Quantitative Analysis of EEG Power Spectrum and EMG Median Power Frequency Changes after Continuous Passive Motion Mirror Therapy System

Robotic mirror therapy (MT), which allows movement of the affected limb, is proposed as a more effective method than conventional MT (CMT). To improve the rehabilitation effectiveness of post-stroke patients, we developed a sensory stimulation-based continuous passive motion (CPM)-MT system with two different operating protocols, that is, asynchronous and synchronous modes. To evaluate their effectiveness, we measured brain activation through relative and absolute power spectral density (PSD) changes of electroencephalogram (EEG) mu rhythm in three cases with CMT and CPM-MT with asynchronous and synchronous modes. We also monitored changes in muscle fatigue, which is one of the negative effects of the CPM device, based on median power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS). Relative PSD was most suppressed when subjects used the CPM-MT system under synchronous control: 22.11%, 15.31%, and 16.48% on Cz, C3, and C4, respectively. The absolute average changes in MPF and RMS were 1.59% and 9.78%, respectively, with CPM-MT. Synchronous mode CPM-MT is the most effective method for brain activation, and muscle fatigue caused by the CPM-MT system was negligible. This study suggests the more effective combination rehabilitation system for MT by utilizing CPM and magnetic-based MT task to add action execution and sensory stimulation compared with CMT.

Differential Dynamic of Action on Cortical and Subcortical Structures of Anesthetic Agents during Induction of Anesthesia

Background Dynamic action of anesthetic agents was compared at cortical and subcortical levels during induction of anesthesia. Unconsciousness involved the cortical brain but suppression of movement in response to noxious stimuli was mediated through subcortical structures. Methods Twenty-five patients with Parkinson disease, previously implanted with a deep-brain stimulation electrode, were enrolled during the implantation of the definitive pulse generator. During induction of anesthesia with propofol (n = 13) or sevoflurane (n = 12) alone, cortical (EEG) and subcortical (ESCoG) electrogenesis were obtained, respectively, from a frontal montage (F3-C3) and through the deep-brain electrode (p0-p3). In EEG and ESCoG spectral analysis, spectral edge (90%) frequency, median power frequency, and nonlinear analysis dimensional activation calculations were determined. Results Sevoflurane and propofol decreased EEG and ESCoG activity in a dose-related fashion. EEG values decreased dramatically at loss of consciousness, whereas there was little change in ESCoG values. Quantitative parameters derived from EEG but not from ESCoG were able to predict consciousness versus unconsciousness. Conversely, quantitative parameters derived from ESCoG but not from EEG were able to predict movement in response to laryngoscopy. Conclusion These data suggest that in humans, unconsciousness mainly involves the cortical brain, but that suppression of movement in response to noxious stimuli is mediated through the effect of anesthetic agents on subcortical structures.

Medical Thermography Evaluation of Anti-Fatigue Mat to Prevent Muscular Skeletal Disorder

Therefore the objective of this study was to examine the differences of calf temperature by infrared thermal imager between on anti-fatigue matt and on the floor without mat. The subjects were instructed to wear short pants. It was measured with bare feet because influence of shoes and socks was to except. Subjects worked during 1 hour on the mat or without mat and next day without mat or on the mat. The order and load of work kept regularly. In this study, there was also a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the calf skin temperature between conditions, and calf temperature was higher when the subjects were standing on the mat than when they were standing on the floor without mat. By providing an elastic surface to stand on, a matt simulates muscle activity in feet and legs promote blood circulation. As a cross-modality evaluation, electromyogram was measured. There was the significant difference in Median Frequency (p < 0.001) and Median Power Frequency (p < 0.05) of EMG between two conditions. Median Frequency and Median Power Frequency showed a tendency to more decrease on the floor.

and EMG Activity Kinetics During Moderate and Severe Constant Work Rate Exercise in Trained Cyclists

The purpose of this study was to compare O2 uptake [Formula: see text] and muscle electromyography activity kinetics during moderate and severe exercise to test the hypothesis of progressive recruitment of fast-twitch fibers in the explanation of the [Formula: see text] slow component. After an incremental test to exhaustion, 7 trained cyclists (mean ± SD, 61.4 ± 4.2 ml•min−1•kg−1) performed several square-wave transitions for 6 min at moderate and severe intensities on a bicycle ergometer. The [Formula: see text] response and the electrical activity (i.e., median power frequency, MDF) of the quadriceps vastus lateralis and vastus medialis of both lower limbs were measured continuously during exercise. After ∼2 to 3 min of exercise onset, MDF values increased similarly during moderate and severe exercise for almost all muscles whereas a [Formula: see text] slow component occurred during severe exercise. There was no relationship between the increase of MDF values and the magnitude of the [Formula: see text] slow component during the severe exercise. These results suggest that the origin of the slow component may not be due to the progressive recruitment of fast-twitch fibers. Key words: median power frequency, O2 uptake, recruitment of fast-twitch fibers, [Formula: see text]slow component