Electromyography as a tool to motion analysis for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A protocol for a systematic review.

Biomechanical analysis of human movement plays an essential role in understanding functional changes in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), providing information on muscle impairment. Studies suggest that surface electromyography (sEMG) may be able to quantify muscle activity, identify levels of fatigue, assess muscle strength, and monitor variation in limb movement. In this article, a systematic review protocol will analyze the psychometric properties of the sEMG regarding the clinical data on the skeletal muscles of people with ALS. This protocol uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodological tool. A specific field structure was defined to reach each phase. Nine scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Elsevier, IEEE, Google Scholar, SciELO, PEDro, LILACS E CENTRAL) were searched. The framework developed will extract data (i.e. study information, sample information, sEMG information, intervention, and outcomes) from the selected studies using a rigorous approach. The data will be described quantitatively using frequency and trend analysis methods, and heterogeneity between the included studies will be assessed using the I2 test. The risk of bias will be summarized using the most recent prediction model risk of bias assessment tool. Be sure to include relevant statistics here, such as sample sizes, response rates, P values or Confidence Intervals. Be specific (by stating the value) rather than general (eg, "there were differences between the groups"). This protocol will map out the construction of a systematic review that will identify and synthesize the advances in movement analysis of people with ALS through sEMG, using data extracted from articles.

Identifying biomarkers for tDCS treatment response in Alzheimer's disease patients: a machine learning approach using resting-state EEG classification.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, identifying objective biomarkers that can predict brain stimulation efficacy, remains a challenge. The primary aim of this investigation is to delineate the cerebral regions implicated in AD, taking into account the existing lacuna in comprehension of these regions. In pursuit of this objective, we have employed a supervised machine learning algorithm to prognosticate the neurophysiological outcomes resultant from the confluence of tDCS therapy plus cognitive intervention within both the cohort of responders and non-responders to antecedent tDCS treatment, stratified on the basis of antecedent cognitive outcomes. Methods: The data were obtained through an interventional trial. The study recorded high-resolution electroencephalography (EEG) in 70 AD patients and analyzed spectral power density during a 6 min resting period with eyes open focusing on a fixed point. The cognitive response was assessed using the AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale. The training process was carried out through a Random Forest classifier, and the dataset was partitioned into K equally-partitioned subsamples. The model was iterated k times using K-1 subsamples as the training bench and the remaining subsample as validation data for testing the model. Results: A clinical discriminating EEG biomarkers (features) was found. The ML model identified four brain regions that best predict the response to tDCS associated with cognitive intervention in AD patients. These regions included the channels: FC1, F8, CP5, Oz, and F7. Conclusion: These findings suggest that resting-state EEG features can provide valuable information on the likelihood of cognitive response to tDCS plus cognitive intervention in AD patients. The identified brain regions may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and maybe guide a patient-centered strategy. Clinical Trial Registration: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02772185?term=NCT02772185&draw=2&rank=1, identifier ID: NCT02772185.

The influence of Kinesio Taping on muscle fatigue in individuals with low back pain: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different taping techniques on back muscle fatigue in people with low back pain. METHODS: Sixty women with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomly assigned to four groups of 15 participants each: control (CG), Kinesio Taping (KT) with tension (KTT), KT no tension (KTNT) and Micropore® (MP), which were applied over the erector spinae muscles. The median frequency (MF) fatigue slopes of the longissimus muscle and sustained contraction time during a trunk fatigue test (Ito test), and pain using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were collected at three time points: pre-treatment, three and ten days after intervention at a university laboratory. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in the MF slopes between groups (p= 0.01, η2= 0.20), with the KTT showing a mean difference (MD = 0.31, p= 0.04) and KTNT (MD = 0.28, p= 0.04) compared with CG. Significant reductions in NPRS were seen between time points (p< 0.001, η2= 0.28), with a reduction between pre and 3 days (MD = 1.87, p< 0.001), and pre and 10 days (MD = 1.38, p< 0.001), with KTT and KTNT both showing clinically important changes. CONCLUSION: KT, with or without tension, has a tendency to reduce back muscle fatigue and reduce pain in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Reliability and concurrent validity of a mobile application to measure thoracolumbar range of motion in low back pain patients.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone devices have been used to measure range of motion (ROM) in different joints. OBJECTIVE: To verify the concurrent validity of thoracolumbar ROM using a mobile application and a digital inclinometer, as well as the intrarater reliability of individuals with and without back pain. METHODS: One investigator was responsible for measuring the ROM during the evaluations performed on 20 asymptomatic subjects and 20 symptomatic subjects in two consecutive days. RESULTS: Regarding to the concurrent validity, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were classified as very good for all analyzed movements. For intrarater reliability, the mobile application had ICC varying between good and very good for the symptomatic subjects and very good for asymptomatic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The mobile application may be considered a valid and reliable tool to assess thoracolumbar ROM for both asymptomatic and chronic low back pain subjects.

Effects of kinesio taping on neuromuscular performance and pain of individuals affected by patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the knee and its treatment is controversial. This study analyzed the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) immediately and 72 hours after its application on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle, on the isokinetic performance of the quadriceps femoris and on the pain of subjects with PFP. Fifty-four participants were divided into three groups and performed one of the following protocols: (1) control group (CG)-remained at rest; (2) KT tension group (TG)-KT application with tension in the VMO region; and (3) KT without tension group (WTG)-KT application without tension in the same region. VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG activity (RMS and onset), isokinetic performance and pain intensity were evaluated at three moments: before KT application, immediately after and 72 hours after. A mixed model ANOVA was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). No differences between the evaluated groups were found in relation to EMG variables and isokinetic performance. A reduction in pain intensity was found in the WTG in comparison to CG, after 72 hours. KT does not alter EMG parameters nor the isokinetic performance of subjects with PFP. However, we noticed reduced pain in the group submitted to the technique without tension 72 hours after its application.

Whole-Body Vibration on Performance of Quadriceps After ACL Reconstruction: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been widely used in clinical and sport practice. These devices produce constant vibrations, originating symmetrical waves that move along the vertical axis. It is suggested that mechanical stimuli produced by high vibration can be an alternative to improve neuromuscular performance and balance in different populations. However, there is still a lack of consensus in the literature regarding neurophysiological responses in the skeletal muscle immediately after the use of WBV, specifically in individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effects of WBV on neuromuscular performance of the quadriceps femoris and postural oscillation of individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DESIGN: This is a blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four men. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized into 2 groups: control group (n = 22, exercise protocol on the vibrating platform turned off) and WBV group (n = 22, exercises on the vibrating platform turned on, at a frequency of 50 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The volunteers underwent a dynamometric evaluation of the quadriceps femoris and electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles, in addition to oscillation of the center of pressure at 2 different moments: before and immediately after the intervention protocol. RESULTS: The intragroup comparison evidenced differences between preassessments and postassessments for the variables of laterolateral amplitude, peak torque, and total work. However, no significant difference was observed in the intergroup comparison after WBV protocol. CONCLUSION: The use of WBV did not immediately alter the performance of the quadriceps femoris and the electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles. In addition, it also did not interfere with pressure center oscillation of individuals subjected to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Kinesio Taping reduces pain and improves disability in low back pain patients: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eight women with chronic non-specific LBP underwent an evaluation pre, 3 and 10 days after intervention. INTERVENTIONS: After randomisation, participants were assigned to four groups: KT with tension group (KTT) applied KT® with tension in the region of the erector spinae muscles; KT no tension group (KTNT) applied KT® with no tension in the same region; Micropore group (MP) applied Micropore® tape on the erector spinae muscles; and control group (CG) did not receive any intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was pain sensation, measured by numerical pain rating scale. Secondary outcomes were: disability (Roland Morris Disability questionnaire), trunk range of motion (inclinometry), strength (dynamometry) and electromyographic amplitude (electromyography). RESULTS: Improved pain relief was observed for KTT group (mean difference 2.0; 95% CI 0.5 to 3.4; P=0.003) and KTNT group [mean difference (MD) 1.9; 95% CI 0.5 to 3.4; P=0.004] compared with CG at 3days after application of the tape. For disability, there was a difference between CG and KTT group at 3days (MD 3.5; 95% CI 0.8 to 6.1; P=0.004) and 10days (MD 32; 95% CI 0.4 to 6.0; P=0.016). For all the other variables, there were no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: KT with or without tension reduces pain 3days after its application. Additionally, when applied with tension, it improves disability after 3 and 10days in patients with LBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02550457 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Low-level laser therapy reduces the fatigue index in the ankle plantar flexors of healthy subjects.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested as a resource capable of increasing resistance to fatigue and enhancing muscle performance through its metabolic and photochemical effects. This study evaluated the immediate effects of the application of LLLT on neuromuscular performance of the plantar ankle flexors in healthy subjects through a fatigue-induced protocol. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial, attended by 60 young and physically active volunteers of both genders. The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups, control, placebo, and laser, and underwent a preliminary evaluation of the isokinetic performance of plantar flexors and electromyographic activity of the soleus muscle to ensure homogeneity between groups. After the application of the respective intervention protocols, participants were induced to fatigue by performing 100 isokinetic concentric contractions of ankle plantar flexors at a speed of 90°/s. The dynamometric fatigue index (DFI) and median frequency were recorded during the fatigue protocol for comparison between groups. The group receiving the laser application showed significantly lower dynamometric fatigue index (p = 0.036) when compared to control and placebo groups. In relation to the median frequency during the fatigue test, there was a decrease in all groups, however with no differences between them. We suggest that LLLT being applied prior to exercise can reduce the fatigue index in the ankle plantar flexors of healthy subjects.