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Silverman JD, Balbinot G, Masani K, Zariffa J, Eng P. Validity and Reliability of Surface Electromyography Features in Lower Extremity Muscle Contraction in Healthy and Spinal Cord-Injured Participants. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2021; 27:14-27. [PMID: 34866885 DOI: 10.46292/sci20-00001] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a significant impact on motor control and active force generation. Quantifying muscle activation following SCI may help indicate the degree of motor impairment and predict the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions. In healthy persons, muscle activation is typically quantified by electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude measures. However, in SCI, these measures may not reflect voluntary effort, and therefore other nonamplitude-based features should be considered. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of time-domain EMG features with the exerted joint torque (validity) and their test-retest repeatability (reliability), which may contribute to characterizing muscle activation following SCI. Methods: Surface EMG (SEMG) and torque were measured while nine uninjured participants and four participants with SCI performed isometric contractions of tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL). Data collection was repeated at a subsequent session for comparison across days. Validity and test-retest reliability of features were assessed by Spearman and intraclass correlation (ICC) of linear regression coefficients. Results: In healthy participants, SEMG features correlated well with torque (TA: ρ > 0.92; SOL: ρ > 0.94) and showed high reliability (ICCmean = 0.90; range, 0.72-0.99). In an SCI case series, SEMG features also correlated well with torque (TA: ρ > 0.86; SOL: ρ > 0.86), and time-domain features appeared no less repeatable than amplitude-based measures. Conclusion: Time-domain SEMG features are valid and reliable measures of lower extremity muscle activity in healthy participants and may be valid measures of sublesional muscle activity following SCI. These features could be used to gauge motor impairment and progression of rehabilitative interventions or in controlling assistive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Daniel Silverman
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gustavo Balbinot
- KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kei Masani
- KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - José Zariffa
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P Eng
- KITE - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Onushko T, Mahtani GB, Brazg G, Hornby TG, Schmit BD. Exercise-Induced Alterations in Sympathetic-Somatomotor Coupling in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2688-2697. [PMID: 30696387 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to understand how high- and low-intensity locomotor training (LT) affects sympathetic-somatomotor (SS) coupling in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Proper coupling between sympathetic and somatomotor systems allows controlled regulation of cardiovascular responses to exercise. In people with SCI, altered connectivity between descending pathways and spinal segments impairs sympathetic and somatomotor coordination, which may have deleterious effects during exercise and limit rehabilitation outcomes. We postulated that high-intensity LT, which repeatedly engages SS systems, would alter SS coupling. Thirteen individuals (50 ± 7.2 years) with motor incomplete spinal cord injuries (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D; injury level >T6) participated in a locomotor treadmill training program. Patients were randomized into either a high-intensity (high-LT; 70-85% of maximum predicted heart rate; n = 6) group or a low-intensity (low-LT; 50-65% of maximum predicted heart rate; n = 7) group and completed up to 20 LT training sessions over 4-6 weeks, 3-5 days/week. Before and after taining, we tested SS coupling by eliciting reflexive sympathetic activity through a cold stimulation, noxious stimulation, and a mental math task while we measured tendon reflexes, blood pressure, and heart rate. Participants who completed high- versus low-LT exhibited significant decreases in reflex torques during triggered sympathetic activity (cold: -83 vs. 13%, p < 0.01; pain: -65 vs. 54%, p < 0.05; mental math: -43 vs. 41%; p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure responses to sympathetic stimuli were slightly higher following high- versus low-LT (cold: 30 vs. -1.5%; pain: 6 vs. -12%; mental math: 5 vs. 7%), although differences were not statistically significant. These results suggest that high-LT may be advantageous to low-LT to improve SS coupling in people with incomplete SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Onushko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Gordhan B Mahtani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - T George Hornby
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Brian D Schmit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Mani D, Feeney DF, Enoka RM. The modulation of force steadiness by electrical nerve stimulation applied to the wrist extensors differs for young and older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2018; 119:301-310. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-4025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Cattagni T, Lepers R, Maffiuletti NA. Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on contralateral quadriceps function. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2018; 38:111-118. [PMID: 29202270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Leech KA, Kim HE, Hornby TG. Strategies to augment volitional and reflex function may improve locomotor capacity following incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2017; 119:894-903. [PMID: 29093168 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00051.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies highlight the remarkable plasticity demonstrated by spinal circuits following an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Such plasticity can contribute to improvements in volitional motor recovery, such as walking function, although similar mechanisms underlying this recovery may also contribute to the manifestation of exaggerated responses to afferent input, or spastic behaviors. Rehabilitation interventions directed toward augmenting spinal excitability have shown some initial success in improving locomotor function. However, the potential effects of these strategies on involuntary motor behaviors may be of concern. In this article, we provide a brief review of the mechanisms underlying recovery of volitional function and exaggerated reflexes, and the potential overlap between these changes. We then highlight findings from studies that explore changes in spinal excitability during volitional movement in controlled conditions, as well as altered kinematic and behavioral performance during functional tasks. The initial focus will be directed toward recovery of reflex and volitional behaviors following incomplete SCI, followed by recent work elucidating neurophysiological mechanisms underlying patterns of static and dynamic muscle activation following chronic incomplete SCI during primarily single-joint movements. We will then transition to studies of locomotor function and the role of altered spinal integration following incomplete SCI, including enhanced excitability of specific spinal circuits with physical and pharmacological interventions that can modulate locomotor output. The effects of previous and newly developed strategies will need to focus on changes in both volitional function and involuntary spastic reflexes for the successful translation of effective therapies to the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristan A Leech
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hyosub E Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of California at Berkeley , Berkeley, California
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6
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Smith AC, Knikou M, Yelick KL, Alexander AR, Murnane MM, Kritselis AA, Houmpavlis PJ, McPherson JG, Wasielewski M, Hoggarth MA, Elliott JM. MRI measures of fat infiltration in the lower extremities following motor incomplete spinal cord injury: reliability and potential implications for muscle activation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2016:5451-5456. [PMID: 28269491 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7591960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fat infiltration (MFI) is an expected consequence of incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The MFI magnitude may have clinical value in determining functional recovery. However, there is a lack of understanding of how MFI relates to the volitional muscle activity in people with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Five iSCI and 5 uninjured age-matched control subjects participated in the study. In this preliminary study, we established the reliability of MFI quantification of select lower extremity muscles across different raters. Secondly, we assessed the magnitude and distribution of MFI in the lower legs of iSCI and uninjured control participants. Thirdly, we explored the relationship between MFI in the plantar flexor muscles and the ability to volitionally activate these muscles. High levels of inter-rater reliability were observed. The iSCI group had significantly elevated and a vastly different MFI distribution in the lower leg muscles compared to healthy controls. MFI was negatively correlated with volitional activation in iSCI. Our preliminary results sanction the importance of lower extremity MFI quantification as a potential measure in determining the functional outcomes in iSCI, and the subsequent pathological sequelae.
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Neyroud D, Grosprêtre S, Gondin J, Kayser B, Place N. Test-retest reliability of wide-pulse high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation evoked force. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:E70-E77. [PMID: 28722822 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We compare forces evoked by wide-pulse high-frequency (WPHF) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) delivered to a nerve trunk versus muscle belly and assess their test-retest intraindividual and interindividual reliability. METHODS Forces evoked during 2 sessions with WPHF NMES delivered over the tibial nerve trunk and 2 sessions over the triceps surae muscle belly were compared. Ten individuals participated in 4 sessions involving ten 20-s WPHF NMES contractions interspaced by 40-s recovery. Mean evoked force and force time integral of each contraction were quantified. RESULTS For both nerve trunk and muscle belly stimulation, intraindividual test-retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9), and interindividual variability was large (coefficient of variation between 140% and 180%). Nerve trunk and muscle belly stimulation resulted in similar evoked forces. DISCUSSION WPHF NMES locations might be chosen by individual preference because intraindividual reliability was relatively good for both locations. Muscle Nerve 57: E70-E77, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Neyroud
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sidney Grosprêtre
- EA4660-C3S Laboratory, Culture, Sport, Health and Society, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Julien Gondin
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR 5310, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Bengt Kayser
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Place
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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GROSPRÊTRE SIDNEY, GUEUGNEAU NICOLAS, MARTIN ALAIN, LEPERS ROMUALD. Central Contribution to Electrically Induced Fatigue depends on Stimulation Frequency. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 49:1530-1540. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Ibitoye MO, Hamzaid NA, Hasnan N, Abdul Wahab AK, Islam MA, Kean VSP, Davis GM. Torque and mechanomyogram relationships during electrically-evoked isometric quadriceps contractions in persons with spinal cord injury. Med Eng Phys 2016; 38:767-75. [PMID: 27289541 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between muscle contractions and joint loading produces torques necessary for movements during activities of daily living. However, during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-evoked contractions in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), a simple and reliable proxy of torque at the muscle level has been minimally investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between muscle mechanomyographic (MMG) characteristics and NMES-evoked isometric quadriceps torques in persons with motor complete SCI. Six SCI participants with lesion levels below C4 [(mean (SD) age, 39.2 (7.9) year; stature, 1.71 (0.05) m; and body mass, 69.3 (12.9) kg)] performed randomly ordered NMES-evoked isometric leg muscle contractions at 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion angles on an isokinetic dynamometer. MMG signals were detected by an accelerometer-based vibromyographic sensor placed over the belly of rectus femoris muscle. The relationship between MMG root mean square (MMG-RMS) and NMES-evoked torque revealed a very high association (R(2)=0.91 at 30°; R(2)=0.98 at 60°; and R(2)=0.97 at 90° knee angles; P<0.001). MMG peak-to-peak (MMG-PTP) and stimulation intensity were less well related (R(2)=0.63 at 30°; R(2)=0.67 at 60°; and R(2)=0.45 at 90° knee angles), although were still significantly associated (P≤0.006). Test-retest interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the dependent variables ranged from 0.82 to 0.97 for NMES-evoked torque, between 0.65 and 0.79 for MMG-RMS, and from 0.67 to 0.73 for MMG-PTP. Their standard error of measurements (SEM) ranged between 10.1% and 31.6% (of mean values) for torque, MMG-RMS and MMG-PTP. The MMG peak frequency (MMG-PF) of 30Hz approximated the stimulation frequency, indicating NMES-evoked motor unit firing rate. The results demonstrated knee angle differences in the MMG-RMS versus NMES-isometric torque relationship, but a similar torque related pattern for MMG-PF. These findings suggested that MMG was well associated with torque production, reliably tracking the motor unit recruitment pattern during NMES-evoked muscle contractions. The strong positive relationship between MMG signal and NMES-evoked torque production suggested that the MMG might be deployed as a direct proxy for muscle torque or fatigue measurement during leg exercise and functional movements in the SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morufu Olusola Ibitoye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Nur Azah Hamzaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khairi Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Md Anamul Islam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Victor S P Kean
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Glen M Davis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006 NSW, Australia
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Is the Frequency in Somatosensory Electrical Stimulation the Key Parameter in Modulating the Corticospinal Excitability of Healthy Volunteers and Stroke Patients with Spasticity? Neural Plast 2016; 2016:3034963. [PMID: 26881102 PMCID: PMC4736758 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3034963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory electrical stimulation (SES) has been proposed as an approach to treat patients with sensory-motor impairment such as spasticity. However, there is still no consensus regarding which would be the adequate SES parameters to treat those deficits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying SES over the forearm muscles at four different frequencies of stimulation (3, 30, 150, and 300 Hz) and in two intervals of time (5′ and 30′) by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation and Hoffmann's reflex (H-reflex) in healthy volunteers (Experiments I and II). A group of stroke patients (Experiment III) was also preliminary evaluated to ascertain SES effects at a low frequency (3 Hz) applied for 30′ over the forearm spastic flexors muscles by measuring the wrist joint passive torque. Motor evoked potentials and the H-reflex were collected from different forearm and hand muscles immediately before and after SES and up to 5′ (Experiment I) and 10′ (Experiments I and II) later. None of the investigated frequencies of SES was able to operate as a key in switching modulatory effects in the central nervous system of healthy volunteers and stroke patients with spasticity.
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11
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Smith AC, Parrish TB, Hoggarth MA, McPherson JG, Tysseling VM, Wasielewski M, Kim HE, Hornby TG, Elliott JM. Potential associations between chronic whiplash and incomplete spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2015; 1. [PMID: 27630770 DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2015.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This research utilized a cross-sectional design with control group inclusion. OBJECTIVES Preliminary evidence suggests that a portion of the patient population with chronic whiplash may have sustained spinal cord damage. Our hypothesis is that in some cases of chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), observed muscle weakness in the legs will be associated with local signs of a partial spinal cord injury of the cervical spine. SETTING University based laboratory in Chicago, IL, USA. METHODS Five participants with chronic WAD were compared with five gender/age/height/weight/body mass index (BMI) control participants. For a secondary investigation, the chronic WAD group was compared with five unmatched participants with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Spinal cord motor tract integrity was assessed using magnetization transfer imaging. Muscle fat infiltration (MFI) was quantified using fat/water separation magnetic resonance imaging. Central volitional muscle activation of the plantarflexors was assessed using a burst superimposition technique. RESULTS We found reduced spinal cord motor tract integrity, increased MFI of the neck and lower extremity muscles and significantly impaired voluntary plantarflexor muscle activation in five participants with chronic WAD. The lower extremity structural changes and volitional weakness in chronic WAD were comparable to participants with iSCI. CONCLUSION The results support the position that a subset of the chronic whiplash population may have sustained partial damage to the spinal cord. SPONSORSHIP NIH R01HD079076-01A1, NIH T32 HD057845 and the Foundation for Physical Therapy Promotion of Doctoral Studies program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Smith
- Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL USA; Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Todd B Parrish
- Northwestern University Department of Radiology, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Mark A Hoggarth
- Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jacob G McPherson
- Florida International University Department of Biomedical Engineering, Miami, FL USA
| | - Vicki M Tysseling
- Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Marie Wasielewski
- Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Hyosub E Kim
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - James M Elliott
- Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Chicago, IL USA
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Wang YH, Meng F, Zhang Y, Xu MY, Yue SW. Full-movement neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves plantar flexor spasticity and ankle active dorsiflexion in stroke patients: a randomized controlled study. Clin Rehabil 2015; 30:577-86. [PMID: 26292692 DOI: 10.1177/0269215515597048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether full-movement neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which can generate full range of movement, reduces spasticity and/or improves motor function more effectively than control, sensory threshold—neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and motor threshold—neuromuscular electrical stimulation in sub-acute stroke patients. Design: A randomized, single-blind, controlled study. Setting: Physical therapy room and functional assessment room. Participants: A total of 72 adult patients with sub-acute post-stroke hemiplegia and plantar flexor spasticity. Method: Patients received 30-minute sessions of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the motor points of the extensor hallucis and digitorum longus twice a day, five days per week for four weeks. Measures: Composite Spasticity Scale, Ankle Active Dorsiflexion Score, and walking time in the Timed Up and Go Test were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at two-week follow-up. Results: After four weeks of treatment, when comparing interclass pretreatment and posttreatment, only the full-movement neuromuscular electrical stimulation group had a significant reduction in the Composite Spasticity Scale (mean % reduction = 19.91(4.96)%, F = 3.878, p < 0.05) and improvement in the Ankle Active Dorsiflexion Score (mean scores = 3.29(0.91), F = 3.140, p < 0.05). Furthermore, these improvements were maintained two weeks after the treatment ended. However, there were no significant differences in the walking time after four weeks of treatment among the four groups (F = 1.861, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Full-movement neuromuscular electrical stimulation with a stimulus intensity capable of generating full movement can significantly reduce plantar flexor spasticity and improve ankle active dorsiflexion, but cannot decrease walking time in the Timed Up and Go Test in sub-acute stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-hui Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mao-yu Xu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shou-wei Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Neyroud D, Armand S, De Coulon G, Da Silva SRD, Wegrzyk J, Gondin J, Kayser B, Place N. Wide-pulse-high-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cerebral palsy. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 127:1530-1539. [PMID: 26232132 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study assesses whether wide-pulse-high-frequency (WPHF) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) could result in extra-force production in cerebral palsy (CP) patients as previously observed in healthy individuals. METHODS Ten CP and 10 age- and sex-matched control participants underwent plantar flexors NMES. Two to three 10-s WPHF (frequency: 100 Hz, pulse duration: 1 ms) and conventional (CONV, frequency 25 Hz, pulse duration: 50 μs) trains as well as two to three burst-like stimulation trains (2s at 25 Hz, 2s at 100 Hz, 2s at 25 Hz; pulse duration: 1 ms) were evoked. Resting soleus and gastrocnemii maximal H-reflex amplitude (Hmax) was normalized by maximal M-wave amplitude (Mmax) to quantify α-motoneuron modulation. RESULTS Similar Hmax/Mmax ratio was found in CP and control participants. Extra-force generation was observed both in CP (+18 ± 74%) and control individuals (+94 ± 124%) during WPHF (p<0.05). Similar extra-forces were found during burst-like stimulations in both groups (+108 ± 110% in CP and +65 ± 85% in controls, p>0.05). CONCLUSION Although the mechanisms underlying extra-force production may differ between WPHF and burst-like NMES, similar increases were observed in patients with CP and healthy controls. SIGNIFICANCE Development of extra-forces in response to WPHF NMES evoked at low stimulation intensity might open new possibilities in neuromuscular rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Neyroud
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Armand
- Willy Taillard Laboratory of Kinesiology, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, Switzerland
| | - G De Coulon
- Service of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S R D Da Silva
- Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - J Wegrzyk
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France
| | - J Gondin
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR 7339, Marseille, France
| | - B Kayser
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - N Place
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Wegrzyk J, Fouré A, Vilmen C, Ghattas B, Maffiuletti NA, Mattei JP, Place N, Bendahan D, Gondin J. Extra Forces induced by wide-pulse, high-frequency electrical stimulation: Occurrence, magnitude, variability and underlying mechanisms. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:1400-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kim HE, Corcos DM, Hornby TG. Increased spinal reflex excitability is associated with enhanced central activation during voluntary lengthening contractions in human spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:427-39. [PMID: 25972590 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01074.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study of chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects investigated patterns of central motor drive (i.e., central activation) of the plantar flexors using interpolated twitches, and modulation of soleus H-reflexes during lengthening, isometric, and shortening muscle actions. In a recent study of the knee extensors, SCI subjects demonstrated greater central activation ratio (CAR) values during lengthening (i.e., eccentric) maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), compared with during isometric or shortening (i.e., concentric) MVCs. In contrast, healthy controls demonstrated lower lengthening CAR values compared with their isometric and shortening CARs. For the present investigation, we hypothesized SCI subjects would again produce their highest CAR values during lengthening MVCs, and that these increases in central activation were partially attributable to greater efficacy of Ia-α motoneuron transmission during muscle lengthening following SCI. Results show SCI subjects produced higher CAR values during lengthening vs. isometric or shortening MVCs (all P < 0.001). H-reflex testing revealed normalized H-reflexes (maximal SOL H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios) were greater for SCI than controls during passive (P = 0.023) and active (i.e., 75% MVC; P = 0.017) lengthening, suggesting facilitation of Ia transmission post-SCI. Additionally, measures of spinal reflex excitability (passive lengthening maximal SOL H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratio) in SCI were positively correlated with soleus electromyographic activity and CAR values during lengthening MVCs (both P < 0.05). The present study presents evidence that patterns of dynamic muscle activation are altered following SCI, and that greater central activation during lengthening contractions is partly due to enhanced efficacy of Ia-α motoneuron transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosub E Kim
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Daniel M Corcos
- Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - T George Hornby
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Regina Dias Da Silva S, Neyroud D, Maffiuletti NA, Gondin J, Place N. Twitch potentiation induced by two different modalities of neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Implications for motor unit recruitment. Muscle Nerve 2015; 51:412-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.24315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daria Neyroud
- Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine, University of Geneva; Geneva Switzerland
| | | | - Julien Gondin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS; CRMBM UMR 7339 Marseille France
| | - Nicolas Place
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Quartier UNIL-Mouline, Building Geopolis, University of Lausanne; CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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Kim HE, Thompson CK, Hornby TG. Muscle activation varies with contraction mode in human spinal cord injury. Muscle Nerve 2014; 51:235-45. [PMID: 24825184 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To better understand volitional force generation after chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), we examined muscle activation during single and repeated isometric, concentric, and eccentric knee extensor (KE) maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). METHODS Torque and electromyographic (EMG) activity were recorded during single and repeated isometric and dynamic KE MVCs in 11 SCI subjects. Central activation ratios (CARs) were calculated for all contraction modes in SCI subjects and 11 healthy controls. RESULTS SCI subjects generated greater torque, KE EMG, and CARs during single eccentric vs. isometric and concentric MVCs (all P < 0.05). Torque and EMG remained similar during repeated eccentric MVCs; however, both increased during repeated isometric (>25%) and concentric (>30%) MVCs. CONCLUSIONS SCI subjects demonstrated greater muscle activation during eccentric MVCs vs. isometric and concentric MVCs. This pattern of activation contrasts with the decreased eccentric activation demonstrated by healthy controls. Such information may aid development of novel rehabilitation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosub E Kim
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 West Taylor Street, M/C 898, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA
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Short-term maximal-intensity resistance training increases volitional function and strength in chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: a pilot study. J Neurol Phys Ther 2014; 37:112-7. [PMID: 23673372 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0b013e31828390a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent research shows that individuals with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) have a reserve of force-generating capability that is observable during repeated intermittent maximal volitional effort contractions. Previous studies suggest that increased neural drive contributes to the enhanced short-term force-generating capabilities. Whether this reserve can be harnessed with repeated training is unclear. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of maximal-intensity resistance training, compared with conventional progressive resistance training, on lower extremity function and strength in chronic incomplete SCI. METHODS Using a randomized crossover design, 5 individuals with chronic (> 1 year postinjury) SCI American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification C or D were tested before and after 4 weeks of both maximal-intensity training and progressive resistance training paradigms. Outcomes measures included the 6-Minute Walk Test, the Berg Balance Scale, and peak isometric torque for strength of lower extremity muscles. RESULTS Maximal-intensity resistance training was associated with an average increase of 12.19 ± 8.29 m on the 6-Minute Walk Test, 4 ± 1.9 points on the Berg Balance Scale, 4 ± 4.5 points on the lower extremity motor score), while no changes on the above scores were seen with conventional training. Furthermore, significant increases in peak volitional isometric torques (mean increase = 20 ± 8 Nm) were observed following maximal-intensity resistance training when compared with conventional training (mean increase = 0.12 ± 3 Nm, P = 0.03). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Maximal-intensity training paradigm may facilitate rapid gains in volitional function and strength in persons with chronic motor-incomplete SCI, using a simple short-term training paradigm.
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Thompson CK, Hornby TG. Divergent modulation of clinical measures of volitional and reflexive motor behaviors following serotonergic medications in human incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2013; 30:498-502. [PMID: 22994901 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in profound impairments in volitional strength and reflex excitability, which contribute to loss of function. Human and animal models suggest that disruption of endogenous monoaminergic input, particularly serotonin (5-HT), from supraspinal centers contributes to this impaired motor function following SCI. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 5-HT medications on motor function in individuals with chronic (>1 year) SCI. Clinical measures of strength, spasticity/spasms, and walking ability were assessed in 12 individuals with chronic incomplete SCI following acute administration of either 8 mg cyproheptadine, a 5-HT antagonist, or 10 mg escitalopram, a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in a double-blinded, randomized, crossover fashion. Results indicated that 5-HT medications modulated both volitional and reflexive behaviors with little change in walking performance; 5-HT antagonist medications depressed clinical measures of strength and spasticity/spasms, whereas SSRIs augmented both strength and spasticity/spasms. These changes are consistent with the dysregulation of 5-HT sensitive spinal neurons following SCI. This understanding may augment clinicians' awareness of the motor consequences of 5-HT medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Thompson
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Bergquist AJ, Wiest MJ, Collins DF. Motor unit recruitment when neuromuscular electrical stimulation is applied over a nerve trunk compared with a muscle belly: quadriceps femoris. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012; 113:78-89. [PMID: 22556395 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00074.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be delivered over a nerve trunk or muscle belly and both can generate contractions through peripheral and central pathways. Generating contractions through peripheral pathways is associated with a nonphysiological motor unit recruitment order, which may limit the efficacy of NMES rehabilitation. Presently, we compared recruitment through peripheral and central pathways for contractions of the knee extensors evoked by NMES applied over the femoral nerve vs. the quadriceps muscle. NMES was delivered to evoke 10 and 20% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction torque 2–3 s into the NMES (time1) in two patterns: 1) constant frequency (15 Hz for 8 s); and 2) step frequency (15–100-15 Hz and 25–100-25 Hz for 3–2-3 s, respectively). Torque and electromyographic activity recorded from vastus lateralis and medialis were quantified at the beginning (time1) and end (time2; 6–7 s into the NMES) of each pattern. M-waves (peripheral pathway), H-reflexes, and asynchronous activity (central pathways) during NMES were quantified. Torque did not differ regardless of NMES location, pattern, or time. For both muscles, M-waves were ∼7–10 times smaller and H-reflexes ∼8–9 times larger during NMES over the nerve compared with over the muscle. However, unlike muscles studied previously, neither torque nor activity through central pathways were augmented following 100 Hz NMES, nor was any asynchronous activity evoked during NMES at either location. The coefficient of variation was also quantified at time2to determine the consistency of each dependent measure between three consecutive contractions. Torque, M-waves, and H-reflexes were most variable during NMES over the nerve. In summary, NMES over the nerve produced contractions with the greatest recruitment through central pathways; however, considering some of the limitations of NMES over the femoral nerve, it may be considered a good complement to, as opposed to a replacement for, NMES over the quadriceps muscle for maintaining muscle quality and reducing contraction fatigue during NMES rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Bergquist
- Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton; and
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. J. Wiest
- Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton; and
| | - D. F. Collins
- Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton; and
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Clair-Auger JM, Collins DF, Dewald JPA. The effects of wide pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation on elbow flexion torque in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Clin Neurophysiol 2012; 123:2247-55. [PMID: 22627022 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2012.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuromuscular electrical stimulation that incorporates wide pulse widths (1ms) and high frequencies (100Hz; wide pulse-NMES (WP-NMES)) augments contractions through an increased reflexive recruitment of motoneurons in individuals without neurological impairments and those with spinal cord injury. The current study was designed to investigate whether WP-NMES also augments contractions after stroke. We hypothesized that WP-NMES would generate larger contractions in the paretic arm compared to the non-paretic arm due to increased reflex excitability for paretic muscles after stroke. METHODS The biceps brachii muscles were stimulated bilaterally in 10 individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Four stimulation patterns were delivered to explore the effects of pulse width and frequency on contraction amplitude: 20-100-20Hz (4s each phase, 1ms pulse width); 20-100-20Hz (4s each phase, 0.1ms); 20Hz for 12s (1ms); and 100Hz for 12s (1ms). Elbow flexion torque and electromyography were recorded. RESULTS Stimulation that incorporated 1ms pulses evoked more torque in the paretic arm than the non-paretic arm. When 0.1ms pulses were used there was no difference in torque between arms. For both arms, torque declined significantly during the constant frequency 100Hz stimulation and did not change during the constant frequency 20Hz stimulation. CONCLUSIONS The larger contractions generated by WP-NMES are likely due to increased reflexive recruitment of motoneurons, resulting from increased reflex excitability on the paretic side. SIGNIFICANCE NMES that elicits larger contractions may allow for development of more effective stroke rehabilitation paradigms and functional neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Clair-Auger
- Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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