Pronator teres syndrome is characterized by compression of the median nerve, leading to dysfunction of the affected limb. Median nerve entrapment causes paresthesia, changes in sensitivity, and loss of strength in the fingers, in addition to causing loss of hand dexterity. The diagnosis of pronator teres syndrome is complicated, due to its similarity with other neuropathies of the median nerve. So, it is important to emphasize the need for a physical examination together with imaging tests, especially ultrasound, for its correct diagnosis. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman who complained of tingling for ten years in the proximal third of the left forearm at rest that worsens on exertion and weakness if not moving. On physical examination, she has no limitation of movement but refers to a feeling of weakness and numbness in his forearm. Ultrasonography demonstrates compression of the median nerve between the ulnar and humeral heads of the pronator teres muscle, a finding confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and electroneuromyography. The patient was treated with physiotherapy presenting improvement of symptoms after 45 days.
- Keywords
- Diagnosis, Median nerve, Ultrasonography,
- MeSH
- Arthrogryposis MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography methods MeSH
- Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging * methods MeSH
- Median Neuropathy diagnosis MeSH
- Forearm MeSH
- Ultrasonography methods MeSH
- Nerve Compression Syndromes diagnosis physiopathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Case Reports MeSH
Motor imagery (MI) is a mental simulation of a movement without its actual execution. Our study aimed to assess how MI of two modalities of gait (normal gait and much more posturally challenging slackline gait) affects muscle activity and lower body kinematics. Electromyography (biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles) as well as acceleration and angular velocity (shank, thigh and pelvis segments) data were collected in three tasks for both MI modalities of gait (rest, gait imagery before and after the real execution of gait) in quiet bipedal stance in 26 healthy young adults. No significant change was observed in electromyography activity and lower body kinematics when comparing MI tasks of normal gait. A significantly higher acceleration for the lower limb segments in the vertical direction and for the pelvis in the mediolateral and anteroposterior direction and angular velocity for pelvis in the frontal plane were found during MI of slackline gait after its real execution compared to rest. The results show that MI of normal gait does not lead to any significant changes, while MI of slackline gait affects lower body kinematics parameters.
- Keywords
- Acceleration, Angular velocity, Electromyography, Gait, Motor imagery, Muscle activity,
- MeSH
- Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
- Gait * physiology MeSH
- Lower Extremity physiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography * MeSH
- Imagination physiology MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect the articular cartilage, and are characterized by signs and symptoms that can affect the functions of the human body. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles, molar bite force, and mandibular mobility in adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A total of 42 women were distributed into 3 groups: rheumatoid arthritis group (ARG, n=14); osteoarthritis group (OAG, n=14); and a healthy control group (CG, n=14). Electromyography was used to evaluate mandibular tasks at rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and dental clenching during maximum voluntary contraction, with and without parafilm, and a dynamometer was used to analyse the right and left molar bite forces. A digital caliper was used to measure the range of mandibular movement for maximum mouth opening, right and left laterality, and protrusion. Statistical analyses were performed, including analysis of variance and Tukey's test (P<0.05). Electromyography showed no significant differences between the groups when evaluating the masticatory muscles during the mandibular tasks. Significant difference was observed between the ARG and CG, however, in the maximum right (P=0.007) and left (P=0.02) molar bite forces. Significant difference was observed in the maximum mouth opening of the ARG and OAG groups compared with that of the CG (P=0.009), suggesting that adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis experience functional alterations in the stomatognathic system, particularly in molar bite force and maximum mouth opening.
- Keywords
- Bite force, Electromyography, Mandibular mobility, Masticatory muscles, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis,
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mandible physiopathology MeSH
- Masseter Muscle physiopathology MeSH
- Temporal Muscle physiopathology MeSH
- Osteoarthritis * physiopathology diagnosis MeSH
- Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid * physiopathology MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Bite Force * MeSH
- Case-Control Studies MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Observational Study MeSH
This longitudinal study was aimed to evaluate the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the masticatory muscles during mandibular tasks in women with grade II and III obesity, who were eligible for bariatric surgery. Twenty-one patients were followed up for 3 and 6 months after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The EMG included analyses of the masseter and temporalis muscles during rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and dental clenching at maximal voluntary contraction with and without parafilm. Data were tabulated and submitted for statistical analysis using the repeated measures test (P<0.05) with the Bonferroni post-test. Significant differences were observed between the right temporal muscle during maximal voluntary contraction (P=0.003) and maximal voluntary contraction with Parafilm M for the right masseter (P=0.01), left masseter (P=0.03), right temporal (P=0.002), and left temporal (P=0.03) muscles. There was gradual decrease in the resting EMG of the masticatory muscles 6 months after surgery. There was an increase in the EMG of the muscles that are the most active in the neuroanatomical movements of laterality and protrusion 6 months after surgery. There was an increase in EMG in maximal voluntary contraction with and without parafilm, 3 and 6 months after surgery. This study suggests that women with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery had better functional results of the masticatory muscles 3 and 6 months after the procedure, which is an important parameter in surgical planning, functional recovery, and nutritional status.
- Keywords
- Bariatric surgery, Electromyography, Masseter muscle, Obesity, Temporal muscles,
- MeSH
- Bariatric Surgery methods MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography * methods MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Longitudinal Studies MeSH
- Obesity, Morbid surgery physiopathology MeSH
- Masseter Muscle * physiopathology MeSH
- Temporal Muscle * physiopathology MeSH
- Obesity physiopathology surgery MeSH
- Muscle Contraction physiology MeSH
- Gastric Bypass methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
This review aims to describe a novel method in the field of electromyography (EMG), established and improved upon in the last three decades that is able to observe specific parameters of muscle units (MUs). This concept is called the decomposition method, based on its ability to decompose a surface EMG signal to describe muscle activity on the level of individual muscle units in contrast to the level of the whole muscle, as is customary for regular surface electromyography. We provide a brief overview of its history, constituent parts regarding both hardware and software and possible applications. We also acknowledge the state of the research, regarding the background of the decomposition algorithm, the main software component responsible for identifying individual motor units and their parameters. As a result of the ability to describe the behavior of individual motor units during muscle contractions, key concepts in neuromuscular physiology have been put forward, pertaining to the hierarchy of MUs during their recruitment. Together with the recent application for cyclic contractions and gait, the decomposition method is beginning to open up wider possibilities of enquiry.
- MeSH
- Algorithms MeSH
- Electromyography * methods MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Motor Neurons physiology MeSH
- Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
- Recruitment, Neurophysiological * physiology MeSH
- Muscle Contraction * physiology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
This study aimed to investigate changes in the H-reflex recruitment curve in compressive radiculopathy, specifically assessing differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic limbs in patients with unilateral S1 radiculopathy through derived parameters. A total of 24 volunteers (15 male and 9 female, aged between 22 and 60 years) with confirmed nerve root compression in the L5/S1 segment participated. Nerve root compression was verified through clinical MRI examination and attributed to disc protrusion, spinal canal stenosis, or isthmic spondylolisthesis of L5/S1. Analysis revealed no difference in M-wave threshold intensity between symptomatic and non-symptomatic limbs. However, the H-reflex exhibited a trend toward increased threshold intensity in the symptomatic limb. Notably, a significant decrease in the slope of the H-reflex was observed on the symptomatic side, and the maximal H-reflex amplitude proved to be markedly different between the two limbs. The Hmax/Mmax ratio demonstrated a significant decrease in the symptomatic limb, indicating reduced effectiveness of signal translation. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the importance of H-reflex parameters in evaluating altered recruitment curves, offering valuable insights for neurological examinations. The observed differences in maximal values of M-wave, H-reflex, and their ratio in affected and unaffected limbs can enhance the diagnostic process for lumbosacral unilateral radiculopathy and contribute to a standardized approach in clinical assessments.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography MeSH
- H-Reflex * physiology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Radiculopathy * physiopathology diagnosis MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Objective: To discover the extent of the connection between occlusal plane asymmetry and the rest tone of the four muscle groups of the orofacial region with temporomandibular joint pathology.Methods: Eighty-seven subjects were divided into two groups. The following methods were applied: clinical examination, roentgenological examination, and electromyography. Data were evaluated and statistically analyzed.Results: The variability of occlusal plane inclination in relation to the porion plane was 0-4.6º.The tonus of masseter muscle was higher in the experimental group: 1.45 mV more than in the control group: 1.23 mV (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Asymmetry of the occlusal plane inclination was found for nearly all subjects in both groups. It can be compensated for by adaptation mechanisms and does not cause temporomandibular joint disorders. Undertaken research shows the existence of a proven correlation between TMJ disorders and the resting tonus of the masseter muscle.
- Keywords
- Occlusion, electromyography, occlusal plane, temporomandibular joint disorder,
- MeSH
- Electromyography MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Masseter Muscle MeSH
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders * diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Muscle Tonus MeSH
- Temporomandibular Joint diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Dental Occlusion * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Muscle activity during crouched walking has been previously studied in the context of the evolution of hominin bipedalism and human movement disorders. However, crouched walking could also be used in approach hunting where postural height (actual height of the body from the ground to the top of the head during locomotion) is the limiting factor. Here, we aim to analyze the relationship between relative postural height (%stature), kinematics, and muscle activity during crouched walking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult males (n = 19) walked with extended limbs and at three degrees of crouch while their 3D motion capture kinematics and lower limb muscle electromyography were recorded. We measured activation of tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus. We analyzed the effects of postural height on kinematics and muscle activation using linear mixed effects model. RESULTS: Flexion angles, individual muscle activation (except for medial gastrocnemius), and total muscle activation were negatively related to relative postural height, that is, were greater at more crouched postures. Relative postural height had a stronger effect on the activation of the thigh and gluteal muscles compared to shank muscles. DISCUSSION: General increase in lower limb muscle activation at lower postural heights suggests a negative relationship between relative postural height and fatigue, and may indicate a possible mechanism by which short stature could benefit the hunter in approach hunting. Greater activation of thigh and gluteal muscles relative to shank muscles may help to identify crouched walking in past human populations.
- Keywords
- approach hunting, electromyography, kinematics, posture, stature,
- MeSH
- Walking * physiology MeSH
- Lower Extremity MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Locomotion MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
BACKGROUND: Rivastigmine is a pseudo-irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor used for therapy of Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer dementia syndromes. In humans, rivastigmine can cause significant gastrointestinal side effects that can limit its clinical use. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of rivastigmine on gastric motor function by means of electrogastrography (EGG) in experimental pigs. METHODS: Six experimental adult female pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica, hybrids of Czech White and Landrace breeds; 3-month-old; mean weight 30.7 ± 1.2 kg) were enrolled into the study twice and created two experimental groups. In group A, a single intragastric dose of 6 mg rivastigmine hydrogen tartate was administered in the morning to fasting pigs before EGG recording. In group B, rivastigmine was administered to overnight fasting animals in a dietary bolus in the morning for 7 days (6 mg per day). On day 8, an intragastric dose of 12 mg rivastigmine was given in the morning to fasting pigs before EGG. EGG recording was accomplished by means of an EGG standalone system. Recordings from both groups were evaluated in dominant frequency and EGG power (areas of amplitudes). RESULTS: In total, 1,980 one-minute EGG intervals were evaluated. In group A, basal EGG power (median 1290.5; interquartile range 736.5-2330 μV2) was significantly higher in comparison with the power of intervals T6 (882; 577-1375; p = 0.001) and T10 (992.5; 385-2859; p = 0.032). In group B, the dominant frequency increased significantly from basal values (1.97 ± 1.57 cycles per minute) to intervals T9 (3.26 ± 2.16; p < 0.001) and T10 (2.14 ± 1.16; p = 0.012), respectively. In group B, basal EGG power (median 1030.5; interquartile range 549-5093) was significantly higher in comparison with the power of intervals T7 (692.5; 434-1476; p = 0.002) and T8 (799; 435-1463 μV2; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Both single as well as repeated intragastric administration of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate caused a significant decrease of EGG power (areas of amplitudes) in experimental pigs. EGG power may serve as an indirect indicator of gastric motor competence. These findings might provide a possible explanation of rivastigmine-associated dyspepsia in humans.
- MeSH
- Alzheimer Disease * MeSH
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors pharmacology MeSH
- Electromyography MeSH
- Phenylcarbamates pharmacology MeSH
- Gastrointestinal Tract MeSH
- Infant MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Rivastigmine pharmacology MeSH
- Stomach * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Infant MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors MeSH
- Phenylcarbamates MeSH
- Rivastigmine MeSH
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore whether offset loading in the barbell squat altered ground-reaction force (GRF) and muscle activation in the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) lower limb compared to traditional squats. METHODS: Twelve well-trained men (age 26.4 [3.2] y; 10.3 [1.9] y experience) performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of their previously measured 1-repetition maximum. Sets were quasi-randomized between traditional loading (TDL), dominant-side offset loading (OS-D), and nondominant-side offset loading (OS-ND). All repetitions were performed on a dual force plate with electromyography sensors on the prime mover muscles of the squat. GRF symmetry was assessed using the symmetry index (SI) to determine the direction (D [+] or ND [-]) and magnitude (%) of the asymmetry. Finally, the first 3 and final 3 repetitions of each set were compared for compensatory changes in symmetry. RESULTS: OS-D induced a significant change in limb SI relative to TDL (5.21% vs 1.44%; P = .011); however, no significant difference in limb SI was seen between TDL and OS-ND (-0.66% vs 1.44%; P = .278). No asymmetries between D and ND muscle activation were present in any condition. TDL and OS-D squats exhibited significant improvements in limb SI between the first 3 and final 3 repetitions (P = .035 and .011, respectively); however, no such improvement was seen in OS-ND. CONCLUSIONS: OS-D is capable of significantly altering GRF limb SI in a bilateral squat; however, OS-ND appears to exhibit no GRF or electromyography effects relative to TDL. Thus, the results of this study do not support the use of OS-ND in the pursuit of strengthening a weaker limb, suggesting that unilateral training may be a preferred mode of exercise for this desired outcome.
- Keywords
- asymmetry, sport performance, strength training, symmetry,
- MeSH
- Lower Extremity * physiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electromyography MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Movement physiology MeSH
- Posture * MeSH
- Muscles MeSH
- Weight Lifting physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
