Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology
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J Electromyogr Kinesiol · Oct 2013
Clinical TrialChanges in electromyographic activity after botulinum toxin injection of the rectus femoris in patients with hemiparesis walking with a stiff-knee gait.
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNTA) injection of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle on the electromyographic activity of the knee flexor and extensor and on knee and hip kinematics during gait in patients with hemiparesis exhibiting a stiff-knee gait. ⋯ The results clearly show that BoNTA modified the EMG amplitude and frequency of the injected muscle (RF) but not of the synergist and antagonist muscles. The reduction in RF activation frequency could be related to increased activity of slow fibers. The frequency analysis of EMG signals during gait appears to be a relevant method for the evaluation of the effects of BoNTA in the injected muscle.