1
|
Correa M, Projetti M, Siegler IA, Vignais N. Mechanomyographic Analysis for Muscle Activity Assessment during a Load-Lifting Task. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7969. [PMID: 37766025 PMCID: PMC10535044 DOI: 10.3390/s23187969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) with mechanomyographic (MMG) recordings during isometric conditions, and during a simulated load-lifting task. Twenty-two males (age: 25.5 ± 5.3 years) first performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal isometric contractions of upper limb muscles at 25%, 50% and 75% MVC. Participants then executed repetitions of a functional activity simulating a load-lifting task above shoulder level, at 25%, 50% and 75% of their maximum activity (based on MVC). The low-frequency part of the accelerometer signal (<5 Hz) was used to segment the six phases of the motion. EMG and MMG were both recorded during the entire experimental procedure. Root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) were selected as signal extraction features. During isometric contractions, EMG and MMG exhibited similar repeatability scores. They also shared similar RMS vs. force relationship, with RMS increasing to 75% MVC and plateauing to 100%. MPF decreased with increasing force to 75% MVC. In dynamic condition, RMSMMG exhibited higher sensitivity to changes in load than RMSEMG. These results confirm the feasibility of MMG measurements to be used during functional activities outside the laboratory. It opens new perspectives for future applications in sports science, ergonomics and human-machine interface conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Correa
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91405 Orsay, France; (I.A.S.); (N.V.)
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
- Moten Technologies, 92800 Puteaux, France
| | | | - Isabelle A. Siegler
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91405 Orsay, France; (I.A.S.); (N.V.)
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nicolas Vignais
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91405 Orsay, France; (I.A.S.); (N.V.)
- Laboratoire CIAMS (Complexité, Innovation, Activités Motrices et Sportives), Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Novel insights into skeletal muscle function by mechanomyography: from the laboratory to the field. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-015-0219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
3
|
Beck TW, Stock MS, DeFreitas JM. Torque-related changes in mechanomyographic intensity patterns for the superficial quadriceps femoris muscles. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2014; 17:714-22. [DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2012.715155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
4
|
Cochrane KC, Coburn JW, Brown LE, Judelson DA. Effects of diverting activity on strength, electromyographic, and mechanomyographic signals. J Strength Cond Res 2014; 28:1203-11. [PMID: 24531432 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000000378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different recovery interventions on peak torque, electromyographic (EMG), and mechanomyographic (MMG) measures. Ten (23.40 ± 1.00 years; 178.40 ± 5.03 cm; 84.80 ± 15.85 kg) recreationally trained college men performed 4 experimental visits consisting of 2 bouts of 50 maximal isokinetic leg extensions at 180°·s(-1). Between each bout of maximal exercise, 2 minutes of recovery involving one of the 4 interventions (passive, active, passive diverting, and active diverting) was completed. Electromyographic and MMG measures were collected during the preintervention and postintervention maximal isokinetic strength tests. Peak torque declined to a significantly greater degree during the postintervention test in the passive condition than the other interventions. Electromyographic amplitude decreased on the postintervention test but did not differ between conditions. There was a significant 2-way interaction for EMG mean power frequency (MPF) between time and repetitions. There was a significant decrease in EMG MPF from the first 3 to the last 3 repetitions for both the preintervention and postintervention tests. The decrease in EMG MPF from the initial to final repetitions was greater for the preintervention test than the postintervention test. Mechanomyographic amplitude significantly decreased from the initial to final repetitions regardless of time or condition. These findings suggest that active, passive diverting, and active diverting strategies provide the same extent of recovery between maximal, fatiguing isokinetic leg extension tasks, and that these strategies can be used by coaches and exercise professionals to select the most effective interset recovery strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen C Cochrane
- 1Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska; 2Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, California; and 3Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, California
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Malek MH, Coburn JW. The utility of electromyography and mechanomyography for assessing neuromuscular function: a noninvasive approach. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2012; 23:23-32, ix. [PMID: 22239871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This article introduces the utility of electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) for the assessment of neuromuscular function, and discusses the interpretation of the EMG and MMG signals for various exercise perturbations. The results of these studies suggest that the use of EMG and MMG to determine muscle fatigue is robust. Future studies with clinical populations are needed, however, to determine the optimal use of EMG and/or MMG for assessing muscle function in rehabilitative settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moh H Malek
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Malek MH, Coburn JW, Housh TJ, Rana S. Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption is not associated with mechanomyographic amplitude after incremental cycle ergometry in the quadriceps femoris muscles. Muscle Nerve 2011; 44:432-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
7
|
Mechanomyographic responses are not influenced by the innervation zone for the vastus medialis. Muscle Nerve 2011; 44:424-31. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.22116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
8
|
Al-Mulla MR, Sepulveda F, Colley M. A review of non-invasive techniques to detect and predict localised muscle fatigue. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2011; 11:3545-94. [PMID: 22163810 PMCID: PMC3231314 DOI: 10.3390/s110403545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fatigue is an established area of research and various types of muscle fatigue have been investigated in order to fully understand the condition. This paper gives an overview of the various non-invasive techniques available for use in automated fatigue detection, such as mechanomyography, electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy and ultrasound for both isometric and non-isometric contractions. Various signal analysis methods are compared by illustrating their applicability in real-time settings. This paper will be of interest to researchers who wish to select the most appropriate methodology for research on muscle fatigue detection or prediction, or for the development of devices that can be used in, e.g., sports scenarios to improve performance or prevent injury. To date, research on localised muscle fatigue focuses mainly on the clinical side. There is very little research carried out on the implementation of detecting/predicting fatigue using an autonomous system, although recent research on automating the process of localised muscle fatigue detection/prediction shows promising results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R. Al-Mulla
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Francisco Sepulveda
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martin Colley
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, UK; E-Mails: (F.S.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stock MS, Beck TW, DeFreitas JM, Dillon MA. Linearity and reliability of the mechanomyographic amplitude versus dynamic constant external resistance relationships for the biceps brachii. Physiol Meas 2010; 31:1487-98. [DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/31/11/006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
10
|
Malek MH, Coburn JW, York R, Ng J, Rana SR. Comparison of mechanomyographic sensors during incremental cycle ergometry for the quadriceps femoris. Muscle Nerve 2010; 42:394-400. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.21686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
11
|
Youn W, Kim J. Estimation of elbow flexion force during isometric muscle contraction from mechanomyography and electromyography. Med Biol Eng Comput 2010; 48:1149-57. [PMID: 20524072 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-010-0641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mechanomyography (MMG) is the muscle surface oscillations that are generated by the dimensional change of the contracting muscle fibers. Because MMG reflects the number of recruited motor units and their firing rates, just as electromyography (EMG) is influenced by these two factors, it can be used to estimate the force exerted by skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of MMG for estimating the elbow flexion force at the wrist under an isometric contraction by using an artificial neural network in comparison with EMG. We performed experiments with five subjects, and the force at the wrist and the MMG from the contributing muscles were recorded. It was found that MMG could be utilized to accurately estimate the isometric elbow flexion force based on the values of the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE = 0.131 ± 0.018) and the cross-correlation coefficient (CORR = 0.892 ± 0.033). Although MMG can be influenced by the physical milieu/morphology of the muscle and EMG performed better than MMG, these experimental results suggest that MMG has the potential to estimate muscle forces. These experimental results also demonstrated that MMG in combination with EMG resulted in better performance estimation in comparison with EMG or MMG alone, indicating that a combination of MMG and EMG signals could be used to provide complimentary information on muscle contraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wonkeun Youn
- School of Mechanical Aerospace & Systems Engineering Division of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stock MS, Beck TW, DeFreitas JM, Dillon MA. Linearity and Reliability of the Mechanomyographic Amplitude Versus Concentric Dynamic Constant External Resistance Relationships for the Bench Press Exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2010; 24:785-95. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181cc22f1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
13
|
Stock MS, Beck TW, DeFreitas JM, Dillon MA. Linearity and reliability of the mechanomyographic amplitude versus dynamic torque relationships for the superficial quadriceps femoris muscles. Muscle Nerve 2009; 41:342-9. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.21491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
14
|
Comparison of mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency for the rectus femoris muscle: Cycle versus knee-extensor ergometry. J Neurosci Methods 2009; 181:89-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2009.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
15
|
Beck TW, Housh TJ, Cramer JT, Weir JP. The effects of interelectrode distance over the innervation zone and normalization on the electromyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus concentric, eccentric, and isometric torque relationships for the vastus lateralis muscle. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2009; 19:219-31. [PMID: 17884581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of interelectrode distance (IED) over the estimated innervation zone (IZ) for the vastus lateralis muscle and normalization on the torque-related patterns of responses for electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) during concentric isokinetic, eccentric isokinetic, and isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors. Eight men performed submaximal to maximal concentric isokinetic, eccentric isokinetic, and isometric muscle actions of the dominant leg extensors. Surface EMG signals were recorded simultaneously with two bipolar electrode arrangements in single differential configuration (20 and 40mm IEDs) placed over the estimated IZ for the vastus lateralis muscle and a third electrode arrangement in single differential configuration (20mm IED) placed distal to the estimated IZ. The results indicated that there were only a few (six of 90 statistical comparisons) significant (p<0.05) mean differences among the three electrode arrangements for absolute EMG amplitude. There were no mean differences among the three electrode arrangements for absolute or normalized EMG MPF values or normalized EMG amplitude for the three types of muscle actions. Thus, it may be possible to reduce the potential influence of the IZ on amplitude and spectral parameters of the EMG signal through normalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ryan ED, Beck TW, Herda TJ, Hartman MJ, Stout JR, Housh TJ, Cramer JT. Mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency responses during isometric ramp vs. step muscle actions. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 168:293-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 10/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
17
|
Ryan ED, Cramer JT, Egan AD, Hartman MJ, Herda TJ. Time and frequency domain responses of the mechanomyogram and electromyogram during isometric ramp contractions: A comparison of the short-time Fourier and continuous wavelet transforms. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2008; 18:54-67. [PMID: 17070700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine the mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) time and frequency domain responses of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles during isometric ramp contractions and compare the time-frequency of the MMG and EMG signals generated by the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Nineteen healthy subjects (mean+/-SD age=24+/-4 years) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and after completing 2-3, 6-s isometric ramp contractions from 5% to 100% MVC with the right leg extensors. MMG and surface EMG signals were recorded from the VL and RF muscles. Time domains were represented as root mean squared amplitude values, and time-frequency representations were generated using the STFT and CWT. Polynomial regression analyses indicated cubic increases in MMG amplitude, MMG frequency, and EMG frequency, whereas EMG amplitude increased quadratically. From 5% to 24-28% MVC, MMG amplitude remained stable while MMG frequency increased. From 24-28% to 76-78% MVC, MMG amplitude increased rapidly while MMG frequency plateaued. From 76-78% to 100% MVC, MMG amplitude plateaued (VL) or decreased (RF) while MMG frequency increased. EMG amplitude increased while EMG frequency changed only marginally across the force spectrum with no clear deflection points. Overall, these findings suggested that MMG may offer more unique information regarding the interactions between motor unit recruitment and firing rate that control muscle force production during ramp contractions than traditional surface EMG. In addition, although the STFT frequency patterns were more pronounced than the CWT, both algorithms produced similar time-frequency representations for tracking changes in MMG or EMG frequency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Ryan
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019-6081, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kawczyński A, Nie H, Jaskólska A, Jaskólski A, Arendt-Nielsen L, Madeleine P. Mechanomyography and electromyography during and after fatiguing shoulder eccentric contractions in males and females. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2007; 17:172-9. [PMID: 17394479 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00551.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in mechanomyographic (MMG) and the surface electromyographic (EMG) signals during and after fatiguing shoulder eccentric contractions in a group consisting of 12 males and 12 females. Exerted force, MMG, EMG, pain and rate of perceived exertion were assessed before, during and after repeated high-intensity eccentric exercises. Bouts of eccentric contractions caused a decrease in the exerted force for males (P<0.05) and an increase in the rate of perceived exertion and pain for both genders (P<0.05). During eccentric exercise, the root mean square (RMS) values of the MMG signal increased (P<0.05). The mean power frequency (MPF) values of the EMG signal decreased at the end of each eccentric bout for both genders (P<0.05); the decrease was higher for females compared with males (P<0.05). Immediately after eccentric exercise in static abduction of the upper limbs, the MMG RMS and MPF values increased (P<0.05). The present study showed that (1) neuromuscular changes associated with pain and changes in muscle stiffness and (2) changes in motor units strategy during fatigue development in shoulder muscle are reflected in the MMG and EMG signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kawczyński
- Department of Kinesiology, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ryan ED, Cramer JT, Housh TJ, Beck TW, Herda TJ, Hartman MJ. Inter-individual variability in the torque-related patterns of responses for mechanomyographic amplitude and mean power frequency. J Neurosci Methods 2007; 161:212-9. [PMID: 17187865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2006.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-individual variability for the patterns of responses for mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus isometric torque in lower-strength (LS) and higher-strength (HS) individuals. Twelve participants (mean +/- S.D. age = 25 + 4 years) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and after completing nine submaximal step muscle actions (15%, 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and 95% MVC) of the right leg extensors. MMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis muscle, and MMG amplitude and MPF values were computed for each corresponding percentage of the MVC. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that the composite MMG amplitude versus isometric torque relationship was best fit with a linear model (r(2) = 0.980) for the LS group and a cubic model (r(2) = 0.994) for the HS group. The composite MMG MPF versus isometric torque relationships were best fit with linear models for both the LS (r(2) = 0.529) and HS (r(2)=0.591) groups. However, only 66% of the individuals exhibited the same linear MMG amplitude patterns as the composite relationship for the LS group, whereas only 33% of the individual relationships were cubic for the HS group. Only one subject exhibited a positive linear (r(2) = 0.681) relationship for the MMG(MPF) versus isometric torque relationship for either the LS or HS groups. These findings suggested that strength differences do not affect the patterns of responses for MMG amplitude or MPF. The lack of consistency between the individual and composite patterns of responses suggested some degree of inter-individual variability. Therefore, future studies should examine the individual patterns of response to draw conclusions about motor control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Ryan
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Biophysics Laboratory, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019-6081, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Beck TW, Housh TJ, Johnson GO, Cramer JT, Weir JP, Coburn JW, Malek MH. Does the frequency content of the surface mechanomyographic signal reflect motor unit firing rates? A brief review. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2006; 17:1-13. [PMID: 16497517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2005] [Revised: 12/08/2005] [Accepted: 12/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine the literature that has investigated the potential relationship between mechanomyographic (MMG) frequency and motor unit firing rates. Several different experimental designs/methodologies have been used to address this issue, including: repetitive electrical stimulation, voluntary muscle actions in muscles with different fiber type compositions, fatiguing and non-fatiguing isometric or dynamic muscle actions, and voluntary muscle actions in young versus elderly subjects and healthy individuals versus subjects with a neuromuscular disease(s). Generally speaking, the results from these investigations have suggested that MMG frequency is related to the rate of motor unit activation and the contractile properties (contraction and relaxation times) of the muscle fibers. Other studies, however, have reported that MMG mean power frequency (MPF) does not always follow the expected pattern of firing rate modulation (e.g. motor unit firing rates generally increase with torque during isometric muscle actions, but MMG MPF may remain stable or even decrease). In addition, there are several factors that may affect the frequency content of the MMG signal during a voluntary muscle action (i.e. muscle stiffness, intramuscular fluid pressure, etc.), independent of changes in motor unit firing rates. Despite the potential influences of these factors, most of the evidence has suggested that the frequency domain of the MMG signal contains some information regarding motor unit firing rates. It is likely, however, that this information is qualitative, rather than quantitative in nature, and reflects the global motor unit firing rate, rather than the firing rates of a particular group of motor units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 104K Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0806, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Coburn JW, Housh TJ, Malek MH, Weir JP, Cramer JT, Beck TW, Johnson GO. Mechanomyographic and electromyographic responses to eccentric muscle contractions. Muscle Nerve 2006; 33:664-71. [PMID: 16435341 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Little is known regarding the modulation of torque during eccentric muscle actions. Mechanomyographic (MMG) and electromyographic (EMG) signals have been used to examine motor control strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the MMG and EMG amplitude and frequency in relation to torque during eccentric muscle contractions. Eight women performed eccentric leg extension muscle contractions at 10-100% of peak torque (PT). A piezoelectric crystal contact sensor and bipolar surface electrodes were placed on the vastus medialis to detect the MMG and EMG signals. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that EMG amplitude (r(2)=0.994) and MMG wavelet center frequency (CF) (r(2)=0.846) increased linearly to 100% eccentric PT, whereas there were no significant relationships for EMG wavelet CF or MMG amplitude and eccentric torque. These results suggested that eccentric torque is primarily modulated through changes in motor unit firing rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared W Coburn
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., KHS-235, Fullerton, California 92834-6870, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beck TW, Housh TJ, Cramer JT, Weir JP, Johnson GO, Coburn JW, Malek MH, Mielke M. Mechanomyographic amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions: a comprehensive review. Biomed Eng Online 2005; 4:67. [PMID: 16364182 PMCID: PMC1343566 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925x-4-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine the literature that has investigated mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions. To date, the majority of MMG research has focused on isometric muscle actions. Recent studies, however, have examined the MMG time and/or frequency domain responses during various types of dynamic activities, including dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) and isokinetic muscle actions, as well as cycle ergometry. Despite the potential influences of factors such as changes in muscle length and the thickness of the tissue between the muscle and the MMG sensor, there is convincing evidence that during dynamic muscle actions, the MMG signal provides valid information regarding muscle function. This argument is supported by consistencies in the MMG literature, such as the close relationship between MMG amplitude and power output and a linear increase in MMG amplitude with concentric torque production. There are still many issues, however, that have yet to be resolved, and the literature base for MMG during both dynamic and isometric muscle actions is far from complete. Thus, it is important to investigate the unique applications of MMG amplitude and frequency responses with different experimental designs/methodologies to continually reassess the uses/limitations of MMG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis W Beck
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583
| | - Terry J Housh
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583
| | - Joel T Cramer
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA 73019
| | - Joseph P Weir
- Applied Physiology Laboratory, Division of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA, USA 50312
| | - Glen O Johnson
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583
| | - Jared W Coburn
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA 92834
| | - Moh H Malek
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583
| | - Michelle Mielke
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA 68583
| |
Collapse
|