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Re R, Scano A, Amata O, Spinelli L, Tomba A, Brambilla C, Frizziero A, Caserta AV, Cubeddu R, Torricelli A, Contini D. A personalized clinical assessment: multi-sensor approach for understanding musculoskeletal health in the frail population. Biomed Eng Online 2024; 23:91. [PMID: 39252062 PMCID: PMC11382456 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-024-01287-z] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a muscle disorder causing a progressive reduction of muscle mass and strength, but the mechanism of its manifestation is still partially unknown. The three main parameters to assess are: muscle strength, muscle volume or quality and low physical performance. There is not a definitive approach to assess the musculoskeletal condition of frail population and often the available tests to be performed in those clinical bedridden patients is reduced because of physical impairments. In this paper, we propose a novel instrumental multi-domain and non-invasive approach during a well-defined protocol of measurements for overcoming these limitations. A group of 28 bedridden elder people, subjected to surgery after hip fracture, was asked to perform voluntary isometric contractions at the 80% of their maximum voluntary contraction with the non-injured leg. The sensor employed before and/or during the exercise were: ultrasound to determine the muscle architecture (vastus lateralis); force acquisition with a load cell placed on the chair, giving an indication of the muscle strength; surface electromyography (EMG) for monitoring muscular electrical activity; time-domain (TD) near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for evaluating muscle oxidative metabolism. RESULTS A personalized "report card" for each subject was created. It includes: the force diagram (both instantaneous and cumulative, expected and measured); the EMG-force diagram for a comparison between EMG derived median frequency and measured force; two graphs related to the hemodynamic parameters for muscle oxidative metabolism evaluation, i.e., oxy-, deoxy-, total-hemoglobin and tissue oxygen saturation for the whole exercise period. A table with the absolute values of the previous hemodynamic parameters during the rest and the ultrasound related parameters are also included. CONCLUSIONS In this work, we present the union of protocols, multi-domain sensors and parameters for the evaluation of the musculoskeletal condition. The novelties are the use of sensors of different nature, i.e., force, electrical and optical, together with a new way to visualize and combine the results, by means of a concise, exhaustive and personalized medical report card for each patient. This assessment, totally non-invasive, is focused on a bedridden population, but can be extended to the monitoring of rehabilitation progresses or of the training of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Re
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (IFN), National Research Council (CNR), Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Scano
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing (STIIMA), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - O Amata
- Department of Rehabilitation, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Gaetano Pini-Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico (CTO), Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - L Spinelli
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (IFN), National Research Council (CNR), Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Tomba
- Department of Rehabilitation, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Gaetano Pini-Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico (CTO), Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - C Brambilla
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing (STIIMA), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Frizziero
- Department of Rehabilitation, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Gaetano Pini-Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico (CTO), Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - A V Caserta
- Department of Rehabilitation, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Gaetano Pini-Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico (CTO), Piazza Cardinal Ferrari 1, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - R Cubeddu
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Torricelli
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (IFN), National Research Council (CNR), Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - D Contini
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Zhou Y, Reddy C, Zhang X. The deflection of fatigued neck. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2401874121. [PMID: 39133855 PMCID: PMC11348306 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401874121] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The human neck is a unique mechanical structure, highly flexible but fatigue prone. The rising prevalence of neck pain and chronic injuries has been attributed to increasing exposure to fatigue loading in activities such as prolonged sedentary work and overuse of electronic devices. However, a causal relationship between fatigue and musculoskeletal mechanical changes remains elusive. This work aimed to establish this relationship through a unique experiment design, inspired by a cantilever beam mechanical model of the neck, and an orchestrated deployment of advanced motion-force measurement technologies including dynamic stereo-radiographic imaging. As a group of 24 subjects performed sustained-till-exhaustion neck exertions in varied positions-neutral, extended, and flexed, their cervical spine musculoskeletal responses were measured. Data verified the occurrence of fatigue and revealed fatigue-induced neck deflection which increased cervical lordosis or kyphosis by 4-5° to 11°, depending on the neck position. This finding and its interpretations render a renewed understanding of muscle fatigue from a more unified motor control perspective as well as profound implications on neck pain and injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Curran Reddy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
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Wolman A, Çatal Y, Klar P, Steffener J, Northoff G. Repertoire of timescales in uni - and transmodal regions mediate working memory capacity. Neuroimage 2024; 291:120602. [PMID: 38579900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120602] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) describes the dynamic process of maintenance and manipulation of information over a certain time delay. Neuronally, WM recruits a distributed network of cortical regions like the visual and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as well as the subcortical hippocampus. How the input dynamics and subsequent neural dynamics impact WM remains unclear though. To answer this question, we combined the analysis of behavioral WM capacity with measuring neural dynamics through task-related power spectrum changes, e.g., median frequency (MF) in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We show that the processing of the input dynamics, e.g., the task structure's specific timescale, leads to changes in the unimodal visual cortex's corresponding timescale which also relates to working memory capacity. While the more transmodal hippocampus relates to working memory capacity through its balance across multiple timescales or frequencies. In conclusion, we here show the relevance of both input dynamics and different neural timescales for WM capacity in uni - and transmodal regions like visual cortex and hippocampus for the subject's WM performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Wolman
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada.
| | - Yasir Çatal
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Philipp Klar
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jason Steffener
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
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Wang L, Song X, Yang H, Wang C, Shao Q, Tao H, Qiao M, Niu W, Liu X. Are the antagonist muscle fatigued during a prolonged isometric fatiguing elbow flexion at very low forces for young adults? Front Physiol 2022; 13:956639. [PMID: 36277214 PMCID: PMC9585301 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.956639] [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] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether antagonist muscles may be fatigued during a prolonged isometric fatiguing elbow flexion at very low forces. Twelve healthy male subjects sustained an isometric elbow flexion at 10% maximal voluntary contraction torque until exhaustion while multichannel electromyographic signals were collected from the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB). Muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) and fractal dimension (FD) of both muscles were calculated to reflect peripheral and central fatigue. CV and FD of TB as well as FD of BB decreased progressively during the sustained fatiguing contraction, while the CV of BB declined at the beginning of the contraction and then increased progressively until the end of the contraction. The result may indicate that during the sustained low-force isometric fatiguing contraction, antagonist muscle may be peripherally fatigued, and changes in coactivation activities were modulated not only by central neuronal mechanisms of common drive but also by peripheral metabolic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lejun Wang
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lejun Wang, ; Xiaodong Liu,
| | - Xiaoqian Song
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qineng Shao
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Tao
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjie Qiao
- Sport and Health Research Center, Physical Education Department, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Niu
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lejun Wang, ; Xiaodong Liu,
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da Silva MC, da Silva CR, de Lima FF, Lara JR, Gustavson JP, Magalhães FH. Effects of Fatigue on Postural Sway and Electromyography Modulation in Young Expert Acrobatic Gymnasts and Healthy Non-trained Controls During Unipedal Stance. Front Physiol 2022; 13:782838. [PMID: 35222070 PMCID: PMC8864175 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.782838] [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] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether expert acrobatic gymnasts respond differentially than their non-trained counterparts during a single-legged stance task performed before and after a protocol designed to induce fatigue in the ankle plantarflexor muscles in terms of (a) postural steadiness and (b) electromyography (EMG) activation. We hypothesized that neuromuscular adaptation due to training would lead to different behavior of center of pressure (COP) and EMG quantifiers after fatigue. Twenty eight female volunteers (aged 11 to 24 years) formed two groups: expert acrobatic gymnastics athletes (GYN, n = 14) and age-matched non-gymnasts [control (CTRL), n = 14]. Fatigue of the ankle plantarflexors (dominant leg) was induced by a sustained posture (standing on the toes) until exhaustion. Traditional COP parameters (area, RMS, mean velocity, and power spectrum at low and high frequency ranges) were obtained with a force plate, and time and frequency-domain EMG parameters were obtained by surface electrodes positioned on the tibialis anterior, soleus, lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, spinal erector and rectus abdominis muscles. The main results showed that fatigue induced a significant increase in postural oscillations in the ML axis (including RMS, velocity and frequency components of the power spectrum), with no significant effects in the AP axis. In terms of postural sway parameters (i.e., COP quantifiers), no superior balance stability was found for the GYN group as compared to CTRL, irrespective of the fatigue condition. On the other hand, the modulation of EMG parameters (in both time and frequency domains) indicated that expert acrobatic gymnastics athletes (as compared to healthy untrained matched controls) used different neuromuscular control strategies to keep their postures on single-legged quiet standing after the fatiguing protocol. The present results improve our knowledge of the mechanisms behind the interplay between fatigue and postural performance associated with the neuromuscular adaptations induced by sport practice. The design of gymnastics training might consider strategies aimed at improving the performance of specific muscles (i.e., tibialis anterior, soleus, biceps femoris, spinal erector) for which particular activation patterns were used by the acrobatic gymnastics to control single-legged quiet standing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Camargo da Silva
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Universidade de São Paulo, EACH-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Rocha da Silva
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory and Neuroscience Program, Universidade de São Paulo, EPUSP, PTC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fava de Lima
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory and Neuroscience Program, Universidade de São Paulo, EPUSP, PTC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Rodriguez Lara
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Universidade de São Paulo, EACH-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jackson Paiva Gustavson
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Universidade de São Paulo, EACH-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Henrique Magalhães
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Universidade de São Paulo, EACH-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biomedical Engineering Laboratory and Neuroscience Program, Universidade de São Paulo, EPUSP, PTC, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fernando Henrique Magalhães, ;
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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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Fidalgo-Herrera A, Miangolarra-Page JC, Carratalá-Tejada M. Electromyographic traces of motor unit synchronization of fatigued lower limb muscles during gait. Hum Mov Sci 2020; 75:102750. [PMID: 33373857 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of the signal in the frequency domain has shown to be a good tool to identify muscular fatigue. Previous research has shown that the low frequency band and 40 Hz frequency band increase their relative intensity with the onset of fatigue. These findings were obtained in rectus femoris, but the behaviours of other muscles of the lower limb are unknown. In this article we explored the changes in the low frequency and 40 Hz frequency band of lower limb muscles with respect to fatigue. METHODS Thirty healthy subjects were recruited to analyse the electromyography (EMG) of biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis of both legs during gait. Four two-minutes walks at a self-selected speed were recorded, the first two walks with a normal muscular function and the last two walks after a fatigue protocol. All the signals were decomposed using wavelet transformations. The signals were normalized in time and spectral intensities normalized to the sum of intensities in the frequency domain. Two frequency bands were studied in each walk: the 40-Hz (34-53 Hz) and the low frequency (< 25 Hz) bands. A ratio of the spectral intensities of those frequency bands at each walk was obtained by dividing the 40-Hz frequency band spectral intensity by the low frequency band spectral intensity. Statistical parametric mapping techniques were used to compare the ratios of the prefatigue walks against the postfatigue walks. RESULTS The results of the Statistical Non-Parametric Mapping (SnPM) analysis of all muscles depict a higher relative spectral intensity in the low frequency band in the comparison of fatigue versus prefatigue recordings except for the right gastrocnemius lateralis. The critical thresholds F* were exceeded by multiple suprathreshold clusters with p values <0.05, showing that the low frequency band increased its relative spectral intensity in the case of fatigue. CONCLUSION The obtained results suggest that the low frequency band increases its relative spectral intensity in all the studied muscles when fatigue onsets. This increase in relative spectral intensity may be linked to an increase in motor unit synchronization promoted by the central nervous system to ensure good motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fidalgo-Herrera
- LAMBECOM, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, calle Atenas S/N, Madrid, Spain.
| | - J C Miangolarra-Page
- LAMBECOM, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, calle Atenas S/N, Madrid, Spain; Fuenlabrada's Clinical University Hospital, Fuenalbrada, Camino del Molino, 2, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Carratalá-Tejada
- LAMBECOM, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, calle Atenas S/N, Madrid, Spain.
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Fujita RA, Silva NRS, Bedo BLS, Santiago PRP, Gentil PRV, Gomes MM. Mind-Muscle Connection: Limited Effect of Verbal Instructions on Muscle Activity in a Seated Row Exercise. Percept Mot Skills 2020; 127:925-938. [PMID: 32448047 DOI: 10.1177/0031512520926369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Verbal instruction increases electromyographic (EMG) activity in the first three repetitions of an exercise, but its effect on an entire exercise set until failure is unknown. Once there are changes in motor unit recruitment due to fatigue, the effect of verbal instructions can change during different intervals of a set. This study analyzed whether verbal instruction emphasized the contraction of back muscles (i.e., myoelectric activity) during initial, intermediate, and final exercise repetitions performed until failure. Twenty participants with little or no experience in strength training performed a seated row exercise with and without verbal instruction. Surface electrodes were fixed over the latissimus dorsi, teres major, biceps brachii, and posterior deltoid (PD) muscles. Myoelectric activity was computed by mean amplitude and by the median frequency. We analyzed data with repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance and found that, with verbal instruction, there was increased EMG mean amplitude in the latissimus dorsi (15.21%, p = .030) and reduced EMG mean amplitude in the PD (14.39%, p = .018) on initial repetitions. Other muscle EMG amplitudes did not change. On intermediate repetitions, there was reduced signal amplitude only in the PD (15.03%, p = .022). The verbal instruction did not interfere with signal amplitude on final repetitions nor in the median frequency throughout the series. Verbal instruction seems to have little effect on increasing myoelectric activity of these targeted muscles in an entire set of a resistance training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Fujita
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo.,Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo
| | - Nilson R S Silva
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo
| | | | - Paulo R P Santiago
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo
| | - Paulo R V Gentil
- Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goias
| | - Matheus M Gomes
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo.,Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo
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Mugnosso M, Marini F, Holmes M, Morasso P, Zenzeri J. Muscle fatigue assessment during robot-mediated movements. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2018; 15:119. [PMID: 30558608 PMCID: PMC6296130 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-018-0463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several neuromuscular disorders present muscle fatigue as a typical symptom. Therefore, a reliable method of fatigue assessment may be crucial for understanding how specific disease features evolve over time and for developing effective rehabilitation strategies. Unfortunately, despite its importance, a standardized, reliable and objective method for fatigue measurement is lacking in clinical practice and this work investigates a practical solution. METHODS 40 healthy young adults performed a haptic reaching task, while holding a robotic manipulandum. Subjects were required to perform wrist flexion and extension movements in a resistive visco-elastic force field, as many times as possible, until the measured muscles (mainly flexor and extensor carpi radialis) exhibited signs of fatigue. In order to analyze the behavior and the characteristics of the two muscles, subjects were divided into two groups: in the first group, the resistive force was applied by the robot only during flexion movements, whereas, in the second group, the force was applied only during extension movements. Surface electromyographic signals (sEMG) of both flexor and extensor carpi radialis were acquired. A novel indicator to define the Onset of Fatigue (OF) was proposed and evaluated from the Mean Frequency of the sEMG signal. Furthermore, as measure of the subjects' effort throughout the task, the energy consumption was estimated. RESULTS From the beginning to the end of the task, as expected, all the subjects showed a decrement in Mean Frequency of the muscle involved in movements resisting the force. For the OF indicator, subjects were consistent in terms of timing of fatigue; moreover, extensor and flexor muscles presented similar OF times. The metabolic analysis showed a very low level of energy consumption and, from the behavioral point of view, the test was well tolerated by the subjects. CONCLUSION The robot-aided assessment test proposed in this study, proved to be an easy to administer, fast and reliable method for objectively measuring muscular fatigue in a healthy population. This work developed a framework for an evaluation that can be deployed in a clinical practice with patients presenting neuromuscular disorders. Considering the low metabolic demand, the requested effort would likely be well tolerated by clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Mugnosso
- Motor Learning, Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences unit, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS),University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Marini
- Motor Learning, Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences unit, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michael Holmes
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Pietro Morasso
- Motor Learning, Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences unit, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zenzeri
- Motor Learning, Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, Robotics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences unit, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Effects of vibration-induced fatigue on the H-reflex. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 39:134-141. [PMID: 29500993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibration exercise (VE) has been suggested as an effective training for improving muscle strength and coordination. However, the underlying physiological adaptation processes are not yet fully understood, limiting the development of safe and effective exercise protocols. To better understand the neuromuscular responses elicited by VE, we aimed at investigating the acute effects of superimposed vibration on the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), measured after fatiguing exercise. Twenty-five volunteers performed four isometric contractions of the right Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) with baseline load at 80% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), both with no vibration and with superimposed vibration at 15, 30, and 45 Hz. Fatigue was estimated by MVC test and estimation of electromyographic spectral compression. H-reflex suppression was estimated as the relative decrease after exercise. Our results show that fatiguing exercise determined a decrease in H-reflex amplitude compared to rest condition while vibration determined a lower H-reflex suppression as compared to no vibration. The superimposition of 30-Hz vibration determined the largest acute reduction in force generating capacity (36 N, p < 0.05) and the lowest H-reflex suppression (20%, p < 0.05). These results suggest VE to be particularly suitable in rehabilitation programs for rapid restoration of muscle form and function after immobilization periods.
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A systematic review on fatigue analysis in triceps brachii using surface electromyography. Biomed Signal Process Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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de A Rocha V, do Carmo JC, Assis de O Nascimento F. Weighted-Cumulated S-EMG Muscle Fatigue Estimator. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2017; 22:1854-1862. [PMID: 29990024 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2017.2783849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses a new approach to objectively evaluate muscle fatigue in isometric and dynamic physical exertions using surface electromyography (S-EMG). The emphasis of this proposal is to preserve the spectral signature of the muscle fatigue phenomenon while reducing the spatial effects of electrode localization, and decreasing the disparity of results obtained by the same experimental protocol at different times. A cumulated and normalized modeling was sought to make evident the nonstationary characteristics of muscle fatigue that is gradually identified with its inertia and intensity. A metric involving the proposal of temporal, frequency, and time-frequency weighted-cumulated indicators is presented. Results based on real signals are shown for isometric and dynamic experimental protocols. Performance comparison of the various proposed weighted-cumulated indexes is shown and discussed. The presented approach for the objective cumulative evaluation of muscle fatigue with S-EMG signals has shown to be promising.
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De Bruijn E, Nijmeijer S, Forbes P, Koelman J, Van Der Helm F, Tijssen M, Happee R. Dystonic neck muscles show a shift in relative autospectral power during isometric contractions. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 128:1937-1945. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.06.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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15
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Oliveira LF, Palinkas M, Vasconcelos PBD, Regalo IH, Cecilio FA, Oliveira EF, Semprini M, Siéssere S, Regalo SCH. Influence of age on the electromyographic fatigue threshold of the masseter and temporal muscles of healthy individuals. Arch Oral Biol 2017; 84:1-5. [PMID: 28926743 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lígia Franco Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Palinkas
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Batista de Vasconcelos
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela Hallak Regalo
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia Argentato Cecilio
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erica Franco Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marisa Semprini
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma Siéssere
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Cecilio Hallak Regalo
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Fujisawa C, Tamaki A, Yamada E, Matsuoka H. Influence of gender on muscle fatigue during dynamic knee contractions. Phys Ther Res 2017; 20:1-8. [PMID: 28781931 DOI: 10.1298/ptr.e9889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to compare quadriceps muscle fatigue and change in surface electromyogram (sEMG) spectral power, muscle thickness, and peak torque (normalized by body weight) in men and women during isokinetic knee contractions. METHODS Nineteen healthy volunteers (10 men, 9 women) participated. The volunteers performed 32 consecutive maximal isokinetic knee contractions for peak torque and muscle fatigue index (FI). The sEMG data were analyzed using wavelet analysis for median frequency (MF). Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS Men had a significantly higher FI, peak torque (Nm/kg), muscle thickness than women (p<0.05). A significant linear decreased MF slope in the vastus lateralis was observed (p<0.05) in men than in women. There was no significant difference in MF slope in the vastus medialis between men and women. CONCLUSION During muscle fatigue assessment, men had a significantly greater muscle thickness, knee extension peak torque, and a higher decrease of MF slope than women. Our results indicate that specific muscle fatigue observed during repeated muscle knee contractions is significantly influence by gender and affects MF slope, knee extension peak torque, and muscle thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Fujisawa
- Shinko Hospital Rehabilitation Center.,Graduate School of Health Science, Hyogo University of Health Sciences
| | - Akira Tamaki
- Graduate School of Health Science, Hyogo University of Health Sciences
| | - Eiji Yamada
- Kaisei General Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Joint Surgical Center
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Siegler JC, Marshall PWM, Bishop D, Shaw G, Green S. Mechanistic Insights into the Efficacy of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation to Improve Athletic Performance. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2016; 2:41. [PMID: 27747796 PMCID: PMC5059234 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-016-0065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A large proportion of empirical research and reviews investigating the ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation have focused predominately on performance outcomes and only speculate about underlying mechanisms responsible for any benefit. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the influence of NaHCO3 supplementation on mechanisms associated with skeletal muscle fatigue as it translates directly to exercise performance. Mechanistic links between skeletal muscle fatigue, proton accumulation (or metabolic acidosis) and NaHCO3 supplementation have been identified to provide a more targeted, evidence-based approach to direct future research, as well as provide practitioners with a contemporary perspective on the potential applications and limitations of this supplement. The mechanisms identified have been broadly categorised under the sections ‘Whole-body Metabolism’, ‘Muscle Physiology’ and ‘Motor Pathways’, and when possible, the performance outcomes of these studies contextualized within an integrative framework of whole-body exercise where other factors such as task demand (e.g. large vs. small muscle groups), cardio-pulmonary and neural control mechanisms may outweigh any localised influence of NaHCO3. Finally, the ‘Performance Applications’ section provides further interpretation for the practitioner founded on the mechanistic evidence provided in this review and other relevant, applied NaHCO3 performance-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Siegler
- School of Science and Health, Sport and Exercise Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1792, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
| | - Paul W M Marshall
- School of Science and Health, Sport and Exercise Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1792, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David Bishop
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg Shaw
- Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australia
| | - Simon Green
- School of Science and Health, Sport and Exercise Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1792, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Grossi S, Grassi F, Galleani L, Bianchi F, Sibona Masi A, Conte MR. Atrial Conduction Velocity Correlates with Frequency Content of Bipolar Signal. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2016; 39:814-21. [PMID: 27196672 DOI: 10.1111/pace.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anisotropy in conduction velocity (CV) is a key substrate abnormality influencing atrial arrhythmias. In skeletal muscle fibers, CV and frequency content of the surface electromyogram signal are directly related. We hypothesized that in human atria the frequency content of the bipolar signal, recorded on the endocardial surface, is directly related to the local CV. METHODS In 15 patients submitted to ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias, incremental pacing was performed through an octapolar catheter inserted into the coronary sinus (CS), alternatively from both extremities in two different sequences: CS bipole 1-2 as the pacing site and CS bipole 7-8 as the detection site in the first, and vice versa in the second. The pacing cycle length (PCL) was stepwise decreased from 600 ms to 500 ms, 400 ms, 300 ms, until 250 ms. Estimation of the CV was performed as the ratio between the distance traveled by the propagating pulse and the propagation time. The frequency distribution of the signal energy was estimated using the fast Fourier transform, and the characteristic frequency (CF) was estimated as the barycenter of the frequency spectrum. RESULTS A total of 2,496 bipolar signals were analyzed; CV and CF were estimated and compared. The single patient and group data analysis showed a significant direct correlation between CV and CF of the local bipolar signal. CONCLUSIONS Comparing the degree of spectral compression among signals registered in different points of the endocardial cardiac surface in response to decreasing PCL enables to map local differences in CV, a useful arrhythmogenic substrate index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Grossi
- Cardiology Department, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Grassi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Galleani
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
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Ali A, Sundaraj K, Badlishah Ahmad R, Ahamed NU, Islam A, Sundaraj S. Muscle Fatigue in the Three Heads of the Triceps Brachii During a Controlled Forceful Hand Grip Task with Full Elbow Extension Using Surface Electromyography. J Hum Kinet 2015; 46:69-76. [PMID: 26240650 PMCID: PMC4519223 DOI: 10.1515/hukin-2015-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the time to fatigue and compare the fatiguing condition among the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle using surface electromyography during an isometric contraction of a controlled forceful hand grip task with full elbow extension. Eighteen healthy subjects concurrently performed a single 90 s isometric contraction of a controlled forceful hand grip task and full elbow extension. Surface electromyographic signals from the lateral, long and medial heads of the triceps brachii muscle were recorded during the task for each subject. The changes in muscle activity among the three heads of triceps brachii were measured by the root mean square values for every 5 s period throughout the total contraction period. The root mean square values were then analysed to determine the fatiguing condition for the heads of triceps brachii muscle. Muscle fatigue in the long, lateral, and medial heads of the triceps brachii started at 40 s, 50 s, and 65 s during the prolonged contraction, respectively. The highest fatiguing rate was observed in the long head (slope = −2.863), followed by the medial head (slope = −2.412) and the lateral head (slope = −1.877) of the triceps brachii muscle. The results of the present study concurs with previous findings that the three heads of the triceps brachii muscle do not work as a single unit, and the fiber type/composition is different among the three heads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asraf Ali
- AI-Rehab Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kampus Pauh Putra, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Kenneth Sundaraj
- AI-Rehab Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kampus Pauh Putra, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - R Badlishah Ahmad
- AI-Rehab Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kampus Pauh Putra, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Uddin Ahamed
- Mechatronic Engineering, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang,Pekan, Malaysia
| | - Anamul Islam
- AI-Rehab Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kampus Pauh Putra, Perlis, Malaysia
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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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21
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Changes in H-reflex and V-waves following spinal manipulation. Exp Brain Res 2015; 233:1165-73. [PMID: 25579661 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates whether spinal manipulation leads to neural plastic changes involving cortical drive and the H-reflex pathway. Soleus evoked V-wave, H-reflex, and M-wave recruitment curves and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in surface electromyography (SEMG) signals of the plantar flexors were recorded from ten subjects before and after manipulation or control intervention. Dependent measures were compared with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD as post hoc test, p was set at 0.05. Spinal manipulation resulted in increased MVC (measured with SEMG) by 59.5 ± 103.4 % (p = 0.03) and force by 16.05 ± 6.16 4 % (p = 0.0002), increased V/M max ratio by 44.97 ± 36.02 % (p = 0.006), and reduced H-reflex threshold (p = 0.018). Following the control intervention, there was a decrease in MVC (measured with SEMG) by 13.31 ± 7.27 % (p = 0.001) and force by 11.35 ± 9.99 % (p = 0.030), decreased V/M max ratio (23.45 ± 17.65 %; p = 0.03) and a decrease in the median frequency of the power spectrum (p = 0.04) of the SEMG during MVC. The H-reflex pathway is involved in the neural plastic changes that occur following spinal manipulation. The improvements in MVC following spinal manipulation are likely attributed to increased descending drive and/or modulation in afferents. Spinal manipulation appears to prevent fatigue developed during maximal contractions. Spinal manipulation appears to alter the net excitability of the low-threshold motor units, increase cortical drive, and prevent fatigue.
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Trevino MA, Herda TJ, Cooper MA. The effects of poliomyelitis on motor unit behavior during repetitive muscle actions: a case report. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:611. [PMID: 25194883 PMCID: PMC4163171 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute paralytic poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus and usually results in muscle atrophy and weakness occurring in the lower limbs. Indwelling electromyography has been used frequently to investigate the denervation and innervation characteristics of the affected muscle. Recently developed technology allows the decomposition of the raw surface electromyography signals into the firing instances of single motor units. There is limited information regarding this electromyographic decomposition in clinical populations. In addition, regardless of electromyographic methods, no study has examined muscle activation parameters during repetitive muscle actions in polio patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the motor unit firing rates and electromyographic amplitude and center frequency of the vastus lateralis during 20 repetitive isometric muscle actions at 50% maximal voluntary contraction in healthy subjects and one patient that acquired acute paralytic poliomyelitis. Case presentation One participant that acquired acute type III spinal poliomyelitis (Caucasian male, age = 29 yrs) at 3 months of age and three healthy participants (Caucasian females, age = 19.7 ± 2.1 yrs) participated in this study. The polio participant reported neuromuscular deficiencies as a result of disease in the hips, knees, buttocks, thighs, and lower legs. None of the healthy participants reported any current or ongoing neuromuscular diseases or musculoskeletal injuries. Conclusion An acute bout of poliomyelitis altered motor unit behavior, such as, healthy participants displayed greater firing rates than the polio patient. The reduction in motor unit firing rates was likely a fatigue protecting mechanism since denervation via poliomyelitis results in a reduction of motorneurons. In addition, the concurrent changes in motor unit firing rates, electromyography amplitude and frequency for the polio participant would suggest that the entire motorneuron pool was utilized in each contraction unlike for the healthy participants. Finally, healthy participants exhibited changes in all electromyographic parameters during the repetitive muscle actions despite successfully completing all contractions with only a slight reduction in force. Thus, caution is warranted when quantifying muscular fatigue via motor unit firing rates and other electromyographic parameters since the parameters changed despite successful completing of all contractions with only a moderate reduction in strength in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trent J Herda
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, 1301 Sunnyside Ave, Room 101BE, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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Figueiredo P, Rouard A, Vilas-Boas JP, Fernandes RJ. Upper- and lower-limb muscular fatigue during the 200-m front crawl. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2013; 38:716-24. [PMID: 23980729 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2012-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Figueiredo
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Higher Education Institute of Maia (ISMAI), Av. Carlos Oliveira Campos – Castelo da Maia, 4475-690 Avioso S. Pedro, Portugal
| | - Annie Rouard
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de l’Exercice, Université de Savoie, Campus scientifique, 73376 Le Bourget du Lac cedex, France
| | - João Paulo Vilas-Boas
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J. Fernandes
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Mischi M, Rabotti C, Cardinale M. Analysis of muscle fatigue induced by isometric vibration exercise at varying frequencies. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2012:6463-6. [PMID: 23367409 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2012.6347474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
An increase in neuromuscular activity, measured by electromyography (EMG), is usually observed during vibration exercise. The underlying mechanisms are however unclear, limiting the possibilities to introduce and exploit vibration training in rehabilitation programs. In this study, a new training device is used to perform vibration exercise at varying frequency and force, therefore enabling the analysis of the relationship between vibration frequency and muscle fatigue. Fatigue is estimated by maximum voluntary contraction measurement, as well as by EMG mean-frequency and conduction-velocity analysis. Seven volunteers performed five isometric contractions of the biceps brachii with a load consisting of a baseline of 80% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), with no vibration and with a superimposed 20, 30, 40, and 50 Hz vibrational force of 40 N. Myoelectric and mechanical fatigue were estimated by EMG analysis and by assessment of the MVC decay, respectively. A dedicated motion artifact canceler, making use of accelerometry, is proposed to enable accurate EMG analysis. Use of this canceler leads to better interpolation of myoelectric fatigue trends and to better correlation between mechanical and myoelectric fatigue. In general, our results suggest vibration at 30 Hz to be the most fatiguing exercise. These results contribute to the analysis of vibration exercise and motivate further research aiming at improved training protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mischi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
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25
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Silva CRD, Geres BS, Kuriki HU, Negrão Filho RDF, Alves N, Azevedo FMD. Análise da reprodutibilidade de parâmetros no domínio da frequência do sinal EMG utilizados na caracterização da fadiga muscular localizada. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-65742012000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a reprodutibilidade de parâmetros no domínio da frequência do sinal eletromiográfico (EMG) utilizados na caracterização da fadiga muscular localizada. Quinze sujeitos do sexo masculino foram submetidos a um teste de fadiga baseado na extensão isométrica de joelho, sendo realizados em três momentos distintos com intervalos de sete dias. Para avaliar a reprodutibilidade dos dados entres os testes calculou-se o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) para a frequência mediana (Fmed) no tempo total de exercício (FmedT), para a Fmed obtida a cada 10% do tempo de exercício (Fmed10%) e para as potências das bandas de frequência, obtidas da divisão do espectro de potência a cada 20 Hz. Os resultados demonstraram: (1) boa reprodutibilidade para a FmedT; (2) boa reprodutibilidade para a Fmed10%; e (3) maior variação no sinal EMG nas bandas de 20 a 120 Hz, no qual se destacam as bandas de 20-40 Hz e de 40-60 Hz, demonstrando maior sensibilidade ao processo de fadiga muscular. Conclui-se que a Fmed é uma variável que apresenta boa reprodutibilidade e que a análise fragmentada do espectro de potência, por meio das bandas de frequência, demonstrou-se sensível as variações que ocorrem no sinal EMG durante a instalação do processo de fadiga, tendo potencial para se tornar um novo método para a caracterização da fadiga muscular localizada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neri Alves
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brasil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
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26
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The effect of exercise induced hyperthermia on muscle fibre conduction velocity during sustained isometric contraction. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2011; 21:834-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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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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Stirn I, Jarm T, Kapus V, Strojnik V. Evaluation of muscle fatigue during 100-m front crawl. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 111:101-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Scott SM, Hughes AR, Galloway SDR, Hunter AM. Surface EMG characteristics of people with multiple sclerosis during static contractions of the knee extensors. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2010; 31:11-7. [PMID: 20807227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2010.00972.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine whether any alterations existed in surface electromyography (sEMG) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) during isometric contractions of the knee extensors. METHODS Fifteen people with MS and 14 matched controls (mean ± SD age and body mass index 53·7 ± 10·5 versus 54·6 ± 9·6 years and 27·7 ± 6·1 versus 26·5 ± 4, respectively) completed 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors. sEMG was recorded from the vastus lateralis where muscle fibre conduction velocity (MFCV) and sEMG amplitude (RMS) were assessed. Body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and physical activity with the use of accelerometry. RESULTS People with MS showed significantly (P<0·05) faster MFCV during MVC (6·6 ± 2·7 versus 4·7 ± 1·4 m s(-1) ) and all submaximal contractions, while RMS was significantly (P<0·05) less (0·11 ± 0·03 versus 0·24 ± 0·06 mV) in comparison with the controls. MVC along with specific thigh lean mass to torque, rate of force development and mean physical activity were significantly (P<0·01) less in PwMS. CONCLUSION People with MS have elevated MFCV alongside reduced RMS during isometric contraction. This elevation in MFCV should be accounted for when interpreting sEMG from people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha M Scott
- Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
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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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Hunter AM, De Vito G, Bolger C, Mullany H, Galloway SDR. The effect of induced alkalosis and submaximal cycling on neuromuscular response during sustained isometric contraction. J Sports Sci 2009; 27:1261-9. [DOI: 10.1080/02640410903165077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Correspondence of the auricular acupoint with the upper trapezius muscle: a electromyographic study. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2009; 16:26-30. [PMID: 20129406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Presently, acupuncture is a technique considered to be capable of stimulating the regulatory systems of the organism, such as the central nervous system, the endocrine system and the immunological system. The median frequency of the upper trapezium muscle with 40% and 60% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of 15 healthy volunteers, was analyzed after the individuals were submitted to the AA treatment. The non-parametric Friedman test was used to compare median frequency values. In this exploratory study, the level of significance of each comparison was set to p<0.05. The intraclass analyses indicate a significant increase of the median frequency muscle at 60% of the MVC (Wicoxon test). Based on the results found, the AA peripheral stimulus can act as a modulator mechanism of muscle activity and was possible to verify correspondence of the auricular acupoint with the trapezius muscle.
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Fortune E, Lowery MM. Effect of extracellular potassium accumulation on muscle fiber conduction velocity: a simulation study. Ann Biomed Eng 2009; 37:2105-17. [PMID: 19588250 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-009-9756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A progressive reduction in muscle fiber conduction velocity is typically observed during fatiguing muscle contraction. Although the exact causes of the conduction velocity decrease have not yet been fully established, increasing evidence suggests that changes in extracellular potassium concentration may be largely responsible. In this study, a mathematical model was developed to examine the effect of extracellular potassium concentration on the muscle fiber action potential and conduction velocity. The model was used to simulate changes in extracellular potassium concentration at a range of temperatures and extracellular potassium accumulation during repetitive stimulation of the muscle fiber at 37 degrees C. The action potential broadened, and its amplitude and conduction velocity decreased as extracellular potassium concentration increased. The potassium-induced changes in action potential shape and conduction velocity were eliminated when the inward rectifier channels were removed from the model. The results support the hypothesis that accumulation of extracellular potassium ions may be a major contributor to the reduction in muscle fiber conduction velocity and loss of membrane excitability during fatiguing contractions. They additionally suggest that inward rectifier currents play a critical role in potassium-induced membrane depolarization, leading to increased sodium inactivation and resulting in the observed reduction in conduction velocity and membrane excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Fortune
- School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Santos MCA, Semeghuini TA, Azevedo FMD, Colugnati DB, Negrão Filho RDF, Alves N, Arida RM. Análise da fadiga muscular localizada em atletas e sedentários através de parâmetros de freqüência do sinal eletromiográfico. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2008. [DOI: 10.1590/s1517-86922008000600007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Embora a análise no domínio da freqüência do sinal eletromiográfico (EMG) seja empregada na caracterização do processo de fadiga muscular localizada, sua aplicação, especificamente a da freqüência mediana (Fmed), é pouco explorada no âmbito esportivo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a viabilidade da aplicação do sinal EMG, através de sua análise no domínio da freqüência, como parâmetro para determinação e diferenciação no comportamento da fadiga muscular localizada. Dois grupos de sujeitos, um caracterizado como atletas (n =12) e outro como sedentários (n =12), foram submetidos a análises baseadas em procedimentos executados em três diferentes situações experimentais, todos envolvendo a modalidade de exercício isométrico: i) teste máximo para determinação da contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM); ii) teste de fadiga, sustentado por 35 seg. a 80% da CIVM; iii) teste de recuperação, sustentado por 10 seg. a 80% da CIVM; neste ultimo foi monitorado o comportamento da Fmed nos três primeiros (Fmedi) e três últimos segundos (Fmedf) do sinal EMG no músculo tibial anterior durante o teste de fadiga. Durante os 10 segundos do teste de recuperação foi calculada a Fmed referente a todo o período (Fmedr). parâmetro utilizado no cálculo do índice de recuperação muscular (IRM). Os resultados apontam que a Fmedf apresentou valor menor em relação à Fmedi em ambos os grupos (p < 0,05). Quando comparado com o grupo de sedentários, o grupo de atletas apresentou valores maiores de Fmedi e Fmedf (p < 0,05). O valor médio e desvio-padrão do IRM para o grupo de atletas foram de 62,1% ± 28,7 e, para o grupo de sedentários, de 55,2% ± 27,8 (p > 0,05). Dessa forma, os resultados apresentados neste estudo permitem inferir a viabilidade na aplicação de parâmetros no domínio da freqüência do sinal EMG para a determinação e diferenciação do comportamento da fadiga muscular localizada.
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Mananas MA, Rojas M, Mandrile F, Chaler J. Evaluation of muscle activity and fatigue in extensor forearm muscles during isometric contractions. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008; 2005:5824-7. [PMID: 17281583 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1615813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Work-related upper extremity disorders as epycondylitis and tendonitis are closely related to localized muscle fatigue of extensor forearm muscles. The aim of this work is to evaluate levels of activity, fatigue and interactions between the main extensor muscles of the wrist. Surface EMG signals were acquired from extensor carpi radialis (ECR), extensor digitorum comunis (EDC) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles during isometric contractions using linear electrode array technique. Parameters such as muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV), EMG average rectified value (ARV) and frequency parameters were estimated to study muscle activity during selective contractions, during a non specific task at different percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) level and during a fatiguing exercise at 50% MVC. Results show that it is possible to enhance significantly ECR and ECU muscle ARV during their selective activation. Moreover, in the non selective task, ECU muscle ARV significantly decreases with respect to the other muscles with the increase of the MVC level. The activity of ECR muscle in a non specific task is predominant with respect to the other muscles at 80%MVC. EMG spectral parameters and CV show fatigue in all muscles during a sustained contraction at 50%MVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Mananas
- Dept. Automatic Control, Biom. Eng. Research Center (CREB), Technical University of Catalonia, UPC, Barcelona, Spain
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Calder KM, Stashuk DW, McLean L. Physiological characteristics of motor units in the brachioradialis muscle across fatiguing low-level isometric contractions. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2006; 18:2-15. [PMID: 17113787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2006.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Revised: 08/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine (i) if decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG) could detect changes in motor unit potential (MUP) morphology and motor unit (MU) firing pattern statistics associated with muscle fatigue, (ii) if any detected changes are correlated with surface electromyographic (SEMG) signs of fatigue, and (iii) if significant fatigue-dependent changes are repeatable within individuals. Mean MU firing rates and the morphology of MUPs detected using needle and surface electrodes during constant-torque isometric contractions held until exhaustion were investigated in the brachioradialis (BR) muscle in 10 healthy volunteers (mean age=28.6 yr, SD+/-3.9). Time dependant changes were investigated using an analysis of variance with normalized time as a main effect. Partial correlation coefficients were computed using a repeated measures analysis of covariance to determine if changes in MU firing rates, needle-detected MUPs and surface-detected MUPs (SMUPs) were related to changes in SEMG signal amplitude and frequency parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to determine the within-subject repeatability of changes in MU firing rates, and MUP and SMUP parameters. Significant decreases in mean MU firing rates were found along with significant increases in various duration and area related parameters in both MUPs and SMUPs across the fatiguing contraction. The SEMG signal demonstrated the expected changes with fatigue: an increase in amplitude and a decrease in frequency content. SEMG amplitude was significantly positively correlated with SMUP peak-to-peak voltage (r=0.85, p<0.05), and SMUP area (r=0.86, p<0.05). Mean power frequency was significantly negatively correlated with SMUP negative peak duration (r=-0.74, p<0.05). The significant time-dependent changes were reliably observed (ICCs were 0.94 for MUP peak to peak amplitude, 0.97 for MUP area and 0.95 for MUP area to amplitude ratio, 0.95 for SMUP peak-to-peak voltage, 0.83 for SMUP area, 0.99 for SMUP negative peak amplitude and 0.88 for SMUP negative peak area). The decreases in mean MU firing rates measured along with the increases in amplitude, duration and area parameters of MUPs and SMUPs and their partial correlation with SEMG amplitude during submaximal fatiguing contractions of the BR, suggest that recruitment is a main cause of increased SEMG amplitude parameters with fatigue. We conclude that DQEMG can be effectively and reliably used to detect changes in physiological characteristics of MUs that accompany fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Calder
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Motor Performance Laboratory, Louise D. Acton Building, 31 George Street, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada K7L 3N6
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Nishihara K, Futami T, Hosoda K, Gomi T. Validation of estimated muscle fiber conduction velocity with the normalized peak-averaging technique. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2005; 15:93-101. [PMID: 15642657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2004.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To estimate muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV), the normalized peak-averaging technique was developed along with complementary software and reported in a previous study. Electromyograms were recorded from the vicinity of end-plate zones (EMG data 1) and a site farther from the end-plates and distal tendons (EMG data 2) of biceps brachii muscles using surface array electrodes during 50% maximal voluntary isometric contractions in ten healthy volunteers. The MFCV values obtained with normalized peak-averaging technique were compared to those obtained with the cross-correlation technique and examined by computer simulation of the MFCV distribution. The MFCV values obtained with normalized peak-averaging technique highly correlated with those obtained with cross-correlation technique in both EMG data 1 and EMG data 2. It was also confirmed that MFCV values obtained from EMG data 1 were distributed much more widely than those obtained from EMG data 2. These results show the clinical usefulness of normalized peak-averaging technique for the detailed assessment of MFCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nishihara
- Department of Physical Therapy, Saitama Prefectural University, 820 Sannomiya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8540, Japan.
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Roman-Liu D, Tokarski T, Wójcik K. Quantitative assessment of upper limb muscle fatigue depending on the conditions of repetitive task load. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2004; 14:671-82. [PMID: 15491842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2004.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2003] [Revised: 03/26/2004] [Accepted: 04/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to discriminate fatigue of upper limb muscles depending on the external load, through the development and analysis of a muscle fatigue index. Muscle fatigue is expressed by a fatigue index based on an amplitude parameter (calculated in the time domain) and a fatigue index based on a frequency parameter (a parameter calculated in the frequency domain). The fatigue index involves a regression function that describes changes in the EMG signal parameter, time elapsing before muscle fatigue and the probability of specific trends in changes in EMG parameters for the population under study. The experimental study covered a group of 10 young men. During the study, they exerted force at a specific level and for a specific time in 12 load variants. During the study, EMG signals from four muscles of the upper limb were recorded (trapezius pars descendents, biceps brachii caput breve, extensor carpi radialis brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris). For each variant and for each examined muscles, the value of the fatigue index was calculated. Values of that index quantitatively expressed fatigue of a specific muscle in a specific load variant. A statistical analysis indicated variation in the fatigue of the biceps brachii caput breve, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles depending on the external load (load variant) according to the task performed with the upper limb. The study demonstrated usefulness of the fatigue index in expressing quantitatively muscle fatigue and in discriminating muscle fatigue depending on the external load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Roman-Liu
- Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland.
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Garcia MAC, Magalhães J, Imbiriba LA. Comportamento temporal da velocidade de condução de potenciais de ação de unidades motoras sob condições de fadiga muscular. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2004. [DOI: 10.1590/s1517-86922004000400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A fadiga muscular, definida como a incapacidade na manutenção de um nível esperado de força, tem sido amplamente investigada nas áreas clínica e desportiva. Na investigação dos efeitos da fadiga sobre a regulação da contração, a eletromiografia de superfície (SEMG) tem sido uma importante ferramenta eletrodiagnóstica, pois diferentes parâmetros de análise podem ser extraídos a partir do sinal de EMG. Dentre estes parâmetros, a velocidade de condução dos potenciais de ação das unidades motoras (VCPAUMs) tem sido uma variável importante neste tipo de avaliação, apesar de comumente ser detectada através de técnicas invasivas, mediante eletrodos de arame ou agulha. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a VCPAUM através da SEMG, avaliando o seu comportamento temporal, em contrações isométricas realizadas até a exaustão. Dezoito voluntários (nove homens e nove mulheres; idade de 25,6 ± 6,8 anos), alunos da EEFD/UFRJ, consentiram em participar do estudo. Os sinais de EMG foram colhidos a partir do músculo bíceps braquial direito em três diferentes níveis (25%, 50 e 75% da carga máxima (CM)), sendo, então, divididos em três trechos, correspondentes ao tempo total gasto na tarefa, assim denominados: início (T1), meio (T2) e fim (T3). A VCPAUM apresentou redução temporal durante a passagem pelos trechos (p < 0,0001), comparando todas as cargas. Entretanto, foi observada uma queda abrupta da VCPAUM em T3, principalmente em 50 e 75% da CM (p < 0,05), quando comparadas com a carga de 25% da CM. Os resultados apontam que a VCPAUM sofre modificações na medida em que há uma redução no pH intracelular, fundamental na permeabilidade da membrana celular e que pode ser decorrente de uma diminuição no aporte sanguíneo, pelo aumento no tempo e no nível de contração. Além disso, a adaptação no uso da SEMG para a estimativa da VCPAUM mostrou a viabilidade no uso do método como ferramenta diagnóstica.
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Leao RN, Burne JA. Continuous wavelet transform in the evaluation of stretch reflex responses from surface EMG. J Neurosci Methods 2004; 133:115-25. [PMID: 14757352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2003.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is the first reported use of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) of the surface EMG (sEMG) to extract the reflex response to muscle stretch. We used a modulus-based method to estimate instantaneous amplitude-envelopes from ridges of the CWT (referred in this work as sEMG intensity) to extract the dynamic reflex response from sEMG. We tested the method on tendon reflexes where excellent temporal resolution is required to identify the different latency components, and on the tonic stretch reflex (tonic SR) response to an ongoing perturbation that characteristically has a low signal to noise ratio. METHODS Eight subjects without neurological impairment were subjected to a series of archilles tendon taps and a 2 min continuous perturbation of the ankle using a pseudo-sinusoidal stretch profile containing frequencies from 0.1 to 8.0 Hz. The tendon reflexes were assessed in the soleus muscle at 10% of MVC and the tonic SR in tibialis anterior while the muscle was relaxed, at 5 and 10% of maximal voluntary contraction. Root mean square (RMS) and wavelet ridge extraction was applied to the sEMG signal to extract sEMG amplitudes (RMS) and intensities for all reflexes. To obtain the tonic SR, these estimates and those from the sEMG-RMS were subsequently cross-correlated with the perturbation record to yield 2 sets of estimates of reflex gain and coherence for comparison. RESULTS The sEMG intensities were highly correlated with the torques resulting from a ramped voluntary contraction. Following tendon taps, the method resolved the M1, M2, M3 response components at accurate latencies and with more complete reconstruction of the components than RMS-derived estimates. The wavelet ridge estimates extracted the tonic SR from resting and contracting muscles with significantly higher coherence than RMS estimates. Reflex gain, when estimated from sEMG intensity or sEMG-RMS, demonstrated similar relationships to the perturbation frequency and background contraction level. When the sEMG intensity reflex gain estimates from different subjects were pooled, they showed significantly lower variance about the mean than gain estimates derived from the rectified sEMG. CONCLUSIONS Wavelet-ridge extraction provides a valid approach to reflex evaluation from sEMG that does not depend on the absolute amplitude of the potentials measured at the EMG electrodes. This may have substantial advantages in more directly comparing responses between subjects on an absolute frequency scale without the need for normalisation against maximal contraction levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richardson N Leao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Nishihara K, Hosoda K, Futami T. Muscle fiber conduction velocity estimation by using normalized peak-averaging technique. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2003; 13:499-507. [PMID: 14573365 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-6411(03)00084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to compute the muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and to clarify how action potentials are conducted, the normalized peak-averaging technique (NPAT) was newly employed together with computer softwares. Twelve pairs of surface electromyograms were selected from biceps brachii muscles during contraction at a level of 50% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction in seven healthy volunteers. The techniques to compute MFCV from the time delay of the peaks (P-NPAT) and from the cross correlation (CC-NPAT) of averaged pulses were compared to the cross-correlation technique (CCT). The spread rate of averaged pulses was computed to estimate the spread of MFCVs in different motor units. Tri-phasic averaged pulses were obtained clearly by averaging more than 500 detected pulses. The P-NPAT and CC-NPAT highly correlated with the CCT in the computed MFCVs. The MFCVs obtained by P-NPAT were generally larger than those obtained by CCT, and the spread rates had in the definite values. These results suggest that the MFCV could be computed and the spread of MFCVs would be estimated from averaged pulses. The MFCV of a patient with myotonic dystrophy was also studied, and it was suggested that the NPAT would be clinically useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nishihara
- Department of Physical Therapy, Saitama Prefectural University, 820 Sannomiya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8540, Japan.
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Lowery MM, O'Malley MJ. Analysis and simulation of changes in EMG amplitude during high-level fatiguing contractions. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2003; 50:1052-62. [PMID: 12943273 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2003.816078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Changes in surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude during sustained, fatiguing contractions are commonly attributed to variations in muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV), motor unit firing rates, transmembrane action potentials and the synchronization or recruitment of motor units. However, the relative contribution of each factor remains unclear. Analytical relationships relating changes in MFCV and mean motor unit firing rates to the root mean square (RMS) and average rectified (AR) value of the surface EMG signal are derived. The relationships are then confirmed using model simulation. The simulations and analysis illustrate the different behaviors of the surface EMG RMS and AR value with changing MFCV and firing rate, as the level of motor unit superposition varies. Levels of firing rate modulation and short-term synchronization that, combined with variations in MFCV, could cause changes in EMG amplitude similar to those observed during sustained isometric contraction of the brachioradialis at 80% of maximum voluntary contraction were estimated. While it is not possible to draw conclusions about changes in neural control without further information about the underlying motor unit activation patterns, the examples presented illustrate how a combined analytical and simulation approach may provide insight into the manner in which different factors affect EMG amplitude during sustained isometric contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine M Lowery
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 345 E. Superior St, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
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