1
|
Baumgartner NW, Hill JP, Bhatnagar S, Roos R, Soliven B, Rezania K, Issa NP. Added load increases the peak frequency of intermuscular coherence. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2024; 76:102881. [PMID: 38574588 PMCID: PMC11111328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102881] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cortical motor neuron activity appears to drive lower motor neurons through two distinct frequency bands: the β range (15-30 Hz) during weak muscle contractions and γ range (30-50 Hz) during strong contractions. It is unknown whether the frequency of cortical drive shifts continuously or abruptly between the β and γ frequency bands as contraction strength changes. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) between synergistic arm muscles was used to assess how the frequency of common neuronal drive shifts with increasing contraction strength. Muscle activity was recorded by surface electromyography (EMG) from the biceps and brachioradialis in nine healthy adults performing 30-second isometric holds with added loads. IMC was calculated across the two muscle groups during the isometric contraction. Significant IMC was present in the 20 to 50 Hz range with all loads. Repeated measures ANOVA show the peak frequency of IMC increased significantly when load was added, from a peak of 32.7 Hz with no added load, to 35.3 Hz, 35.7 Hz, and 36.3 Hz with three-, five-, and ten-pound loads respectively. An increase in IMC frequency occurs in response to added load, suggesting that cortical drive functions over a range of frequencies as a function of an isometric contraction against load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Baumgartner
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jacquelyn P Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shail Bhatnagar
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Raymond Roos
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Betty Soliven
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Naoum P Issa
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Issa NP, Aydin S, Polley E, Carberry N, Garret MA, Smith S, Habib AA, Baumgartner NW, Soliven B, Rezania K. Intermuscular coherence as an early biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The protocol for a prospective, multicenter study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303053. [PMID: 38776297 PMCID: PMC11111088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the protocol of a prospective study to test the validity of intermuscular coherence (IMC) as a diagnostic tool and biomarker of upper motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS This is a multicenter, prospective study. IMC of muscle pairs in the upper and lower limbs is gathered in ∼650 subjects across three groups using surface electrodes and conventional electromyography (EMG) machines. The following subjects will be tested: 1) neurotypical controls; 2) patients with symptomatology suggestive for early ALS but not meeting probable or definite ALS by Awaji Criteria; 3) patients with a known ALS mimic. The recruitment period is between 3/31/2021 and 12/31/2025. Written consent will be sought from the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative during enrollment. RESULTS The endpoints of this study include: 1) whether adding IMC to the Awaji ALS criteria improve its sensitivity in early ALS and can allow for diagnosis earlier; 2) constructing a database of IMC across different ages, genders, and ethnicities. SIGNIFICANCE This study may validate a new inexpensive, painless, and widely available tool for the diagnosis of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoum P. Issa
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Serdar Aydin
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Eric Polley
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Nathan Carberry
- University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Garret
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sean Smith
- Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Ali A. Habib
- University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Betty Soliven
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Villalba MM, Silva NRS, Fujita RA, Fogagnolo C, Gomes MM, Pacheco MM. Muscle Recruitment Strategies in a Redundant Task: Age Differences Through Network Analyses. J Mot Behav 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38565202 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2024.2332767] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
There are numerous studies comparing young and old adults in terms of muscle coordination in standard tasks (e.g., walking, reaching) and small variations of them. These tasks might hide differences: individuals would converge to similar behavior as they practice these throughout life. Also, we are unaware of studies that considered the muscle recruitment nested dynamics. For this reason, our study evaluated how young and old women coordinate and control the movement system while performing an unusual redundant motor control task through the network physiology approach. We acquired electromyographic signals from nine leg muscles of the dominant and non-dominant limbs during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (knee extension and flexion) and co-contraction bouts. Our results showed that young participants presented higher peak torque output, with similar EMG variability, compared to older participants. Considering firing rate frequencies, old and young women demonstrated different traits for network clustering and efficiency for the task. Age seems to affect muscle coordination at higher frequencies, even with a similar number of muscle synergies, indicating that younger women might have more integrated synergies than older women. The findings also point to differential muscle coordination adaptability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Villalba
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nilson R S Silva
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory, Boise State University, Boise, USA
| | - Rafael A Fujita
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carol Fogagnolo
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Gomes
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Pacheco
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Faculty of Sport, LABIOMEP, CIFI2D, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physical Education, GEDEM, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Issa NP, Aydin S, Bhatnagar S, Baumgartner NW, Hill J, Aluri S, Valentic CS, Polley E, Gomez CM, Rezania K. Intermuscular Coherence in Spinocerebellar Ataxias 3 and 6: a Preliminary Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:601-608. [PMID: 37428409 PMCID: PMC10776817 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01585-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are familial neurodegenerative diseases involving the cerebellum and spinocerebellar tracts. While there is variable involvement of corticospinal tracts (CST), dorsal root ganglia, and motor neurons in SCA3, SCA6 is characterized by a pure, late-onset ataxia. Abnormal intermuscular coherence in the beta-gamma frequency range (IMCβγ) implies a lack of integrity of CST or the afferent input from the acting muscles. We test the hypothesis that IMCβγ has the potential to be a biomarker of disease activity in SCA3 but not SCA6. Intermuscular coherence between biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles was measured from surface EMG waveforms in SCA3 (N = 16) and SCA6 (N = 20) patients and in neurotypical subjects (N = 23). IMC peak frequencies were present in the β range in SCA patients and in the γ range in neurotypical subjects. The difference between IMC amplitudes in the γ and β ranges was significant when comparing neurotypical control subjects to SCA3 (p < 0.01) and SCA6 (p = 0.01) patients. IMCβγ amplitude was smaller in SCA3 patients compared to neurotypical subjects (p < 0.05), but not different between SCA3 and SCA6 patients or between SCA6 and neurotypical subjects. IMC metrics can differentiate SCA patients from normal controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoum P Issa
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Serdar Aydin
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Shail Bhatnagar
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Jacquelyn Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Sravya Aluri
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Eric Polley
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Christopher M Gomez
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kourosh Rezania
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC2030, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao Z, Lv S, Ran X, Wang Y, Xia M, Wang J, Qiu M, Wei Y, Shao Z, Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Yu Y. Influencing factors of corticomuscular coherence in stroke patients. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1354332. [PMID: 38562230 PMCID: PMC10982423 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1354332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident, is an acute cerebrovascular disease with a high incidence, disability rate, and mortality. It can disrupt the interaction between the cerebral cortex and external muscles. Corticomuscular coherence (CMC) is a common and useful method for studying how the cerebral cortex controls muscle activity. CMC can expose functional connections between the cortex and muscle, reflecting the information flow in the motor system. Afferent feedback related to CMC can reveal these functional connections. This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing CMC in stroke patients and provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the current research in this area. This paper begins by discussing the impact of stroke and the significance of CMC in stroke patients. It then proceeds to elaborate on the mechanism of CMC and its defining formula. Next, the impacts of various factors on CMC in stroke patients were discussed individually. Lastly, this paper addresses current challenges and future prospects for CMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Gao
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shiyang Lv
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiangying Ran
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Mengsheng Xia
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Junming Wang
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Mengyue Qiu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yinping Wei
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenpeng Shao
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zongya Zhao
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yehong Zhang
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xuezhi Zhou
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yi Yu
- School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Neurosense and Control of Henan Province, Xinxiang, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Neural Information Analysis and Drug Intelligent Design, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ortega-Auriol P, Byblow WD, Besier T, McMorland AJC. Muscle synergies are associated with intermuscular coherence and cortico-synergy coherence in an isometric upper limb task. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:2627-2643. [PMID: 37737925 PMCID: PMC10635925 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms of muscle synergies, we investigated long-range functional connectivity by cortico-muscular (CMC), intermuscular (IMC) and cortico-synergy (CSC) coherence. Fourteen healthy participants executed an isometric upper limb task in synergy-tuned directions. Cortical activity was recorded using 32-channel electroencephalography (EEG) and muscle activity using 16-channel electromyography (EMG). Using non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF), we calculated muscle synergies from two different tasks. A preliminary multidirectional task was used to identify synergy-preferred directions (PDs). A subsequent coherence task, consisting of generating forces isometrically in the synergy PDs, was used to assess the functional connectivity properties of synergies. Overall, we were able to identify four different synergies from the multidirectional task. A significant alpha band IMC was consistently present in all extracted synergies. Moreover, IMC alpha band was higher between muscles with higher weights within a synergy. Interestingly, CSC alpha band was also significantly higher across muscles with higher weights within a synergy. In contrast, no significant CMC was found between the motor cortex area and synergy muscles. The presence of a shared input onto synergistic muscles within a synergy supports the idea of neurally derived muscle synergies that build human movement. Our findings suggest cortical modulation of some of the synergies and the consequential existence of shared input between muscles within cortically modulated synergies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ortega-Auriol
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Winston D Byblow
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thor Besier
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Angus J C McMorland
- Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Exel J, Deimel D, Koller W, Werle C, Baca A, Maffiodo D, Sesana R, Colombo A, Kainz H. Neuromechanics of finger hangs with arm lock-offs: analyzing joint moments and muscle activations to improve practice guidelines for climbing. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1251089. [PMID: 37927449 PMCID: PMC10623130 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1251089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Climbing imposes substantial demands on the upper limbs and understanding the mechanical loads experienced by the joints during climbing movements is crucial for injury prevention and optimizing training protocols. This study aimed to quantify and compare upper limb joint loads and muscle activations during isometric finger hanging exercises with different arm lock-off positions. Methods Seventeen recreational climbers performed six finger dead hangs with arm lock-offs at 90° and 135° of elbow flexion, as well as arms fully extended. Upper limb joint moments were calculated using personalized models in OpenSim, based on three-dimensional motion capture data and forces measured on an instrumented hang board. Muscle activations of upper limb muscles were recorded with surface electromyography electrodes. Results Results revealed that the shoulder exhibited higher flexion moments during arm lock-offs at 90° compared to full extension (p = 0.006). The adduction moment was higher at 135° and 90° compared to full extension (p < 0.001), as well as the rotation moments (p < 0.001). The elbows exhibited increasing flexion moments with the increase in the arm lock-off angle (p < 0.001). Muscle activations varied across conditions for biceps brachii (p < 0.001), trapezius (p < 0.001), and latissimus dorsi, except for the finger flexors (p = 0.15). Discussion Our findings indicate that isometric finger dead hangs with arms fully extended are effective for training forearm force capacities while minimizing stress on the elbow and shoulder joints. These findings have important implications for injury prevention and optimizing training strategies in climbing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Exel
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neuromechanics Research Group, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Deimel
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neuromechanics Research Group, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Willi Koller
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neuromechanics Research Group, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cäcilia Werle
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arnold Baca
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Maffiodo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Sesana
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colombo
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Hans Kainz
- Department of Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Computer Science in Sport, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neuromechanics Research Group, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lecce E, Nuccio S, Del Vecchio A, Conti A, Nicolò A, Sacchetti M, Felici F, Bazzucchi I. Sensorimotor integration is affected by acute whole-body vibration: a coherence study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1266085. [PMID: 37772061 PMCID: PMC10523146 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1266085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several whole-body vibration (WBV) effects on performance have been related to potential changes in the neural drive, motor unit firing rate, and sensorimotor integration. In the present paper, motor unit coherence analysis was performed to detect the source of neural modulation based on the frequency domain. Methods: Thirteen men [25 ± 2.1 years; Body Mass Index (BMI) = 23.9 ± 1.3 kg m2; maximal voluntary force (MVF): 324.36 ± 41.26 N] performed sustained contractions of the Tibialis Anterior (TA) at 10%MVF before and after acute WBV. The vibrating stimulus was applied barefoot through a platform to target the TA. High-Density surface Electromyography (HDsEMG) was used to record the myoelectrical activity of TA to evaluate coherence from motor unit cumulative spike-trains (CSTs). Results: Mean coherence showed a significant decrease in the alpha and low-beta bandwidths (alpha: from 0.143 ± 0.129 to 0.132 ± 0.129, p = 0.035; low-beta: from 0.117 ± 0.039 to 0.086 ± 0.03, p = 0.0001), whereas no significant changes were found in the other ones (p > 0.05). The discharge rate (DR) and the Force Covariance (CovF%) were not significantly affected by acute WBV exposure (p > 0.05). Discussion: According to the significant effects found in alpha and low-beta bandwidths, which reflect sensorimotor integration parameters, accompanied by no differences in the DR and CovF%, the present results underlined that possible neural mechanisms at the base of the previously reported performance enhancements following acute WBV are likely based on sensorimotor integration rather than direct neural drive modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Lecce
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Nuccio
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Del Vecchio
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Zentralinstitut für Medizintechnik (ZIMT), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A. Conti
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Nicolò
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Sacchetti
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Felici
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| | - I. Bazzucchi
- Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen C, Ma S, Sheng X, Zhu X. A peel-off convolution kernel compensation method for surface electromyography decomposition. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.104897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
|
10
|
Zipser-Mohammadzada F, Scheffers MF, Conway BA, Halliday DM, Zipser CM, Curt A, Schubert M. Intramuscular coherence enables robust assessment of modulated supra-spinal input in human gait: an inter-dependence study of visual task and walking speed. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1675-1689. [PMID: 37199775 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Intramuscular high-frequency coherence is increased during visually guided treadmill walking as a consequence of increased supra-spinal input. The influence of walking speed on intramuscular coherence and its inter-trial reproducibility need to be established before adoption as a functional gait assessment tool in clinical settings. Here, fifteen healthy controls performed a normal and a target walking task on a treadmill at various speeds (0.3 m/s, 0.5 m/s, 0.9 m/s, and preferred) during two sessions. Intramuscular coherence was calculated between two surface EMG recordings sites of the Tibialis anterior muscle during the swing phase of walking. The results were averaged across low-frequency (5-14 Hz) and high-frequency (15-55 Hz) bands. The effect of speed, task, and time on mean coherence was assessed using three-way repeated measures ANOVA. Reliability and agreement were calculated with the intra-class correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman method, respectively. Intramuscular coherence during target walking was significantly higher than during normal walking across all walking speeds in the high-frequency band as obtained by the three-way repeated measures ANOVA. Interaction effects between task and speed were found for the low- and high-frequency bands, suggesting that task-dependent differences increase at higher walking speeds. Reliability of intramuscular coherence was moderate to excellent for most normal and target walking tasks in all frequency bands. This study confirms previous reports of increased intramuscular coherence during target walking, while providing first evidence for reproducibility and robustness of this measure as a requirement to investigate supra-spinal input.Trial registration Registry number/ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03343132, date of registration 2017/11/17.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjelle Fredie Scheffers
- Department of Neurophysiology, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard A Conway
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - David M Halliday
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Carl Moritz Zipser
- Department of Neurophysiology, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Department of Neurophysiology, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schubert
- Department of Neurophysiology, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Issa NP, Aydin S, Bhatnagar S, Baumgartner NW, Hill J, Aluri S, Valentic CS, Gomez CM, Rezania K. Intermuscular coherence in spinocerebellar ataxias 3 and 6: a preliminary study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2782070. [PMID: 37131794 PMCID: PMC10153384 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2782070/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective : Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are familial neurodegenerative diseases involving the cerebellum and spinocerebellar tracts. While there is variable involvement of corticospinal tracts (CST), dorsal root ganglia, and motor neurons in SCA3, SCA6 is characterized by a pure, late-onset ataxia. Abnormal intermuscular coherence in the beta-gamma frequency range (IMCbg) implies lack of integrity of CST or the afferent input from the acting muscles. We test the hypothesis that IMCbg has the potential to be a biomarker of disease activity in SCA3 but not SCA6. Methods: Intermuscular coherence between biceps and brachioradialis muscles was measured from surface EMG waveforms in SCA3 (N=16) and SCA6 (N=20) patients, and in neurotypical subjects (N=23). Results: IMC peak frequencies were present in the b range in SCA patients and in the g range in neurotypical subjects. The difference between IMC amplitudes in the g and b ranges was significant when comparing neurotypical control subjects to SCA3 (p < 0.01) and SCA6 (p = 0.01) patients. IMCbg amplitude was smaller in SCA3 patients compared to neurotypical subjects (p<0.05), but not different between SCA3 and SCA6 patients or between SCA6 and neurotypical subjects. Conclusion/significance: IMC metrics can differentiate SCA patients from normal controls.
Collapse
|
12
|
Post-contraction potentiation can react inversely to post-activation potentiation depending on the test contraction force. Neurosci Lett 2023; 801:137132. [PMID: 36801240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the biceps brachii during weak elbow flexion reportedly increases immediately after strong elbow flexion, even during the exertion of a given force. This phenomenon is called post-contraction potentiation (EMG-PCP). However, the effects of test contraction intensity (TCI) on EMG-PCP remain unclear. This study evaluated PCP levels at various TCI values. Sixteen healthy participants were asked to perform a force matching task (2%, 10%, or 20% of the maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]) before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) a conditioning contraction (50% of MVC). With a 2% TCI, the EMG amplitude was higher in Test 2 than in Test 1. With a 20% TCI, the EMG amplitude was lower in Test 2 than in Test 1. Furthermore, EMG spectral analyses showed that the α- and β-band power ratios in Test 2 were enhanced by 2% TCI compared with Test 1. These findings suggest that TCI is crucial in determining the EMG-force relationship immediately after a brief intensive contraction.
Collapse
|
13
|
Glories D, Soulhol M, Amarantini D, Duclay J. Combined effect of contraction type and intensity on corticomuscular coherence during isokinetic plantar flexions. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:609-621. [PMID: 36352055 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05087-y] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During isometric contractions, corticomuscular coherence (CMC) may be modulated along with the contraction intensity. Furthermore, CMC may also vary between contraction types due to the contribution of spinal inhibitory mechanisms. However, the interaction between the effect of the contraction intensity and of the contraction type on CMC remains hitherto unknown. Therefore, CMC and spinal excitability modulations were compared during submaximal isometric, shortening and lengthening contractions of plantar flexor muscles at 25, 50, and 70% of the maximal soleus (SOL) EMG activity. CMC was computed in the time-frequency domain between the Cz EEG electrode signal and the SOL or medial gastrocnemius (MG) EMG signals. The results indicated that beta-band CMC was decreased in the SOL only between 25 and 50-70% contractions for both isometric and anisometric contractions, but remained similar for all contraction intensities in the MG. Spinal excitability was similar for all contraction intensities in both muscles. Meanwhile a divergence of the EEG and the EMG signals mean frequency was observed only in the SOL and only between 25 and 50-70% contractions, independently from the contraction type. Collectively, these findings confirm an effect of the contraction intensity on beta-band CMC, although it was only measured in the SOL, between low-level and high-level contraction intensities. Furthermore, the current findings provide new evidence that the observed modulations of beta-band CMC with the contraction intensity does not depend on the contraction type or on spinal excitability variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Glories
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 3062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Mathias Soulhol
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 3062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - David Amarantini
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 3062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Julien Duclay
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 3062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Free DB, Syndergaard I, Pigg AC, Muceli S, Thompson-Westra J, Mente K, Maurer CW, Haubenberger D, Hallett M, Farina D, Charles SK. Essential Tremor accentuates the pattern of tremor-band coherence between upper-limb muscles. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:524-540. [PMID: 36695518 PMCID: PMC9970651 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00398.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Essential Tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, current treatment options are relatively limited. Peripheral tremor suppression methods have shown potential, but we do not currently know which muscles are most responsible for patients' tremor, making it difficult to optimize suppression methods. The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationships between the tremorogenic activity in muscles throughout the upper limb. Muscle activity was recorded from the 15 major superficial upper-limb muscles in 24 subjects with Essential Tremor while they held various postures or made upper-limb movements. We calculated the coherence in the tremor band (4-12 Hz) between the activity of all muscle pairs and the time-varying phase difference between sufficiently coherent muscle pairs. Overall, the observed pattern somewhat mirrored functional relationships: agonistic muscle pairs were most coherent and in phase, whereas antagonist and unrelated muscle pairs exhibited less coherence and were either consistently in phase, consistently antiphase, consistently out of phase (unrelated pairs only), or else inconsistent. Patients exhibited significantly more coherence than control subjects (p<0.001) in the vast majority of muscle pairs (95 out of 105). Furthermore, differences between patients and controls were most pronounced among agonists; thus, the coherence pattern existing in control subjects was accentuated in patients with ET. We conclude that tremor-band activity is broadly distributed among the muscles of the upper limb, challenging efforts to determine which muscles are most responsible for a patient's tremor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Free
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| | - Ian Syndergaard
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| | - Adam C Pigg
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| | - Silvia Muceli
- Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thompson-Westra
- Clinical Trials Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Karin Mente
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Carine W Maurer
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Dietrich Haubenberger
- Clinical Trials Unit, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Dario Farina
- Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven K Charles
- Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
- Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marin-Pardo O, Donnelly MR, Phanord CS, Wong K, Pan J, Liew SL. Functional and neuromuscular changes induced via a low-cost, muscle-computer interface for telerehabilitation: A feasibility study in chronic stroke. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:1046695. [PMID: 38235476 PMCID: PMC10790881 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.1046695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. High doses of repeated task-specific practice have shown promising results in restoring upper limb function in chronic stroke. However, it is currently challenging to provide such doses in clinical practice. At-home telerehabilitation supervised by a clinician is a potential solution to provide higher-dose interventions. However, telerehabilitation systems developed for repeated task-specific practice typically require a minimum level of active movement. Therefore, severely impaired people necessitate alternative therapeutic approaches. Measurement and feedback of electrical muscle activity via electromyography (EMG) have been previously implemented in the presence of minimal or no volitional movement to improve motor performance in people with stroke. Specifically, muscle neurofeedback training to reduce unintended co-contractions of the impaired hand may be a targeted intervention to improve motor control in severely impaired populations. Here, we present the preliminary results of a low-cost, portable EMG biofeedback system (Tele-REINVENT) for supervised and unsupervised upper limb telerehabilitation after stroke. We aimed to explore the feasibility of providing higher doses of repeated task-specific practice during at-home training. Therefore, we recruited 5 participants (age = 44-73 years) with chronic, severe impairment due to stroke (Fugl-Meyer = 19-40/66). They completed a 6-week home-based training program that reinforced activity of the wrist extensor muscles while avoiding coactivation of flexor muscles via computer games. We used EMG signals to quantify the contribution of two antagonistic muscles and provide biofeedback of individuated activity, defined as a ratio of extensor and flexor activity during movement attempt. Our data suggest that 30 1-h sessions over 6 weeks of at-home training with our Tele-REINVENT system is feasible and may improve individuated muscle activity as well as scores on standard clinical assessments (e.g., Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, active wrist range of motion) for some individuals. Furthermore, tests of neuromuscular control suggest modest changes in the synchronization of electroencephalography (EEG) and EMG signals within the beta band (12-30 Hz). Finally, all participants showed high adherence to the training protocol and reported enjoying using the system. These preliminary results suggest that using low-cost technology for home-based telerehabilitation after severe chronic stroke is feasible and may be effective in improving motor control via feedback of individuated muscle activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Marin-Pardo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Miranda Rennie Donnelly
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Coralie S. Phanord
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kira Wong
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Pan
- Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sook-Lei Liew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Stevens Neuroinformatics Institute, Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Guo J, Liu T, Wang J. Effects of auditory feedback on fine motor output and corticomuscular coherence during a unilateral finger pinch task. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:896933. [DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.896933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory feedback is important to reduce movement error and improve motor performance during a precise motor task. Accurate motion guided by auditory feedback may rely on the neural muscle transmission pathway between the sensorimotor area and the effective muscle. However, it remains unclear how neural activities and sensorimotor loops play a role in enhancing performance. The present study uses an auditory feedback system by simultaneously recording electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and exert force information to measure corticomuscular coherence (CMC), neural activity, and motor performance during precise unilateral right-hand pinch by using the thumb and the index finger with and without auditory feedback. This study confirms three results. First, compared with no auditory feedback, auditory feedback decreases movement errors. Second, compared with no auditory feedback, auditory feedback decreased the power spectrum in the beta band in the bimanual sensorimotor cortex and the alpha band in the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex. Finally, CMC was computed between effector muscle of right hand and contralateral sensorimotor cortex. Analyses reveals that the CMC of beta band significantly decreases in auditory feedback condition compared with no auditory feedback condition. The results indicate that auditory feedback decreases the power spectral in the alpha and beta bands and decreases corticospinal connection in the beta band during precise hand control. This study provides a new perspective on the effect of auditory feedback on behavior and brain activity and offers a new idea for designing more suitable and effective rehabilitation and training strategies to improve fine motor performance.
Collapse
|
17
|
Qiu F, Liu X, Xu Y, Shi L, Sheng X, Chen C. Neural inputs from spinal motor neurons to lateralis vastus muscle: Comparison between sprinters and nonathletes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:994857. [PMID: 36277210 PMCID: PMC9585313 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.994857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptation of neural contractile properties has been observed in previous work. However, the neural changes on the motor unit (MU) level remain largely unknown. Voluntary movements are controlled through the precise activation of MU populations. In this work, we estimate the neural inputs from the spinal motor neurons to the muscles during isometric contractions and characterize the neural adaptation during training by comparing the MU properties decomposed from sprinters and nonathletes. Twenty subjects were recruited and divided into two groups. The high-density surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the lateralis vastus muscle during the isometric contraction of knee extension and were then decomposed into MU spike trains. Each MU’s action potentials and discharge properties were extracted for comparison across subject groups and tasks. A total of 1097 MUs were identified from all subjects. Results showed that the discharge rates and amplitudes of MUAPs from athletes were significantly higher than those from nonathletes. These results demonstrate the neural adaptations in physical training at the MU population level and indicate the great potential of EMG decomposition in physiological investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Qiu
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Xu
- Sports Biomechanics Laboratory, Jiangsu Research Institute of Sports Science, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjun Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chen Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Differences in motor unit recruitment patterns and low frequency oscillation of discharge rates between unilateral and bilateral isometric muscle contractions. Hum Mov Sci 2022; 83:102952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2022.102952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
19
|
Tisseyre J, Cremoux S, Amarantini D, Tallet J. Increased intensity of unintended mirror muscle contractions after cervical spinal cord injury is associated with changes in interhemispheric and corticomuscular coherences. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113563. [PMID: 34499938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113563] [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: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mirror contractions refer to unintended contractions of the contralateral homologous muscles during voluntary unilateral contractions or movements. Exaggerated mirror contractions have been found in several neurological diseases and indicate dysfunction or lesion of the cortico-spinal pathway. The present study investigates mirror contractions and the associated interhemispheric and corticomuscular interactions in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) - who present a lesion of the cortico-spinal tract - compared to able-bodied participants (AB). Eight right-handed adults with chronic cervical SCI and ten age-matched right-handed able-bodied volunteers performed sets of right elbow extensions at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of the right and left elbow extensors, interhemispheric coherence over cerebral sensorimotor regions evaluated by electroencephalography (EEG) and corticomuscular coherence between signals over the cerebral sensorimotor regions and each extensor were quantified. Overall, results revealed that participants with SCI exhibited (1) increased EMG activity of both active and unintended active limbs, suggesting more mirror contractions, (2) reduced corticomuscular coherence between signals over the left sensorimotor region and the right active limb and increased corticomuscular coherence between the right sensorimotor region and the left unintended active limb, (3) decreased interhemispheric coherence between signals over the two sensorimotor regions. The increased corticomuscular communication and decreased interhemispheric communication may reflect a reduced inhibition leading to increased communication with the unintended active limb, possibly resulting to exacerbated mirror contractions in SCI. Finally, mirror contractions could represent changes of neural and neuromuscular communication after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tisseyre
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Sylvain Cremoux
- CerCo, CNRS, UMR5549, Université de Toulouse, 31052 Toulouse, France
| | - David Amarantini
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jessica Tallet
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen C, Yu Y, Sheng X, Zhu X. Non-invasive analysis of motor unit activation during simultaneous and continuous wrist movements. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2021; 26:2106-2115. [PMID: 34910644 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2021.3135575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Surface electromyography (EMG) signals have shown promising applications in human-machine interfacing (HMI) systems such as orthotics, prosthetics, and exoskeletons. Nevertheless, existing myoelectric control methods, generally based on time-domain or frequency-domain features, could not directly interpret neural commands. EMG decomposition techniques have become a prevailing solution to decode the motor neuron discharges from the spinal cord, whereas only single degree-of-freedom (DoF) movements are primarily involved in the current neural-based interfaces, resulting in limited intuitiveness and functionality. Here, we propose a non-invasive framework to analyze motor unit activities and estimate wrist torques during simultaneous contractions of multiple DoFs. Motor unit discharges were decoded from surface EMG signals and pooled into groups during sequential wrist movements. Then three neural features were extracted and linearly projected to the torques of multi-DoF tasks. On average, there were 4413 motor units identified for each motion with a PNR value of 25.82.9 dB. The neural features outperformed the classic EMG feature on the estimation accuracy with higher correlation coefficients and smoothness. These results demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed framework in kinetics estimation of simultaneous movements, extending the potential applications of surface EMG decomposition in human-machine interfaces.
Collapse
|
21
|
Błaszczyszyn M, Borysiuk Z, Piechota K, Kręcisz K, Zmarzły D. Wavelet coherence as a measure of trunk stabilizer muscle activation in wheelchair fencers. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:140. [PMID: 34717749 PMCID: PMC8557511 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00369-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermuscular synchronization constitutes one of the key aspects of effective sport performance and activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to assess the synchronization of trunk stabilizer muscles in wheelchair fencers with the use of wavelet analysis. METHODS Intermuscular synchronization and antagonistic EMG-EMG coherence were evaluated in the pairs of the right and the left latissimus dorsi/external oblique abdominal (LD/EOA) muscles. The study group consisted of 16 wheelchair fencers, members of the Polish Paralympic Team, divided into two categories of disability (A and B). Data analysis was carried out in three stages: (1) muscle activation recording using sEMG; (2) wavelet coherence analysis; and (3) coherence density analysis. RESULTS In the Paralympic wheelchair fencers, regardless of their disability category, the muscles were activated at low frequency levels: 8-20 Hz for category A fencers, and 5-15 Hz for category B fencers. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated a clear activity of the trunk muscles in the wheelchair fencers, including those with spinal cord injury, which can be explained as an outcome of their intense training. EMG signal processing application have great potential for performance improvement and diagnosis of wheelchair athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Błaszczyszyn
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Borysiuk
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piechota
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kręcisz
- Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| | - Dariusz Zmarzły
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics and Computer Science, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758, Opole, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tian N, Chen Y, Sun W, Liu H, Wang X, Yan T, Song R. Investigating the Stroke- and Aging-Related Changes in Global and Instantaneous Intermuscular Coupling Using Cross-Fuzzy Entropy. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2021; 29:1573-1582. [PMID: 34329167 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2021.3101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Intermuscular coupling is essential in the coordination of agonist and antagonist muscles. However, its dynamic characteristics are not fully understood, especially the alterations of intermuscular coupling induced by stroke and aging. This study aimed to investigate the aging- and stroke-related changes in the global and instantaneous intermuscular coupling between agonist and antagonist muscles. In the experiment, 8 patients after stroke, 18 healthy young subjects and 10 healthy middle-aged subjects were recruited and instructed to finish the elbow flexion and extension tasks. Cross-fuzzy entropy (C-FuzzyEn) and instantaneous C-FuzzyEn ( [Formula: see text]-FuzzyEn) based on a sliding window were used to analyze the global and instantaneous intermuscular coupling, respectively. Instantaneous FuzzyEn ( i -FuzzyEn) based on a sliding window was also applied to investigate the dynamic complexity of the EMG segment. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that i -FuzzyEn values were negatively correlated with [Formula: see text]-FuzzyEn values in most cases, which implied that there was a positive correlation between EMG complexity and intermuscular coupling. The C-FuzzyEn values between agonist and antagonist muscles increased significantly in both tasks of the patients after stroke than those of the healthy subjects (p < 0.05), which might be due to the decrease in intermuscular coupling induced by the damage of the corticospinal pathways after stroke. The combined application of C-FuzzyEn, [Formula: see text]-FuzzyEn and i -FuzzyEn provides a more comprehensive understanding of the global and instantaneous intermuscular coupling.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nijhuis P, Keller PE, Nozaradan S, Varlet M. Dynamic modulation of cortico-muscular coupling during real and imagined sensorimotor synchronisation. Neuroimage 2021; 238:118209. [PMID: 34051354 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
People have a natural and intrinsic ability to coordinate body movements with rhythms surrounding them, known as sensorimotor synchronisation. This can be observed in daily environments, when dancing or singing along with music, or spontaneously walking, talking or applauding in synchrony with one another. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying accurately synchronised movement with selected rhythms in the environment remain unclear. Here we studied real and imagined sensorimotor synchronisation with interleaved auditory and visual rhythms using cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) to better understand the processes underlying the preparation and execution of synchronised movement. Electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) from the finger flexors, and continuous force signals were recorded in 20 participants during tapping and imagined tapping with discrete stimulus sequences consisting of alternating auditory beeps and visual flashes. The results show that the synchronisation between cortical and muscular activity in the beta (14-38 Hz) frequency band becomes time-locked to the taps executed in synchrony with the visual and auditory stimuli. Dynamic modulation in CMC also occurred when participants imagined tapping with the visual stimuli, but with lower amplitude and a different temporal profile compared to real tapping. These results suggest that CMC does not only reflect changes related to the production of the synchronised movement, but also to its preparation, which appears heightened under higher attentional demands imposed when synchronising with the visual stimuli. These findings highlight a critical role of beta band neural oscillations in the cortical-muscular coupling underlying sensorimotor synchronisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patti Nijhuis
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Peter E Keller
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sylvie Nozaradan
- Institute of Neuroscience (Ions), Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Belgium
| | - Manuel Varlet
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen C, Yu Y, Sheng X, Farina D, Zhu X. Simultaneous and proportional control of wrist and hand movements by decoding motor unit discharges in real time. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 33764315 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abf186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Surface electromyography (EMG) decomposition techniques can be used to establish human-machine interfacing (HMI), but most investigations are implemented offline due to the computational load of the approach. Here, we generalize the offline decomposition algorithm to identify the motor unit (MU) activities in real time, and we propose a MU-based approach for online simultaneous and proportional control of multiple motor tasks.Approach.High-density surface EMG signals recorded from forearm muscles were decomposed into motor unit spike trains (MUST) with the proposed decomposition method. The MUSTs were first pooled into clusters in the calibration phase and the cumulative discharges of active MUs in each group were extracted as the control signal for each motor task. Then the subjects were instructed to control a virtual cursor with multiple motor tasks involving grasp and wrist movements. Fifteen able-bodied subjects and two patients with limb deficiency participated in the experiments to validate the proposed control scheme.Main results.On average, over 20 MUSTs were identified in real time with an estimated decomposition accuracy > 85%. The cumulative discharge in each pool was highly correlated with the activation of the specific motion (R=0.93±0.05). Moreover, the proposed MU-based method had superior performance in online tests than conventional myo-control methods based on global EMG features.Significance.These results indicate the feasibility of real-time neural decoding in a non-invasive way. Moreover, the superior performance in online tests proves the potential of the MU-based approach for the simultaneous and proportional control, promoting the application of EMG decomposition for HMI systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, No. 800, Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Yang Yu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, 800 Dongchuan RD. Minhang District, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Xinjun Sheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, No. 800, Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Royal School of Mines South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Xiangyang Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, No. 800, Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Glories D, Soulhol M, Amarantini D, Duclay J. Specific modulation of corticomuscular coherence during submaximal voluntary isometric, shortening and lengthening contractions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6322. [PMID: 33737659 PMCID: PMC7973785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85851-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
During voluntary contractions, corticomuscular coherence (CMC) is thought to reflect a mutual interaction between cortical and muscle oscillatory activities, respectively measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). However, it remains unclear whether CMC modulation would depend on the contribution of neural mechanisms acting at the spinal level. To this purpose, modulations of CMC were compared during submaximal isometric, shortening and lengthening contractions of the soleus (SOL) and the medial gastrocnemius (MG) with a concurrent analysis of changes in spinal excitability that may be reduced during lengthening contractions. Submaximal contractions intensity was set at 50% of the maximal SOL EMG activity. CMC was computed in the time-frequency domain between the Cz EEG electrode signal and the unrectified SOL or MG EMG signal. Spinal excitability was quantified through normalized Hoffmann (H) reflex amplitude. The results indicate that beta-band CMC and normalized H-reflex were significantly lower in SOL during lengthening compared with isometric contractions, but were similar in MG for all three muscle contraction types. Collectively, these results highlight an effect of contraction type on beta-band CMC, although it may differ between agonist synergist muscles. These novel findings also provide new evidence that beta-band CMC modulation may involve spinal regulatory mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Glories
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XToNIC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XFaculty of Sport Science, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Mathias Soulhol
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XToNIC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XFaculty of Sport Science, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - David Amarantini
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XToNIC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XFaculty of Sport Science, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Duclay
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XToNIC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XFaculty of Sport Science, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Suzuki R, Kanehisa H, Washino S, Watanabe H, Shinohara M, Yoshitake Y. Reconstruction of net force fluctuations from surface EMGs of multiple muscles in steady isometric plantarflexion. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:601-612. [PMID: 33388812 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to clarify if force fluctuations during steady multi-muscle contractions have a temporal correlation with a low-frequency component of rectified surface EMG (rEMG) in the involved muscles and collection of that component across muscles allows for the reconstruction of force fluctuations across a wide range of contraction intensities. Healthy young men (n = 15) exerted steady isometric plantarflexion force at 5-60% of maximal force. Surface EMG was recorded from the medial and lateral gastrocnemii, soleus, peroneus longus, abductor hallucis, and tibialis anterior muscles. The cross-correlation function (CCF) between plantarflexion force fluctuations and low-pass filtered rEMG in each muscle was calculated for 8 s. To reconstruct force fluctuations from rEMGs, the product of rEMG and an identified constant factor were summed across muscles with time-lag compensation for electro-mechanical delay. A distinct peak of the CCF was found between plantarflexion force fluctuations and rEMG in most cases except for the tibialis anterior. The CCF peak was greatest in the medial gastrocnemius and soleus. Reconstructed force from rEMGs was temporally correlated with measured force fluctuations across contraction intensities (average CCF peak: r = 0.65). The results indicate that individual surface rEMG has a low-frequency component that is temporally correlated with net force fluctuations during steady multi-muscle contractions and contributes to the reconstruction of force fluctuations across a wide range of contraction intensities. It suggests a potential applicability of individual surface EMGs for identifying the contributing muscles to controlling or disturbing isometric steady force in multi-muscle contractions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosei Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano, 3860018, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kanehisa
- School of Sports and Health Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Nozihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, 5258577, Japan
| | - Sohei Washino
- Human Augmentation Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 6-2-3 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 2770882, Japan
| | - Hironori Watanabe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, 2100 Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama, 3508585, Japan
| | - Minoru Shinohara
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 555 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Yasuhide Yoshitake
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano, 3860018, Japan. .,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chen C, Ma S, Sheng X, Farina D, Zhu X. Adaptive Real-Time Identification of Motor Unit Discharges From Non-Stationary High-Density Surface Electromyographic Signals. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2020; 67:3501-3509. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2020.2989311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
28
|
Watanabe T, Nojima I, Mima T, Sugiura H, Kirimoto H. Magnification of visual feedback modulates corticomuscular and intermuscular coherences differently in young and elderly adults. Neuroimage 2020; 220:117089. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
|
29
|
Dos Santos PCR, Lamoth CJC, Barbieri FA, Zijdewind I, Gobbi LTB, Hortobágyi T. Age-specific modulation of intermuscular beta coherence during gait before and after experimentally induced fatigue. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15854. [PMID: 32985547 PMCID: PMC7522269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of age on intermuscular beta-band (15-35 Hz) coherence during treadmill walking before and after experimentally induced fatigue. Older (n = 12) and younger (n = 12) adults walked on a treadmill at 1.2 m/s for 3 min before and after repetitive sit-to-stand, rSTS, to induce muscle fatigability. We measured stride outcomes and coherence from 100 steps in the dominant leg for the synergistic (biceps femoris (BF)-semitendinosus, rectus femoris (RF)-vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL)-Soleus (SL), tibialis anterior (TA)-peroneus longus (PL)) and for the antagonistic (RF-BF and TA-GL) muscle pairs at late swing and early stance. Older vs. younger adults had 43-62% lower GL-SL, RF-VL coherence in swing and TA-PL and RF-VL coherence in stance. After rSTS, RF-BF coherence in late swing decreased by ~ 20% and TA-PL increased by 16% independent of age (p = 0.02). Also, GL-SL coherence decreased by ~ 23% and increased by ~ 23% in younger and older, respectively. Age affects the oscillatory coupling between synergistic muscle pairs, delivered presumably via corticospinal tracts, during treadmill walking. Muscle fatigability elicits age-specific changes in the common fluctuations in muscle activity, which could be interpreted as a compensation for muscle fatigability to maintain gait performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cezar Rocha Dos Santos
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Posture and Gait Studies Laboratory (LEPLO), Institute of Biosciences, Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil.
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Claudine J C Lamoth
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Augusto Barbieri
- Department of Physical Education, Human Movement Research Laboratory (MOVI-LAB), Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, Brazil
| | - Inge Zijdewind
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian Teresa Bucken Gobbi
- Posture and Gait Studies Laboratory (LEPLO), Institute of Biosciences, Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang LJ, Yu XM, Shao QN, Wang C, Yang H, Huang SJ, Niu WX. Muscle Fatigue Enhance Beta Band EMG-EMG Coupling of Antagonistic Muscles in Patients With Post-stroke Spasticity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:1007. [PMID: 32974323 PMCID: PMC7461835 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a significant influence of muscle fatigue on the coupling of antagonistic muscles while patients with post-stroke spasticity are characterized by abnormal antagonistic muscle coactivation activities. This study was designed to verify whether the coupling of antagonistic muscles in patients with post-stroke spasticity is influenced by muscle fatigue. Ten patients with chronic hemipare and spasticity and 12 healthy adults were recruited to participate in this study. Each participant performed a fatiguing isometric elbow flexion of the paretic side or right limb at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) level until exhaustion while surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were collected from the biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles during the sustained contraction. sEMG signals were divided into the first (minimal fatigue) and second halves (severe fatigue) of the contraction. The power and coherence between the sEMG signals of the BB and TB in the alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (15–35 Hz), and gamma (35–60 Hz) frequency bands associated with minimal fatigue and severe fatigue were calculated. The coactivation ratio of the antagonistic TB muscle was also determined during the sustained fatiguing contraction. The results demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in maximal torque during the post-fatigue contraction compared to that during the pre-fatigue contraction in both stroke and healthy group. In the stroke group, EMG-EMG coherence between the BB and TB in the alpha and beta frequency bands was significantly increased in severe fatigue compared to minimal fatigue, while coactivation of antagonistic muscle increased progressively during the sustained fatiguing contraction. In the healthy group, coactivation of the antagonistic muscle showed no significant changes during the fatiguing contraction and no significant coherence was found in the alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands between the first and second halves of the contraction. Therefore, the muscle fatigue significantly increases the coupling of antagonistic muscles in patients with post-stroke spasticity, which may be related to the increased common corticospinal drive from motor cortex to the antagonistic muscles. The increase in antagonistic muscle coupling induced by muscle fatigue may provide suggestions for the design of training program for patients with post-stroke spasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le-Jun Wang
- Physical Education Department, Sport and Health Research Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Neng Shao
- Physical Education Department, Sport and Health Research Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ce Wang
- Physical Education Department, Sport and Health Research Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Physical Education Department, Sport and Health Research Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang-Jun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Xin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Marin-Pardo O, Laine CM, Rennie M, Ito KL, Finley J, Liew SL. A Virtual Reality Muscle-Computer Interface for Neurorehabilitation in Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133754. [PMID: 32635550 PMCID: PMC7374440 DOI: 10.3390/s20133754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe impairment of limb movement after stroke can be challenging to address in the chronic stage of stroke (e.g., greater than 6 months post stroke). Recent evidence suggests that physical therapy can still promote meaningful recovery after this stage, but the required high amount of therapy is difficult to deliver within the scope of standard clinical practice. Digital gaming technologies are now being combined with brain–computer interfaces to motivate engaging and frequent exercise and promote neural recovery. However, the complexity and expense of acquiring brain signals has held back widespread utilization of these rehabilitation systems. Furthermore, for people that have residual muscle activity, electromyography (EMG) might be a simpler and equally effective alternative. In this pilot study, we evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an EMG-based variant of our REINVENT virtual reality (VR) neurofeedback rehabilitation system to increase volitional muscle activity while reducing unintended co-contractions. We recruited four participants in the chronic stage of stroke recovery, all with severely restricted active wrist movement. They completed seven 1-hour training sessions during which our head-mounted VR system reinforced activation of the wrist extensor muscles without flexor activation. Before and after training, participants underwent a battery of clinical and neuromuscular assessments. We found that training improved scores on standardized clinical assessments, equivalent to those previously reported for brain–computer interfaces. Additionally, training may have induced changes in corticospinal communication, as indexed by an increase in 12–30 Hz corticomuscular coherence and by an improved ability to maintain a constant level of wrist muscle activity. Our data support the feasibility of using muscle–computer interfaces in severe chronic stroke, as well as their potential to promote functional recovery and trigger neural plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Marin-Pardo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (O.M.-P.); (J.F.)
| | - Christopher M. Laine
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.R.); (K.L.I.)
| | - Miranda Rennie
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.R.); (K.L.I.)
| | - Kaori L. Ito
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.R.); (K.L.I.)
| | - James Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (O.M.-P.); (J.F.)
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sook-Lei Liew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (O.M.-P.); (J.F.)
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (C.M.L.); (M.R.); (K.L.I.)
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pasluosta C, Lauck TB, Krauskopf T, Klein L, Mueller M, Herget GW, Stieglitz T. Intermuscular coupling and postural control in unilateral transfemoral amputees - a pilot study . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:3815-3818. [PMID: 33018832 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9176850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of the adjustment of center of pressure (CoP) has been utilized to understand motor control in human pathologies characterized by impairments in postural balance. The control mechanisms that maintain balance can be investigated via the analysis of muscle recruitment using electromyography (EMG) signals. In this work, we combined these two techniques to investigate balance control during upright standing in transfemoral unilateral amputees wearing a prosthesis. The dynamics of the CoP adjustments and EMG-EMG coherence between four muscles of the trunk and lower limb of 5 unilateral transfemoral amputees and 5 age-matched able-bodied participants were quantified during 30 s of quiet standing using the entropic half-life (EnHL) method. Two visual conditions, eyes open and eyes closed, were tested. Overall, the group of amputees presented lower EnHL values (higher dynamics) in their CoP adjustments than controls, especially in their intact limb. The EnHL values of the EMG-EMG coherence time series in the amputee group were lower than the control group for almost all muscle pairs under both visual conditions. Different correlations between the EnHL values of the CoP data and the EMG-EMG coherence data were observed in the amputee and control groups. These preliminary results suggest the onset of distinct neuromuscular adaptations following a unilateral amputation.Clinical Relevance - Understanding neuromuscular adaptation mechanisms after an amputation may serve to design better rehabilitation treatments and novel prosthetic devices with sensory feedback.
Collapse
|
33
|
EMG Rectification Is Detrimental for Identifying Abnormalities in Corticomuscular and Intermuscular Coherence in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 19:665-671. [PMID: 32500511 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01149-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence (CMC, IMC) reflect connectivity between neuronal activity in the motor cortex measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and muscular activity measured by electromyography (EMG), or between activity in different muscles, respectively. There is an ongoing debate on the appropriateness of EMG rectification prior to coherence estimation. This work examines the effects of EMG rectification in CMC and IMC estimation in 20 spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients, 16 prodromal SCA2 gene mutation carriers, and 26 healthy controls during a repetitive upper or lower limb motor task. Coherence estimations were performed using the non-rectified raw EMG signal vs. the rectified EMG signal. EMG rectification decreases the level of significance of lower beta-frequency band CMC and IMC values in SCA2 patients and prodromal SCA2 mutation carriers vs. healthy controls, and also results in overall lower coherence values. EMG rectification is detrimental for beta-frequency band CMC and IMC estimation. One likely reason for this effect is distortion of coherence estimation in high-frequency signals, where the level of amplitude cancelation is high.
Collapse
|
34
|
Nojima I, Suwa Y, Sugiura H, Noguchi T, Tanabe S, Mima T, Watanabe T. Smaller muscle mass is associated with increase in EMG-EMG coherence of the leg muscle during unipedal stance in elderly adults. Hum Mov Sci 2020; 71:102614. [PMID: 32452431 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Age-induced decline in the ability to perform daily activities is associated with a deterioration of physical parameters. Changes occur in neuromuscular system with age; however, the relationship between these changes and physical parameters has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between neuromuscular system evaluated using a coherence analysis of the leg muscles and physical parameters in community-dwelling healthy elderly adults. The participants were required to stand still in bipedal and unipedal stances on a force plate. Then, electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG/LG) muscles, and intermuscular coherence was calculated between the following pairs: TA and MG (TA-MG), TA and LG (TA-LG), and MG and LG (MG-LG). Furthermore, gait speed, unipedal stance time, and muscle mass were measured. EMG-EMG coherence for the MG-LG pair was significantly greater in the unipedal stance task than in the bipedal one (p = .001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the muscle mass of the leg was negatively correlated with the change in the β-band coherence for the MG-LG pair from bipedal to unipedal stance (R2 = 0.067, standard β = -0.345, p = .044). As the β-band coherence could reflect the corticospinal activity, the increased β-band coherence may be a compensation for the smaller muscle mass, or alternatively may be a sign of changes in the nervous system resulting in the loss of muscle mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ippei Nojima
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan.
| | - Yuki Suwa
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideshi Sugiura
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Taiji Noguchi
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Tanabe
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Mima
- Graduate School of Core Ethics and Frontier Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Watanabe
- Department of Sensorimotor Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Neural Mechanisms Underlying High-Frequency Vestibulocollic Reflexes In Humans And Monkeys. J Neurosci 2020; 40:1874-1887. [PMID: 31959700 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1463-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The vestibulocollic reflex is a compensatory response that stabilizes the head in space. During everyday activities, this stabilizing response is evoked by head movements that typically span frequencies from 0 to 30 Hz. Transient head impacts, however, can elicit head movements with frequency content up to 300-400 Hz, raising the question whether vestibular pathways contribute to head stabilization at such high frequencies. Here, we first established that electrical vestibular stimulation modulates human neck motor unit (MU) activity at sinusoidal frequencies up to 300 Hz, but that sensitivity increases with frequency up to a low-pass cutoff of ∼70-80 Hz. To examine the neural substrates underlying the low-pass dynamics of vestibulocollic reflexes, we then recorded vestibular afferent responses to the same electrical stimuli in monkeys. Vestibular afferents also responded to electrical stimuli up to 300 Hz, but in contrast to MUs their sensitivity increased with frequency up to the afferent resting firing rate (∼100-150 Hz) and at higher frequencies afferents tended to phase-lock to the vestibular stimulus. This latter nonlinearity, however, was not transmitted to neck motoneurons, which instead showed minimal phase-locking that decreased at frequencies >75 Hz. Similar to human data, we validated that monkey muscle activity also exhibited low-pass filtered vestibulocollic reflex dynamics. Together, our results show that neck MUs are activated by high-frequency signals encoded by primary vestibular afferents, but undergo low-pass filtering at intermediate stages in the vestibulocollic reflex. These high-frequency contributions to vestibular-evoked neck muscle responses could stabilize the head during unexpected head transients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Vestibular-evoked neck muscle responses rely on accurate encoding and transmission of head movement information to stabilize the head in space. Unexpected transient events, such as head impacts, are likely to push the limits of these neural pathways since their high-frequency features (0-300 Hz) extend beyond the frequency bandwidth of head movements experienced during everyday activities (0-30 Hz). Here, we demonstrate that vestibular primary afferents encode high-frequency stimuli through frequency-dependent increases in sensitivity and phase-locking. When transmitted to neck motoneurons, these signals undergo low-pass filtering that limits neck motoneuron phase-locking in response to stimuli >75 Hz. This study provides insight into the neural dynamics producing vestibulocollic reflexes, which may respond to high-frequency transient events to stabilize the head.
Collapse
|
36
|
McClelland VM, Cvetkovic Z, Lin JP, Mills KR, Brown P. Abnormal patterns of corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence in childhood dystonia. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:967-977. [PMID: 32067914 PMCID: PMC7083222 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sensorimotor processing is abnormal in Idiopathic/Genetic dystonias, but poorly studied in Acquired dystonias. Beta-Corticomuscular coherence (CMC) quantifies coupling between oscillatory electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) activity and is modulated by sensory stimuli. We test the hypothesis that sensory modulation of CMC and intermuscular coherence (IMC) is abnormal in Idiopathic/Genetic and Acquired dystonias. METHODS Participants: 11 children with Acquired dystonia, 5 with Idiopathic/Genetic dystonia, 13 controls (12-18 years). CMC and IMC were recorded during a grasp task, with mechanical perturbations provided by an electromechanical tapper. Coherence patterns pre- and post-stimulus were compared across groups. RESULTS Beta-CMC increased post-stimulus in Controls and Acquired dystonia (p = 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively), but not in Idiopathic/Genetic dystonia (p = 0.799). The modulation differed between groups, being larger in both Controls and Acquired dystonia compared with Idiopathic/Genetic dystonia (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022). Beta-IMC increased significantly post-stimulus in Controls (p = 0.004), but not in dystonia. Prominent 4-12 Hz IMC was seen in all dystonia patients and correlated with severity (rho = 0.618). CONCLUSION Idiopathic/Genetic and Acquired dystonia share an abnormal low-frequency IMC. In contrast, sensory modulation of beta-CMC differed between the two groups. SIGNIFICANCE The findings suggest that sensorimotor processing is abnormal in Acquired as well as Idiopathic/Genetic dystonia, but that the nature of the abnormality differs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verity M McClelland
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Children's Neurosciences Department, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Zoran Cvetkovic
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jean-Pierre Lin
- Children's Neurosciences Department, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kerry R Mills
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter Brown
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Anastasopoulos D. Tremor in Parkinson's Disease May Arise from Interactions of Central Rhythms with Spinal Reflex Loop Oscillations. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2020; 10:383-392. [PMID: 31929120 PMCID: PMC7242831 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly believed that tremor, one of the cardinal signs of Parkinson’s disease, is associated with cerebello-thalamo-cortical oscillations set off by the dopamine-depleted basal ganglia networks. The triggering mechanism has been, however, not entirely delineated. Several reports have pointed to the relevance of interactions with peripheral/spinal mechanisms to tremor generation. Investigations of motor unit synchronization and discharge patterns suggested that exaggerated beta-band oscillations may intermittently reach alpha-motoneurons and modulate low-amplitude membrane oscillations due to spinal loop transmission delays. As a result, the spinal reflex loop will oscillate more vigorously and at a lower frequency and, in turn, entrain larger transcortical loops. Motoneurons may thus represent the specific generator “node” in a tremor network encompassing both cerebral and peripheral/spinal recurrent circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Anastasopoulos
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Akutnahe Rehabilitation, Kantonsspital Baden, Baden/Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Coupling between human brain activity and body movements: Insights from non-invasive electromagnetic recordings. Neuroimage 2019; 203:116177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
39
|
Naro A, Portaro S, Milardi D, Billeri L, Leo A, Militi D, Bramanti P, Calabrò RS. Paving the way for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait impairment in myotonic dystrophy: a pilot study focusing on muscle networks. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:116. [PMID: 31533780 PMCID: PMC6751609 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proper rehabilitation program targeting gait is mandatory to maintain the quality of life of patients with Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Assuming that gait and balance impairment simply depend on the degree of muscle weakness is potentially misleading. In fact, the involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in DM1 pathophysiology calls into account the deterioration of muscle coordination in gait impairment. Our study aimed at demonstrating the presence and role of muscle connectivity deterioration in patients with DM1 by a CNS perspective by investigating signal synergies using a time-frequency spectral coherence and multivariate analyses on lower limb muscles while walking upright. Further, we sought at determining whether muscle networks were abnormal secondarily to the muscle impairment or primarily to CNS damage (as DM1 is a multi-system disorder also involving the CNS). In other words, muscle network deterioration may depend on a weakening in signal synergies (that express the neural drive to muscles deduced from surface electromyography data). METHODS Such an innovative approach to estimate muscle networks and signal synergies was carried out in seven patients with DM1 and ten healthy controls (HC). RESULTS Patients with DM1 showed a commingling of low and high frequencies among muscle at both within- and between-limbs level, a weak direct neural coupling concerning inter-limb coordination, a modest network segregation, high integrative network properties, and an impoverishment in the available signal synergies, as compared to HCs. These network abnormalities were independent from muscle weakness and myotonia. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that gait impairment in patients with DM1 depends also on a muscle network deterioration that is secondary to signal synergy deterioration (related to CNS impairment). This suggests that muscle network deterioration may be a primary trait of DM1 rather than a maladaptive mechanism to muscle degeneration. This information may be useful concerning the implementation of proper rehabilitative strategies in patients with DM1. It will be indeed necessary not only addressing muscle weakness but also gait-related muscle connectivity to improve functional ambulation in such patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Portaro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Demetrio Milardi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Leo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ramirez Pasos UE, Steigerwald F, Reich MM, Matthies C, Volkmann J, Reese R. Levodopa Modulates Functional Connectivity in the Upper Beta Band Between Subthalamic Nucleus and Muscle Activity in Tonic and Phasic Motor Activity Patterns in Parkinson's Disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:223. [PMID: 31312129 PMCID: PMC6614179 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Striatal dopamine depletion disrupts basal ganglia function and causes Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathophysiology of the dopamine-dependent relationship between basal ganglia signaling and motor control, however, is not fully understood. We obtained simultaneous recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and electromyograms (EMGs) in patients with PD to investigate the impact of dopaminergic state and movement on long-range beta functional connectivity between basal ganglia and lower motor neurons. Methods: Eight PD patients were investigated 3 months after implantation of a deep brain stimulation (DBS)-system capable of recording LFPs via chronically-implanted leads (Medtronic, ACTIVA PC+S®). We analyzed STN spectral power and its coherence with EMG in the context of two different movement paradigms (tonic wrist extension vs. alternating wrist extension and flexion) and the effect of levodopa (L-Dopa) intake using an unbiased data-driven approach to determine regions of interest (ROI). Results: Two ROIs capturing prominent coherence within a grand average coherogram were identified. A trend of a dopamine effect was observed for the first ROI (50-150 ms after movement start) with higher STN-EMG coherence in medicated patients. Concerning the second ROI (300-500 ms after movement start), an interaction effect of L-Dopa medication and movement task was observed with higher coherence in the isometric contraction task compared to alternating movements in the medication ON state, a pattern which was reversed in L-Dopa OFF. Discussion: L-Dopa medication may normalize functional connectivity between remote structures of the motor system with increased upper beta coherence reflecting a physiological restriction of the amount of information conveyed between remote structures. This may be necessary to maintain simple movements like isometric contraction. Our study adds dynamic properties to the complex interplay between STN spectral beta power and the nucleus' functional connectivity to remote structures of the motor system as a function of movement and dopaminergic state. This may help to identify markers of neuronal activity relevant for more individualized programming of DBS therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Frank Steigerwald
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin M Reich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Matthies
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens Volkmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - René Reese
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Del Vecchio A, Falla D, Felici F, Farina D. The relative strength of common synaptic input to motor neurons is not a determinant of the maximal rate of force development in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 127:205-214. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00139.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Correlation between motor unit discharge times, often referred to as motor unit synchronization, is determined by common synaptic input to motor neurons. Although it has been largely speculated that synchronization should influence the rate of force development, the association between the degree of motor unit synchronization and rapid force generation has not been determined. In this study, we examined this association with both simulations and experimental motor unit recordings. The analysis of experimental motor unit discharges from the tibialis anterior muscle of 20 healthy individuals during rapid isometric contractions revealed that the average motor unit discharge rate was associated with the rate of force development. Moreover, the extent of motor unit synchronization was entirely determined by the average motor unit discharge rate ( R > 0.7, P < 0.0001). The simulation model demonstrated that the relative proportion of common synaptic input received by motor neurons, which determines motor unit synchronization, does not influence the rate of force development ( R = 0.03, P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the estimates of correlation between motor unit spike trains were significantly correlated with the rate of force generation ( R > 0.8, P < 0.0001). These results indicate that the average motor unit discharge rate, but not the degree of motor unit synchronization, contributes to most of the variance of human contractile speed among individuals. In addition, estimates of correlation between motor unit discharge times depend strongly on the number of identified motor units and therefore are not indicative of the strength of common input. NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is commonly assumed that motor unit synchronization has an impact on the rate of force development of a muscle. Here we present computer simulations and experimental data of human tibialis anterior motor units during rapid contractions that show that motor unit synchronization is not a determinant of the rate of force production. This conclusion clarifies the neural determinants of rapid force generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah Falla
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Felici
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico,” Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dideriksen JL, Farina D. Amplitude cancellation influences the association between frequency components in the neural drive to muscle and the rectified EMG signal. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1006985. [PMID: 31050667 PMCID: PMC6519845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rectified surface EMG signal is commonly used as an estimator of the neural drive to muscles and therefore to infer sources of synaptic input to motor neurons. Loss of EMG amplitude due to the overlap of motor unit action potentials (amplitude cancellation), however, may distort the spectrum of the rectified EMG and thereby its correlation with the neural drive. In this study, we investigated the impact of amplitude cancelation on this correlation using analytical derivations and a computational model of motor neuron activity, force, and the EMG signal. First, we demonstrated analytically that an ideal rectified EMG signal without amplitude cancellation (EMGnc) is superior to the actual rectified EMG signal as estimator of the neural drive to muscle. This observation was confirmed by the simulations, as the average coefficient of determination (r2) between the neural drive in the 1–30 Hz band and EMGnc (0.59±0.08) was matched by the correlation between the rectified EMG and the neural drive only when the level of amplitude cancellation was low (<40%) at low contraction levels (<5% of maximum voluntary contraction force; MVC). This correlation, however, decreased linearly with amplitude cancellation (r = -0.83) to values of r2 <0.2 at amplitude cancellation levels >60% (contraction levels >15% MVC). Moreover, the simulations showed that a stronger (i.e. more variable) neural drive implied a stronger correlation between the rectified EMG and the neural drive and that amplitude cancellation distorted this correlation mainly for low-frequency components (<5 Hz) of the neural drive. In conclusion, the results indicate that amplitude cancellation distorts the spectrum of the rectified EMG signal. This implies that valid use of the rectified EMG as an estimator of the neural drive requires low contraction levels and/or strong common synaptic input to the motor neurons. The rectified surface EMG signal is commonly used to analyze the neural activation of muscles. However, since this signal is most often exposed to so-called amplitude cancellation (loss of EMG amplitude due to overlap of positive and negative phases of different motor unit action potentials), the frequency content of the rectified EMG may not fully reflect that of the neural drive to the muscle. In this study we prove this notion analytically and demonstrate, using simulations, that the rectified EMG signal accurately reflects the neural drive to the muscle only in a limited set of conditions. Specifically, these conditions include low contraction levels and/or high variability of the neural drive. In other conditions, the rectified EMG signal from a muscle is a poor predictor of its neural input. This finding has potentially large implications for the way neural drive to muscles and neural connectivity (e.g. across muscles or between the brain and a muscle) should be analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Benito-León J, Serrano JI, Louis ED, Holobar A, Romero JP, Povalej-Bržan P, Kranjec J, Bermejo-Pareja F, Del Castillo MD, Posada IJ, Rocon E. Essential tremor severity and anatomical changes in brain areas controlling movement sequencing. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 6:83-97. [PMID: 30656186 PMCID: PMC6331315 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Although the cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical network has often been suggested to be of importance in the pathogenesis of essential tremor (ET), the origins of tremorgenic activity in this disease are not fully understood. We used a combination of cortical thickness imaging and neurophysiological studies to analyze whether the severity of tremor was associated with anatomical changes in the brain in ET patients. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a neurophysiological assessment were performed in 13 nondemented ET patients. High field structural brain MRI images acquired in a 3T scanner and analyses of cortical thickness and surface were carried out. Cortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation was performed with the FreeSurfer image analysis software. We used high‐density surface electromyography (hdEMG) and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to quantify the tremor severity in upper extrimities of patients. In particular, advanced computer tool was used to reliably identify discharge patterns of individual motor units from surface hdEMG and quantify motor unit synchronization. Results We found significant association between increased motor unit synchronization (i.e., more severe tremor) and cortical changes (i.e., atrophy) in widespread cerebral cortical areas, including the left medial orbitofrontal cortex, left isthmus of the cingulate gyrus, right paracentral lobule, right lingual gyrus, as well as reduced left supramarginal gyrus (inferior parietal cortex), right isthmus of the cingulate gyrus, left thalamus, and left amygdala volumes. Interpretation Given that most of these brain areas are involved in controlling movement sequencing, ET tremor could be the result of an involuntary activation of a program of motor behavior used in the genesis of voluntary repetitive movements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology University Hospital 12 de Octubre Madrid Spain.,Center of Biomedical Network Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) Madrid Spain.,Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Complutense University Madrid Spain
| | - José Ignacio Serrano
- Neural and Cognitive Engineering group Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR) CSIC-UPM Arganda del Rey Spain
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut.,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology Yale School of Public Health New Haven Connecticut.,Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health New Haven Connecticut
| | - Ales Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Maribor Maribor Slovenia
| | - Juan P Romero
- Faculty of Biosanitary Sciences Francisco de Vitoria University Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid Spain.,Brain Damage Service Hospital Beata Maria Ana Madrid Spain
| | - Petra Povalej-Bržan
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Maribor Maribor Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences University of Maribor Maribor Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kranjec
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Maribor Maribor Slovenia
| | - Félix Bermejo-Pareja
- Center of Biomedical Network Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) Madrid Spain.,Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Complutense University Madrid Spain.,Clinical Research Unit University Hospital 12 de Octubre Madrid Spain
| | - María Dolores Del Castillo
- Neural and Cognitive Engineering group Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR) CSIC-UPM Arganda del Rey Spain
| | - Ignacio Javier Posada
- Department of Neurology University Hospital 12 de Octubre Madrid Spain.,Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Complutense University Madrid Spain
| | - Eduardo Rocon
- Neural and Cognitive Engineering group Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR) CSIC-UPM Arganda del Rey Spain
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Holobar A, Gallego JA, Kranjec J, Rocon E, Romero JP, Benito-León J, Pons JL, Glaser V. Motor Unit-Driven Identification of Pathological Tremor in Electroencephalograms. Front Neurol 2018; 9:879. [PMID: 30420827 PMCID: PMC6215829 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Traditional studies on the neural mechanisms of tremor use coherence analysis to investigate the relationship between cortical and muscle activity, measured by electroencephalograms (EEG) and electromyograms (EMG). This methodology is limited by the need of relatively long signal recordings, and it is sensitive to EEG artifacts. Here, we analytically derive and experimentally validate a new method for automatic extraction of the tremor-related EEG component in pathological tremor patients that aims to overcome these limitations. Methods: We exploit the coupling between the tremor-related cortical activity and motor unit population firings to build a linear minimum mean square error estimator of the tremor component in EEG. We estimated the motor unit population activity by decomposing surface EMG signals into constituent motor unit spike trains, which we summed up into a cumulative spike train (CST). We used this CST to initialize our tremor-related EEG component estimate, which we optimized using a novel approach proposed here. Results: Tests on simulated signals demonstrate that our new method is robust to both noise and motor unit firing variability, and that it performs well across a wide range of spectral characteristics of the tremor. Results on 9 essential (ET) and 9 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients show a ~2-fold increase in amplitude of the coherence between the estimated EEG component and the CST, compared to the classical EEG-EMG coherence analysis. Conclusions: We have developed a novel method that allows for more precise and robust estimation of the tremor-related EEG component. This method does not require artifact removal, provides reliable results in relatively short datasets, and tracks changes in the tremor-related cortical activity over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Juan A Gallego
- Neural and Cognitive Engineering Group, Centre for Automation and Robotics, Spanish National Research Council, Arganda del Rey, Spain
| | - Jernej Kranjec
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Eduardo Rocon
- Neural and Cognitive Engineering Group, Centre for Automation and Robotics, Spanish National Research Council, Arganda del Rey, Spain
| | - Juan P Romero
- Neurorehabilitation and Brain Damage Research Group, Experimental Sciences School, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.,Brain Damage Unit, Hospital Beata María Ana, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Benito-León
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Center of Biomedical Network Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Pons
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vojko Glaser
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Effect of Task Failure on Intermuscular Coherence Measures in Synergistic Muscles. Appl Bionics Biomech 2018; 2018:4759232. [PMID: 29967654 PMCID: PMC6008706 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4759232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The term “task failure” describes the point when a person is not able to maintain the level of force required by a task. As task failure approaches, the corticospinal command to the muscles increases to maintain the required level of force in the face of a decreased mechanical efficacy. Nevertheless, most motor tasks require the synergistic recruitment of several muscles. How this recruitment is affected by approaching task failure is still not clear. The increase in the corticospinal drive could be due to an increase in synergistic recruitment or to overlapping commands sent to the muscles individually. Herein, we investigated these possibilities by combining intermuscular coherence and synergy analysis on signals recorded from three muscles of the quadriceps during dynamic leg extension tasks. We employed muscle synergy analysis to investigate changes in the coactivation of the muscles. Three different measures of coherence were used. Pooled coherence was used to estimate the command synchronous to all three muscles, pairwise coherence the command shared across muscle pairs and residual coherence the command peculiar to each couple of muscles. Our analysis highlights an overall decrease in synergistic command at task failure and an intensification of the contribution of the nonsynergistic shared command.
Collapse
|
46
|
Dideriksen JL, Negro F, Falla D, Kristensen SR, Mrachacz-Kersting N, Farina D. Coherence of the Surface EMG and Common Synaptic Input to Motor Neurons. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:207. [PMID: 29942254 PMCID: PMC6004394 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coherence between electromyographic (EMG) signals is often used to infer the common synaptic input to populations of motor neurons. This analysis, however, may be limited due to the filtering effect of the motor unit action potential waveforms. This study investigated the ability of surface EMG–EMG coherence to predict common synaptic input to motor neurons. Surface and intramuscular EMG were recorded from two locations of the tibialis anterior muscle during steady ankle dorsiflexions at 5 and 10% of the maximal force in 10 healthy individuals. The intramuscular EMG signals were decomposed to identify single motor unit spike trains. For each trial, the strength of the common input in different frequency bands was estimated from the coherence between two cumulative spike trains, generated from sets of single motor unit spike trains (reference measure). These coherence values were compared with those obtained from the coherence between the surface EMG signals (raw, rectified, and high-passed filtered at 250 Hz before rectification) using linear regression. Overall, the high-pass filtering of the EMG prior to rectification did not substantially change the results with respect to rectification only. For both signals, the correlation of EMG coherence with motor unit coherence was strong at 5% MVC (r2 > 0.8; p < 0.01), but only for frequencies > 5 Hz. At 10% MVC, the correlation between EMG and motor unit coherence was only significant for frequencies > 15 Hz (r2 > 0.8; p < 0.01). However, when using raw EMG for coherence analysis, the only significant relation with motor unit coherence was observed for the bandwidth 5–15 Hz (r2 > 0.68; p = 0.04). In all cases, there was no association between motor unit and EMG coherence for frequencies < 5 Hz (r2 ≤ 0.2; p ≥ 0.51). In addition, a substantial error in the best linear fit between motor unit and EMG coherence was always present. In conclusion, high-frequency (>5 Hz) common synaptic inputs to motor neurons can partly be estimated from the rectified surface EMG at low-level steady contractions. The results, however, suggest that this association is weakened with increasing contraction intensity and that input at lower frequencies during steady isometric contractions cannot be detected accurately by surface EMG coherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob L Dideriksen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Francesco Negro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Signe R Kristensen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kasuga S, Momose N, Ushiyama J, Ushiba J. Corticomuscular coherence reflects somatosensory feedback gains during motor adaptation. Neurosci Res 2018; 131:10-18. [PMID: 29030077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Kasuga
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Keio Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences (KiPAS), 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Natsumi Momose
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Junichi Ushiyama
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, 5322, Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Junichi Ushiba
- Keio Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences (KiPAS), 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Roeder L, Boonstra TW, Smith SS, Kerr GK. Dynamics of corticospinal motor control during overground and treadmill walking in humans. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1017-1031. [PMID: 29847229 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00613.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests cortical involvement in the control of human gait. However, the nature of corticospinal interactions remains poorly understood. We performed time-frequency analysis of electrophysiological activity acquired during treadmill and overground walking in 22 healthy, young adults. Participants walked at their preferred speed (4.2, SD 0.4 km/h), which was matched across both gait conditions. Event-related power, corticomuscular coherence (CMC), and intertrial coherence (ITC) were assessed for EEG from bilateral sensorimotor cortices and EMG from the bilateral tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. Cortical power, CMC, and ITC at theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequencies (4-45 Hz) increased during the double support phase of the gait cycle for both overground and treadmill walking. High beta (21-30 Hz) CMC and ITC of EMG was significantly increased during overground compared with treadmill walking, as well as EEG power in theta band (4-7 Hz). The phase spectra revealed positive time lags at alpha, beta, and gamma frequencies, indicating that the EEG response preceded the EMG response. The parallel increases in power, CMC, and ITC during double support suggest evoked responses at spinal and cortical populations rather than a modulation of ongoing corticospinal oscillatory interactions. The evoked responses are not consistent with the idea of synchronization of ongoing corticospinal oscillations but instead suggest coordinated cortical and spinal inputs during the double support phase. Frequency-band dependent differences in power, CMC, and ITC between overground and treadmill walking suggest differing neural control for the two gait modalities, emphasizing the task-dependent nature of neural processes during human walking. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated cortical and spinal activity during overground and treadmill walking in healthy adults. Parallel increases in power, corticomuscular coherence, and intertrial coherence during double support suggest evoked responses at spinal and cortical populations rather than a modulation of ongoing corticospinal oscillatory interactions. These findings identify neurophysiological mechanisms that are important for understanding cortical control of human gait in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Roeder
- Movement Neuroscience Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Tjeerd W Boonstra
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia.,Systems Neuroscience Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane , Australia
| | - Simon S Smith
- Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Graham K Kerr
- Movement Neuroscience Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia.,School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Origins of Common Neural Inputs to Different Compartments of the Extensor Digitorum Communis Muscle. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13960. [PMID: 29066852 PMCID: PMC5654835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensor digitorum communis (EDC) is a multi-compartment muscle that allows dexterous extension of the four digits. However, the level of common input shared across different compartments of this muscle is not well understood. We seek to systematically characterize the common and independent neural input, originated from different levels of the central nervous system, to the different compartments. A motor unit (MU) coherence analysis was used to capture the different sources of common and independent input, by quantifying the coherence of MU discharge between different compartments. The MU activities were obtained from decomposition of surface electromyogram recordings. Our results showed that the MU coherence across different muscle compartments accounted for only a small proportion (<20%) of the total input in the alpha (5–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) bands, but was a major driver (>60%) in the delta (1–4 Hz) band. Additionally, cross-compartment coherence between the middle and ring-little fingers tended to be higher as compared with other finger combinations. Overall, the common input shared across different fingers are found to be at low to moderate levels, in comparison with the total input, which allows dexterous control of individual digits with some degree of coordinated control of multiple digits.
Collapse
|
50
|
Lee YH, Kim DH, Kang HM, Wang M, Jeong CB, Lee JS. Adverse effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on life parameters, antioxidant systems, and MAPK signaling pathways in the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 190:181-189. [PMID: 28734225 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the adverse effects of MeHg on the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana, we assessed the effects of MeHg toxicity on life parameters (e.g. growth retardation and fecundity), antioxidant systems, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways at various concentrations (1ng/L, 10ng/L, 100ng/L, 500ng/L, and 1000ng/L). MeHg exposure resulted in the growth retardation with the increased ROS levels but decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in a dose-dependent manner in both B. koreanus and P. nana. Antioxidant enzymatic activities (e.g. glutathione S-transferase [GST], glutathione reductase [GR], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) in B. koreanus showed more positive responses compared the control but in P. nana, those antioxidant enzymatic activities showed subtle changes due to different no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values among the two species. Expression of antioxidant genes (e.g. superoxide dismutase [SOD], GSTs, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and catalase [CAT]) also demonstrated similar effects as shown in antioxidant enzymatic activities. In B. koreanus, the level of p-ERK was decreased in the presence of 1000ng/L MeHg, while the levels of p-ERK and p-p38 in P. nana were reduced in the presence of 10ng/L MeHg. However, p-JNK levels were not altered by MeHg in B. koreanus and P. nana, compared to the corresponding controls. In summary, life parameters (e.g. reduced fecundity and survival rate) were closely associated with effects on the antioxidant system in response to MeHg. These observations provide a better understanding on the adverse effects of MeHg on in vivo life parameters and molecular defense mechanisms in B. koreanus and P. nana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Duck-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hye-Min Kang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Minghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|