1
|
Concha-Pérez E, Gonzalez-Hernandez HG, Reyes-Avendaño JA. Physical Exertion Recognition Using Surface Electromyography and Inertial Measurements for Occupational Ergonomics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9100. [PMID: 38005488 PMCID: PMC10674923 DOI: 10.3390/s23229100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
By observing the actions taken by operators, it is possible to determine the risk level of a work task. One method for achieving this is the recognition of human activity using biosignals and inertial measurements provided to a machine learning algorithm performing such recognition. The aim of this research is to propose a method to automatically recognize physical exertion and reduce noise as much as possible towards the automation of the Job Strain Index (JSI) assessment by using a motion capture wearable device (MindRove armband) and training a quadratic support vector machine (QSVM) model, which is responsible for predicting the exertion depending on the patterns identified. The highest accuracy of the QSVM model was 95.7%, which was achieved by filtering the data, removing outliers and offsets, and performing zero calibration; in addition, EMG signals were normalized. It was determined that, given the job strain index's purpose, physical exertion detection is crucial to computing its intensity in future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo G. Gonzalez-Hernandez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico; (E.C.-P.); (J.A.R.-A.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jackson JA, Sund M, Barlari Lobos G, Melin L, Mathiassen SE. Assessing the efficacy of a job rotation for improving occupational physical and psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, social equality, production quality and resilience at a commercial laundromat: protocol for a longitudinal case study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067633. [PMID: 37173106 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Job rotation is a work organisation strategy used to reduce work-related exposures and musculoskeletal complaints, yet evidence for the efficacy of the approach is weak. Mismatch between job rotation and company needs, lack of full implementation, lack of exposure variation in included tasks and failure to assess variation may underlie inconclusive research findings to date. The study aims to develop a job rotation with company stakeholders, perform a process evaluation of the implementation, and determine the extent to which the intervention improves the physical and psychosocial work environment, indicators of health, gender and social equality among workers and production quality and resilience. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Approximately 60 production workers at a Swedish commercial laundromat will be recruited. Physical and psychosocial work environment conditions, health, productivity and gender and social equality will be assessed pre and post intervention, using surveys, accelerometers, heart rate, electromyography and focus groups. A task-based exposure matrix will be constructed, and exposure variation estimated at the level of the individual worker pre and post intervention. An implementation process evaluation will be conducted. Job rotation efficacy will be assessed in terms of improvement in work environment conditions, health, gender and social inequality, and production quality and resilience. This study will provide novel information on the effects of the job rotation on physical and psychosocial work environment conditions, production quality and rate, health and gender and social inequality among blue-collar workers in a highly multicultural workplace. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study received approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (reference number 2019-00228). The results of the project will be shared directly with the employees, managers and union representatives from the participating company, other relevant labour market stakeholders and with researchers at national and international conferences and via scientific publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study is preregistered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zmdc8/).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennie A Jackson
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gävle, Gavle, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gävle, Gavle, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Preservation of functional descending input to paralyzed upper extremity muscles in motor complete cervical spinal cord injury. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 150:56-68. [PMID: 37004296 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal cord injury (SCI) is classified as complete or incomplete depending on the extent of sensorimotor preservation below the injury level. However, individuals with complete SCIs can voluntarily activate paralyzed lower limb muscles alone or by engaging non-paralyzed muscles during neurophysiological assessments, indicating presence of residual pathways across the injury. However, similar phenomena have not been explored for the upper extremity (UE) muscles following cervical SCIs. METHODS Eighteen individuals with motor complete cervical SCI (AIS A or B) and five age-matched non-injured (NI) individuals performed various UE events against manual resistance during functional neurophysiological assessment (FNPA), and electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from UE muscles. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated i) voluntary activation of clinically paralyzed muscles as evident from EMG readouts, ii) increased activity in these muscles during events engaging muscles above the injury level, iii) reduced spectral properties of paralyzed muscles in SCI compared to NI participants. CONCLUSIONS Functional EMG activity in clinically paralyzed muscles indicate presence of residual pathways across the injury establishing supralesional control over the sublesional neural circuitry. SIGNIFICANCE The findings may help explain the neurophysiological basis for UE recovery and can be exploited in designing rehabilitation techniques to facilitate UE recovery following cervical SCIs.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hill CE, Heales LJ, Stanton R, Kean CO. Effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomised crossover trial. Clin Rehabil 2023:2692155231152817. [PMID: 36727206 DOI: 10.1177/02692155231152817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN Randomised crossover trial. SETTING Biomechanics laboratory. SUBJECTS 27 participants (11 females, mean (SD) age: 48.6 (11.9) years) with clinically diagnosed lateral elbow tendinopathy of at least six weeks' duration. INTERVENTIONS Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape applied over the wrist, compared to control tape (untensioned), and no tape conditions. MAIN MEASURES Pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold were recorded at three timepoints for each condition: baseline, post-application, and following an exercise circuit. Change scores were calculated as the post-application or post-exercise value minus baseline. Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine differences between conditions. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in pain-free grip strength between conditions (flexed position: F2,52 = 0.02, p = 0.98; extended position: F2,52 = 2.26, p = 0.12) or across timepoints (post-application vs post-exercise) (flexed position: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34; extended position: F1,26 = 0.79, p = 0.38). Seven participants (26%) increased pain-free grip strength above the minimal detectable change following application of multidirectional elastic tape. There were no statistically significant differences in pressure pain threshold between conditions (affected lateral epicondyle: F1.51,39.17 = 0.54, p = 0.54) or across timepoints (affected lateral epicondyle: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34). CONCLUSION Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape may not immediately improve pain-free grip strength or pressure pain threshold in our lateral elbow tendinopathy population; however, individual variation may exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Hill
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, 6939Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke J Heales
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, 6939Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Stanton
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, 6939Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.,Appleton Institute, 6939Central Queensland University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Crystal O Kean
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, 6939Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peters SLA, Tabasi A, Kingma I, van Dijk W, van Dieën JH. Development of a real time estimation method of L5S1 moments in occupational lifting. J Biomech 2023; 146:111417. [PMID: 36563410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical loading of the low-back is an important risk factor for the development of low-back pain. Real-time estimation of the L5S1 joint moment (ML5S1) can give an insight to reduce mechanical loading. Model accuracy depends on sensor information, limiting the number of input variables to estimate ML5S1 increases practical feasibility, but may decrease accuracy. This study aimed to find a model with a limited set of input variables without a large reduction in accuracy. We compared two approaches. The first was based on a simplified inverse dynamics model (SM) that requires a limited number of input variables (EMG/ground reaction forces, and orientations derived from an optoelectronic system (OMC)). Two variations were examined, to determine to what extent arm orientations were needed. The second approach was based on a regression model (RM) that uses the SMs as ground-truth. Two variations in terms of sensor use and calibration were examined. Test trials consisted of re-stacking a stack of 3 boxes. A high-end lab-based OMC-system was used as the gold standard (GS). Fifteen healthy participants, 9 males and 6 females (age 21-30) participated in this study. R2, RMSE, and peak-difference with the GS ML5S1 estimate were compared between models with a repeated-measures ANOVA. The SM including arm sensors performed similar or better than the regression models (r > 0.9 and RMSE < 15 % of average peak moment). However, from the perspective of practical feasibility and minimizing the required number of sensors during work, the best approach would be using one of the two regression model approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sjoerd L A Peters
- Dept. of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Tabasi
- Dept. of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Idsart Kingma
- Dept. of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Jaap H van Dieën
- Dept. of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qiu H, Li F, Zhang S, Xiao S, Liu H, Chen S, Li X, Fang K, Wen J, Li T. Surface electromyographic characteristics of forearm muscles after ulnar and radius fracture inchildren. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1143047. [PMID: 37187580 PMCID: PMC10175601 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1143047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the characteristics of forearm muscle activity in children with ulnar and radius fractures during different follow-up periods by surface electromyography. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 20 children with ulnar and radius fractures treated with an elastic intramedullary nail from October 2020 to December 2021. All children were treated with transcubital casts after surgery. At 2 months and before taking out the elastic intramedullary nail, surface electromyographic signals were collected on the flexor/extension of the wrist and the maximum arbitrary isometric contraction of the grip strength in the forearm flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm. The root-mean-square values and integrated EMG values of the superficial flexor and extensor digitalis of the healthy side and the affected side were collected at the last follow-up and 2 months after surgery, and the co-systolic ratio was calculated. The root-mean-square values and co-systolic ratio were compared and analyzed, and the Mayo wrist function score was evaluated. Results The mean follow-up time was (8.4 ± 2.85) months. Mayo scores were (87.42 ± 13.01) and (97.69 ± 4.50) points at the last follow-up and two months after surgery, respectively (p < 0.05). In the test of grip strength, 2 months after surgery, the grip strength of the affected side was lower than that of the healthy side (p < 0.05), and the maximum and mean values of the superficial flexor of the affected side were lower than those of the healthy side (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was no difference in the grip strength between the affected side and the healthy side (p > 0.05), and no difference in the maximum RMS, mean RMS and cooperative contraction ratio of the superficial flexor and digital extensor muscles between the affected side and the healthy side (p > 0.05). Conclusion Satisfactory results can be obtained after elastic intramedullary napping in children with ulnar and radius fractures. However, 2 months after surgery, the grip strength of the affected side is small, and the electrical activity of the forearm muscle is low during flexion and extension activities of the wrist joint, which has not returned to normal, suggesting that children orthopaedic clinicians should remind children to conduct timely and effective rehabilitation training after the removal of the cast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Qiu
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Fanling Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Haobo Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Shuangxi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- Correspondence: Jie Wen
| | - Tingzhi Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kimura N, Sato M, Kobayashi Y, Naito E. Augmented activity of the forearm extensor muscles induced by vibratory stimulation of the palm of the hand in individuals with subacute post-stroke hemiplegia. Brain Inj 2022; 36:782-791. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2048694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nodoka Kimura
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (Cinet), Advanced Ict Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (Nict), Suita, Japan
| | - Mamiko Sato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Health Science, Fukui Health Science University, Fukui, Japan
| | - Eiichi Naito
- Center for Information and Neural Networks (Cinet), Advanced Ict Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (Nict), Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University,Suita,Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Frank K, Moellhoff N, Kaiser A, Alfertshofer M, Gotkin RH, Patel A, Smith MP, Mardini S, Gavril D, Cotofana S. Signal-To-Noise Ratio Calculations to Validate Sensor Positioning for Facial Muscle Assessment Using Noninvasive Facial Electromyography. Facial Plast Surg 2021; 37:614-624. [PMID: 33682916 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of neuromodulator treatment outcomes can be performed by noninvasive surface-derived facial electromyography (fEMG) which can detect cumulative muscle fiber activity deep to the skin. The objective of the present study is to identify the most reliable facial locations where the motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) of various facial muscles can be quantified during fEMG measurements. The study population consisted of five males and seven females (31.0 [12.9] years, body mass index of 22.15 [1.6] kg/m2). Facial muscle activity was assessed in several facial regions in each patient for their respective muscle activity utilizing noninvasive surface-derived fEMG. Variables of interest were the average root mean square of three performed muscle contractions (= signal) (µV), mean root mean square between those contraction with the face in a relaxed facial expression (= baseline noise) (µV), and the signal to noise ratio (SNR). A total of 1,709 processed fEMG signals revealed one specific reliable location in each investigated region based on each muscle's anatomy, on the highest value of the SNR, on the lowest value for the baseline noise, and on the practicability to position the sensor while performing a facial expression. The results of this exploratory study may help guiding future researchers and practitioners in designing study protocols and measuring individual facial MUAP when utilizing fEMG. The locations presented herein were selected based on the measured parameters (SNR, signal, baseline noise) and on the practicability and reproducibility of sensor placement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Frank
- Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicholas Moellhoff
- Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia Kaiser
- Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Alfertshofer
- Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert H Gotkin
- Private Practice, New York City, New York.,Private Practice, Greenvale, New York
| | - Ashit Patel
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Michael P Smith
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Samir Mardini
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Sebastian Cotofana
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Material Properties of the Medial Elbow During Passive Valgus and Self-Initiated Varus Torques. J Appl Biomech 2021; 37:52-58. [DOI: 10.1123/jab.2020-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Shear wave elastography imaging of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is used to help understand changes in material properties of the ligament. Ensuring that the wrist flexors are relaxed is essential as muscle contractions can alter the alignment of the medial elbow. The purpose of this study was to determine how the structural and material properties of the medial elbow respond to various elbow torques. The medial elbows of 20 healthy adults, free from upper extremity disorders, were imaged in 3 of the following torque conditions: (1) neutral relaxed, (2) passive valgus, and (3) active varus. Structural properties (ulnohumeral gap and UCL length) using B-mode and material properties (UCL and flexor muscle stiffness) using shear wave were measured. Passive valgus torque opened the ulnohumeral gap (P < .001), and increased UCL (P < .001) and wrist flexor stiffness (P = .001), compared with the neutral condition. Under an active varus contraction, the gap returned back to the neutral position, but UCL (P < .008) and wrist flexor stiffness (P < .004) remained elevated compared with neutral, meaning low-intensity torques can influence structural and material properties of the medial elbow. Therefore, effort should be taken to minimize muscle activation during imaging in order to accurately measure medial elbow properties.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Neuromuscular and sensorimotor degeneration caused by stroke or any other disease significantly reduce the physical, cognitive, and social well-being across the life span. Mostly, therapeutic interventions are employed in order to restore the lost degrees-of-freedom (DOF) caused by such impairments and automating these therapeutic tasks through exoskeletons/robots is becoming a common practice. However, aligning these robotic devices with the complex anatomical and geometrical motions of the joints is very challenging. At the same time, a good alignment is required in order to establish a better synergy of human-exoskeleton system for an effective intervention procedure. In this paper, a case study of an exoskeleton and shoulder joint alignment were studied through different size and orientation impairment models through motion capture data and musculoskeletal modeling in OpenSim. A preliminary result indicates that shoulder elevation is very sensitive to misalignment and varies with shoulder joint axes orientation; this is partly due to drastic displacement of the upper arm axes with respect to the shoulder joint origin during elevation. Additional study and analysis is required to learn any possible restraint on shoulder elevation that could potentially help in the exoskeleton development.
Collapse
|
11
|
Vinstrup J, Calatayud J, Jakobsen MD, Sundstrup E, Jørgensen JR, Casaña J, Andersen LL. Hand strengthening exercises in chronic stroke patients: Dose-response evaluation using electromyography. J Hand Ther 2019; 31:111-121. [PMID: 28527751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study evaluates finger flexion and extension strengthening exercises using elastic resistance in chronic stroke patients. METHODS Eighteen stroke patients (mean age: 56.8 ± 7.6 years) with hemiparesis performed 3 consecutive repetitions of finger flexion and extension, using 3 different elastic resistance levels (easy, moderate, and hard). Surface electromyography was recorded from the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor digitorum (ED) muscles and normalized to the maximal electromyography of the non-paretic arm. RESULTS Maximal grip strength was 39.2 (standard deviation: 12.5) and 7.8 kg (standard deviation: 9.4) in the nonparetic and paretic hand, respectively. For the paretic hand, muscle activity was higher during finger flexion exercise than during finger extension exercise for both ED (30% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 19-40] vs 15% [95% CI: 5-25] and FDS (37% [95% CI: 27-48] vs 24% [95% CI: 13-35]). For the musculature of both the FDS and ED, no dose-response association was observed for resistance and muscle activity during the flexion exercise (P > .05). CONCLUSION The finger flexion exercise showed higher muscle activity in both the flexor and extensor musculature of the forearm than the finger extension exercise. Furthermore, greater resistance did not result in higher muscle activity during the finger flexion exercise. The present results suggest that the finger flexion exercise should be the preferred strengthening exercise to achieve high levels of muscle activity in both flexor and extensor forearm muscles in chronic stroke patients. The finger extension exercise may be performed with emphasis on improving neuromuscular control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4b.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Vinstrup
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Health Science and Technology, Physical Activity and Human Performance group, SMI, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Joaquin Calatayud
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Physical Education and Sports, Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiotherapy, Exercise intervention for health research group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Markus D Jakobsen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Emil Sundstrup
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jørgen R Jørgensen
- Center for Rehabilitation of Brain Injury, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jose Casaña
- Department of Physiotherapy, Exercise intervention for health research group, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lars L Andersen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Health Science and Technology, Physical Activity and Human Performance group, SMI, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sancibrian R, Gutierrez-Diez MC, Redondo-Figuero C, Llata JR, Manuel-Palazuelos JC. Using infrared imaging for assessment of muscular activity in the forearm of surgeons in the performance of laparoscopic tasks. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2019; 233:999-1009. [PMID: 31307277 DOI: 10.1177/0954411919863547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Surgeons working in laparoscopic surgery are subjected to hard working conditions because of the poor ergonomic characteristics of the workplace. The improvement in the working conditions requires the use of reliable techniques for the assessment of muscular activity. In this article infrared imaging is used and compared with electromyography for the evaluation of muscle activity in the performance of laparoscopic surgical tasks. Electromyography has been widely used for the evaluation of the electrical activity produced by the muscles in the performance of surgery. On the contrary, infrared imaging is an innovative technique that has not been sufficiently explored. An experimental evaluation was carried out using a thermography camera and recording the infrared images from volunteers in different tests. Pearson's correlation was obtained between the electromyography and thermographic measurements in two stages: Endurance Stage (best value: ρ = 0.8401 with p < 0.01) and Surgical Task (best value: ρ = 0.8309 with p < 0.01). The article demonstrates that infrared imaging is a valuable technique for the evaluation of muscle activity in laparoscopic surgery, and it can be compared with electromyography. The main advantages of infrared imaging are that it allows remote measurement and provides activity information in the whole area of interest. However, drawbacks such as delayed response of the infrared imaging due to thermal conductivity of the skin should be considered. Electromyography only provides information in the location of the electrodes, but it is a real-time response. For these reasons, the techniques complement each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Sancibrian
- Department of Structural and Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | - Jose R Llata
- Department of Electronic Technology and Systems Engineering and Automation, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dahlqvist C, Enquist H, Löfqvist L, Nordander C. The effect of two types of maximal voluntary contraction and two electrode positions in field recordings of forearm extensor muscle activity during hotel room cleaning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2019; 26:595-602. [PMID: 30932748 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1599572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the effects of using hand grip or resisted wrist extension as the reference contraction, and two electrode positions, on field recordings of forearm extensor muscle activity. Materials and methods. Right forearm extensor muscle activity was recorded using two electrode pairs (over the most prominent part (position 2) and proximal to that (position 1)) during one working day in 13 female hotel housekeepers. Each subject performed the two maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), and the electrical activity obtained during these (maximal voluntary electrical activity (MVE)) was used for normalization. Each set of recordings was analysed twice, once using hand grip as the MVC and once using resisted wrist extension. Results. Resisted wrist extension showed a higher group mean MVE than hand grip. Position 2 had higher correlation between MVE and force during the MVCs. The workload during cleaning was lower when using resisted wrist extension as reference than when using hand grip (24%MVE vs 46%MVE; p = 0.002 at position 2) for the 90th percentile. The workload (99th percentile) was overestimated in two subjects when using hand grip as reference. Conclusions. Problems associated with poorly activated forearm extensors can be overcome by using resisted wrist extension as reference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Dahlqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Henrik Enquist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Lotta Löfqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
MacDonald V, Keir PJ. Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk with Hand and Syringe use in Chemotherapy Nurses and Pharmacy Assistants. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2018.1502698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J. Keir
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Evaluating Swine Injection Technologies as a Workplace Musculoskeletal Injury Intervention: A Study Protocol. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5094509. [PMID: 29214171 PMCID: PMC5682043 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5094509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Intensification of modern swine production has led to many new technologies, including needleless injectors. Although needleless injectors may increase productivity (by reducing injection time) and reduce needlestick injuries, the effect on risk for musculoskeletal disorders is not clear. This project will compare conventional needles with needleless injectors in terms of cost, productivity, injury rates, biomechanical exposures, and worker preference. Muscle activity (EMG) and hand/wrist posture will be measured on swine workers performing injection tasks with both injection methods. Video recordings during the exposure assessments will compare the duration and productivity for each injection method using time-and-motion methods. Injury claim data from up to 60 pig barns will be analyzed for needlestick and musculoskeletal injuries before/after needleless injector adoption. Workers and managers will be asked about what they like and dislike about each method and what helps and hinders successful implementation. The information above will be input into a cost-benefit model to determine the incremental effects of needleless injectors in terms of occupational health, worker preference, and the financial “bottom line” of the farm. Findings will be relevant to the swine industry and are intended to be transferable to other new technologies in animal production.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bigliassi M, Silva VB, Karageorghis CI, Bird JM, Santos PC, Altimari LR. Brain mechanisms that underlie the effects of motivational audiovisual stimuli on psychophysiological responses during exercise. Physiol Behav 2016; 158:128-36. [PMID: 26948160 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Motivational audiovisual stimuli such as music and video have been widely used in the realm of exercise and sport as a means by which to increase situational motivation and enhance performance. The present study addressed the mechanisms that underlie the effects of motivational stimuli on psychophysiological responses and exercise performance. Twenty-two participants completed fatiguing isometric handgrip-squeezing tasks under two experimental conditions (motivational audiovisual condition and neutral audiovisual condition) and a control condition. Electrical activity in the brain and working muscles was analyzed by use of electroencephalography and electromyography, respectively. Participants were asked to squeeze the dynamometer maximally for 30s. A single-item motivation scale was administered after each squeeze. Results indicated that task performance and situational motivational were superior under the influence of motivational stimuli when compared to the other two conditions (~20% and ~25%, respectively). The motivational stimulus downregulated the predominance of low-frequency waves (theta) in the right frontal regions of the cortex (F8), and upregulated high-frequency waves (beta) in the central areas (C3 and C4). It is suggested that motivational sensory cues serve to readjust electrical activity in the brain; a mechanism by which the detrimental effects of fatigue on the efferent control of working muscles is ameliorated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinícius B Silva
- Department of Physical Education, Londrina State University, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Martin-Martin J, Cuesta-Vargas AI. Quantification of functional hand grip using electromyography and inertial sensor-derived accelerations: clinical implications. Biomed Eng Online 2014; 13:161. [PMID: 25496710 PMCID: PMC4273320 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-13-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing hand injury is of great interest given the level of involvement of the hand with the environment. Knowing different assessment systems and their limitations generates new perspectives. The integration of digital systems (accelerometry and electromyography) as a tool to supplement functional assessment allows the clinician to know more about the motor component and its relation to movement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the kinematic and electromyography analysis during functional hand movements. METHOD Ten subjects carried out six functional movements (terminal pinch, termino-lateral pinch, tripod pinch, power grip, extension grip and ball grip). Muscle activity (hand and forearm) was measured in real time using electromyograms, acquired with the Mega ME 6000, whilst acceleration was measured using the AcceleGlove. RESULTS Electrical activity and acceleration variables were recorded simultaneously during the carrying out of the functional movements. The acceleration outcome variables were the modular vectors of each finger of the hand and the palm. In the electromyography, the main variables were normalized by the mean and by the maximum muscle activity of the thenar region, hypothenar, first interosseous dorsal, wrist flexors, carpal flexors and wrist extensors. CONCLUSIONS Knowing muscle behavior allows the clinician to take a more direct approach in the treatment. Based on the results, the tripod grip shows greater kinetic activity and the middle finger is the most relevant in this regard. Ball grip involves most muscle activity, with the thenar region playing a fundamental role in hand activity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Relating muscle activation, movements, individual load and displacement offers the possibility to proceed with rehabilitation by individual component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Martin-Martin
- />Departamento de Psiquiatría y Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Malaga, Andalucia Tech, Instituto de Biomedicina de Malaga (IBIMA), Grupo de Clinimetria (AE-14), Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio I Cuesta-Vargas
- />Departamento de Psiquiatría y Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Malaga, Andalucia Tech, Instituto de Biomedicina de Malaga (IBIMA), Grupo de Clinimetria (AE-14), Malaga, Spain
- />School of Clinical Science, Faculty of Health Science, Queensland University Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|