Effect mechanism of blistering moxibustion on visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome in mice based on 5-HT signal pathway / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of blistering moxibustion on the expression levels of 5-hydroxytyptamine (5-HT) and its receptors of the colon tissue in the mice with visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so as to explore the effect mechanism of blistering moxibustion in treatment of IBS.@*METHODS@#Forty SPF-grade newborn Kunming mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an antagonist group and a blistering moxibustion group, 10 mice in each one. Before modeling, the injection with 0.2 mL parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) was given on the lateral ventricle in the antagonist group. The endorectal glacial acetic acid stimulation combined with tail clipping was used to prepare the model of visceral hypersensitivity of IBS in the model group, the antagonist group and the blistering moxibustion group. After modeling, in the blistering moxibustion group, the intervention with blistering moxibustion was exerted at "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), once herbal irritant plaster at each acupoint, for 2 h each time, once a week, consecutively for 3 weeks. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of abdominal muscles were adopted to evaluate the visceral hypersensitivity. HE staining was applied to observe the morphological changes in colon tissue, and immunohistochemistry was to determine the expression levels of 5-HT and its receptors.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, EMG amplitude of abdominal muscles was increased under 20, 40 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) in the model group (P<0.05), AWR scores and EMG amplitude of abdominal muscles under 60, 80 mm Hg were all increased in the model group (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, EMG amplitude of abdominal muscles was reduced under 20 mm Hg in the blistering moxibustion group (P<0.05), AWR scores were increased under 40 mm Hg in both the blistering moxibustion group and the antagonist group (P<0.05); AWR scores and EMG amplitude of abdominal muscles under 60, 80 mm Hg were all reduced in both the blistering moxibustion group and the antagonist group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the mucosa was slightly disturbed, while, the moderate inflammatory cells were visible in the submucosa. In comparison with the model group, the inherent glands of mucosa were regular in shape and a small number of inflammatory cells were visible in both the blistering moxibustion group and the antagonist group. In comparison with the normal group, the average positive staining area percentage (APSAP) of 5-HT and 5-HT3R of the colon tissue was increased, while, APSAP of 5-HT4R was reduced in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, APSAP of 5-HT and 5-HT3R was reduced in both the blistering moxibustion group and the antagonist group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Blistering moxibustion can relieve the visceral hypersensitivity of the mice with visceral hypersensitive IBS and the underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of the gut-brain axis mediated by 5-HT signaling pathway.

Acute effects of local vibration on the neuromuscular responses / Efeito agudo da vibração local sobre as respostas neuromusculares

The aim of this study was to evaluate acute neuromuscular responses to local vibrations (LV) exposure through monitoring of imposed acceleration. Nineteen healthy males (age = 22.43 ± 2.76 years; body mass = 76.4 ± 12.94 kg; height = 175 ± 6.76 cm) performed an elbow flexion isometric exercise (Scott bench) in two experimental conditions: simple isometric exercise (Control - CON) and vibrating isometric exercise (Local Vibration - LV; Frequency = 20.01 ± 0.13, displacement = 2 - 5 mm). Protocols consisted of 5 maximal voluntary contractions of 12 seconds each and five minutes of recovery between series with (LV) or without vibration (CON). During the exercise, individuals were seated on the bench with the dominant arm resting on the bench support at an approximate angle of 45º between shoulder flexion and the torso. Strength parameters (Rate of Force Development - RFD, p = .030; Peak Force - PF, p = .027; and Fatigue Index - FI, p = .001) significantly increased in LV compared to CON. For EMG parameters, significant changes were only observed for highest value of increase rate of the EMG signal - RER (p = .041), median frequency of EMG signal between peak force and force at the end of the isometric action - MFFbic (p = .045) (agonist) and root mean square of EMG signal of peak force at the end of the isometric action - RMSFtric (p <.001) (antagonist). The addition of local vibrations in resistance training induced an increase in maximal strength, explosive strength and reduced the capacity to sustain strength generation.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas neuromusculares durante o exercício com a variação dos parâmetros de vibração local. Foram recrutados 19 indivíduos saudáveis do gênero masculino (idade = 22,43 ± 2,76 anos; massa corporal = 76,4 ± 12,94 kg; altura = 175 ± 6,76 cm) que executaram o exercício isométrico em duas situações experimentais: somente o exercício isométrico (Controle); exercício com a adição de vibrações locais (LV; Frequência = 20 ± 3Hz, Deslocamento = 2 - 5 mm). Os parâmetros de força foram significativamente aumentados no tratamento LV comparados ao tratamento controle (RFD, p = ,030; PF, p = ,027; and FI, p = ,001). Para os parâmetros de atividade eletromiográfica, foram observadas alterações significativas para a RER (p = ,041), MFFbic (p = ,045) no músculo bíceps braquial (agonista) e RMSFtric (p <.001) no músculo tríceps braquial (antagonista). A adição de vibrações locais no treinamento contra ­ resistência, induziu um aumento da força máxima, força explosiva e uma redução da capacidade de sustentar a produção de força.

Masticatory muscle activity evaluation by electromyography in removable partial denture users / Avaliação da atividade dos músculos da mastigação por eletromiografia em usuários de prótese parcial removível

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate by electromyography the activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles in removable partial dentures (RPDs) users, before and after new RPDs installation. Material and Methods: Ten patients were selected for this study. All subjects were edentulous in the posterior mandibular region (Kennedy class I or II), fully dentate in the antagonist arch, and dental prosthesis users, which needed to be replaced. The electromyographic activity (EMG) recorded the superficial masseter and temporalis muscles, during the maximum voluntary bite force and the rest position. Maximum mouth opening was also verified. The measurements were recorded at four specific times: using the old prosthesis (T0), right after the new prosthesis installation (T1), two weeks (T2) and four weeks (T4) after installing the new prosthesis. All the RPDs were made by an experienced dentist and the same laboratory. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Results: EMG values had high standard deviation at the time T0. Generally, the mean values decreased after new prosthesis installation, especially after two weeks from the installation (T2). During the rest position, the left masseter and left temporalis muscles showed statistically significant gradual decrease in their activities over time. Conclusion: New prostheses have positive effect on the patient’s muscular activity. However, an adaptation period of the muscle fibers to the new prosthesis is needed

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, através de eletromiografia, a atividade dos músculos masseter e temporal em usuários de próteses parciais removíveis (PPR), antes e depois da instalação da nova prótese. Materiais e Métodos: Dez pacientes foram selecionados para este estudo. Todos os indivíduos eram edêntulos na região mandibular posterior (Classes I e II de Kennedy), totalmente dentados no arco antagonista, e usuários de próteses removíveis, com necessidade de substituição. A atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) dos músculos masseter superficial e temporal foi verificada, durante as posições de contração máxima voluntária e repouso. A abertura bucal máxima também foi mensurada. As mensurações foram efetuadas em quatro momentos: durante a utilização da prótese antiga (T0), logo após a instalação da nova prótese (T1), duas semanas (T2) e quatro semanas (T4) após a instalação da nova prótese. Todas as próteses foram fabricadas por um único dentista com experiência e no mesmo laboratório. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de ANOVA e Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultados: Os valores de EMG tiveram um alto desvio padrão no momento T0. Em geral, a atividade dos músculos mastigatórios sofreu uma diminuição após a instalação da prótese, especialmente após duas semanas da instalação (T2). Durante a posição de repouso, os músculos masseter e temporal esquerdos demonstraram um decréscimo gradual estatisticamente significativo em suas atividades ao longo do tempo. Conclusão: Novas próteses desempenham efeito positivo sobre a atividade muscular dos pacientes. Ainda, um período de adaptação das fibras musculares com a nova prótese se faz necessário.

Después de cien años de uso: ¿las férulas oclusales tienen algún efecto terapéutico? / After a century of use: do the occlusal appliances have any therapeutic effects?

Las férulas o planos oclusales han sido utilizadas desde hace más de un siglo, generando controversia acerca de su verdadero valor terapéutico. Esto motivó una revisión histórica y actualizada que permitiera evaluar sus efectos de acuerdo a la evidencia científica. Se discuten múltiples aspectos como el concepto de relación céntrica y su determinación como punto de inicio de tratamiento en la rehabilitación oral; el uso de las férulas para deprogramar; su efecto sobre la conducta motora oral que conocemos como bruxismo; su efecto en la actividad electromiográfica tónica, durante la deglución y el máximo apriete en los músculos masticatorios y cervicales; su influencia en la eficiencia muscular; su efecto en la carga articular y las evidencias experimentales del uso de distintas férulas sobre signos y síntomas especíicos como dolor y ruido articular. Se plantean desafíos para la investigación sobre cambios degenerativos en las articulaciones, en la relación craneovertebral y en la curvatura e inclinación de la columna cervical. Se concluye que es necesario utilizar una férula diseñada para el trastorno específico del paciente y que su verdadero valor terapéutico queda demostrado al mejorar algunos signos y síntomas, en músculos masticatorios y cervicales. El conocimiento parcial del mecanismo de acción de las férulas contribuye a que persista la controversia de su utilización en el tratamiento de ruidos articulares y para revertir cambios degenerativos en las articulaciones. Persiste el desafío de nuevas investigaciones, que sustenten el uso de estos dispositivos como un método eficaz para tratar a nuestros pacientes, utilizando protocolos de manejo y controles periódicos.

Occlusal appliances or splints have been used for over a century, generating controversy about their real therapeutic value. This led to an updated review to assess their effects according to scientific evidence. The concept of centric relation and its determination as a starting point of treatment; the use of splints to deprogram; their effect on the oral motor behaviour known as bruxism are discussed. Their effect on EMG activity during resting, swallowing and maximal clenching in the masticatory and neck muscles; their effect on muscular eficiency; their effect decreasing the joint overload; and experimental evidence of the use of several appliances on speciic symptoms such as pain and joint noise, are also treated. The true challenge is to generate new knowledge about joint degenerative changes, the craniocervical relationships, tilt and curvature of the cervical spine. In conclusion, it's necessary to use an occlusal appliance designed for the specific condition of the patient, and its real therapeutic value is demonstrated by the improvement of some signs and symptoms in masticatory and cervical muscles. However, the action mechanisms of occlusal appliances are not fully understood. The lack of scientiic support contributes to the persistent controversy of the use of these appliances in the treatment of temporomandibular joint sounds and reversing degenerative changes. It is still a challenge to carry out new researches supporting the use of these appliances as an effective method to treat our patients using management protocols and periodic evaluations.

COMPARISON OF MUSCULAR ACTIVITY OF THE LOWER LIMB WHILE RUNNING ON INCLINED SURFACES / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activity of the lower limb during treadmill running under five different gradient conditions (level, left and right inclines, downward and upward). All inclines were of 14% grade and tilted toward the left, the right, downward and upward directions of the runner. Twelve young healthy males ran at 2.8 m/s. Electromyographic activities of the following seven muscles-gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and solues-were measured using bipolar surface electrodes during treadmill running under five different conditions. Results showed that left and right inclined surfaces had only little influence on muscular activity. However, for all of the muscles measured, the activity of the lower-positioned leg was greater than that of the higher-positioned leg. During the upward incline trial, all the muscles showed greater activity than for the other trials. The downward slope tended to give the anterior muscles greater activity, and the posterior muscles less activity, compared to level running.

Effects of Back-belt on Electromyographic Activities and Angle of Lower Back and Extremity during Lifting / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the electromyographic activities of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh, and to measure the angles of the spinal and knee flexions in order to determine the effect of wearing a back belt. METHODS: Fifteen healthy males participated in the study. Surface electromyography was used to measure the level of muscle activities at the two muscle groups. The Simi system, utilizing two-dimensional analysis of movement, was used to examine the range of motion of the back and low extremity. RESULTS: Firstly, the angle of the spinal flexion was significantly less in the back-belt-wearing group than in the control, and that of the knee flexion was significantly increased in the back-belt-wearing group. Secondly, there was no significant change in the electromyographic signals of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh. CONCLUSIONS: The use of back belts helps workers to correct their posture when lifting boxes. It can therefore protect workers from acute back injuries.

Biomechanical Assessment with Electromyography of Post-Stroke Ankle Plantar Flexor Spasticity

Spasticity has been defined as a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflex (muscle tone). Muscle tone consists of mechanical-elastic characteristics, reflex muscle contraction and other elements. The aims of this study were to determine whether to assess spasticity quantitatively, and to characterize biomechanical and electromyographic spasticity assessment parameters. These assessment parameters were described by investigating the correlation between clinical measures and the response to passive sinusoidal movement with consecutive velocity increments. Twenty post-stroke hemiplegic patients and twenty normal healthy volunteers were included in the study. Five consecutive sinusoidal passive movements of the ankle were performed at specific velocities (60, 120, 180, and 240 degrees/ sec). We recorded the peak torque, work, and threshold angle using a computerized isokinetic dynamometer, and simultaneously measured the rectified integrated electromyographic activity. We compared these parameters both between groups and between different velocities. The peak torque, threshold angle, work, and rectified integrated electromyographic activity were significantly higher in the post-stroke spastic group at all angular velocities than in the normal control group. The threshold angle and integrated electromyographic activity increased significantly and linearly as angular velocity increased, but the peak torque and work were not increased in the post-stroke spastic group. Peak torque, work, and threshold angle were significantly correlated to the Modified Ashworth scale, but the integrated electromyographic activity was not. The biomechanical and electromyographic approach may be useful to quantitatively assess spasticity. However, it may also be very important to consider the different characteristics of each biomechanical parameter.

The Influence of Acupuncture Stimulation on Dynamic Electromyographic Activity / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

The study investigated the influence of acupuncture on synergistic coordination by observing dynamic lumbar electromyographic activity. Left and right lumbar paraspinal (LP) EMG activities were recorded for 30 healthy subjects during a 45-degree trunk flexion-return movement, and the maximum RMS EMG activities (MREA) during this movement were compared between the two sides. Twenty subjects showed less than 20% LP MREA difference (symmetrical subjects-SS) between the left and right side, and 10 subjects showed more than a 20 % difference (asymmetrical subjects-AS). SS were reevaluated after lying on a treatment table in a prone position for 2 minutes and little change was observed in the degree of LP MREA asymmetry (P=0.164). AS were administered acupuncture stimulation on LP muscles. After the stimulation, a significant reduction in LP MREA asymmetry was observed (P=0.049), with a clear increase in symmetry of dynamic EMG activity for 9 of the 10 asymmetrical subjects. No specific pattern of response in LP MREA values was observed in the stimulated side following stimulation. On the non-stimulated side, there was a significant trend toward LP MREA decrease when the baseline value for that side was high (P=0.037), and an increase when it was low (0.0185). The study did not attempt to explore the exact mechanism of LP MIEA asymmetry reduction following acupuncture, however, it suggested that the response occurred as a result of interaction between the central and peripheral nerves which simultaneously caused systemic and local responses. This study indicated that acupuncture stimulation significantly decreased the asymmetrical dynamic EMG activity, suggesting that acupuncture treatment may be a useful method for decreasing functional muscular distortion and improving synergistic coordination.