Effect of M-wave Amplitude on Inter-evaluator Concordance and Number of Detected Innervation Zones in the Medial Gastrocnemius Using Multichannel Electromyography / Efecto de la Amplitud de la Onda M sobre la Concordancia entre Evaluadores y el Número de Zonas de Inervación Detectadas en el Gastrocnemio Medial Mediante Electromiografía Multicanal

SUMMARY: The Innervation Zones (IZ) correspond to clusters of neuromuscular junctions. The traditional method of locating IZs through voluntary muscle contractions may not be feasible in individuals with motor disorders. Imposed contractions by electrostimulation are an alternative. However, there is limited evidence regarding the factors that affect inter-evaluator concordance and the number of localized IZs when using imposed contraction. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of the amplitude of compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) containing the M-wave on inter-evaluator agreement. As a secondary objective, was investigate the effect on the number of detected IZs. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (age: 21.2 ± 1.5years, weight: 67.4 ± 13.2kg, height: 1.68 ± 0.80m) participated in the study. Electrostimulation was applied to the tibial nerve to induce contraction of the medial gastrocnemius. The IZ were identified based on the M-wave recorded through multichannel electromyography. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity in detecting the IZs. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using a two-way mixed effects test to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The ROC analysis revealed that for both evaluators, a specificity of 95% was achieved with an amplitude ≥30 %. The area under the ROC curve was 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], indicating a strong influence of CMAP amplitude on detection of IZs. The highest level of agreement (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) among the evaluators was observed with CMAP amplitudes equal to or greater than 80 % of the maximum M-wave. The findings of this study demonstrate that both the number and the inter-evaluator concordance for detecting IZs using imposed contractions are strongly influenced by the amplitude of the M-wave. Higher M-wave amplitudes were associated with improved concordance and increased IZ detection, making it crucial to standardize amplitude settings for reliable outcomes.

Las Zonas de Inervación (IZ) corresponden a grupos de uniones neuromusculares. El método tradicional para localizar IZs mediante contracciones musculares voluntarias puede no ser factible en personas con trastornos motores. Las contracciones impuestas mediante electro estimulación son una alternativa. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia sobre los factores que afectan la concordancia entre evaluadores y el número de IZs localizadas al usar este tipo de contracciones. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto de la amplitud de los potenciales de acción motores compuestos (PAMCs) que contienen la onda M sobre la concordancia entre evaluadores. Como objetivo secundario, se investigó el efecto sobre el número de IZs detectadas. Veinticuatro voluntarios sanos (edad: 21.2 ± 1.5 años, peso: 67.4 ± 13.2 kg, altura: 1.68 ± 0.80 m) participaron en el estudio. Se aplicó electroestimulación al nervio tibial para inducir la contracción del gastrocnemio medial. Las IZs se identificaron según la onda M registrada mediante electromiografía multicanal. Se realizó un análisis de curva de las característica del receptor (ROC) para evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección de las IZs. La concordancia entre evaluadores se evaluó utilizando una prueba de efectos mixtos de dos vías para determinar los coeficientes de correlación intraclase (ICC). Se consideró un valor de p menor que 0.05 como estadísticamente significativo. El análisis ROC reveló que para ambos evaluadores se logró una especificidad del 95% con una amplitud ≥30 %. El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], lo que indica una fuerte influencia de la amplitud del CMAP en la detección de las IZs. El nivel más alto de concordancia (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) entre los evaluadores se observó con amplitudes de CMAP iguales o mayores al 80 % de la onda M máxima. Los hallazgos de este estudio demuestran que tanto el número como la concordancia entre evaluadores para detectar IZs mediante contracciones impuestas están fuertemente influenciados por la amplitud de la onda M. Las amplitudes más altas de la onda M se asociaron con una concordancia mejorada y un aumento en la detección de IZs, lo que hace crucial estandarizar los ajustes de amplitud para obtener resultados confiables.

Characterization of the anti-fatigue effect of Astragali Radix from the Shanxi Hengshan area and its association with taurine metabolism based on 1H NMR metabolomic technology combined with network pharmacology / 药学学报

The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-fatigue efficacy of Astragali Radix (AR) from the Shanxi Hengshan area and to reveal possible mechanisms by which it relieves fatigue. Efficacy differences between Guangling (GL) and Hunyuan (HY) AR preparations were compared and evaluated, and an 1H NMR metabolomic technique combined with statistical methods was used to identify the metabolites in different groups of mouse gastrocnemius muscle tissues. The differential metabolites after AR treatments were identified according to VIP and P values and the upstream targets were predicted with the help of Metscape. Cytoscape software was utilized to construct a network map of AR potential anti-fatigue targets. Key differential metabolites were identified based on shared targets and entered into the Metaboanalyst website for pathway enrichment analysis, which led to the preliminary elucidation of the molecular mechanisms. The results showed that intervention with AR can significantly improve the swimming-to-exhaustion time, increase liver glycogen, and reduce urea-nitrogen levels in mice. The difference between GL and HY ARs was relatively small, indicating that the quality of AR produced in the Hengshan area is consistent and stable. The metabolic fingerprints of mouse gastrocnemius muscle tissue extracts were composed of 34 metabolites, and the statistical results showed that 19 differential metabolites were significantly reversed after the Hengshan AR intervention. We found that the anti-fatigue effects of AR in the Shanxi Hengshan area were mainly associated with taurine and hypotaurine metabolism through regulation of GAD1, based on network pharmacological analysis. In conclusion, 1H NMR metabolomic techniques were combined with network pharmacology to compare and evaluate the quality of Hengshan ARs, and further associate the fatigue relieve with the regulation of taurine metabolism. This provides a theoretical basis for the resource utilization of Hengshan ARs and the development of anti-fatigue-related products. The animal experiments in this study followed the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Shanxi University and passed the ethical review of animal experiments (Approval No. SXULL2021028).

Effect of electrical stimulation on oxidative stress in tissues in a rat model with incision wound

Electrical stimulation (ES) are known to have beneficial effects in wound healing. However, the effect of electrical stimulation in wound theraphy on the oxidant and antioxidant levels of various tissues in the body remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of electrical stimulation on the oxidative stress capacity of tissues in a rat model with a surgical incision wound on the lateral line of the femoral region. Rats divided in two groups: control and ES group. A longitudinal skin incision was made only from the right lateral line of all rats. ES was applied 200 ?s, 20 Hz, 2mA for 20 min during 15 days. Some oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (rGSH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT)) in tissues (brain, heart, kidney, liver, testis, gastrocnemius and quadriceps femoris muscle) were obtained spectrophotometrically. The ES reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA and simultaneously increasing different antioxidants in different tissues. The results suggest that incision wound could induce oxidative stress in tissues and electrical stimulation post-incision wound may have ameliorative effect.

Effect of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on leg abnormalities and performance in broiler chickens

Background: Nutrient restriction is a common strategy to prevent metabolic disorders in fast growing broiler chickens, but limited information is available regarding the impact of diets with low protein and energy on leg abnormalities Objective: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels on gastrocnemius tendon (GTeBS) and tibia breaking strength (TiBS), gait score (GS) and valgus/varus angulation (VAng). Methods: In Experiment 1, eight-d-old Ross 308 broilers (n=90) were randomly assigned into three treatments: 13/2,900 (13% CP and 2,900 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), 17/3,000 (17% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), and 21/3,025 or control (21% CP and 3,025 kcal ME kg-1 of diet). In Experiment 2, six-d-old Ross 308 chickens (n=192) were randomly distributed into two treatments: 16/3,000; 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet and 21/3,000 or control; 21% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet. In both experiments data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA. Results: In Experiment 1, broilers in the 17/3,000 and control treatments had similar (p>0.05) GTeBS (202 and 224 N, respectively), and TiBS (338 and 332 N, respectively). Birds in the 13/2,900 treatment showed higher GS (lower walking ability; 80% of birds with score >3), and greater VAng (53% of birds with score >2) than broilers in the control treatment (0% of birds with GS score >3 and 0% of birds with VAng score >2). Experiment 2, broilers in the 16/3,000 showed similar VAng, GS and TiBS than birds in the control treatment. However, birds in the 16/3,000 treatment showed lower (-26%) GTeBS than birds in the control treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: Feeding broilers with 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet did not affect tibia breaking strength, gait score and valgus/varus angulation. A diet containing 16% CP or less and 2,900-3,000 kcal ME kg-1 reduces tendon and tibia breaking strength.

Antecedentes: La restricción de nutrientes es una estrategia común para prevenir trastornos metabólicos en pollos de engorde, sin embargo, se dispone de información limitada sobre el impacto de las dietas bajas en proteína y energía en las anomalías de piernas. Objetivo: Se llevaron a cabo dos experimentos para evaluar el efecto de niveles variables de proteína cruda (PC) y energía metabolizable (EM) en la fuerza de rotura del tendón del gastrocnemio (GTeBS) y tibia (TiBS), la evaluación de marcha (GS) y la angulación en valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: En el Experimento 1, pollos de engorde Ross 308 de ocho días de edad (n = 90) se asignaron al azar en tres tratamientos: 13/2.900; 13% PC y 2.900 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta, 17/3.000; 17% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.025 o control; 21% PC y 3.025 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En el Experimento 2, pollos Ross 308 de seis días de edad (n = 192) se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos: 16/3.000; 16% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.000 o control; 21% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En ambos experimentos los datos se analizaron como ANOVA de una vía. Resultados: En el Experimento 1, los pollos de los tratamientos 17/3.000 y control tuvieron GTeBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) y TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente) similares (p>0,05). Las aves del tratamiento 13/2.900 mostraron mayor GS (menor capacidad para caminar; 80% de las aves con puntaje >3) y mayor VAng (53% de las aves con puntaje >2) que los pollos del tratamiento control (0% de aves con un puntaje GS >3 y 0% de aves con un puntaje VAng >2). En el Experimento 2, los pollos del 16/3.000 mostraron VAng, GS y TiBS similares a los de las aves del tratamiento control. Sin embargo, las aves del tratamiento 16/3.000 mostraron menor (-26%) GTeBS que las aves control (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La alimentación de pollos de engorde con 16% PC y 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 de dieta no afecta la resistencia a la ruptura de la tibia, la marcha y la angulación valgus/varus. La dieta formulada con 16% de PC o menos y 2.900-3.000 kcal de EM kg-1 reduce la resistencia a la ruptura del tendón y de la tibia.

Antecedentes: A restrição de nutrientes é uma estratégia comum para prevenir distúrbios metabólicos em frangos de corte, no entanto, há informações limitadas disponíveis sobre o impacto de dietas de baixa proteína e baixa energia nas anormalidades de pernas destas aves. Objetivo: Dois experimentos foram realizados para avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) e energia metabolizável (EM) em força de ruptura do tendão do músculo gastrocnêmio (GTeBS), forca de ruptura da tíbia (TiBS), gait score (GS) e angulação em valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: Experimento 1, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Ross com oito dias de idade (n = 90) distribuidos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: dieta controle com 21% PB e 3.025 kcal EM kg-1 13/2.900; dieta con 13% PB e 2.900 kcal EM kg-1, y 17% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Experimento 2, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte da linhagem Ross com seis dias de idade (n = 192) distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: dieta controle con 21% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 e dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Em ambos os experimentos, os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA. Resultados: Experimento 1, os frangos de corte submetidos ao dos tratamentos 17/3.000 e controle nao apresentaram diferencas significativas (p>0,05) para as variáveis GteBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) e TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente). Os frangos submetidos ao 13/2.900 apresentaram maior frequência de GS (menor capacidade de locomocao; 80% das aves com pontuação>3) e maior VAng (53% das aves com pontuação>2) do que os frangos do tratamento controle (0% das aves com pontuação GS>3 e 0% das aves com pontuação VAng>2). Experimento 2, os frangos do 16/3.000 apresentaram VAng, GS e TiBS semelhantes aos das aves do tratamento controle. Entretanto, as aves do tratamento 16/3.000 apresentaram GTeBS mais baixo (-26%) em comparacao as aves do tratamento de controle (p<0,05). Conclusões: A dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 não afetou a forca de ruptura da tíbia, gaite score marcha e angulação em valgus/varus de frangos de corte. Uma dieta com níveis de 16% de PB ou menos e 2.900-3.000 kcal EM kg-1 reduziu a resistência à ruptura do tendão e a resistência de tibia de frangos de corte.

Role of phenolic compounds from brazilian native fruits on obesity-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle / Papel dos compostos fenólicos de frutos nativos brasileiros sobre a resistência à insulina do músculo esquelético induzida por obesidade

Skeletal muscle is an important metabolic tissue in glucose uptake and thus in glycemic homeostasis. Evidence suggests that phenolic compounds may exert beneficial health effects against metabolic disorders associated to obesity including its state of peripheral insulin resistance. The objective of this work was to investigate the role of phenolic compounds present in two Brazilian native fruits, cambuci (Campomanesia phaea Berg.) and jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg), on the insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of obese mice fed a high-fat-sucrose diet (HFS). For this, two independent experimental protocols were used for each fruit, where male C57BL/6J mice fed the HFS diet for the induction to obesity were used. Once the condition of obesity was established, animals started to receive daily oral administration (by gavage) of extracts enriched in phenolic compounds obtained from each fruit, in doses reachable through the diet. At the end of the experiments, the animals were euthanized and their tissue and organs collected. The animals receiving extracts of jaboticaba and cambuci, regardless of the dose, presented lower body weight gain in relation to the HFS group. The results for weekly fasting glycemia and glucose tolerance of the animals that received the phenolic extracts of both fruits showed an improvement in glycemic homeostasis even when fed with the deleterious diet. In the gastrocnemius muscle of the animals was demonstrated that cambuci and jaboticaba extracts significantly increased the content of glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT-4) and AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK-Thr172), which has a broad role in metabolic regulation. Regarding inflammation, the administration of extracts from both fruits favored the reduction of phosphorylation and activation of the nuclear factor-κe (NF-κB) and the expression of some genes such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and JNK, whose increase has been associated with insulin resistance. In conclusion, this study suggests that the phenolics present in both native fruits may be important therapeutic agents in the reduction of muscle insulin resistance and inflammation associated with obesity

O músculo esquelético é um tecido metabólico importante na captação de glicose e, portanto, na homeostasia glicêmica. Evidências sugerem que compostos fenólicos podem exercer efeitos benéficos à saúde contra distúrbios metabólicos associados à obesidade incluindo o seu quadro de resistência à insulina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o papel dos compostos fenólicos presentes em dois frutos nativos brasileiros, cambuci (Campomanesia phaea Berg.) e jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg), na resistência à insulina no músculo esquelético de camundongos obesos alimentados com dieta rica em gorduras e sacarose (HFS, high-fat highsucrose diet). Para tal, foram utilizados dois protocolos experimentais independentes para cada fruto, onde foram usados camundongos machos C57BL/6J alimentados com dieta HFS para indução à obesidade. Uma vez instaurado o quadro de obesidade, os animais passaram a receber a administração diária, por gavagem, de extratos enriquecidos em compostos fenólicos obtidos a partir dos frutos, em doses atingíveis através da dieta. Ao final do período experimental os animais foram eutanasiados e seus tecidos e órgãos coletados. Os animais tratados com os extratos de jaboticaba e cambuci, independente da dose, apresentaram menor ganho de massa corporal em relação ao grupo HFS. Os resultados para glicemia de jejum semanal e a tolerância à glicose dos animais que receberam os extratos fenólicos de ambos os frutos demonstraram melhora na homeostase glicêmica, mesmo alimentados com a dieta deletéria HFS. No músculo gastrocnemius dos animais foi demonstrado que os extratos de cambuci e jaboticaba aumentaram significativamente o conteúdo da proteína transportadora de glicose 4 (GLUT-4) e da proteína quinase ativada por AMP (AMPK-Thr172), que possui um papel amplo na regulação metabólica. No que tange à inflamação, a administração dos extratos de ambos os frutos favoreceu a diminuição da fosforilação e ativação do fator nuclear-κB (NF-κB) e a expressão de alguns genes como IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, e JNK cujo aumento tem sido associado com a resistência à insulina. Deste modo, este estudo sugere que os fenólicos presentes em ambos os frutos nativos podem ser agentes terapêuticos importantes na atenuação da resistência à insulina muscular e da inflamação associada à obesidade

Value of two-dimensional ultrasound in evaluating the medial head of gastrocnemius in patients with decreased muscle mass / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of the medial head of gastrocnemius and muscle mass, strength and functional parameters, and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of MT and EI for decreased muscle mass.Methods:Fifty-two subjects who visited the Department of Ultrasound Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from March to December 2021 were collected.MT of the medial head of gastrocnemius was measured by two-dimensional ultrasound, and EI values in the region of interest were analyzed using Image J software. Twenty of the subjects were selected to assess the intra-observer and inter-observer agreements in measuring MT and EI values using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Altman-Bland analysis was performed. The subjects were divided into healthy control group (30 cases) and decreased muscle mass group (22 cases) according to 2019 Asian Sarcopenia Working Group (AWGS) diagnostic criteria, the differences in MT and EI values between the two groups were compared, and the correlation between MT, EI values and muscle mass, strength, function were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. The diagnostic cutoff values of MT and EI values for decreased muscle mass were obtained using ROC curves, and the diagnostic efficacy was compared.Results:①The ICC of MT and EI in medial head of gastrocnemius detected by the same physician and different physicians were greater than 0.97, and the retest reliability was good. ②Compared with the healthy control group, the MT value in medial head of gastrocnemius decreased and the EI value increased in the decreased muscle mass group ( t=4.759, -3.789; all P<0.001). ③The MT value in medial head of gastrocnemius was positively correlated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), lower limb skeletal muscle mass (LLSM), grip strength, and gait speed ( r=0.579, 0.568, 0.585, 0.495, 0.415; all P<0.001), of which, the correlation with LLSM was the best; ④EI in medial head of gastrocnemius was negatively correlated with ASM and ASMI, LLSM, grip strength, and gait speed, ( r=-0.583, -0.591, -0.590, -0.537, -0.455; all P<0.001), and among which the correlation with ASMI was the best. ⑤The medial head of gastrocnemius MT and EI were 14.33 mm and 58.85 for predicting decreased muscle mass, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance of the two for decreased muscle mass ( Z=0.734 3, P>0.05). Conclusions:The MT and EI values of the medial head of gastrocnemius can accurately assess muscle mass and can be used in the evaluation of patients with decreased muscle mass.

An accessory muscle of the posterior compartment of leg of clinical significance: a cadaveric case report / Un músculo accesorio del compartimento posterior de la pierna de importancia clínica: reporte de un caso cadavérico

SUMMARY: Accessory and anomalous muscles are common in humans, although their unique morphologic characteristics can make accurate identification difficult. In this case report, we attempt to identify an anomalous accessory muscle of the posterior compartment of the leg [Compartimentum posterius cruris] detected during cadaveric dissection and discuss its clinical significance. The muscle was found on the right lower limb of an 81-year-old female cadaver and extended from the distal femur to attach to the gastrocnemius muscle at the point where the medial and lateral heads fuse. At its origin, the muscle was found lateral to the popliteal vessels and crossed posterior to these vessels and tibial nerve. It displayed characteristics similar to both an accessory plantaris muscle and gastrocnemius tertius, thus making its ultimate identification difficult. Though the muscle displayed a morphologically similar appearance to the plantaris, we suggest that its common insertion with the gastrocnemius best identifies it as a gastrocnemius tertius. In addition, due to its relationship with the popliteal neurovasculature, it is possible that this muscle could have resulted in neurovascular entrapment although it is unknown whether or not this cadaver exhibited symptoms.

RESUMEN: Los músculos accesorios y anómalos son comunes en los seres humanos, aunque sus características morfológicas pueden dificultar la identificación precisa. En este reporte de caso, intentamos identificar un músculo accesorio anómalo del compartimento posterior de la pierna [Compartimentum posterius cruris] detectado durante la disección cadavérica y discutir su importancia clínica. El músculo fue encontrado en el miembro inferior derecho de una mujer de 81 años de edad y se extendía desde la parte distal del fémur para unirse al músculo gastrocnemio en la fusión de sus cabezas medial y lateral. En su origen, el músculo se encontraba lateral a los vasos poplíteos y cruzaba posteriormente a estos vasos y al nervio tibial, presentando características similares tanto al músculo plantar accesorio como al gastrocnemio tercero, lo que dificultaba su identificación final. Similar al músculo plantar, sugerimos que debido a su inserción común con el gastrocnemio lo identifica mejor como un músculo gastrocnemio tercero. Además, debido a su relación con la neurovasculatura poplítea, es posible que este músculo haya dado lugar a un síndrome de compresión neurovascular aunque se desconoce si este individuó presentó síntomas o no en vivo.

Reliability of a simple novel field test for the measurement of plantar flexor muscle strength / Confiabilidade de um novo teste de campo simples para medir a força dos músculos flexores plantares / Confiabilidad de un nuevo test de campo simple para medir la fuerza de los músculos flexores plantares

ABSTRACT Introduction When a person is in a standing position, the plantar flexor muscles are involved in most static and dynamic body movements. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the trial to trial and factorial reliability of measuring the contractile characteristics of PF muscles using a simple novel field test. Methods The sample consisted of 452 healthy subjects, 120 male and 332 female. The research was conducted by means of the trial to trial testing method, using isometric dynamometry performed in field conditions. ANOVA was used to estimate the differences among the trials, Cronbach's alpha and interclass correlation to estimate the correlations among the trials, and principal component analysis to evaluate the contribution of each trial to overall variability. Results The main findings of this study are that trials differed significantly (p<0.000) for maximal force (Fmax) and maximal rate of force development (RFDmax), indicating that the three procedural trials were necessary. The trials were highly correlated (Fmax, RFDmax, r>0.9), proving that measuring was reliable, and the factorial analysis separated the second and third trials, the second trial accounting for most of the total variability. Conclusions The simple novel field test for the measurement of plantar flexor contractile characteristics recommended by this study proved to be as highly reliable as laboratory testing, but was easy to perform in conditions outside of scientific or diagnostic institutions, which greatly facilitates the work of scientists, coaches and professionals. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a diagnostics test.

RESUMO Introdução Quando uma pessoa está em pé, os músculos flexores plantares são envolvidos na maioria dos movimentos corporais estáticos e dinâmicos. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a confiabilidade teste-reteste e fatorial da mensuração das características contráteis dos músculos plantares, usando um novo teste de campo simples. Métodos A amostra consistiu em 452 indivíduos saudáveis, 120 homens e 332 mulheres. O estudo foi realizado pelo método de teste-reteste, com dinamometria isométrica conduzida em condições de campo. Empregou-se a ANOVA para estimar a diferença entre os testes o alfa de Cronbach e a correlação interclasse para estimar a correlação entre os testes e análise de componentes principais , para avaliar a contribuição de cada teste para a variabilidade global. Resultados Os principais achados deste estudo são que os testes diferiram significativamente (p < 0,000) para a força máxima (Fmáx) e a taxa máxima de desenvolvimento de força (TDFmáx), indicando que os três testes de procedimento foram necessários. Os testes foram altamente correlacionados (Fmáx, TDFmáx, r > 0,9), provando que a medição era confiável, e a análise fatorial separou o segundo e o terceiro testes, sendo que o segundo teste apresentou a maior parte da variabilidade total. Conclusões O novo teste de campo simples para medição das características contráteis dos flexores plantares recomendado por este estudo provou ser tão confiável quanto os testes de laboratório e, ao mesmo tempo, mais fácil de realizar fora das instituições científicas ou de diagnóstico, o que facilita muito o trabalho de cientistas, treinadores e profissionais. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos Diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Introducción Cuando una persona está de pie, los músculos flexores plantares son involucrados en la mayoría de los movimientos corporales estáticos y dinámicos. Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la confiabilidad test-retest y factorial de la medición de las características contráctiles de los músculos plantares, usando un nuevo test de campo simple. Métodos La muestra consistió en 452 individuos saludables, 120 hombres y 332 mujeres. El estudio fue realizado a través del método de test-retest, con dinamometría isométrica conducida en condiciones de campo. Se empleó ANOVA para estimar la diferencia entre los tests, alpha de Crombach y la correlación interclase para estimar la correlación entre los tests y el análisis de componentes principales, para evaluar la contribución de cada test para la variabilidad global. Resultados Los principales hallazgos de este estudio son que los tests difirieron significativamente (p<0,000) para la fuerza máxima (Fmáx) y la tasa máxima de desarrollo de fuerza (TDFmáx) indicando que los tres tests de procedimiento fueron necesarios. Los tests fueron altamente correlacionados (Fmáx, TDFmáx, r>0,9) probando que la medición era confiable, y el análisis factorial separó el segundo y tercer test, siendo que el segundo test presentó la mayor parte de variabilidad total. Conclusiones El nuevo test de campo simple para medición de las características contráctiles de los flexores plantares recomendado por este estudio probó ser tan confiable como los tests de laboratorio y, al mismo tiempo, más fácil de realizar fuera de las instituciones científicas o de diagnóstico, lo que facilita mucho el trabajo de científicos, entrenadores y profesionales. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Effect of exogenous miR206 on the development of denervated muscular atrophy by inhibiting the expression of myostatin of rats / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of miR206 in rat model of denervated muscular atrophy.Methods:From September, 2020 to December, 2020, a total of 40 rats were selected for this study. Denervated muscular atrophy model was established on 16 SPF Sprague-Dawley rats, by removing 1 cm in length of sciatic nerve. The rats were classified into 4 groups according to the sampling time: 0 d, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d(4 rats per group). The other 24 rats were also established into denervated skeletal muscle atrophy models and assigned into 3 groups: denervation add miR206 group, denervation add NC transfection reagent group, and sham-operated group( n=8 in each group). After sampling, the area of cross section of the gastrocnemius muscle and gastrocnemius muscle mass were measured to evaluate muscle atrophy. The mRNA and protein expression of myostatin were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. Combining with luciferase report to explore the underlying mechanism of miR206, the t-test and oneway ANOVA were used for data analysis used in this study. In one-way ANOVA analysis, if the difference between groups was statistically significant, Bonferroni method would be used for further comparing of all pairs. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:After excision of a part of sciatic nerve of rat models, gastrocnemius muscle mass of denervation plus miR206 group, denervation plus NC transfection reagent group and sham-operated group were: (0.63±0.04), (0.51±0.02) and (1.05±0.02), respectively. The cross section areas of gastrocnemius muscle in each groups were: (761.30±21.79) μm 2, (640.30±30.31) μm 2 and (1066.00±51.65) μm 2, respectively( P<0.05). Myostatin mRNA expression showed lower in miR206 group than in NC group tested by Western blot, which were(0.57±0.04) in miR206 and (0.81±0.04) in NC group tested by qPCR( P<0.05). The protein expression measured by Western blot test revealed same expression pattern as mRNA expression pattern. The different of relative expression between miR206 group and NC group( P<0.05). Finally, in the mmu-miR206 co-transfected with the MSTN 3'UTR-luciferase sensor group, the relative luciferase activity was measured at 0.26±0.07 and it was significant lower than any other groups( P<0.05). Conclusion:The miR206 can counteract denervated skeletomuscular atrophy through down regulating the myostatin expression. Myostatin is a new discovered target gene of miR206.

Gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with antibiotics loaded calcium sulfate in the treatment of postoperative infection and plate exposure of tibial plateau fracture in elderly patients / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficiency of gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with antibiotics loaded calcium sulfate in the treatment of postoperative infection and plate exposure of tibial plateau fracture in elderly patients.Methods:From January, 2015 to May, 2019, 21 elderly patients with postoperative infection and plate exposure of tibial plateau fracture were treated, including 14 males and 7 females with an average age of 72.6 years, ranging from 61 to 82 years. The average course of disease was 22.7 days, ranging from 6 to 91 days. The site of wound infection was at medial in 8 cases, lateral in 9 cases and bilateral in 4 cases. The size of wound ranged from 2.0 cm×3.5 cm to 5.0 cm×12.0 cm. All wounds were implanted with antibiotics loaded calcium sulfate and repaired by gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with skin graft after debridement. Muscle flap survival, wound healing, inflammatory index, fracture healing and knee joint function were recorded. The curative effect was evaluated by McKee infection treatment criteria and the knee joint function was evaluated by HSS scoring criteria.Results:All 21 muscle flaps survived. In 1 case, skin graft necrosis occurred in a small area, and the wound healed well after dressing change. One case had exudation which was clear and the bacterial culturing was negative, and the wound healed after 2 weeks of dressing change. The other incisions were healed in stage I, and the healing rate was 90%. All patients were followed-up for an average of 28.7(16-39) months. The redness and swelling occurred in 1 case without exudation after 2 months which disappeared after anti-infection treatment and didn't recur again. The infection recurred in 1 case after 5 months, and it which was controlled after debridement and plate removal. According to McKee criteria, 19 cases were cured, 1 improved and 1 recurred with an effective rate of 95.2%. The fracture healing time was from 3 to 7 months, with an average of 4.6 months. According to HSS scoring criteria, the knee joint function was excellent in 12 cases, good in 7 cases and moderate in 2 cases.Conclusion:After thorough debridement, gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate can effectively control the infection, repair the wound, promote fracture union and restore limb function in the treatment of postoperative infection and plate exposure of tibial plateau fracture in elderly patients.

Repair of soft tissue defect of hand and foot with free medial gastrocnemius perforator artery fascia flap combined with skin graft / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the surgical effect of repairing soft tissue defect of hand and foot with medial gastrocnemius fascia flap combined with skin graft.Methods:From January, 2018 to June, 2019, 10 patients were treated with transfers of free medial gastrocnemius fascia flaps combined with skin graft to repair soft tissue defect of hand and foot. The size of free fascial flap was 5.0 cm×8.0 cm-12.0 cm×15.0 cm. After successful transfer on the wound, the skin was grafted onto the fascial flap, and the donor site was sutured directly. The appearance and function of the recipient and donor sites were observed and the effect of the operation was evaluated. Sensory recovery was assessed by the standard set by British Medical Research Council (BMRC) at the last follow-up.Results:All the free medial gastrocnemius fascia flap survived. After 6-10 days of granulation tissue growing, the skin grafts were transferred and all survived. All patients entered follow-up for 3-9 months, with an average of 7.5 months. The tissue at the recipient sites were soft and wear-resistant without swelling or ulceration. According to the self-designed evaluation system of soft tissue defect reconstruction, 10 patients had score from 68 to 92 (average, 75.2) . At the last follow-up, sensory recovery was assessed by BMRC, 7 cases were excellent and 3 cases were good.Conclusion:The repair of hand and foot soft tissue defect by the free medial gastrocnemius fascia flap combined with skin graft has advantages in constancy of vascular anatomy of free fascia tissue, long vascular pedicle and for repair of various types of hand and foot defects. Skin of the recipient area is soft with good appearance without swelling after the reconstruction of fascia flap. It is a method of treatment in repair of soft tissue defect of hand and foot by avoiding the thinning of a flap in the second procedure.

Focal Myositis Localised in Gastrocnemius Muscle: is it Different from Isolated Gastrocnemius Myositis? A Case Report

@#Focal myositis is a rare disease defined by an isolated inflammatory pseudotumour usually restricted to one skeletal muscle. Approximately, 250 cases of focal myositis have been described in the literature, and two recent large cohorts have been used to help in the diagnosis. Isolated gastrocnemius myositis, a rare immune-mediated condition, is a diagnostic entity used by internal medicine clinician in the gastrocnemius myalgia syndrome associated with Crohn’s disease (CD). However, focal myositis and isolated gastrocnemius myositis with Crohn's disease share clinical, haematological, pathological, and radiological similarities. We present a case of unilateral focal myositis of the gastrocnemius muscle in a patient with no underlying diseases, including Crohn’s disease. At clinical evaluation, we encountered a challenge in differentiating between focal myositis and the isolated gastrocnemius myositis of Crohn’s due to similarities in clinical manifestation. We attempt to clarify focal myositis and isolated gastrocnemius myositis through our case report and a review of literature.

Protective effects of honey, Apis mellifera meda skorikov, on ischemia-reperfusion induced muscle injury / Efectos protectores de la miel, Apis mellifera meda skorikov, sobre la lesión muscular inducida por isquemia-reperfusión

Honey is a natural antioxidant that its protective effects have been proven against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Persian Honey, Apis mellifera meda skorikov, on gastrocnemius muscle IR injury. Eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were used. They were divided into ten groups (N=8 per group). The ischemia was conducted with a silk suture 6-0 using the slipknot technique. All groups were rendered in ischemic for 3 h, and reperfused for various times of 3 days (3-day reperfusion), 7 days (7-day reperfusion), 14 days (14-day reperfusion), and 28 days (28-day reperfusion). Half of the groups had experimental honey (5 %) treatment immediately after ischemia. After reperfusion, the rats, based on the grouping, were killed with high doses of anesthetic, and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed and fixed. After the tissue processing, the evaluation of edema and mast cells infiltration was performed with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining, respectively. TNF-α was detected with immunohistochemistry method. The amount of TNF-α as an index of acute inflammatory except the 3rd day significantly decreased on the other day of reperfusion (7th, 147th and 287th days). The mast cells infiltration was significantly decreased on 77th and 147th days. The tissue edema was decreased significantly in honey administrated group in the comparison with placebo groups. Honey administration can reduce damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion in the rat gastrocnemius muscle.

La miel es un antioxidante natural; sus efectos protectores han sido probados contra la lesión por isquemiareperfusión (IR). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de mejora de la miel persa Apis mellifera meda skorikov, en la lesión por IR del músculo gastrocnemio. Se utilizaron 80 ratas Sprague-Dawley macho adultas con un peso entre 250 y 300 g divididas en diez grupos (N = 8 por grupo). La isquemia se realizó con una sutura de seda 6-0 utilizando la técnica slipknot permaneciendo isquémicos durante 3 h. La reperfusión se realizó durante varios tiempos de 3 días, 7 días (reperfusión de 7 días), 14 días (reperfusión de 14 días) y 28 días (28 días reperfusión). La mitad de los grupos recibió tratamiento experimental con miel (5 %) inmediatamente después de la isquemia. Después de la reperfusión, las ratas, fueron sacrificadas con altas dosis de anestésico, y los músculos gastrocnemios fueron removidos y fijados. Después de procesar el tejido, se realizó la evaluación del edema y la infiltración de mastocitos se realizó con tinción de hematoxilina-eosina y azul de toluidina, respectivamente. TNF-α se detectó con el método de inmunohistoquímica. La cantidad de TNF-α como índice de inflamación inflamatoria aguda, excepto en el tercer día, disminuyó significativamente al día siguiente de la reperfusión (7, 14 y 28 días). La infiltración de mastocitos disminuyó significativamente a los 7 y 14 días. El edema tisular disminuyó significativamente en el grupo administrado con miel en comparación con los grupos placebo. El tratamiento con miel puede reducir el daño causado por la isquemia-reperfusión en el músculo gastrocnemio de la rata.

Variation In The Mode Of Origin And Level Of Formation Of Nerve To Medial And Lateral Head Of Gastrocnemius Muscle

Variations of nerve are not only of anatomic and embryological interest but also of clinical importance. Theiradequate knowledge certainly help in increasing surgical precision and decreasing morbidity. In present studyvariations in mode of origin and level of formation of nerve to medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius wasstudied. The material for the present study comprised of 60 lower extremities belonging to 30 adult humancadavers obtained from Department of Anatomy, PIMS, Jalandhar. Neurectomy of nerve to medial gastrocnemiusmuscle is used to reduce volume of the muscle. For facial reconstruction after total parotidectomy, the facialnerve is being reconstructed by using vascularized sural nerve with free lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap

Surface electromyogram features of the lower limb muscles in cerebral palsy children standing and walking on tiptoes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Under well-controlled conditions, changes in myoelectric signal activity can largely reflect muscle changes such as muscle function, muscle tension, muscle strength, and multi-muscle coordination, providing objective analysis of the muscle function. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in surface electromyography (SEMG) of the lower limb muscles in cerebral palsy children standing or walking on tiptoes. METHODS: Using TELEMYO 2400R G2 SEMG telemeter produced by NORAXON Company in the United States, surface EMG features of bilateral anterior tibial muscles and medial gastrocnemius muscles were detected in 20 cerebral palsy children standing or walking on unilateral tiptoes. The myoelectric activity of the testicular muscles between the pointed and contralateral side was compared in all the subjects. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, and all subjects and their guardians signed an informed consent prior to the participation in the study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: When the subjects were standing and walking normally, the average SEMG amplitude and average SEMG integral of the medial gastrocnemius at the tiptoe side were significantly lower than those at the contralateral side (P < 0.05); the mean and median frequencies of the anterior tibial muscles and medial gastrocnemius muscles at the tiptoe side were significantly higher than those at the contralateral side (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that there are abnormal SEMG signals in the anterior tibial muscles and medial gastrocnemius muscles at the tiptoe side in children with cerebral palsy, and the muscle activity of the lower limbs in such children is not balanced. Therefore, SEMG is of practical value in evaluating the functional status of the neuromuscular system in children with cerebral palsy.

Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for denervated muscular atrophy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Microscopic surgery or some adjuvant treatments can neither effectively delay nor treat denervated muscle atrophy by repairing damaged nerve cells. Studies have found that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have the potential for directional differentiation and repair damaged tissues under certain environmental factors. It is speculated that the cells can play a certain role in repairing denervated atrophic muscles. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can alleviate and retard atrophy of denervated muscles. METHODS: Primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats, and passage 3 cells were labeled by BrdU for cell transplantation. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, 10 rats in each group. In the sham operation group, only the main trunk of the sciatic nerve was exposed but not clamped. In the treatment group, the main trunk of the sciatic nerve was clamped and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell suspension was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle. In the control group, after the sciatic nerve trunk was clamped, the gastrocnemius muscle innervated by the sciatic nerve was injected with DMEM medium of equal volume (without cells and fetal bovine serum). Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores were used to evaluate the motor function of the rat’s left hindlimb at 1 and 2 weeks after cell transplantation. Changes in the gastrocnemius muscle fibers were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and BrdU immunohistochemical staining at 14 days after cell transplantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The passage 3 bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were positive for BrdU. The labeled cells could survive in and repair the denervated muscle tissue in the treatment group. Compared with the model group, the denervated muscle fibers of the treatment group recovered from mutual fusion and re-arranged regularly. To conclude, transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can alleviate and retard atrophy of denervated muscles.

Effect of moxibustion on body weight and peripheral and cerebral cortical IL-6 and IL-10 levels in fatigue rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli"(ST36) on peripheral and central IL-6, IL-10 and IL-10/IL-6 changes in fatigue rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying relief of fatigue. METHODS: Twenty-one male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model and moxibustion groups with 7 rats in each group. The fatigue model was induced by exhausted weight-loaded swimming, once daily for 21 days. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral ST36 once every other day, for successive 11 times. The overall state and the body weight were observed. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in the serum, gastrocnemius and frontal cortex tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the body weight was significantly reduced on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day in the model group (P<0.05), and considerably increased on the 14th and 21st day in the moxibustion group relevant to the model group (P<0.05). After modeling, the levels of IL-6 in the serum, gastrocnemius and frontal cortex were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of IL-10 was obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the normal group, and ratio of IL-10/IL-6 was obviously decreased in the serum and frontal cortex of the model group relevant to the normal group (P<0.01). After the moxibustion intervention, the levels of IL-10 in the serum and frontal cortex were significantly increased (P<0.05), and ratio of IL-10/IL-6 in the serum and frontal cortex was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the IL-6 contents in the gastrocnemius and frontal cortex were notably decreased in the moxibustion group relevant to the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can inhibit weight-loaded swimming induced decrease of body weight in fatigue rats, which may be associated with its effects in balancing the levels of peripheral and central pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Effect of electroacupuncture on tissue elasticity and expression of muscular MyoD and myogenin in rats with acute gastrocnemius contusion / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Ashi" acupoint and "Kunlun" (BL60) on elastic modulus, histopathological changes and expression of myogenic regulatory factors in gastrocnemius(GM) contusion rats, so as to explore the therapeutic effect of local acupoint selection and acupoint selection along channel. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control (n＝5), model (n＝15), Ashi-point (n＝15) and BL60 (n＝15) groups. The acute GM contusion model was established by striking (free falling) the GM with a homemade hitter. EA (0.5 to 1.0 mA, 2 Hz/10 Hz) was applied to Ashi-point (local focus) and BL60 for 30 min 24 h after muscle injury. The elasticity maximum (Emax) of gastrocnemius muscle was measured by using an ultrasonic device. Histopathological changes were observed after H．E. stain, and the number of Myogenic differentiation(MyoD)- and Myogenin (MyoG)-positive cells was detected by using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After mdeling, the Emax value of GM was significantly increased from the 3rd h to 7th day in comparison with pre- injury of muscle (P<0.05), and was markedly increased on the 3rd day and obviously lower on day 7 in the Ashi-point group than in the model group (P<0.05). The numbers of MyoD- and MyoG-positive cells of GM were significantly increased on day 7 in the model group than in the blank control group (P<0.05), and both further increased in Ashi-point on day 3 and 5, and MyoG-positive cells further increased in BL60 group on day 5 and in Ashi-point group on day 7 relevant to the model group(P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA-Ashi-point was apparently superior to that of BL60 in up-regulating Emax on day 3 and in up-regulating the number of MyoD-positive cells on day 3 and 5 (P<0.05). H．E. stain showed disordered arrangement of muscle fibers, infiltration of inflammatory cells, increase of intercellular space, and edema on day 3 after modeling (which was milder in the Ashi-point group); and gradual fusion and thickening of new born muscle fibers with obvious connective tissue hyperplasia converged to the lesioned region on day 7 in the model group (convergence of new born muscle cells to the lesion region in both EA groups, and more complete tissues in the Ashi-point group). CONCLUSION: EA of Ashi-point and BL60 can up-regulate the expression of myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and MyoG of GM tissue in GM contusion rats, which may contribute to its function in promoting recovery of muscle elasticity. The role of EA-Ashi-point is superior to that of EA-BL60.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with passive stretch exercise on disused muscle atrophy and expression of skeletal troponin in mice / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) plus passive stretch exercise in the treatment of disused atrophy of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in mice. METHODS: Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally divided into 5 groups: blank control, model, passive stretch exercise (exercise), EA and EA+exercise groups. The muscular atrophy model was established by fixing the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles with plaster immobilization (by putting the right leg into a plastic vial and then twining the vial with medical plaster bandage from the ankle upwards to the thigh and groin to maintain the knee-joint flexion and ankle joint plantar flexion for 7 days). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA)was applied to bilateral "Zusanli"(ST36) for 10 min, once a day for 4 weeks. For mice with the passive exercise, the plastic vial was removed first, followed by pulling out the hindleg to seize the toes to stretch them until the right hindleg is fully extended, then, pushed the leg towards the body. The procedures were repeated once again and again for 10 min. The exercise was conducted once daily, for 4 weeks. The cross-sectional area of fast and slow muscle fibers of the soleus and gastrocnemius was measured under electronic microscope after ATPase histochemical stain and the expression of slow skeletal muscle troponin (TNNI1) and fast skeletal muscle troponin (TNNI2) in the soleus and gastrocnemius was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the cross-sectional areas of the fast and slow muscle fibers of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Following the interventions, the cross-sectional areas of the fast and slow muscle fibers of soleus muscle in the EA+exercise group, and those of the fast and slow muscle fibers of the gastrocnemius muscle in the EA and EA+exercise groups, and the expression levels of TNNI1 and TNNI2 proteins in the gastrocnemius muscle of the EA+exercise group were significantly increased in comparison with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA combined with passive stretch exercise can promote the recovery of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in disused muscle atrophy mice, which may be related to its effect in up-regulating the expression of TNNI1 and TNNI2 proteins.

Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Body Acupuncture on Gastrocnemius Muscle Tone in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blinded, Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the immediate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and body acupuncture (BA) on gastrocnemius muscle tone in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).@*METHODS@#Children with spastic CP, age from 24 to 60 months, who all received rehabilitation treatment in the Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the First Hospital of Jilin University from April 2016 to May 2017 were enrolled in this trial and assigned to EA group and BA group through a random number table. Both EA and BA therapies were performed on acupoints of Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Xuanzhong (GB 39) for 30 min once. The root mean square (RMS), integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of the gastrocnemius of surface electromyography (sEMG), and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) of the two groups were evaluated before and after treatment. All adverse events were accurately recorded.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-six children with spastic CP completed the study (18 cases and 32 legs in the EA group; 18 cases and 31 legs in the BA group). There was no significant difference in RMS, iEMG and MTS between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, compared with before treatment, RMS and iEMG significantly reduced and MTS (R2-R1) significantly increased in both EA and BA groups (P0.05). There was no serious adverse event during this clinical trial.@*CONCLUSION@#Both EA and BA could significantly relieve the gastrocnemius muscle tone in spastic CP, and EA was more effective than BA. (Registration No. ChiCTRONC-15007633).