Assessment of Muscular Fatigue with Electromyography on Lower Back and Leg Muscles during Continuous Uphill and Downhill Load Carriage Task

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Tirthankar Chatterjee ◽  
Sohini Paul ◽  
Anilendu Pramanik ◽  
Madhusudan Pal ◽  
Dhurjati Majumdar
Keyword(s):  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Load Carriage ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Left And Right

<p>Soldiers of Indian Army need to carry moderate to heavy load in complex terrain conditions as their routine activity, which may prove to be highly tiring for leg and back muscles. Soldiers’ regular movement at hilly area was simulated in a study consisting of a continuous uphill (UH) and downhill (DH) load carriage task to monitor state of fatigue at back and lower limb muscles. Twelve Indian soldiers walked at a fixed speed on five UH and five DH gradients with three loads (0, 10.7 kg and 21.4 kg). Electromyographic (EMG) recording was carried out throughout the experimentation on four groups of muscles- left and right Erector spinae (ESR and ESL), Vastus medialis (VMR and VML), Gastrocnemius medialis (GMR and GML), and Soleus (SOR and SOL) muscles. Median frequency (MDF) responses of tested muscles were derived from raw (EMG) data. Higher level of muscle fatigue was observed at highest UH inclination as the MDF response in GMR, GML and VMR was lowest at this point. The MDF response were found to be lower at DH gradients as the physical demand of that stage is less than the UH gradients.</p>

Monitoring Individual Erector Spinae Fatigue Responses Using Electromyography and Near Infrared Spectroscopy

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne J. Albert ◽  
Gordon G. Sleivert ◽  
J. Patrick Neary ◽  
Yagesh N. Bhambhani
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Blood Volume ◽  
Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Neuromuscular Activity ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Lower Back

This study examined the utility of electromyography and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in assessing m. erector spinae activity during the Biering-Sørensen Back Muscle Endurance (BSME) test. Six men and four women (27.0 ± 7.1 years of age) performed the BSME test (time = 131.5 ± 43.5 s). EMG was used to quantify neuromuscular activity of the right and left side at the L3 level, and root mean square was scaled for maximum value at the start of the exercise. NIRS was used to evaluate blood volume (BV) and oxygenation (OX) simultaneous with EMG bilaterally at the L3 level. There was a decrease to 49 ± 8% of initial median frequency (mean = 83 Hz) on both right and left sides when the exercise was 90% complete, and the slope of the median frequency/time relationship was significantly related to BSME time (r = 0.82). Group means for BV increased during back exercise while OX decreased and was significantly different between right and left sides of the lower back. However, large OX response differences among individuals and between right and left sides were noted. OX and median frequency were moderately related (r = 0.27-0.38). It appears that NIRS combined with EMG is a promising tool for assessing localized metabolic and neuromuscular activity during static contractions of the lower back. Key words: back endurance, back health, muscle oxygenation, blood volume

scholarly journals Ergonomic Mechanical Design and Assessment of a Waist Assist Exoskeleton for Reducing Lumbar Loads During Lifting Task

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Yong ◽  
Zefeng Yan ◽  
Can Wang ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Repetitive Lifting ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Lifting Task

The purpose of this study was to develop a wearable waist exoskeleton to provide back support for industrial workers during repetitive lifting tasks and to assess reductions in back muscular activity. The ergonomic mechanical structure is convenient to employ in different applications. The exoskeleton attaches to the wearer’s body with 4 straps, takes only 30 s to put the exoskeleton on without additional help, weighs just 5 kg and is easy to carry. The mechanical clutch can assist the wearer as needed. Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) was used to detect wearers’ motion intention. Ten subjects participated in the trial. Lower back muscle integrated electromyography (IEMG) of the left and right lumbar erector spinae (LES), thoracic erector spinae (TES), latissimus dorsi (LD) were compared in symmetrical lifting for six different objects (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 kg) under two conditions of with and without the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton significantly reduced the back muscular activity during repetitive lifting tasks. The average integrated electromyography reductions were 34.0%, 33.9% and 24.1% for LES, TES and LD respectively. The exoskeleton can reduce burden and the incidence of strain on lumbar muscles during long-term lifting work.

Utilising Indigenous Knowledge or Crime against Humanity?: A Critical Engagement with the Debate Generated by Alick Macheso’s Use of Manhood to Treat Nhova (Sunken Fontanelle)

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Tembo ◽  
Allan Maganga ◽  
Peterson Dewah
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Issues ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Ethical Values ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Lower Back ◽  
African Ethics ◽  
Cultural Grounding ◽  
The Face ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Points Of View

 This article presents various points of view regarding the treatment of sunken fontanelle by various communities as ignited by the controversial practice of kutara(a practice that involves the father of a child sliding his penis from the lower part of the left and right cheeks to the top of the head, as well as from the lower part of the face to the top of the head, and from the lower back part of the head to the top). The story of Alick Macheso’s use of his manhood to treat nhova (sunken fontanelle) opened a Pandora’s box. The story not only attracted the attention of critics from diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds, but revealed multi-ethnic positions. That is, reactions were steeped in a multiplicity of intellectual, religious and even cultural grounding. Reactions ranged from accusations of backwardness and absurdity, through to medical and Christian orientations toward the treatment of nhova. The overarching idea is that there is a general tendency to dismiss the age-old practice of kutara,coupled with an uncritical celebration of certain positions. The debate that ensued following publication of the story seemed to revolve around ethical considerations. The school of thought that dismisses kutara with disdain regards it as unethical and unimaginable in the present-day world—it is redolent with insinuations of absurdity on the part of those that live and celebrate it. We contend that the raging debate that followed the publication of the story can best be conceptualised within the context of African ethics. We note that kutara has relevance to the spirituality, ethical values, privacy, and protection of children’s rights, among other ethical issues. It is hoped that the article will stir further debate and encourage more research among information practitioners, scholars and researchers into the ethical issues surrounding the treatment of sunken fontanelle in various African communities. It argues for an Afrocentric conceptualisation of phenomena in order to contribute to debates on the renaissance of African cultures, and stresses that it is imperative to harness the life-furthering age-old traditions in African ontological existence.

scholarly journals Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Slumped Posture on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Adolescents with and without Chronic Lower Back Pain

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Kyoung-Sim Jung ◽  
Jin-Hwa Jung ◽  
Tae-Sung In ◽  
Hwi-Young Cho
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Lower Back Pain ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Muscular Fatigue ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Lower Back Pain ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Lower Back

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of prolonged sitting on trunk muscular fatigue and discomfort in participants with and without chronic lower back pain (LBP). Material and Methods: This study included 15 patients with LBP and 15 healthy controls. All participants were instructed to sit on a height-adjustable chair with their knee and hip joints bent at 90° for 30 min, in slumped sitting postures. Surface electromyography was used to assess the median frequency of the internal obliques (IO)/transversus abdominis (TrA) and multifidus (MF) muscles. Perceived discomfort was measured using a Borg category ratio-scale. Median frequency of the trunk muscles and perceived discomfort after 30 min of sitting were compared with baseline. Result: There were no significant differences within the group and between both groups in the median frequency of bilateral IO and MF muscles. The LBP group showed significantly greater perceived discomfort after prolonged sitting, as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Prolonged sitting with slumped posture could increase the risk of experiencing lower back discomfort.

Analysis of Muscle Activity Using Surface Electromyography for Muscle Performance in Manual Lifting Task

2014 ◽  
Vol 564 ◽  
pp. 644-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halim Isa ◽  
Rawaida ◽  
Seri Rahayu Kamat ◽  
A. Rohana ◽  
Adi Saptari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Twist Angle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Experienced Fatigue ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Lifting Task ◽  
Load Mass

In industries, manual lifting is commonly practiced even though mechanized material handling equipment are provided. Manual lifting is used to transport or move products and goods to a desired place.Improper lifting techniquescontribute to muscle fatigue and low back pain that can lead to work efficiency and low productivity.The objective of this study were to analyze muscle activity in the left and right Erector Spinae, and left and right Biceps Brachii of five female subjects while performing manual lifting taskwithdifferent load mass, lifting height and twist angle.The muscle activitywere measured and analyzed using surface electromyography (sEMG).This study found that the right Biceps Brachii, right and left Erector Spinae experienced fatigue while performingasymmetric lifting (twist angle = 90°) at lifting height of 75 cm and 140 cm with load mass of 5 kg and 10 kg. Meanwhile, the left Biceps Brachii experienced fatigue when the lifting task was set at lifting height of 75 cm, load mass of 5 kg and twist angle of 90°.The load mass and lifting height has a significant influence to Mean Power Frequency (MPF) for left Biceps Brachii, left and right Erector Spinae. This study concluded that reducing the load mass can increase the muscles performance which can extend the transition-to-fatigue stage in the left and right Biceps Brachii and Erector Spinae.

Deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscle activity associated with load release while standing in individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

2013 ◽  
Vol 109 (8) ◽  
pp. 1996-2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidehito Tomita ◽  
Yoshiki Fukaya ◽  
Kenji Totsuka ◽  
Yuri Tsukahara
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Postural Muscle ◽  
Load Release

This study aimed to determine whether individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) have deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscle activity. Nine individuals with SDCP (SDCP group, 3 female and 6 male, 13–24 yr of age) and nine age- and sex-matched individuals without disability (control group) participated in this study. Participants stood on a force platform, which was used to measure the position of the center of pressure (CoP), while holding a light or heavy load in front of their bodies. They then released the load by abducting both shoulders. Surface electromyograms were recorded from the rectus abdominis, erector spinae (ES), rectus femoris (RF), medial hamstring (MH), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GcM) muscles. In the control group, anticipatory inhibition before load release and load-related modulation of the inhibition were observed in all the dorsal muscles recorded (ES, MH, and GcM). In the SDCP group, similar results were obtained in the trunk muscle (ES) but not in the lower limb muscles (MH and GcM), although individual differences were seen, especially in MH. Anticipatory activation of the ventral lower limb muscles (RF and TA) and load-related modulation of the activation were observed in both participant groups. CoP path length during load release was longer in the SDCP group than in the control group. The present findings suggest that individuals with SDCP exhibit deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscles at the dorsal part of the lower limbs, which is likely to result in a larger disturbance of postural equilibrium.

scholarly journals Optimized hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance reduces the metabolic cost of walking with worn loads

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwendolyn M. Bryan ◽  
Patrick W. Franks ◽  
Seungmoon Song ◽  
Ricardo Reyes ◽  
Meghan P. O’Donovan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Load Carriage ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Human In The Loop ◽  
Light Load ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ankle Exoskeleton ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Load carriage is common in a wide range of professions, but prolonged load carriage is associated with increased fatigue and overuse injuries. Exoskeletons could improve the quality of life of these professionals by reducing metabolic cost to combat fatigue and reducing muscle activity to prevent injuries. Current exoskeletons have reduced the metabolic cost of loaded walking by up to 22% relative to walking in the device with no assistance when assisting one or two joints. Greater metabolic reductions may be possible with optimized assistance of the entire leg. Methods We used human-in the-loop optimization to optimize hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance with no additional load, a light load (15% of body weight), and a heavy load (30% of body weight) for three participants. All loads were applied through a weight vest with an attached waist belt. We measured metabolic cost, exoskeleton assistance, kinematics, and muscle activity. We performed Friedman’s tests to analyze trends across worn loads and paired t-tests to determine whether changes from the unassisted conditions to the assisted conditions were significant. Results Exoskeleton assistance reduced the metabolic cost of walking relative to walking in the device without assistance for all tested conditions. Exoskeleton assistance reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 48% with no load (p = 0.05), 41% with the light load (p = 0.01), and 43% with the heavy load (p = 0.04). The smaller metabolic reduction with the light load may be due to insufficient participant training or lack of optimizer convergence. The total applied positive power was similar for all tested conditions, and the positive knee power decreased slightly as load increased. Optimized torque timing parameters were consistent across participants and load conditions while optimized magnitude parameters varied. Conclusions Whole-leg exoskeleton assistance can reduce the metabolic cost of walking while carrying a range of loads. The consistent optimized timing parameters across participants and conditions suggest that metabolic cost reductions are sensitive to torque timing. The variable torque magnitude parameters could imply that torque magnitude should be customized to the individual, or that there is a range of useful torque magnitudes. Future work should test whether applying the load to the exoskeleton rather than the person’s torso results in larger benefits.

scholarly journals Alteration in HDEMG Spatial Parameters of Trunk Muscle Due to Handle Design during Pushing

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 6646
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Toner ◽  
Jeremy Rickards ◽  
Kenneth Seaman ◽  
Usha Kuruganti
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trunk Muscle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Horizontal Orientation ◽  
Low Back Injuries ◽  
Spatial Parameters ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Pushing And Pulling

Previous research identifies that pushing and pulling is responsible for approximately 9–18% of all low back injuries. Additionally, the handle design of a cart being pushed can dramatically alter a worker’s capacity to push (≅9.5%). Surprisingly little research has examined muscle activation of the low back and its role in muscle function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of handle design combination of pushing a platform truck cart on trunk muscle activity. Twenty participants (10 males and 10 females, mean age = 24.3 ± 4.3 years) pushed 475 lbs using six different handle combinations involving handle orientation (vertical/horizontal/semi-pronated) and handle height (hip/shoulder). Multichannel high-density EMG (HDsEMG) was recorded for left and right rectus abdominis, erector spinae, and external obliques. Pushing at hip height with a horizontal handle orientation design (HH) resulted in significantly less (p < 0.05) muscle activity compared to the majority of other handle designs, as well as a significantly higher entropy than the shoulder handle height involving either the semi-pronated (p = 0.023) or vertical handle orientation (p = 0.028). The current research suggests that the combination of a hip height and horizontal orientation handle design may require increased muscle demand of the trunk and alter the overall muscle heterogeneity and pattern of the muscle activity.

Zimmer Frame Use and Back Strain Analysis Using a Finite Element Model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sydney Harwood ◽  
Parisa Saboori
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Large Strain ◽  
Strain Analysis ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Frame Design ◽  
Lower Back

Abstract The current walking frame used by the elderly has several design issues that can cause long term health problems. One of these problems is the development of chronic pain in the lower back. The design of the current walking frame promotes a slumping posture that causes a curvature in the spine. This curvature results in a large strain in the lower back muscles, specifically the erector spinae. The goal of this research was to design a new walking frame that would be more structurally sound and more practical to use than the present walking frame design. In this study, two literature searches were performed. The first was to explore how aging effects the ability to walk. The second involved studying all of the existing walking devices and analyzing their design strengths and weaknesses. As a result of these studies, three new preliminary walking frame designs were considered that promoted better posture when used, and provided more support than does the present walking frame design. These new designs were considered and tested using a finite element analysis (FEA). From this FEA, it was determined that the new walking frame design resulted in less stress in the lower back than does the present walking frame design. It was therefore concluded that the new model has the potential to decease chronic back pain.

Evaluation of Lower Limb Muscles Fatigue and Force during Running 400-Meters Using Learning Machine

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 39-53
Author(s):  
Hayder A. Yousif ◽  
Abdul Rahim Norasmadi ◽  
Ahmad Faizal Bin Salleh ◽  
Ammar Zakaria
Keyword(s):  
Research Work ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Bipolar Electrodes ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Full Speed ◽  
Linear Slope ◽  
Learning Machine ◽  
The Right ◽  
Semg Signals

The main goal of this research work is to study and evaluate the muscles force and fatigue of Gastrocnemius Medialis (GMS), Gluteus Maximus (GM), and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) during running for 400-meters based on surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals. The sEMG signals of the selected muscles from the right leg have been collected by using bipolar electrodes from 15 subjects during the run on the tartan athletic track with two pacing strategies. The first strategy: 1st 200-meters running 87% - 94% of full speed and last 200-meters sprinting (full speed). The second strategy: 1st 300-meters running 87% - 94% of sprinting and last 100-meters sprinting. The rate of fatigue has been calculated by using Root Mean Square (RMS) and Median Frequency (MDF) features. Then, the slopes of linear regression were calculated from both RMS and MDF at each 100-meters. The linear slope values represented the rate of fatigue and force. From the results of 1st and 2nd running strategies, the force of GM and GL muscles increased during the 4th 100-meters of the 1st strategy and decreased with GM and GMS muscles during the 4th 100-meters of the 2nd strategy. The less index fatigues were during the 1st strategy for most selected muscles. Finally, it can be concluded the running with the 1st strategy get less fatigues and the force of most selected muscles increased compared with the 2nd strategy based on the results of time and frequency domain features (RMS and MDF).

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