliminates the Effect of Fatigue on EEG-EMG Coherence during the Lateral Raise Task: A Pilot Quantitative Investigation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7673068. [PMID: 30079351 PMCID: PMC6069696 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7673068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the effects of force load, muscle fatigue, and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic stimulation on electroencephalography- (EEG-) electromyography (EMG) coherence during right arm lateral raise task. Eighteen healthy male subjects were recruited. EEG and EMG signals were simultaneously recorded from each subject while three different loads (0, 1, and 3kg) were added on the forearm. ELF magnetic stimulation was applied to the subject's deltoid muscle between tasks during the resting period. Univariate ANOVA showed that all EEG-EMG coherence areas of C3, C4, CP5, and CP6 were not significantly affected by the force load (all p>0.05) and that muscle fatigue led to statistically significant reductions on the coherence area of gamma band in C3 (p=0.014) and CP5 (p=0.019). More interestingly, these statistically significant reductions disappeared with the application of muscle ELF magnetic stimulation, indicating its potential application to eliminate the effect of fatigue.
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Effects of Force Load, Muscle Fatigue, and Magnetic Stimulation on Surface Electromyography during Side Arm Lateral Raise Task: A Preliminary Study with Healthy Subjects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8943850. [PMID: 28497068 PMCID: PMC5405568 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8943850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the effects of force load, muscle fatigue, and extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic stimulation on surface electromyography (SEMG) signal features during side arm lateral raise task. SEMG signals were recorded from 18 healthy subjects on the anterior deltoid using a BIOSEMI ActiveTwo system during side lateral raise task (with the right arm 90 degrees away from the body) with three different loads on the forearm (0 kg, 1 kg, and 3 kg; their order was randomized between subjects). The arm maintained the loads until the subject felt exhausted. The first 10 s recording for each load was regarded as nonfatigue status and the last 10 s before the subject was exhausted was regarded as fatigue status. The subject was then given a five-minute resting between different loads. Two days later, the same experiment was repeated on every subject, and this time the ELF magnetic stimulation was applied to the subject's deltoid muscle during the five-minute rest period. Three commonly used SEMG features, root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MDF), and sample entropy (SampEn), were analyzed and compared between different loads, nonfatigue/fatigue status, and ELF stimulation and no stimulation. Variance analysis results showed that the effect of force load on RMS was significant (p < 0.001) but not for MDF and SampEn (both p > 0.05). In comparison with nonfatigue status, for all the different force loads with and without ELF stimulation, RMS was significantly larger at fatigue (all p < 0.001) and MDF and SampEn were significantly smaller (all p < 0.001).
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McManus L, Hu X, Rymer WZ, Lowery MM, Suresh NL. Changes in motor unit behavior following isometric fatigue of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. J Neurophysiol 2015; 113:3186-96. [PMID: 25761952 PMCID: PMC4432683 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00146.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular strategies employed to compensate for fatigue-induced muscle force deficits are not clearly understood. This study utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) together with recordings of a population of individual motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) to investigate potential compensatory alterations in motor unit (MU) behavior immediately following a sustained fatiguing contraction and after a recovery period. EMG activity was recorded during abduction of the first dorsal interosseous in 12 subjects at 20% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), before and directly after a 30% MVC fatiguing contraction to task failure, with additional 20% MVC contractions following a 10-min rest. The amplitude, duration and mean firing rate (MFR) of MUAPs extracted with a sEMG decomposition system were analyzed, together with sEMG root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude and median frequency (MPF). MUAP duration and amplitude increased immediately postfatigue and were correlated with changes to sEMG MPF and RMS, respectively. After 10 min, MUAP duration and sEMG MPF recovered to prefatigue values but MUAP amplitude and sEMG RMS remained elevated. MU MFR and recruitment thresholds decreased postfatigue and recovered following rest. The increase in MUAP and sEMG amplitude likely reflects recruitment of larger MUs, while recruitment compression is an additional compensatory strategy directly postfatigue. Recovery of MU MFR in parallel with MUAP duration suggests a possible role for metabolically sensitive afferents in MFR depression postfatigue. This study provides insight into fatigue-induced neuromuscular changes by examining the properties of a large population of concurrently recorded single MUs and outlines possible compensatory strategies involving alterations in MU recruitment and MFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara McManus
- University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - William Z Rymer
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | - Nina L Suresh
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and
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Abstract
Movement is accomplished by the controlled activation of motor unit populations. Our understanding of motor unit physiology has been derived from experimental work on the properties of single motor units and from computational studies that have integrated the experimental observations into the function of motor unit populations. The article provides brief descriptions of motor unit anatomy and muscle unit properties, with more substantial reviews of motoneuron properties, motor unit recruitment and rate modulation when humans perform voluntary contractions, and the function of an entire motor unit pool. The article emphasizes the advances in knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the neuromodulation of motoneuron activity and attempts to explain the discharge characteristics of human motor units in terms of these principles. A major finding from this work has been the critical role of descending pathways from the brainstem in modulating the properties and activity of spinal motoneurons. Progress has been substantial, but significant gaps in knowledge remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Heckman
- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Skeletal muscle fatigue is defined as the fall of force or power in response to contractile activity. Both the mechanisms of fatigue and the modes used to elicit it vary tremendously. Conceptual and technological advances allow the examination of fatigue from the level of the single molecule to the intact organism. Evaluation of muscle fatigue in a wide range of disease states builds on our understanding of basic function by revealing the sources of dysfunction in response to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Kent-Braun
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
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17
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Woldendorp KH, van de Werk P, Boonstra AM, Stewart RE, Otten E. Relation between muscle activation pattern and pain: an explorative study in a bassists population. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 94:1095-106. [PMID: 23220344 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2012.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the muscle activation patterns in relation to pain complaints in bassists studied during a musical task. This study was based on the assumption that pain complaints are caused by increased muscle activation during playing or relaxation and/or faster onset of fatigue of muscles. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Nonclinical. PARTICIPANTS Student bass guitarists (N=36) from conservatories in the Netherlands. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bassists played a standard music piece for 30 minutes. Muscle activation levels and pain were recorded. Pain was registered with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS 0-10). The muscle activation level of both the trapezius muscles and flexor carpi radialis was measured with sEMG: sEMG as the percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVC) and the slope of the sEMG (slope of %MVC) were calculated. The %MVC as a function of time and the slope of %MVC were calculated during playing and for rest periods before and after playing. For statistic analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and a multilevel multiregression analysis were used for comparing the sEMG data of bassists with and without pain. RESULTS No significant differences in %MVC or the slope of %MVC were between the bassists with and without pain complaints. CONCLUSIONS The results surprisingly indicate that pain complaints of bassists may not be associated with another muscle activation pattern. It is, therefore, not likely that pain is caused by increased muscle activation during playing and/or relaxation, nor by faster onset of fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees H Woldendorp
- Revalidatie Friesland Centre for Rehabilitation, Beetsterzwaag, The Netherlands.
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18
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Parsaei H, Stashuk DW. EMG signal decomposition using motor unit potential train validity. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2012; 21:265-74. [PMID: 23033332 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2012.2218287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A system to resolve an intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) signal into its component motor unit potential trains (MUPTs) is presented. The system is intended mainly for clinical applications where several physiological parameters of motor units (MUs), such as their motor unit potential (MUP) templates and mean firing rates, are of interest. The system filters an EMG signal, detects MUPs, and clusters and classifies the detected MUPs into MUPTs. Clustering is partially based on the K-means algorithm, and the supervised classification is implemented using a certainty-based algorithm. Both clustering and supervised classification algorithms use MUP shape and MU firing pattern information along with signal dependent assignment criteria to obtain robust performance across a variety of EMG signals. During classification, the validity of extracted MUPTs are determined using several supervised classifiers; invalid trains are corrected and the assignment threshold for each train is adjusted based on the estimated validity (i.e., adaptive classification). Performance of the developed system in terms of accuracy (A(c)), assignment rate (A(r)), correct classification rate (CC(r)) , and the error in estimating the number of MUPTs represented in the set of detected MUPs (E(NMUPTs)) was evaluated using 32 simulated and 30 real EMG signals comprised of 3-11 and 3-15 MUPTs, respectively. The developed system, with average CC(r) of 86.4% for simulated and 96.4% for real data, outperformed a previously developed EMG decomposition system, with average CC(r) of 71.6% and 89.7% for simulated and real data, by 14.7% and 6.7%, respectively. In terms of E(NMUPTs), the new system, with average E(NMUPTs) of 0.3 and 0.2 for simulated and real data respectively, was better able to estimate the number of MUPTs represented in a set of detected MUPs than the previous system, with average E(NMUPTs) of 2.2 and 0.8 for simulated and real data respectively. For both the simulated and real data used, variations in A(c), A(r), and E(NMUPTs) for the newly developed system were lower than for the previous system, which demonstrates that the new system can successfully adjust the assignment criteria based on the characteristics of a given signal to achieve robust performance across a wide variety of EMG signals, which is of paramount importance for successfully promoting the clinical application of EMG signal decomposition techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Parsaei
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1 Canada.
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19
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De Luca CJ, Kline JC. Influence of proprioceptive feedback on the firing rate and recruitment of motoneurons. J Neural Eng 2012; 9:016007. [PMID: 22183300 PMCID: PMC3376912 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/9/1/016007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the relationships of the firing rate and maximal recruitment threshold of motoneurons recorded during isometric contraction with the number of spindles in individual muscles. At force levels above 10% of maximal voluntary contraction, the firing rate was inversely related to the number of spindles in a muscle, with the slope of the relationship increasing with force. The maximal recruitment threshold of motor units increased linearly with the number of spindles in the muscle. Thus, muscles with a greater number of spindles had lower firing rates and a greater maximal recruitment threshold. These findings may be explained by a mechanical interaction between muscle fibres and adjacent spindles. During low-level (0% to 10%) voluntary contractions, muscle fibres of recruited motor units produce force twitches that activate nearby spindles to respond with an immediate excitatory feedback that reaches maximal level. As the force increases further, the twitches overlap and tend towards tetanization, the muscle fibres shorten, the spindles slacken, their excitatory firings decrease, and the net excitation to the homonymous motoneurons decreases. Motoneurons of muscles with greater number of spindles receive a greater decrease in excitation which reduces their firing rates, increases their maximal recruitment threshold, and changes the motoneuron recruitment distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J De Luca
- NeuroMuscular Research Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Azar AT, Balas VE. Statistical Methods and Artificial Neural Networks Techniques in Electromyography. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPLICATIONS 2012. [DOI: 10.4018/ijsda.2012010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This work represents a comparative study for the activity of the masseter muscle for patients before trial base denture insertion and the activity of the same muscle after trial denture base insertion for both right and left masseter muscles. The study tried to find if there were significant differences in the activity of the masseter muscle before and after patients wearing their trial denture base using two approaches: parametric statistical methods and a Neural Network Classifier. Statistical analysis was performed on three feature vectors extracted from autoregressive (AR) modeling, Discrete Wavelet Transform (WT), and from Wavelet Packet Transform (WP). The least significant difference test and the student t-test have not proved significant differences in the masseter muscle activity before and after wearing denture. However, using the same feature vectors, a neural network classifier has proved that there are significant differences in the masseter muscle activity before and after patients wearing trial denture base.
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21
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Parsaei H, Stashuk DW. SVM-Based Validation of Motor Unit Potential Trains Extracted by EMG Signal Decomposition. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2012; 59:183-91. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2011.2169412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Al-Mulla MR, Sepulveda F, Colley M. A review of non-invasive techniques to detect and predict localised muscle fatigue. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2011; 11:3545-94. [PMID: 22163810 PMCID: PMC3231314 DOI: 10.3390/s110403545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fatigue is an established area of research and various types of muscle fatigue have been investigated in order to fully understand the condition. This paper gives an overview of the various non-invasive techniques available for use in automated fatigue detection, such as mechanomyography, electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy and ultrasound for both isometric and non-isometric contractions. Various signal analysis methods are compared by illustrating their applicability in real-time settings. This paper will be of interest to researchers who wish to select the most appropriate methodology for research on muscle fatigue detection or prediction, or for the development of devices that can be used in, e.g., sports scenarios to improve performance or prevent injury. To date, research on localised muscle fatigue focuses mainly on the clinical side. There is very little research carried out on the implementation of detecting/predicting fatigue using an autonomous system, although recent research on automating the process of localised muscle fatigue detection/prediction shows promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R. Al-Mulla
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Francisco Sepulveda
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martin Colley
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
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23
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Evolved pseudo-wavelet function to optimally decompose sEMG for automated classification of localized muscle fatigue. Med Eng Phys 2011; 33:411-7. [PMID: 21256068 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 09/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for automated muscle fatigue detection in sports related scenarios. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the biceps muscle was recorded from ten subjects performing semi-isometric (i.e., attempted isometric) contraction until fatigue. For training and testing purposes, the signals were labelled in two classes (Non-Fatigue and Fatigue), with the labelling being determined by a fuzzy classifier using elbow angle and its standard deviation as inputs. A genetic algorithm was used for evolving a pseudo-wavelet function for optimising the detection of muscle fatigue on any unseen sEMG signals. Tuning of the generalised evolved pseudo-wavelet function was based on the decomposition of twenty sEMG trials. After completing twenty independent pseudo-wavelet evolution runs, the best run was selected and then tested on ten previously unseen sEMG trials to measure the classification performance. Results show that an evolved pseudo-wavelet improved the classification of muscle fatigue between 7.31% and 13.15% when compared to other wavelet functions, giving an average correct classification of 88.41%.
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24
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Avin KG, Naughton MR, Ford BW, Moore HE, Monitto-Webber MN, Stark AM, Gentile AJ, Law LAF. Sex differences in fatigue resistance are muscle group dependent. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011; 42:1943-50. [PMID: 20195184 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e3181d8f8fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women are often reported to be generally more resistant to fatigue than men for relative-intensity tasks. This has been observed repeatedly for elbow flexors, whereas at the ankle, sex differences appear less robust, suggesting localized rather than systemic influences. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in fatigue resistance at muscle groups in a single cohort and which factors, if any, predict endurance time. METHODS Thirty-two young adults (age = 19-44 yr, 16 women) performed sustained isometric contractions at 50% maximum voluntary isometric contraction to failure for elbow flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Pain, exertion, and muscle EMG were assessed throughout. Self-reported baseline activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS Women were significantly more resistant to fatigue than men at the elbow (112.3 ± 6.2 vs 80.3 ± 5.8 s, P = 0.001) but not at the ankle (140.6 ± 10.7 vs 129.2 ± 10.5 s, P = 0.45). Peak torque was greater in men than that in women (P < 0.0001) at the ankle (45.0 ± 1.7 vs 30.1 ± 1.0 N·m) and at the elbow (75.7 ± 3.1 vs 34.4 ± 2.2 N·m). Peak torque was significantly related to endurance time at the elbow (R2= 0.30) but not at the ankle (R2 = 0.03). Peak pain, rate of pain increase, peak exertion, EMG, and baseline physical activity did not differ between sexes. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences in fatigue resistance are muscle group specific. Women were more fatigue resistant at the elbow but not at the ankle during a sustained isometric contraction. Further, factors that may contribute to fatigue resistance for one muscle group (e.g., sex, peak torque) may not be critical at another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith G Avin
- Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1190, USA
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25
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Wheeler KA, Shimada H, Kumar DK, Arjunan SP. A sEMG model with experimentally based simulation parameters. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2010; 2010:4258-61. [PMID: 21096642 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2010.5627175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A differential, time-invariant, surface electromyogram (sEMG) model has been implemented. While it is based on existing EMG models, the novelty of this implementation is that it assigns more accurate distributions of variables to create realistic motor unit (MU) characteristics. Variables such as muscle fibre conduction velocity, jitter (the change in the interpulse interval between subsequent action potential firings) and motor unit size have been considered to follow normal distributions about an experimentally obtained mean. In addition, motor unit firing frequencies have been considered to have non-linear and type based distributions that are in accordance with experimental results. Motor unit recruitment thresholds have been considered to be related to the MU type. The model has been used to simulate single channel differential sEMG signals from voluntary, isometric contractions of the biceps brachii muscle. The model has been experimentally verified by conducting experiments on three subjects. Comparison between simulated signals and experimental recordings shows that the Root Mean Square (RMS) increases linearly with force in both cases. The simulated signals also show similar values and rates of change of RMS to the experimental signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Wheeler
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
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26
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Nashed J, Hamilton-Wright A, Stashuk DW, Faris M, McLean L. Assessing motor deficits in compressive neuropathy using quantitative electromyography. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2010; 7:39. [PMID: 20701781 PMCID: PMC2928769 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-7-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studying the changes that occur in motor unit potential trains (MUPTs) may provide insight into the extent of motor unit loss and neural re-organization resulting from nerve compression injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG) to study the pathophysiological changes associated with compression neuropathy. Methods The model used to examine compression neuropathy was carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to its high prevalence and ease of diagnosis. Surface and concentric needle electromyography data were acquired simultaneously from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle in six individuals with severe CTS, eight individuals with mild CTS and nine healthy control subjects. DQEMG was used to detect intramuscular MUPTs during constant-intensity contractions and to estimate parameters associated with the surface- and needle-detected motor unit potentials (SMUPs and MUPs, respectively). MUP morphology and stability, SMUP morphology and motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) were compared among the groups using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results The severe CTS group had larger amplitude and longer duration MUPs and smaller MUNEs than the mild CTS and control groups, suggesting that the individuals with severe CTS had motor unit loss with subsequent collateral reinnervation, and that DQEMG using a constant-intensity protocol was sensitive to these changes. SMUP morphology and MUP complexity and stability did not significantly differ among the groups. Conclusions These results provide evidence that MUP amplitude parameters and MUNEs obtained using DQEMG, may be a valuable tool to investigate pathophysiological changes in muscles affected by compressive motor neuropathy to augment information obtained from nerve conduction studies. Although there were trends in many of these measures, in this study, MUP complexity and stability and SMUP parameters were, of limited value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Nashed
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Hamilton-Wright A, McLean L, Stashuk DW, Calder KM. Bayesian aggregation versus majority vote in the characterization of non-specific arm pain based on quantitative needle electromyography. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2010; 7:8. [PMID: 20156353 PMCID: PMC2848053 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-7-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methods for the calculation and application of quantitative electromyographic (EMG) statistics for the characterization of EMG data detected from forearm muscles of individuals with and without pain associated with repetitive strain injury are presented. METHODS A classification procedure using a multi-stage application of Bayesian inference is presented that characterizes a set of motor unit potentials acquired using needle electromyography. The utility of this technique in characterizing EMG data obtained from both normal individuals and those presenting with symptoms of "non-specific arm pain" is explored and validated. The efficacy of the Bayesian technique is compared with simple voting methods. RESULTS The aggregate Bayesian classifier presented is found to perform with accuracy equivalent to that of majority voting on the test data, with an overall accuracy greater than 0.85. Theoretical foundations of the technique are discussed, and are related to the observations found. CONCLUSIONS Aggregation of motor unit potential conditional probability distributions estimated using quantitative electromyographic analysis, may be successfully used to perform electrodiagnostic characterization of "non-specific arm pain." It is expected that these techniques will also be able to be applied to other types of electrodiagnostic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hamilton-Wright
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Math and Computer Science, Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada
- Computing and Information Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda McLean
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel W Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina M Calder
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Law LAF, Avin KG. Endurance time is joint-specific: a modelling and meta-analysis investigation. ERGONOMICS 2010; 53:109-29. [PMID: 20069487 PMCID: PMC2891087 DOI: 10.1080/00140130903389068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Static task intensity-endurance time (ET) relationships (e.g. Rohmert's curve) were first reported decades ago. However, a comprehensive meta-analysis to compare experimentally-observed ETs across bodily regions has not been reported. We performed a systematic literature review of ETs for static contractions, developed joint-specific power and exponential models of the intensity-ET relationships, and compared these models between each joint (ankle, trunk, hand/grip, elbow, knee, and shoulder) and the pooled data (generalised curve). 194 publications were found, representing a total of 369 data points. The power model provided the best fit to the experimental data. Significant intensity-dependent ET differences were predicted between each pair of joints. Overall, the ankle was most fatigue-resistant, followed by the trunk, hand/grip, elbow, knee and finally the shoulder was most fatigable. We conclude ET varies systematically between joints, in some cases with large effect sizes. Thus, a single generalised ET model does not adequately represent fatigue across joints. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Rohmert curves have been used in ergonomic analyses of fatigue, as there are limited tools available to accurately predict force decrements. This study provides updated endurance time-intensity curves using a large meta-analysis of fatigue data. Specific models derived for five distinct joint regions should further increase prediction accuracy.
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Rudroff T, Jordan K, Enoka JA, Matthews SD, Baudry S, Enoka RM. Discharge of biceps brachii motor units is modulated by load compliance and forearm posture. Exp Brain Res 2009; 202:111-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-009-2116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hoffman BW, Oya T, Carroll TJ, Cresswell AG. Increases in corticospinal responsiveness during a sustained submaximal plantar flexion. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 107:112-20. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.91541.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying the responsiveness of specific central nervous system pathways to electrical or magnetic stimulation can provide important information regarding fatigue processes in the central nervous system. We investigated the changes in corticospinal responsiveness during a sustained submaximal contraction of the triceps surae. Comparisons were made between the size of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by motor cortical stimulation and cervicomedullary motor-evoked potentials (CMEPs) elicited by magnetic stimulation of the descending tracts to determine the site of any change in corticospinal responsiveness. Participants maintained an isometric contraction of triceps surae at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for as long as possible on two occasions. Stimulation was applied to the motor cortex or the cervicomedullary junction at 1-min intervals during contraction until task failure. Peripheral nerve stimulation was also applied to evoke maximal M waves (Mmax) and a superimposed twitch. Additionally, MEPs and CMEPs were evoked during brief contractions at 80%, 90%, and 100% of MVC as a nonfatigue control. During the sustained contractions, MEP amplitude increased significantly in soleus (113%) and medial gastrocnemius (108%) muscles and, at task failure, matched MEP amplitude in the prefatigue MVC (∼20–25% Mmax). In contrast, CMEP amplitude increased significantly in medial gastrocnemius (51%), but not in soleus (63%) muscle and, at task failure, was significantly smaller than during prefatigue MVC (5–6% Mmax vs. 11–13% Mmax). The data indicate that cortical processes contribute substantially to the increase in corticospinal responsiveness during sustained submaximal contraction of triceps surae.
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Calder KM, Stashuk DW, McLean L. Motor unit potential morphology differences in individuals with non-specific arm pain and lateral epicondylitis. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2008; 5:34. [PMID: 19087309 PMCID: PMC2654455 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-5-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathophysiology of non-specific arm pain (NSAP) is unclear and the diagnosis is made by excluding other specific upper limb pathologies, such as lateral epicondylitis or cervical radiculopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine: (i) if the quantitative parameters related to motor unit potential morphology and/or motor unit firing patterns derived from electromyographic (EMG) signals detected from an affected muscle of patients with NSAP are different from those detected in the same muscle of individuals with lateral epicondylitis (LE) and/or control subjects and (ii) if the quantitative EMG parameters suggest that the underlying pathophysiology in NSAP is either myopathic or neuropathic in nature. Methods Sixteen subjects with NSAP, 11 subjects with LE, eight subjects deemed to be at-risk for developing a repetitive strain injury, and 37 control subjects participated. A quantitative electromyography evaluation was completed using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG). Needle- and surface-detected EMG signals were collected during low-level isometric contractions of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. DQEMG was used to extract needle-detected motor unit potential trains (MUPTs), and needle-detected motor unit potential (MUP) and surface detected motor unit potential (SMUP) morphology and motor unit (MU) firing rates were compared among the four groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post hoc analyses were performed using Tukey's pairwise comparisons. Results Significant group differences were found for all MUP variables and for MU firing rate (p < 0.006). The post-hoc analyses revealed that patients with NSAP had smaller MUP amplitude and SMUP amplitude and area compared to the control and LE groups (p < 0.006). MUP duration and AAR values were significantly larger in the NSAP, LE and at-risk groups compared to the control group (p < 0.006); while MUP amplitude, duration and AAR values were smaller in the NSAP compared to the LE group. SMUP duration was significantly shorter in the NSAP group compared to the control group (p < 0.006). NSAP, LE and at-risk subjects had lower mean MU firing rates than the control subjects (p < 0.006). Conclusion The size-related parameters suggest that the NSAP group had significantly smaller MUPs and SMUPs than the control and LE subjects. Smaller MUPs and SMUPs may be indicative of muscle fiber atrophy and/or loss. A prospective study is needed to confirm any causal relationship between smaller MUPs and SMUPs and NSAP as found in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Calder
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Louise D, Acton Building, 31 George Street, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Calder KM, Agnew MJ, Stashuk DW, McLean L. Reliability of quantitative EMG analysis of the extensor carpi radialis muscle. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 168:483-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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