Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology
-
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.
-
J Electromyogr Kinesiol · Aug 2013
Postural taping applied to the low back influences kinematics and EMG activity during patient transfer in physical therapists with chronic low back pain.
We examined the influence of the application of postural taping on the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, electromyographic (EMG) activity of back extensor muscles, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in the low back during patient transfer. In total, 19 male physical therapists with chronic low back pain performed patient transfers with and without the application of postural taping on the low back. The kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and EMG activity of the erector spinae were recorded using a synchronized 3-D motion capture system and surface EMG. ⋯ Differences in kinematic data, EMG activity, and RPE between the two conditions were analyzed using a paired t-test. Peak angle and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar flexion, EMG activity of the erector spinae, and RPE decreased significantly, while peak angle and ROM of pelvic anterior tilt and hip flexion increased significantly during patient transfer under the postural taping condition versus no taping (p<0.05). These findings suggest that postural taping can change back extensor muscle activity and RPE as well as the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex in physical therapists with chronic low back pain during patient transfer.
-
J Electromyogr Kinesiol · Jun 2013
Comparative StudyAge-related differences in time-limit performance and force platform-based balance measures during one-leg stance.
Poor posture control has been associated with an increased risk of falls and mobility disability among older adults. This study was conducted to assess the test-retest reliability and sensitivity to group differences regarding the time-limit (TLimit) of one-leg standing and selected balance parameters obtained with a force platform in older and young adults. A secondary purpose was to assess the relationship between TLimit and these balance parameters. ⋯ The test-retest reliability of these measures was found to be acceptable (ICC: 0.40-0.85), with better ICC scores observed for mean velocity and mean frequency in the older group. Pearson correlations coefficients (r) between balance parameters and TLimit ranged from -0.16 to -0.54. These results add to the current literature that can be used in the development of measurement tools for evaluating balance in older and young adults.
-
J Electromyogr Kinesiol · Jun 2013
Effects of trunk rotation on scapular kinematics and muscle activity during humeral elevation.
Trunk rotation often accompanies humeral elevation, during daily activities as well as sports activities. Earlier studies have demonstrated that changes in spinal posture contribute to scapular motion during humeral elevation. However, the effect of trunk rotation on scapular kinematics during humeral elevation has received scant attention. ⋯ Trunk position did not affect clavicular motion during humeral movement. Electromyography showed that contralaterally rotated trunk position increased the activity of the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles and decreased the activity of the lower trapezius. Therapists should consider the importance of trunk rotation, which may be the key to developing more efficient rehabilitation programs.
-
J Electromyogr Kinesiol · Feb 2013
Altered trunk muscle coordination during rapid trunk flexion in people in remission of recurrent low back pain.
People with a history of low back pain (LBP) are at high risk to encounter additional LBP episodes. During LBP remission, altered trunk muscle control has been suggested to negatively impact spinal health. As sudden LBP onset is commonly reported during trunk flexion, the aim of the current study is to investigate whether dynamic trunk muscle recruitment is altered in LBP remission. ⋯ A sub-analysis in people with unilateral LBP (n = 6) pointed to opposing changes in deep and superficial multifidus in relation to the pain side. These results suggest that dynamic trunk muscle control is modified during LBP remission, and might possibly increase spinal load and result in earlier muscle fatigue due to intensified muscle usage. These negative consequences for spinal health could possibly contribute to recurrence of LBP.