- balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in stroke hemiplegia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of - balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training and single rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in patients with stroke hemiplegia.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with upper limb spasticity of stroke hemiplegia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional western medication, rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, - balance penetrating acupuncture was applied from Jianyu (LI 15) to Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11) to Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuanzhong (GB 39) to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. of the affected side in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days were as one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses, 4 courses were required in both groups. The classification of modified Ashworth spasticity scale (MAS), surface integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of affected upper limb and the scores of National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) of upper limb and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment were observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups.@*RESULTS@#①After treatment, the MAS classification reduced in both groups (<0.05), the cases of grade 0 to Ⅰ in the observation group were more than those in the control group (<0.05); iEMG values of the maximum isometric voluntary contraction of affected usculus biceps brachii, musculus triceps brachii, musculus flexor carpi, musculus extensor carpi, extensor digitorum, aductor pollicis brevis were increased in both groups (<0.05), and the variations of iEMG of above muscles on the affected side in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (<0.05). ②After treatment, the scores of NIHSS were decreased (<0.05), the scores of FMA, MBI were increased in both groups (<0.05), and the variations of NIHSS, FMA and MBI scores were larger than those in the control group (<0.05). ③The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#- balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can improve upper limb spasticity, heighten the motor function of upper limb and daily self care in patients with stroke hemiplegia, its therapeutic effect is superior to single rehabilitation training.

Study on Neural Co-activation during Human Upper Limb Muscle Fatigue Based on Surface Electromyography / 中国运动医学杂志

Objectives To observe the co-activation phenomenon during exercise fatigue induced by the proximal muscles on the upper limbs.Methods Sixteen undergraduates not majoring in sports participated in this study,and their left arms were chosen as the observed arms and right arms were selected as the weighted arms.The weighted arm was alternatively in the state of relaxation without any load and fatigue after bending and extending elbow joints to uphold a 5 kg dumbbell.However,the observed arm kept weighing a 4 kg dumbbell with 90 degrees elbow flexion until the muscles were exhausted.The surface electromyography of biceps brachii and triceps brachii of the observed arms was measured using the ME6000.And the integrated surface electromyography (IEMG),root of mean square (RMS),mean power frequency (MPF)and median frequency (MF)were further analyzed.Results The IEMG and RMS of biceps brachii and triceps brachii of the observed arms increased gradually after the exercise began (P＜0.05)regardless of in the relaxed state or in the in the state of weighing a 5 kg dumbbell for the weighted arm,but in the state of weighting a 5 kg dumbbell the IEMG and RMS increased more significantly (P＜0.01),Meanwhile the electrical activities of the triceps brachii as an antagonistic muscle were intensively inhibited.The changes of MPF and MF of biceps brachii in the observed arms were more significant in the state of exercise fatigue than in the relaxed state (P＜0.01),but without such an impact on the triceps brachii.Conclusions The fatigue in one arm can trigger contingent changes in sEMG time domain and frequency domain indexes of its contralateral parallel muscles,suggesting that sEMG changes of upper limb proximal muscles have the co-activation effect.

Evidence for Central Neural Regulation of Pacing Strategies / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective Based on the model of exercise induced central fatigue,we attempt to testify that the whole power output in time-counted sporting events was regulated by the central nervous system(CNS).Methods Eighteen national level rowers participated in the experiment.Each participant completed two successive 6 minutes maximal rowing exercise with an interval of 15 minutes.The power output(PO),heart rate(HR),blood lactate(BL),RPE and EMG were measured.Results It was demonstrated that the pacing strategies adopted by the rowers in the 2 successive 6-minute rowing tests were remarkably similar,and the rowers'PO and iEMG activities in the two tests were highly correlated,especially in the last minute of exercise.Conclusion It is concluded that the hypothesis of pacing strategy is controlled by CNS.

Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback with Electric Stimulation Training on Dorsiflexion of Foot of Children with Spastic Diplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of electromyographic biofeedback with electric stimulation (Est-EMGBFT) training on dorsiflexion of foot of cerebral palsy children with spastic diplegia type.Methods 66 cerebral palsy children with spastic diplegia type were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group with 33 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with rehabilitation training plus Est-EMGBFT, while the control group with rehabilitation training only. The manual muscle test (MMT) of tibial muscle and the ankle joint initiative range of motion (I-ROM) were performed before and after 4 courses of treatment, and the treatment group was assessed by electromyographic (EMG) apparatus additionally.Results After treatment, the muscular force of children in the treatment group was higher than those in the control group significantly ( P<0.01) and the level of integrated electromyography (iEMG) and root mean square (RMS) assessed by sEMG increased significantly ( P<0.05), the I-ROM of the treatment group was higher than the control group significantly ( P<0.05).Conclusion Est-EMGBFT training can provide a satisfactory rehabilitation effect for the dorsiflexion of foot of cerebral palsy children with spastic diplegia type.

ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES OF THE VASTUS MEDIALIS OBLIQUUS AND LONGUS DURING FATIGUING KNEE EXTENSION TASK / 体力科学

To clarify the function of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and longus (VML), we investigated the electromyographic properties of superficial quadriceps femoris during fatiguing knee extension task.Ten healthy male and 10 female volunteers participated in this study. The subjects performed fatiguing knee extension task at maximal effort (10 times×10 set at 60 deg/sec). Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the VMO, VML, vastus lateralis(VL) and rectus femoris(RF) during isometric knee extension (knee bent at 60 deg and 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction level) with a 90-sec interval between each set. Knee extension peak torque, integrated EMG (IEMG) and median power frequency (MDF) of four muscles during each set were compared using Dunnett's test.Knee extension peak torque decreased gradually and peak torque decreased significantly starting from set 9 in male subjects, while there was no significant decrease in female subjects. IEMG from VMO and VL increased linearly. IEMG increased significantly from set 7 in VMO and set 6 in VL for both male and female subjects. Then, IEMG from both VML and RF increased significantly starting from set 9 in VML and set 8 in RF in male subjects, while there was no significant change in female subjects.MDF of VMO, VL and RF also increased significantly at timepoints similar to those showing increases in IEMG in male subjects. However, MDF of VML increased significantly from set 4 in male subjects. On the other hand, MDF did not change significantly in female subjects.As a result of this study, it was suggested that VMO and VL were facilitated to maintain target knee extension torque during fatigue. Therefore, it was considered that VML and RF facilitated the maintenance of target torque under fatiguing conditions.

Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback Therapy on Spastic Diplegia Children with Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the curative effect of electromyographic(EMG) biofeedback therapy on spastic diplegia children with cerebral palsy.Methods42 children were divided into the treatment group(n=22) and control group(n=20) randomly.The treatment group was treated with rehabilitation training plus EMG biofeedback training,while the control group with rehabilitation training solely.Manual muscle test(MMT) was performed before and 3 months after treatment,and the treatment group was assessed by electromyographic apparatus additionally.ResultsAfter EMG biofeedback training,the muscular force of children in the treatment group was higher than those in the control group significantly(P<0.05) and the level of root mean square(RMS) and integrated electromyography(iEMG) assessed by surface electromyography(sEMG) increased significantly(P<0.05).ConclusionEMG biofeedback training can provide a satisfactory treatment for spastic diplegia children with cerebral palsy.Electromyographic apparatus is effective to assess muscular force.

Characteristics of Muscle Tone in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Examined with Surface Electromyography / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the surface electromyography(EMG)characteristics of biceps brachii during isometric contraction in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Methods The surface electromyograms signals of biceps brachii of 10 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy during passive isometric contraction were recorded.Results The intact side registered a stronger EMG than that of the affected side,the integrated electromyography(iEMG)and root mean square(RMS)levels from the intact side were higher than those of affected side significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion The results of electromyographic analysis are consistent with Modified Ashworth Scale.Electromyographic analysis can provide a satisfactory evaluation of the muscle tone in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback Therapy on Spastic Diplegia Children with Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the curative effect of electromyographic(EMG) biofeedback therapy on spastic diplegia children with cerebral palsy.Methods42 children were divided into the treatment group(n=22) and control group(n=20) randomly.The treatment group was treated with rehabilitation training plus EMG biofeedback training,while the control group with rehabilitation training solely.Manual muscle test(MMT) was performed before and 3 months after treatment,and the treatment group was assessed by electromyographic apparatus additionally.ResultsAfter EMG biofeedback training,the muscular force of children in the treatment group was higher than those in the control group significantly(P<0.05) and the level of root mean square(RMS) and integrated electromyography(iEMG) assessed by surface electromyography(sEMG) increased significantly(P<0.05).ConclusionEMG biofeedback training can provide a satisfactory treatment for spastic diplegia children with cerebral palsy.Electromyographic apparatus is effective to assess muscular force.

DIFFERENCES IN UNDERWATER AND LAND-BASED LEG MUSCLE ACTIVITY / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between underwater and land-based exercise in leg muscle activity. Nine healthy males (mean age : 21.7±0.5 years, mean height : 173.4±2.2 cm) had electrodes placed on their left leg muscles (Tibialis Anterior ; TA, Medial Gastrocnemius ; MG, Soleus ; SOL, Rectus Femoris ; RF, and Biceps Femoris ; BF), and their muscle activity was measured during various exercises. The subjects performed six types of exercise such as the forward walk, backward walk, squat, calf raise, leg range, and one leg wave, both in the water (waist level) and on land. These exercises were categorized as 3 types of leg movement according to direction ; horizontal, vertical, and mixed movement.<BR>In the forward walk and backward walk, categorized as horizontal movements, the integrated electromyogram (IEMG) significantly increased during underwater exercise compared with on land. In the squat, as a vertical movement, the IEMG showed a similar change under both conditions. In the calf raise, as a vertical movement, and leg range and one leg wave, as mixed movements, the IEMG significantly decreased during underwater exercise compared with on land. These results suggest that leg muscle activity during underwater exercise is different based on the movement direction of the legs. In a word, it was apparent that movement in a horizontal direction underwater provides greater activity for leg muscles than on land; but movement in a vertical and/or mixed direction underwater provides less activity for leg muscles than on land. In prescribing an exercise program, it may be helpful to understand the differences between underwater and land-based exercise in leg muscle activity.

Integrated EMG of patients with upper limb spasticity after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To evaluate quantitatively the spasticity of elbow flexor biceps in stroke patients using integrated EMG (IEMG),and to correlate the IEMG with Ashworth scale.Methods The IEMG data was recorded from the biceps while passively stretch the elbow joint of a group of 90 subjects,and was correlated with the varying levels of Ashworth category(20 cases with grade 0,6 cases gradeⅠ,16 cases gradeⅠ~+,20 cases gradeⅡ,and 18 ca- ses gradeⅢ).Results The IEMG data were positively correlated with simultaneous Ashworth scale categories.The range of IEMG value corresponding to the Ashworth category is as follows:1.3～12.1 (6.7?5.4)?V?s vs Ash- worth grade 0;4.6～12.3 (8.5?3.9)?V?s vs Ashworth gradeⅠ.15.3～28.4(21.8?6.6)?V?s vs Ashworth gradeⅠ~+;37.2～68.9 (53.1?15.6)?V?s vs Ashworth gradeⅡ;82.3～144.1 (113.2?30.9)?V?s vs Ash- worth gradeⅢ.Conclusion The IEMG value can be used to quantify the spasticity of elbow flexor in stroke pa- tients.

Working Posture and Muscle Tension according to Screen Position during VDT Operation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate working condition in way of measuring working posture and muscle tension using the desktop personal computer and notebook personal computer having different screen height. METHOD: Seventeen healthy men performed wordprocessing task in three workstation: desktop PC on the conventional computer table (DPC (on)); desktop PC under the 'inside' type computer table (DPC (under)); notebook PC on the table (NPC). The viewing distance and angle, head and neck angle, thoracic bending and trunk inclination were measured. Muscle tension of right posterior neck muscle, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and upper back muscle was also measured by integrated electromyogram (IEMG). RESULTS: 1) The viewing distance was the longest in DPC (under). 2) The lower the screen height, the more downward viewing angle and more flexed position in upper neck. 3) The posterior neck muscle tension was the lowest in DPC (on). 4) Stooped position was most frequently seen in NPC and the highest tension of posterior neck muscle and upper back muscle was shown in NPC. 5) In relation between postural analysis and muscle tension, muscle tension decreased with increasing backward reclining position, and the neck and thorax became more erect with increasing in viewing distance. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the stooped posture was worst and most frequently seen in NPC. If neck flexion is avoided, DPC (under) position could lessen the visual and musculoskeletal problem. More Ergonomical study would be needed about working posture using computer.

The effect of strength training in muscle and nerve is memorized and reinforced by retraining / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to prove the hypothesis that the effect of strength training is memorized and reinforced by retraining. Untrained university-age men participated in this training program. The retraining leg was subjected to 5 weeks of isometric training, 17 weeks of detraining and 5 weeks of retraining in knee extension. The contralateral training leg was subjected to 5 weeks of isometric training during the same period as the retraining phase of the retraining leg. Maximal isometric torque of knee extension increased after the 5-week training and remained at the trained level during the 17week detraining period. Torque gain by retraining of the retraining leg was 2.6 times greater than that of the contralateral training leg. These changes in isometric torque corres-ponded with changes in iEMG of the vastus lateralis. The cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris muscle did not change with training. Results support the hypothesis that the effect of strength training is memorized and reinforced by retraining. In addition, results show that these adaptations would be explained by recruitment and rate coding of motor units.

Lower trunk muscle activity pattern and spinal motion during bycicle pedaling / 体力科学

Trunk motion and the mechanisms of postural control during pedaling was investigated by analyzing the lower trunk muscle activity and spinal motion.<BR>Eight healthy adult men were assigned to pedal at the rate of 60 cycles per min. with the load of 100 W, 150 W and 200 W. Muscle activity was recorded with the surface electrodes from the m. multifidus, m, iliocostalis, m. obliquus externus, m; rectus abdominis, m. rectus lemons, m. adductor longus and m. semitendinosus. Spinal motion was filmed with 8 mm video camera located 5 m behind the subject and 1 m above the floor, and five markers were attached on the midline of the spine (C 7, Th 6, Th 12, S 1, Co) .<BR>Muscle activity (iEMG) was quantified by integrating one cycle of recorded electromyogram, and significant increase was recognized in the trunk muscles and m. rectus femoris as the load increased. The angles between each segments were calculated and the largest deviation was observed in the lumbo-sacral portion. Focussing on the activity of the m. obliquus externus, four patterns of controling the trunk posture were observed, and as the load increased, the activity patterns changed in four subjects and the other four showed tremendous increase in iEMG without changing the pattern.<BR>The results sugest that the pedaling may cause relatively large motion at lambo-sacral portion of the spine, and either the change in the activity pattern or the increase in the activity level of the trunk muscles, such as m, obliquus externus, should contribute to reduce the stress on the lambo-sacral portion.