scholarly journals Muscle Activation during Gait in Unilateral Transtibial Amputee Patients with Prosthesis: The Influence of the Insole Material Density

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3119
Author(s):  
Nuria Sarroca ◽  
María José Luesma ◽  
José Valero ◽  
Javier Deus ◽  
Josefa Casanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gait Patterns ◽  
Material Density ◽  
Transtibial Amputee ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Muscle Groups

Background: Walking is a complex process that is highly automated and efficient. This knowledge is essential for the study of pathological gait. The amputation of lower limbs involves new biomechanical load and gait patterns, and injuries due to overload or disuse may occur. The objective of this study is to assess muscle activation as part of the gait in unilateral transtibial amputee patients with prosthesis, at different speeds and with different plantar supports. Method: Included in the sample were 25 people with amputation and 25 control participants. Muscle activation was evaluated in both groups by means of surface electromyography (EMG) under normal and altered conditions. Results: Control participants did not show statistically significant differences (p ˃ 0.05) between their muscle groups, irrespective of support and speed. However, people with amputation did show differences in muscle activity in the quadriceps, all of which occurred at the highest speeds, irrespective of support. In the analysis between groups, significant differences (p < 0.05) were obtained between the leg of the amputee patient and the leg of the control participant, all of them in the quadriceps, and at speeds 3 and 4, regardless of the insole used. Conclusions: Participants with unilateral transtibial amputation carry out more quadriceps muscle activity during gait compared to the control group.

scholarly journals Changes in the Ground Reaction Force, Lower-Limb Muscle Activity, and Joint Angles in Athletes with Unilateral Ankle Dorsiflexion Restriction During A Rebound-Jump Task

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Hip Flexion

Background: This study compared differences between a control group and a group with unilateral ankle dorsiflexion restriction in the ground reaction force (GRF), angles of the lower limbs joints, and muscular activity during a rebound-jump task in athletes who continue to perform sports activities with unilateral ankle dorsiflexion restriction. Methods: The athletes were divided into the following two groups: The dorsiflexion group included those with a difference of ≥7° between bilateral ankle dorsiflexion angles (DF), and the control group included those with a difference of <7° between the two ankles (C). An ankle foot orthosis was attached to subjects in group C to apply a restriction on the right-angle dorsiflexion angle. The percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of the legs musculature, components of the GRF, and the hip and knee joint angles during the rebound-jump task were compared between groups DF and C. Results: Group DF showed increased %MVC of the quadriceps muscle, decreased upward component of the GRF, decreased hip flexion, and increased knee eversion angles. Conclusions: This study highlighted that athletes with ankle dorsiflexion restriction had significantly larger knee eversion angles in the rebound-jump task. The reduced hip flexion was likely caused by the restricted ankle dorsiflexion and compensated by the observed increase in quadriceps muscle activation when performing the jump.

scholarly journals High-Density Electromyography Provides Improved Understanding of Muscle Function for Those With Amputation

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usha Kuruganti ◽  
Ashirbad Pradhan ◽  
Jacqueline Toner
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
High Density ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Semg Signal ◽  
Transtibial Amputation ◽  
Clinical Patient

Transtibial amputation can significantly impact an individual's quality of life including the completion of activities of daily living. Those with lower limb amputations can harness the electrical activity from their amputated limb muscles for myoelectric control of a powered prosthesis. While these devices use residual muscles from transtibial-amputated limb as an input to the controller, there is little research characterizing the changes in surface electromyography (sEMG) signal generated by the upper leg muscles. Traditional surface EMG is limited in the number of electrode sites while high-density surface EMG (HDsEMG) uses multiple electrode sites to gather more information from the muscle. This technique is promising for not only the development of myoelectric-controlled prostheses but also advancing our knowledge of muscle behavior with clinical populations, including post-amputation. The HDsEMG signal can be used to develop spatial activation maps and features of these maps can be used to gain valuable insight into muscle behavior. Spatial features of HDsEMG can provide information regarding muscle activation, muscle fiber heterogeneity, and changes in muscle distribution and can be used to estimate properties of both the amputated limb and intact limb. While there are a few studies that have examined HDsEMG in amputated lower limbs they have been limited to movements such as gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the quadriceps muscle during a slow, moderate and fast isokinetic knee extensions from a control group as well as a clinical patient with a transtibial amputation. HDsEMG was collected from the quadriceps of the dominant leg of 14 young, healthy males (mean age = 25.5 ± 7 years old). Signals were collected from both the intact and amputated limb muscle of a 23 year old clinical participant to examine differences between the affected and unaffected leg. It was found that there were differences between the intact and amputated limb limb of the clinical participant with respect to muscle activation and muscle heterogeneity. While this study was limited to one clinical participant, it is important to note the differences in muscle behavior between the intact and amputated limb limb. Understanding these differences will help to improve training protocols for those with amputation.

scholarly journals Biomechanical analysis of an unpowered hip flexion orthosis on individuals with and without multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross M. Neuman ◽  
Staci M. Shearin ◽  
Karen J. McCain ◽  
Nicholas P. Fey
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Foot Drop ◽  
Plantar Flexors ◽  
Hip Flexion

Abstract Background Gait impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait limitations such as limited hip flexion, foot drop, and knee hyperextension often require external devices like crutches, canes, and orthoses. The effects of mobility-assistive technologies (MATs) prescribed to people with MS are not well understood, and current devices do not cater to the specific needs of these individuals. To address this, a passive unilateral hip flexion-assisting orthosis (HFO) was developed that uses resistance bands spanning the hip joint to redirect energy in the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of the HFO on gait mechanics and muscle activation for people with and without MS. We hypothesized that (1) hip flexion would increase in the limb wearing the device, and (2) that muscle activity would increase in hip extensors, and decrease in hip flexors and plantar flexors. Methods Five healthy subjects and five subjects with MS walked for minute-long sessions with the device using three different levels of band stiffness. We analyzed peak hip flexion and extension angles, lower limb joint work, and muscle activity in eight muscles on the lower limbs and trunk. Single-subjects analysis was used due to inter-subject variability. Results For subjects with MS, the HFO caused an increase in peak hip flexion angle and a decrease in peak hip extension angle, confirming our first hypothesis. Healthy subjects showed less pronounced kinematic changes when using the device. Power generated at the hip was increased in most subjects while using the HFO. The second hypothesis was not confirmed, as muscle activity showed inconsistent results, however several subjects demonstrated increased hip extensor and trunk muscle activity with the HFO. Conclusions This exploratory study showed that the HFO was well-tolerated by healthy subjects and subjects with MS, and that it promoted more normative kinematics at the hip for those with MS. Future studies with longer exposure to the HFO and personalized assistance parameters are needed to understand the efficacy of the HFO for mobility assistance and rehabilitation for people with MS.

Arthroscopic Imaging Treatment and Clinical Rehabilitation of Knee Sports Injuries

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1780-1788
Author(s):  
Habaxi Kaken ◽  
Shanshan Wang ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Baoerjiang Asihaer ◽  
Li Wang
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Continuous Passive Motion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pressure Therapy ◽  
Quick Recovery

This article studies the effects of arthroscopic imaging treatment and clinical rehabilitation of knee sports injuries. Arthroscopy was used to perform meniscus trimming and resection for 40 patients with knee sports injuries. The ages of the patients ranged from 20 to 60 years old. All patients received routine rehabilitation training such as continuous passive motion of the knee joint, biofeedback of the lower limbs, and air pressure therapy of the lower limbs. In addition, the control group was given muscle strength training, and the training began after the patients received the quadriceps muscle strength test. The removal of the joint cavity and the joint debridement has achieved satisfactory treatment results. In the experiment, the test cases were divided into two groups, and the sensor test platform was used for signal collection. Normal activities can be resumed 2 weeks after the operation. After a follow-up of 6 to 24 months, the knee joint pain disappeared, the joint was free of swelling, and the knee function was normal up to 93%. Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament joint repair/reconstruction of the medial and posterolateral ligament knots is safe and feasible for the treatment of multiple ligament injuries of the knee joint. It has the advantages of less trauma and quick recovery. Early postoperative systemic and standardized rehabilitation exercises can obtain good knee joint function.

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 Assessment of an Assistive Control Approach Applied in an Active Knee Orthosis Plus Walker for Post-Stroke Gait Rehabilitation

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2452
Author(s):  
Ana Cecilia Villa-Parra ◽  
Jessica Lima ◽  
Denis Delisle-Rodriguez ◽  
Laura Vargas-Valencia ◽  
Anselmo Frizera-Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gait Rehabilitation ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Knee Orthosis

The goal of this study is the assessment of an assistive control approach applied to an active knee orthosis plus a walker for gait rehabilitation. The study evaluates post-stroke patients and healthy subjects (control group) in terms of kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity. Muscle and gait information of interest were acquired from their lower limbs and trunk, and a comparison was conducted between patients and control group. Signals from plantar pressure, gait phase, and knee angle and torque were acquired during gait, which allowed us to verify that the stance control strategy proposed here was efficient at improving the patients’ gaits (comparing their results to the control group), without the necessity of imposing a fixed knee trajectory. An innovative evaluation of trunk muscles related to the maintenance of dynamic postural equilibrium during gait assisted by our active knee orthosis plus walker was also conducted through inertial sensors. An increase in gait cycle (stance phase) was also observed when comparing the results of this study to our previous work. Regarding the kinematics, the maximum knee torque was lower for patients when compared to the control group, which implies that our orthosis did not demand from the patients a knee torque greater than that for healthy subjects. Through surface electromyography (sEMG) analysis, a significant reduction in trunk muscle activation and fatigability, before and during the use of our orthosis by patients, was also observed. This suggest that our orthosis, together with the assistive control approach proposed here, is promising and could be considered to complement post-stroke patient gait rehabilitation.

Muscle Activation in the Main Muscle Groups of the Lower Limbs in High-Level Dancesport Athletes

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-237
Author(s):  
Encarnación Liébana ◽  
Cristina Monleón ◽  
Raquel Morales ◽  
Carlos Pablos ◽  
Consuelo Moratal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Relative Activation ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
High Level

Dancers are subjected to high-intensity workouts when they practice dancesport, and according to the literature, they are prone to injury, primarily of the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in relative activation amplitudes for dancers involved in dancesport due to muscle, gender, and type of dance. Measurements were carried out using surface electromyography equipment during the choreography of a performance in the following leg muscles: rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis. Eight couples of active dancesport athletes (aged 20.50±2.75 yrs) were analyzed. Significant gender differences were found in rumba in the tibialis anterior (p≤0.05) and gastrocnemius medialis (p≤0.05). Based on the different activations, it is possible to establish possible mechanisms of injury, as well as tools for preventing injuries and improving sports performance.

Anxiety’s Effect on Muscle Activation and Fatigue in Trumpet Players: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah E Rumsey ◽  
Sahil Aggarwal ◽  
Erin M Hobson ◽  
Jeeyn Park ◽  
Peter Pidcoe
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Induction Group ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Anxiety Induction ◽  
Analogue Scales ◽  
Trumpet Players

Due to the high percentage of musicians who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, there is a need for more research in the field of music and medicine. The purpose of this study was to analyze the possible relationship between anxiety, muscle activation, and muscle fatigue in undergraduate trumpet players. Assessment tools included surface electromyography (sEMG) data, State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) of perceived anxiety. Data were collected from 27 undergraduate music students across five universities (22 males, 5 females) aged 18 to 24 years. The three muscles targeted by the sEMG were the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter muscles. Participants were randomly divided into two single-blinded groups: (1) anxiety-induction and (2) control. The anxiety-induction group was instructed to play as accurately as possible and informed that mistakes were being counted and evaluated, while the control group was instructed to play without any concern for possible mistakes. The anxiety-induction group was shown to have more masseter muscle activation than the control; the anxiety-induction group also displayed a higher fatigue rate in all three muscles versus the controls. Subjects with high perceived- anxiety (as measured by VAS) displayed higher masseter activation and higher fatigue rates in the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid than non-anxious participants. Despite these notable trends, there was no statistical significance for any of the muscle groups for muscle activation or fatigue.

scholarly journals Stability of Measurement Outcomes for Voluntary Task Performance in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability and Healthy Participants

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Van Deun ◽  
Karel Stappaerts ◽  
Oron Levin ◽  
Luc Janssens ◽  
Filip Staes
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Muscle Recruitment ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Recruitment Order

Context: Acceptable measurement stability during data collection is critically important to research. To interpret differences in measurement outcomes among participants or changes within participants after an intervention program, we need to know whether the measurement is stable and consistent. Objective: To determine the within-session stability of muscle activation patterns for a voluntary postural-control task in a group of noninjured participants and a group of participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Musculoskeletal laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty control participants (8 men, 12 women; age = 21.8 ± 2.4 years, height = 164.3 ± 13.4 cm, mass = 68.4 ± 17.9 kg) and 20 participants with CAI (12 men, 8 women; age = 21.2 ± 2.1 years, height = 176 ± 10.2 cm, mass = 71.7 ± 11.3 kg). Intervention(s): Participants performed 4 barefoot standing trials, each of which included a 30-second double-legged stance followed by a 30-second single-legged stance in 3 conditions: with vision, without vision, and with vision on a balance pad. Main Outcome Measure(s): The activity of 7 muscles of the lower limb was measured for the stance task in the 3 different conditions for each trial. The onset of muscle activity and muscle recruitment order were determined and compared between the first and the fourth trials for both groups and for each condition. Results: We found no differences in the onset of muscle activity among trials for both groups or for each condition. The measurement error was 0.9 seconds at maximum for the control group and 0.12 seconds for the CAI group. In the control group, 70% to 80% of the participants used the same muscle recruitment order in both trials. In the CAI group, 75% to 90% used the same recruitment order. Conclusions: Within 1 session, measurement stability for this task was acceptable for use in further research. Furthermore, no differences were found in measurement stability across conditions in the control or CAI groups.

scholarly journals Predicting muscle activation patterns from motion and anatomy: modelling the skull of Sphenodon (Diapsida: Rhynchocephalia)

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (42) ◽  
pp. 153-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Curtis ◽  
Marc E. H. Jones ◽  
Susan E. Evans ◽  
JunFen Shi ◽  
Paul O'Higgins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Food Size ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Musculoskeletal Systems

The relationship between skull shape and the forces generated during feeding is currently under widespread scrutiny and increasingly involves the use of computer simulations such as finite element analysis. The computer models used to represent skulls are often based on computed tomography data and thus are structurally accurate; however, correctly representing muscular loading during food reduction remains a major problem. Here, we present a novel approach for predicting the forces and activation patterns of muscles and muscle groups based on their known anatomical orientation (line of action). The work was carried out for the lizard-like reptile Sphenodon (Rhynchocephalia) using a sophisticated computer-based model and multi-body dynamics analysis. The model suggests that specific muscle groups control specific motions, and that during certain times in the bite cycle some muscles are highly active whereas others are inactive. The predictions of muscle activity closely correspond to data previously recorded from live Sphenodon using electromyography. Apparent exceptions can be explained by variations in food resistance, food size, food position and lower jaw motions. This approach shows considerable promise in advancing detailed functional models of food acquisition and reduction, and for use in other musculoskeletal systems where no experimental determination of muscle activity is possible, such as in rare, endangered or extinct species.

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