Features of Surface Electromyographic Signal of Tibial Anterior Muscle and Gastrocnemius Muscle in the Stroke Patients when Sitting and Standing / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Objective To analyze the features of surface electromyography (sEMG) signal of the tibial anterior muscle and gastrocnemius muscle in the stroke patients when sitting and standing.Methods Fifteen stroke patients and fifteen normal subjects were involved in this study. All subjects were asked to stand up and sit down. It repeated five times continuously. The electromyographic signals were collected by surface electrode and then processed by linear time and frequency domain method.Results In sitting position, tibial anterior muscle had significant differences in mean power frequency and median frequency ( P<0.05) when the paretic and non-paretic lower limb, the non-paretic lower limb in stroke patients and in normal subjects were compared. The gastrocnemius muscle had notable differences ( P<0.05) in root mean square when the non-paretic lower limb in stroke patients and in normal subjects were compared. In standing position, tibial anterior muscle also had significant differences in root mean square and integrated electromyography ( P<0.05) as the same frequency domain comparing as above. The gastrocnemius muscle had notable differences on time domain, when the paretic and non-paretic lower limb, the paretic lower limb in stroke patients and the limb in normal subjects were compared ( P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion sEMG is a brief, applied, feasible assessment method in rehabilitation.

Diagnosis and Follow-up US Evaluation of Ruptures of the Medial Head of the Gastrocnemius ("Tennis Leg")

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ultrasonographic (US) findings of rupture and the healing process of the medial head of the gastrocnemius ("Tennis Leg"). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients (age range: 30 to 45 years) with clinically suspected ruptures of the medial head of the gastrocnemius were referred to us for US examination. All the patients underwent US of the affected limb and the contralateral asymptomatic limb. Follow-up clinical evaluation and US imaging of all patients were performed at two-week intervals during the month after injury and at one-month intervals during the following six months. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients who had an initial US examination after their injury, partial rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle was identified in seven patients (31.8%); the remaining 15 patients were diagnosed with complete rupture. Fluid collection between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle was identified in 20 patients (90.9%). The thickness of the fluid collection, including the hematoma in the patients with complete rupture (mean: 9.7 mm), was significantly greater than that seen in the patients with partial tear (mean: 6.8 mm) (p < 0.01). The primary union of the medial head of the gastrocnemius with the soleus muscle in all the patients with muscle rupture and fluid collection was recognized via the hypoechoic tissue after four weeks. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis and follow-up examination for the patients suffering with rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius.