scholarly journals Relationship Between Sleep, Neck Muscle Activity, and Pain in Cervical Dystonia

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Lobbezoo ◽  
Marc Thu Thon ◽  
Guy Rémillard ◽  
Jacques Y. Montplaisir ◽  
Gilles J. Lavigne
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Cervical Dystonia ◽  
Nrem Sleep ◽  
Spinal Pain ◽  
Spasmodic Torticollis ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Before And After

AbstractObjective: The interactions between sleep, neck muscle activity, and cervical spinal pain were examined in a controlled study with nine patients suffering from idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD; also referred to as spasmodic torticollis), and nine gender- and age-matched controls. Methods: From each participant, two all-night polysomnograms with additional electromyographic recordings from the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles were obtained. The first night was for habituation to the laboratory environment; the second night for experimental data collection. Visual analogue scales were used to collect intensity and unpleasantness ratings of cervical spinal pain before and after the second sleep recording. Results: None of the standard sleep variables showed statistically significant differences between average values of both groups of participants. However, a significantly larger variance in sleep latency was obtained for the ICD patients. In general, abnormal cervical muscle activity decreased immediately when lying down without the intention to go to sleep. Subsequently, abnormal muscle contractions were gradually abolished in all ICD patients during the transition from relaxed wakefulness to light NREM sleep. Following this transition phase, no more abnormal EMG activity was found in any of our patients. Finally, cervical spinal pain intensity and unpleasantness were reduced by about 50% overnight. Conclusions: Both supine position and sleep can be associated with an improvement of symptoms of ICD, and this disorder does not induce any sleep perturbations.

Myoelectric Activity Differences in Three Learning Sessions

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Tiina Ritvanen ◽  
Reijo Koskelo ◽  
Osmo H„nninen
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
School Students ◽  
Language Laboratory ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Muscle Groups

Abstract This study follows muscle activity in three different learning sessions (computer, language laboratory, and normal classroom) while students were studying foreign languages. Myoelectric activity was measured in 21 high school students (10 girls, 11 boys, age range 17-20 years) by surface electromyography (sEMG) from the upper trapezius and frontalis muscles during three 45-min sessions. Root mean square (RMS) average from both investigated muscles was calculated. The EMG activity was highest in both muscle groups in the computer-aided session and lowest in the language laboratory. The girls had higher EMG activity in both investigated muscle groups in all three learning situations. The measured blood pressure was highest at the beginning of the sessions, decreased within 10 min, but increased again toward the end of the sessions. Our results indicate that the use of a computer as a teaching-aid evokes more constant muscle activity than the traditional learning situations. Since muscle tension can have adverse health consequences, more research is needed to determine optimal classroom conditions, especially when technical aids are used in teaching.

Use of a Shoulder Rest for Playing the Violin Revisited: An Analysis of the Effect of Shoulder Rest Height on Muscle Activity, Violin Fixation Force, and Player Comfort

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Kok ◽  
Jim Schrijvers ◽  
Marta Fiocco ◽  
Barend van Royen ◽  
Jaap Harlaar
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Deltoid Muscle ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Muscles ◽  
Rest Condition

AIMS: For violinists, the shoulder rest is an ergonomic adaptation to reduce musculoskeletal load. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how the height of the shoulder rest affects the violin fixation force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the superficial neck and shoulder muscles. METHODS: In professional violinists, four different shoulder rest heights during five playing conditions were evaluated. Outcome variables included the jaw-shoulder violin fixation force and bilateral surface EMG of the upper trapezius (mTP), sternocleidomastoid (mSCM), and left anterior part of the left deltoid muscle (mDTA). Playing comfort was subjectively rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Linear regression models were estimated to investigate the influence of the shoulder rest height on muscle activity and violin fixation force as well as the muscle activity of the five evaluated muscles on violin fixation force. RESULTS: 20 professional violinists (4 males, 16 females, mean age 29.4 yrs) participated in this study. The shoulder rest condition had a significant effect on playing comfort (p<0.001), with higher shoulder rest conditions associated with decreased subjective playing comfort. The mean violin fixation force for each shoulder rest condition ranged between 2.92 and 3.39 N; higher shoulder rests were related to a higher violin fixation force (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, violin fixation force and muscle activity of the left mDTA increased while playing with an increasing height of the shoulder rest. As the shoulder rest influences muscle activity patterns and violin fixation force, adjustment of the shoulder rest and positioning of the violin need to be carefully optimized.

EMG Analysis of Patients with Unilateral Neck Pain

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Whalen ◽  
Steven P. Konstant ◽  
Teddy W. Worrell ◽  
Sam Kegerreis
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Emg Electrodes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in EMG activity between involved and uninvolved upper trapezius muscles in participants with unilateral neck pain. Thirteen volunteers, seen by a physical therapist, gave informed consent. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on involved and uninvolved upper trapezius muscles. Root mean squared EMG activity was measured. Visual analog scales (VASs) for pain were used for each side. Reliability data indicated high ICC (2,1) but also large SEMs and CVs. EMG activity increased from resting to shrugging to abducting positions. Participants perceived greater pain on the involved side than the uninvolved side. EMG readings for individuals were consistent, however, between participants. EMG had high variability. Although participants' VAS scores were consistent with their reports of unilateral neck pain, surface EMG readings did not support the existence of increased muscle activity on the involved side.

Effect of sleep-induced increases in upper airway resistance on respiratory muscle activity

1991 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. G. Henke ◽  
J. A. Dempsey ◽  
M. S. Badr ◽  
J. M. Kowitz ◽  
J. B. Skatrud
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Respiratory Muscle ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Nrem Sleep ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Stage 2 Sleep ◽  
Expiratory Muscles ◽  
Resistive Loads ◽  
Respiratory Muscle Activity

To investigate the response of inspiratory and expiratory muscles to naturally occurring inspiratory resistive loads in the absence of conscious control, five male "snorers" were studied during non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep with and without continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Diaphragm (EMGdi) and scalene (EMGsc) electromyographic activity were monitored with surface electrodes and abdominal EMG activity (EMGab) with wire electrodes. Subjects were studied in the following conditions: 1) awake, 2) stage 2 sleep, 3) stage 3/4 sleep, 4) CPAP during stage 3/4 sleep, 5) CPAP plus end-tidal CO2 pressure (PETCO2) isocapnic to stage 2 sleep, and 6) CPAP plus PETCO2 isocapnic to stage 3/4 sleep. Inspired pulmonary resistance (RL) at peak flow rate and PETCO2 increased in all stages of sleep. Activity of EMGdi, EMGsc, and EMGab increased significantly in stage 3/4 sleep. CPAP reduced RL at peak flow, increased tidal volume and expired ventilation, and reduced PETCO2. EMGdi and EMGsc were reduced, and EMGab was silenced. During CPAP, with CO2 added to make PETCO2 isocapnic to stage 3/4 sleep, EMGsc and EMGab increased, but EMGdi was augmented in only one-half of the trials. EMG activity in this condition, however, was only 75% (EMGsc) and 43% (EMGab) of the activity observed during eupneic breathing in stage 3/4 sleep when PETCO2 was equal but RL was much higher. We conclude that during NREM sleep 1) inspiratory and expiratory muscles respond to internal inspiratory resistive loads and the associated dynamic airway narrowing and turbulent flow developed throughout inspiration, 2) some of the augmentation of respiratory muscle activity is also due to the hypercapnia that accompanies loading, and 3) the abdominal muscles are the most sensitive to load and CO2 and the diaphragm is the least sensitive.

scholarly journals Guidelines for Working Heights of the Lower-Limb Exoskeleton (CEX) Based on Ergonomic Evaluations

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5199
Author(s):  
Yong-Ku Kong ◽  
Chae-Won Park ◽  
Min-Uk Cho ◽  
Seoung-Yeon Kim ◽  
Min-Jung Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Lower Limb Exoskeleton ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Subjective Discomfort

The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscle activities and subjective discomfort according to the heights of tasks and the lower-limb exoskeleton CEX (Chairless EXoskeleton), which is a chair-type passive exoskeleton. Twenty healthy subjects (thirteen males and seven females) participated in this experiment. The independent variables were wearing of the exoskeleton (w/ CEX, w/o CEX), working height (6 levels: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 cm), and muscle type (8 levels: upper trapezius (UT), erector spinae (ES), middle deltoid (MD), triceps brachii (TB), biceps brachii (BB), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and tibialis anterior (TA)). The dependent variables were EMG activity (% MVC) and subjective discomfort rating. When wearing the CEX, the UT, ES, RF, and TA showed lower muscle activities at low working heights (40–80 cm) than not wearing the CEX, whereas those muscles showed higher muscle activities at high working heights (100–140 cm). Use of the CEX had a positive effect on subjective discomfort rating at lower working heights. Generally, lower discomfort was reported at working heights below 100 cm when using the CEX. At working heights of 100–140 cm, the muscle activity when wearing the CEX tended to be greater than when not wearing it. Thus, considering the results of this study, the use of the lower-limb exoskeleton (CEX) at a working height of 40–100 cm might reduce the muscle activity and discomfort of whole body and decrease the risk of related disorders.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF CORE STABILIZATION EXERCISE ON MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING HORIZONTAL SHOULDER ADDUCTION WITH LOADS IN HEALTHY ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

2021 ◽  
pp. 2140049
Author(s):  
CHANHEE PARK ◽  
SAMWON YOON ◽  
HYUNSIK YOON ◽  
KYOUNGTAE KIM ◽  
YOUNGJOO CHA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Spinal Stabilization ◽  
Stabilization Exercise ◽  
Core Stabilization ◽  
Upper Trapezius

The importance of core stabilization exercises for extremities associated with dynamic spinal stabilization prior to movement has been demonstrated. However, no previous studies have investigated the muscle-coordinated effects on the upper trapezius (UT), anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM), bilateral transverse abdominis (TrA), bilateral internal oblique (IO), and bilateral external oblique (EO) in healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) breathing technique and the abdominal bracing (AB) technique on UT, AD, PM, bilateral IO/TrA, and bilateral EO motor control in healthy participants during horizontal shoulder adduction. Thirty-six participants, eight of whom were female, were randomized into an AB and a DNS group and performed horizontal shoulder adduction with loads (8 and 17 lb). The clinical outcomes were UT, AD, and PM muscle activation and TrA/IO and EO muscle activation. Paired t-tests were used to analyze electromyography (EMG) data to determine statistically significant differences in muscle activity between the two techniques. For the EMG analysis, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction was measured for normalization and then divided by the EMG amplitude value. The results showed that UT, AD, and PM muscle amplitudes were lower and TrA/IO and EO muscle amplitudes were higher with DNS than with AB ([Formula: see text]). Our findings provide clinical evidence that core exercise with DNS is more effective in lessening UT, AD, and PM muscle activation and improving bilateral TrA/IO motor control than with AB.

scholarly journals Vision fine-tunes preparation for landing in the cane toad, Rhinella marina

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 20180397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. Ekstrom ◽  
Chris Panzini ◽  
Gary B. Gillis
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Impact Forces ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

In toad hopping, the hindlimbs generate the propulsive force for take-off while the forelimbs resist the impact forces associated with landing. Preparing to perform a safe landing, in which impact forces are managed appropriately, likely involves the integration of multiple types of sensory feedback. In toads, vestibular and/or proprioceptive feedback is critical for coordinated landing; however, the role of vision remains unclear. To clarify this, we compare pre-landing forelimb muscle activation patterns before and after removing vision. Specifically, we recorded EMG activity from two antagonistic forelimb muscles, the anconeus and coracoradialis, which demonstrate distance-dependent onset timing and recruitment intensity, respectively. Toads were first recorded hopping normally and then again after their optic nerves were severed to remove visual feedback. When blind, toads exhibited hop kinematics and pre-landing muscle activity similar to when sighted. However, distance-dependent relationships for muscle activity patterns were more variable, if present at all. This study demonstrates that blind toads are still able to perform coordinated landings, reinforcing the importance of proprioceptive and/or vestibular feedback during hopping. But the increased variability in distance-dependent activity patterns indicates that vision is more responsible for fine-tuning the motor control strategy for landing.

Effect of dorsolateral pontine lesions on diaphragmatic activity during REMS

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1435-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Hendricks ◽  
L. R. Kline ◽  
R. O. Davies ◽  
A. I. Pack
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Respiratory Muscle ◽  
Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Muscle Atonia ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Respiratory Muscle Activity ◽  
Diaphragm Activity

Muscle atonia is a feature of normal rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS). The suppression of accessory respiratory muscle activity has been investigated and a role for sleep-disordered breathing hypothesized, but the suppression of diaphragmatic activity has rarely been considered. We hypothesized that the activity of the diaphragm was suppressed by an area of the dorsolateral pons during REMS. Lesions in this region have previously been shown to abolish the atonia of REMS. The diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) activity was analyzed in five naturally sleeping cats before and after pontine lesions leading to REMS without atonia. Although respiratory timing parameters were not altered by the lesion, the inspiratory rate of rise was significantly increased in all cats, and the brief pauses (40-100 ms) in the diaphragmatic EMG normally seen in REMS were virtually abolished. We conclude that the dorsolateral pons has a role in suppressing diaphragmatic activation during REMS. This suppression affects the average rate of rise of diaphragmatic activity and also leads to brief intermittent complete cessation of ongoing muscle activity. These decrements in diaphragm activity could jeopardize ventilation during REMS.

Differences in neck muscle activity according to lying positions using a smartphone

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sun-Hee Ahn ◽  
Sung-Hoon Jung ◽  
Hyun-A Kim ◽  
Jun-Hee Kim ◽  
Young-Soo Weon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
The Other ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Head Turn ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
The Right ◽  
Lying Down

BACKGROUND: Due to the extended use of smartphones, people spend a lot of time on these devices while lying down. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the differences in neck muscle activity of participants while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions (supine (SUP), prone on elbows (PE), side lying (SIDE), and 45∘ head turn while side lying (45-SIDE)). METHODS: Twenty-three healthy volunteers (22.4 ± 1.7 years) were enrolled in this study. We assessed the activities of their right and left sternocleidomastoid (SCM), anterior scalene, cervical erector spinae (CES), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions. RESULTS: The right and left SCM and CES had significantly different muscle activities depending on the lying positions. The SCM activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the 45-SIDE position, while the CES activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SIDE and 45-SIDE positions. Moreover, the UT activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SUP, PE, and SIDE positions. CONCLUSIONS: Neck muscle activity and asymmetry were the lowest in the SUP position relative to the other positions. Therefore, lying down in the SUP position may minimize neck muscle activation while using a smartphone.

scholarly journals Comparison of Activity in Scapular Stabilizing Muscles during Knee Push-Up Plus and Modified Vojta’s 3-Point Support Exercises

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1636
Author(s):  
Hyoungwon Lim
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Point Support ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Push Up

Selective serratus anterior (SA) strengthening without compensatory movement of the shoulder stabilizers is essential for shoulder stability and functional movement without causing shoulder injury and dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) activity between the SA, upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and pectoralis major (PM) during the knee push-up plus (KPUP) and modified Vojta’s 3-point support (MV3PS) exercises. Scapular stabilizer muscle activity (UT, LT, SA, and PM) was investigated during the KPUP and MV3PS exercises in 40 healthy adults (19 males, 21 females) using surface EMG. Muscle activity of the SA was significantly higher during the MV3PS exercise than during the KPUP (p < 0.05). However, muscle activity in the PM was significantly lower during the MV3PS exercise (p < 0.05). In addition, the LT and UT showed less muscle activity during the MV3PS exercise, although the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the MV3PS exercise better activates the SA than KPUP.

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