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Belghith K, Zidi M, Fedele JM, Bou Serhal R, Maktouf W. Spatial distribution of stiffness between and within muscles in paretic and healthy individuals during prone and standing positions. J Biomech 2023; 161:111838. [PMID: 37922613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the inter- and intramuscular variability of plantar flexors stiffness during prone and standing positions at different muscle lengths in healthy and paretic individuals. To access tissue stiffness, shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements were carried out on two groups: control group (CG; n=14; age 43.9±9.6 years; body mass index [BMI]=24.5±2.5 kg/m2) and stroke survivor group (SSG; n=14; age 43.9±9.6 years; BMI=24.5±2.5 kg/m2). Shear Modulus (μ, kPa) within three plantar flexors (the gastrocnemius medialis [GM], gastrocnemius lateralis [GL], and soleus [SOL]) was obtained during two conditions: prone and standing position, at different angles of dorsiflexion (0°, 10°, and 20°). Measurements were also performed in different proximo-distal regions of each muscle. Muscle activation of the GM, GL, SOL, and tibialis anterior were evaluated during the two conditions. Results showed a high spatial stiffness variability between and within plantar flexors during dorsiflexion. The highest stiffness was observed in the GM, especially in the distal region at 20° in healthy and paretic muscles. In the prone position, the paretic muscle exhibits greater stiffness compared to the healthy muscle (p < 0.05). In contrast, in the standing position, an increase of stiffness in the healthy muscle compared to the paretic muscle was observed (p < 0.05). Thus, mechanical properties are differently affected by stroke depending on active and passive states of ankle muscles during dorsiflexion. In addition, the modification of ankle muscle state change stiffness distribution between and within plantar flexors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalthoum Belghith
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, ER 7377, University of Paris-Est Creteil, Faculty of Health/EPISEN, Creteil, France; CLINEA group, Clinique du Parc de Belleville, Paris, France.
| | - Mustapha Zidi
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, ER 7377, University of Paris-Est Creteil, Faculty of Health/EPISEN, Creteil, France.
| | | | | | - Wael Maktouf
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, ER 7377, University of Paris-Est Creteil, Faculty of Health/EPISEN, Creteil, France.
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Kruse A, Habersack A, Weide G, Jaspers RT, Svehlik M, Tilp M. Eight weeks of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and static stretching do not affect muscle-tendon properties, muscle strength, and joint function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 107:106011. [PMID: 37329655 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the effect of static stretching for individuals with cerebral palsy is questionable, recent results suggest that the combination with activation seems promising to improve muscle-tendon properties and function. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of 8-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on the gastrocnemius medialis muscle-tendon properties, muscle strength, and the ankle joint in children with spastic cerebral palsy in comparison to static stretching. METHODS Initially, 24 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to a static stretching (10.7 ± 1.8 years) or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group (10.9 ± 2.6 years). Plantar flexors were manually stretched at home for 300 s and ∼ 250-270 s per day four times a week for eight weeks, respectively. Assessments of ankle joint function (e.g., range of motion), muscle-tendon properties, and isometric muscle strength were conducted using 3D motion capture, 2D ultrasound, dynamometry, and electromyography. A mixed analysis of variance was used for the statistical analysis. FINDINGS Stretching adherence was high in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (93.1%) and static stretching group (94.4%). No significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed in ankle joint function, muscle-tendon properties, and isometric muscle strength after both interventions. Moreover, no differences (p > 0.05) were found between the stretching techniques. INTERPRETATION The findings support the idea that manual stretching (neither proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching nor static stretching) performed in isolation for eight weeks may not be appropriate to evoke significant changes in muscle-tendon properties, voluntary muscle strength, or joint function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04570358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kruse
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Andreas Habersack
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Othopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Guido Weide
- Department of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Richard T Jaspers
- Department of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Svehlik
- Department of Othopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Tilp
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Kruse A, Habersack A, Jaspers RT, Schrapf N, Weide G, Svehlik M, Tilp M. Acute Effects of Static and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching of the Plantar Flexors on Ankle Range of Motion and Muscle-Tendon Behavior in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy-A Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11599. [PMID: 36141875 PMCID: PMC9517397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Stretching is considered a clinically effective way to prevent muscle contracture development in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore, in this study, we assessed the effects of a single session of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) or static stretching (SS) on ankle joint range of motion (RoM) and gastrocnemius muscle-tendon behavior in children with CP. During the SS (n = 8), the ankle joint was held in maximum dorsiflexion (30 s). During the PNF stretching (n = 10), an isometric contraction (3-5 s) was performed, followed by stretching (~25 s). Ten stretches were applied in total. We collected data via dynamometry, 3D motion capture, 2D ultrasound, and electromyography, before and after the stretching sessions. A mixed ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis. Both ankle RoM and maximum dorsiflexion increased over time (F(1,16) = 7.261, p < 0.05, η² = 0.312; and F(1,16) = 4.900, p < 0.05, η² = 0.234, respectively), without any difference between groups. An interaction effect (F(1,12) = 4.768, p = 0.05, η² = 0.284) was observed for muscle-tendon unit elongation (PNF: -8.8%; SS: +14.6%). These findings suggest a positive acute effect of stretching on ankle function. However, SS acutely increased muscle-tendon unit elongation, while this decreased after PNF stretching, indicating different effects on the spastic muscles. Whether PNF stretching has the potential to cause positive alterations in individuals with CP should be elucidated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kruse
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Habersack
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Richard T. Jaspers
- Department of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Schrapf
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Guido Weide
- Department of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Svehlik
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Tilp
- Department of Biomechanics, Training and Movement Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Validity and reliability of a novel 3D ultrasound approach to assess static lengths and the lengthening behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle and the Achilles tendon in vivo. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 30:4203-4213. [PMID: 35906410 PMCID: PMC9668947 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human muscle-tendon units (MTUs) are highly plastic and undergo changes in response to specific diseases and disorders. To investigate the pathological changes and the effects of therapeutic treatments, the use of valid and reliable examination methods is of crucial importance. Therefore, in this study, a simple 3D ultrasound approach was developed and evaluated with regard to: (1) its validity in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) MTU, muscle belly, and Achilles tendon lengths; and (2) its reliability for static and dynamic length measurements. METHODS Sixteen participants were included in the study. To evaluate the validity and reliability of the novel 3D ultrasound approach, two ultrasound measurement sessions and one MRI assessment were performed. By combining 2D ultrasound and 3D motion capture, the tissue lengths were assessed at a fixed ankle joint position and compared to the MRI measurements using Bland-Altman plots. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for the static and dynamic length assessments was determined using the coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS The 3D ultrasound approach slightly underestimated the length when compared with MRI by 0.7%, 1.5%, and 1.1% for the GM muscle belly, Achilles tendon, and MTU, respectively. The approach showed excellent intra-rater as well as inter-rater reliability, with high ICC (≥ 0.94), small SEM (≤ 1.3 mm), and good MDC95 (≤ 3.6 mm) values, with even better reliability found for the static length measurements. CONCLUSION The proposed 3D ultrasound approach was found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of the GM MTU, muscle belly, and Achilles tendon lengths, as well as the tissue lengthening behavior, confirming its potential as a useful tool for investigating the effects of training interventions or therapeutic treatments (e.g., surgery or conservative treatments such as stretching and orthotics). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
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Flux E, van der Krogt MM, Harlaar J, Buizer AI, Sloot LH. Functional assessment of stretch hyperreflexia in children with cerebral palsy using treadmill perturbations. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:151. [PMID: 34663392 PMCID: PMC8522046 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00940-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes hinder movement in patients with central nervous system disorders, they are a common target of treatment. To improve treatment evaluation, hyperactive reflexes should be assessed during activities as walking rather than passively. This study systematically explores the feasibility, reliability and validity of sudden treadmill perturbations to evoke and quantify calf muscle stretch reflexes during walking in children with neurological disorders. METHODS We performed an observational cross-sectional study including 24 children with cerebral palsy (CP; 6-16 years) and 14 typically developing children (TD; 6-15 years). Short belt accelerations were applied at three different intensities while children walked at comfortable speed. Lower leg kinematics, musculo-tendon lengthening and velocity, muscle activity and spatiotemporal parameters were measured to analyze perturbation responses. RESULTS We first demonstrated protocol feasibility: the protocol was completed by all but three children who ceased participation due to fatigue. All remaining children were able to maintain their gait pattern during perturbation trials without anticipatory adaptations in ankle kinematics, spatiotemporal parameters and muscle activity. Second, we showed the protocol's reliability: there was no systematic change in muscle response over time (P = 0.21-0.54) and a bootstrapping procedure indicated sufficient number of perturbations, as the last perturbation repetition only reduced variability by ~ 2%. Third, we evaluated construct validity by showing that responses comply with neurophysiological criteria for stretch reflexes: perturbations superimposed calf muscle lengthening (P < 0.001 for both CP and TD) in all but one participant. This elicited increased calf muscle activity (359 ± 190% for CP and 231 ± 68% for TD, both P < 0.001) in the gastrocnemius medialis muscle, which increased with perturbation intensity (P < 0.001), according to the velocity-dependent nature of stretch reflexes. Finally, construct validity was shown from a clinical perspective: stretch reflexes were 1.7 times higher for CP than TD for the gastrocnemius medialis muscle (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS The feasibility and reliability of the protocol, as well as the construct validity-shown by the exaggerated velocity-dependent nature of the measured responses-strongly support the use of treadmill perturbations to quantify stretch hyperreflexia during gait. We therefore provided a framework which can be used to inform clinical decision making and treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Flux
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marjolein M van der Krogt
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Harlaar
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Department Orthopedics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke I Buizer
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lizeth H Sloot
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Computer Engineering, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kowalski E, Catelli DS, Lamontagne M. Comparing the Accuracy of Visual and Computerized Onset Detection Methods on Simulated Electromyography Signals with Varying Signal-to-Noise Ratios. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2021; 6:jfmk6030070. [PMID: 34449669 PMCID: PMC8395734 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6030070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) onsets determined by computerized detection methods have been compared against the onsets selected by experts through visual inspection. However, with this type of approach, the true onset remains unknown, making it impossible to determine if computerized detection methods are better than visual detection (VD) as they can only be as good as what the experts select. The use of simulated signals allows for all aspects of the signal to be precisely controlled, including the onset and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This study compared three onset detection methods: approximated generalized likelihood ratio, double threshold (DT), and VD determined by eight trained individuals. The selected onset was compared against the true onset in simulated signals which varied in the SNR from 5 to 40 dB. For signals with 5 dB SNR, the VD method was significantly better, but for SNRs of 20 dB or greater, no differences existed between the VD and DT methods. The DT method is recommended as it can improve objectivity and reduce time of analysis when determining EMG onsets. Even for the best-quality signals (SNR of 40 dB), all the detection methods were off by 15-30 ms from the true onset and became progressively more inaccurate as the SNR decreased. Therefore, although all the detection methods provided similar results, they can be off by 50-80 ms from the true onset as the SNR decreases to 10 dB. Caution must be used when interpreting EMG onsets, especially on signals where the SNR is low or not reported at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Kowalski
- Human Movement Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.K.); (D.S.C.)
| | - Danilo S. Catelli
- Human Movement Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.K.); (D.S.C.)
| | - Mario Lamontagne
- Human Movement Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.K.); (D.S.C.)
- Division of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Lorentzen J, Frisk RF, Nielsen JB, Barber L. Increased Ankle Plantar Flexor Stiffness Is Associated With Reduced Mechanical Response to Stretch in Adults With CP. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:604071. [PMID: 33842442 PMCID: PMC8026870 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.604071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperexcitable stretch reflexes are often not present despite of other signs of spasticity in people with brain lesion. Here we looked for evidence that increased resistance to length change of the plantar flexor muscle-fascicles may contribute to a reduction in the stretch reflex response in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 17 neurologically intact (NI) adults (mean age 36.1; 12 female) and 13 ambulant adults with CP (7 unilateral; mean age 33.1; 5 female) participated in the study. Subjects were seated in a chair with the examined foot attached to a foot plate, which could be moved by a computer-controlled electromotor. An ultrasound probe was placed over the medial aspect of the leg to measure the length of medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles. Slow (7 deg/s) and fast (200 deg/s) stretches with amplitude 6 deg of the plantar flexors were applied over an ankle range of 70 deg at 10 deg intervals between 60 and 130 deg plantarflexion. It was checked by EMG electrodes that the slow stretches were sufficiently slow not to elicit any activity and that the fast stretches were sufficiently quick to elicit a maximal stretch reflex in both groups. The torque elicited by the stretches was measured together with changes in the length of medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles. Muscle fascicles increased significantly in length with increasing dorsiflexion position in both populations (p < 0.001), but the fascicles were shorter in the CP population at all positions. Slow stretches elicited significantly larger torque and significantly smaller length change of muscle fascicles as the ankle joint position was moved more towards dorsiflexion in CP than in NI (p < 0.001). Fast stretches elicited larger torque responses at ankle joint positions of 80–100 deg in the NI than in the CP group (p < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was observed between the torque response and muscle fascicle length change to slow stretch in CP (p < 0.05), but not in NI. These findings support that increased passive resistance of the ankle plantar flexor muscle-tendon unit and development of contractures may conceal stretch reflex response in adults with CP. We argue that this should be taken into account in the neurological examination of spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Lorentzen
- Department for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Elsass Foundation, Charlottenlund, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Feld Frisk
- Department for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Elsass Foundation, Charlottenlund, Denmark
| | - Jens Bo Nielsen
- Department for Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Elsass Foundation, Charlottenlund, Denmark
| | - Lee Barber
- School of Applied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Portero P, Dogadov AA, Servière C, Quaine F. Surface Electromyography in Physiotherapist Educational Program in France: Enhancing Learning sEMG in Stretching Practice. Front Neurol 2020; 11:584304. [PMID: 33343490 PMCID: PMC7744717 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.584304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a non-invasive method, which may be used in France by health practitioners without medical degree, such as physiotherapists, who are taught in Institutes of physiotherapy. However, very few hours are devoted to sEMG teaching in physiotherapist educational programs, especially in a form of practical work. In order to motivate using sEMG in physiotherapy to the students, we propose an example of sEMG practical work, applied to muscle stretching. Passive stretching exercises are often used by physiotherapists to maintain or improve range of motion. During a passive stretching session, subjects are given specific instructions to relax and not to activate their muscles during the procedure. In the proposed practical work, the sEMG is used to study the plantar flexor activation level during passive stretching. Therefore, this work may provide students with deeper understanding of physiology and biomechanics, trigger an interest in sEMG as a tool, and give knowledge about good sEMG practice, according to SENIAM and other recommendations. The integration of Institutes of physiotherapy in the University system may provide an opportunity to revisit the physiotherapist educational program and to provide students with more practical courses on sEMG application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Portero
- Université Paris-Est Créteil, Faculté de santé, équipe Bioingénierie, Tissus et Neuroplasticité (BIOTN), Créteil, France
| | - Anton A Dogadov
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inria, Grenoble INP, GIPSA-lab, Grenoble, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience (NeuroPSI), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Christine Servière
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inria, Grenoble INP, GIPSA-lab, Grenoble, France
| | - Franck Quaine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inria, Grenoble INP, GIPSA-lab, Grenoble, France
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Gallinger TL, Fletcher JR, MacIntosh BR. Mechanisms of reduced plantarflexor function in Cerebral palsy: smaller triceps surae moment arm and reduced muscle force. J Biomech 2020; 110:109959. [PMID: 32827781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Both muscle forces, and moment arm (MA) could contribute to reduced muscle moment in people with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Current reports in CP are conflicting. The tendon travel method of estimating MA requires constant force, but passive force is high and variable in CP, and range of motion is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine triceps surae muscle MA in 12 subjects with mild to moderate CP (15-32 years) and 10 typically developing peers (TD, 17-26 years) by tendon travel and by visually measuring the apparent MA. MA was calculated at 90° and at a reference angle (∼106°) with zero net passive moment. The tendon travel (28.8 ± 5.6 mm) and visual methods (29.1 ± 5.5 mm) yielded similar MA in CP (p = 0.94) at the reference angle. TD had significantly larger triceps surae muscle MA than CP subjects (p = 0.002), 35.4 ± 4.1 mm at the reference angle for tendon travel and 35.4 ± 3.6 mm by the visual method. Test/retest revealed less bias (0.8 mm) using the visual method. Calculated active peak isometric force was significantly less in CP (1983.8 ± 887.0 N) than TD (4104.9 ± 1154.9 N, p < 0.001). There are challenges in estimating MA in CP, but the visual method is more reliable. Although a shorter moment arm would reduce the joint moment, joint angular velocity for a given velocity of muscle shortening would be enhanced. Strength training may mitigate the effects of the smaller moment arm and reduced joint moment generated in those with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa L Gallinger
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Jared R Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian R MacIntosh
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Bar-On L, Aertbeliën E, Van Campenhout A, Molenaers G, Desloovere K. Treatment Response to Botulinum Neurotoxin-A in Children With Cerebral Palsy Categorized by the Type of Stretch Reflex Muscle Activation. Front Neurol 2020; 11:378. [PMID: 32581991 PMCID: PMC7280486 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While Botulinum NeuroToxin-A (BoNT-A) injections are frequently used to reduce the effects of hyperactive stretch reflexes in children with cerebral palsy (CP), the effects of this treatment vary strongly. Previous research, combining electromyography (EMG) with motion analysis, defined different patterns of stretch reflex muscle activation in muscles, those that reacted more to a change in velocity (velocity dependent -VD), and those that reacted more to a change in length (length dependent -LD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the types of stretch reflex muscle activation in the semitendinosus with post-BoNT-A outcome as assessed passively and with 3D gait analysis in children with spastic CP. Eighteen children with spastic CP (10 bilaterally involved) between the ages of 12 and 18 years were assessed before and on average, 8 weeks post-treatment. EMG and motion analysis were used to assess the degree and type of muscle activation dependency in the semitendinosus during passive knee extensions performed at different joint angular velocities. Three-dimensional gait analysis was used to assess knee gait kinematics as a measure of functional outcome. Pre-treatment, 9 muscles were classified as VD and 9 as LD, but no differences between the groups were evident in the baseline knee gait kinematics. Post-treatment, stretch reflex muscle activation decreased significantly in both groups but the reduction was more pronounced in those muscles classified pre-treatment as VD (-72% vs. -50%, p = 0.005). In the VD group, these changes were accompanied by greater knee extension at initial contact and during the swing phase of gait. In the LD group, there was significantly increased post-treatment knee hyperextension in late stance. Although results vary between patients, the reduction of stretch reflex muscle activation in the semitendinosus generally translated to an improved functional outcome, as assessed with 3D gait analysis. However, results were less positive for those muscles with pre-treatment length-dependent type of stretch reflex muscle activation. The study demonstrates the relevance of categorizing the type of stretch reflex muscle activation as a possible predictor of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Bar-On
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erwin Aertbeliën
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,ROB Core Lab, Flanders Make, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Molenaers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Kalkman BM, Bar-On L, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. Stretching Interventions in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Why Are They Ineffective in Improving Muscle Function and How Can We Better Their Outcome? Front Physiol 2020; 11:131. [PMID: 32153428 PMCID: PMC7047287 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyper-resistance at the joint is one of the most common symptoms in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Alterations to the structure and mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system, such as a decreased muscle length and an increased joint stiffness are typically managed conservatively, by means of physiotherapy involving stretching exercises. However, the effectiveness of stretching-based interventions for improving function is poor. This may be due to the behavior of a spastic muscle during stretch, which is poorly understood. The main aim of this paper is to provide a mechanistic explanation as to why the effectiveness of stretching is limited in children with CP and consider clinically relevant means by which this shortcoming can be tackled. To do this, we review the current literature regarding muscle and tendon plasticity in response to stretching in children with CP. First, we discuss how muscle and tendon interact based on their morphology and mechanical properties to provide a certain range of motion at the joint. We then consider the effect of traditional stretching exercises on these muscle and tendon properties. Finally, we examine possible strategies to increase the effectiveness of stretching therapies and we highlight areas of further research that have the potential to improve the outcome of non-invasive interventions in children with cerebral palsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M Kalkman
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn Bar-On
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VC University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas D O'Brien
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Constantinos N Maganaris
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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12
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Reliability outcomes and inter-limb differences in ankle joint stiffness in children with unilateral cerebral palsy depend on the method of analysis. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2019; 49:102353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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13
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Cenni F, Bar-On L, Monari D, Schless SH, Kalkman BM, Aertbeliën E, Desloovere K, Bruyninckx H. Semi-automatic methods for tracking the medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction using ultrasound: a validation study. Exp Physiol 2019; 105:120-131. [PMID: 31677311 DOI: 10.1113/ep088133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Is the proposed semi-automatic algorithm suitable for tracking the medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction in ultrasound images collected during passive and active conditions? What is the main finding and its importance? The validation of a method allowing efficient tracking of the muscle-tendon junction in both passive and active conditions, in healthy as well as in pathological conditions. This method was tested in common acquisition conditions and the developed software made freely available. ABSTRACT Clinically relevant information can be extracted from ultrasound (US) images by tracking the displacement of the junction between muscle and tendon. This paper validated automatic methods for tracking the location of muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) between the medial gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon during passive slow and fast stretches, and active ankle rotations while walking on a treadmill. First, an automatic algorithm based on an optical flow approach was applied on collected US images. Second, results of the automatic algorithm were evaluated and corrected using a quality measure that indicated which critical images need to be manually corrected. US images from 12 typically developed (TD) children, 12 children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and eight healthy adults were analysed. Automatic and semi-automatic tracking methods were compared to manual tracking using root mean square errors (RMSE). For the automatic tracking, RMSE was less than 3.1 mm for the slow stretch and 5.2 mm for the fast stretch, the worst case being for SCP. The tracking results in the fast stretch condition were improved (especially in SCP) by using the semi-automatic approach, with an RMSE reduction of about 30%. During walking, the semi-automatic method also reduced errors, with a final RMSE of 3.6 mm. In all cases, data processing was considerably shorter using the semi-automatic method (2 min) compared to manual tracking (20 min). A quick manual correction considerably improves tracking of the MTJ during gait and allows to achieve results suitable for further analyses. The proposed algorithm is freely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cenni
- KU Leuven, Department of Movement Sciences, Tervuursevest 101, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Weligerveld 1, 3212, Pellenberg, Belgium
| | - Lynn Bar-On
- KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tervuursevest 101, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.,Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Davide Monari
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Weligerveld 1, 3212, Pellenberg, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 300b, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon-Henri Schless
- Alyn Hospital, Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara M Kalkman
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Erwin Aertbeliën
- KU Leuven, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 300b, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospital Leuven, Weligerveld 1, 3212, Pellenberg, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tervuursevest 101, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Herman Bruyninckx
- KU Leuven, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Celestijnenlaan 300b, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Le Sant G, Gross R, Hug F, Nordez A. Influence of low muscle activation levels on the ankle torque and muscle shear modulus during plantar flexor stretching. J Biomech 2019; 93:111-117. [PMID: 31280899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During stretching studies, surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to ensure the passive state of the muscle, for the characterization of passive muscle mechanical properties. Different thresholds (1%, 2% or 5% of maximal) are indifferently used to set "passive state". This study aimed to investigate the effects of a slight activity on the joint and muscle mechanical properties during stretching. The joint torque and muscle shear modulus of the triceps surae muscles were measured in fifteen healthy volunteers during ankle dorsiflexions: (i) in a "fully relaxed" state, (ii) during active conditions where participants were asked to produce an sEMG amplitude of 1%, 2% or 5% of their maximal sEMG amplitude of the triceps surae. The 1% condition was the only that did not result in significant differences in joint torque or shear modulus compared to the relaxed condition. In the 2% condition, increases in joint torque were found at 80% of the maximal angle in dorsiflexion, and in the shear modulus of gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis at the maximal angle in dorsiflexion. During the 5% condition, joint torque and the shear modulus of gastrocnemius medialis were higher than during relaxed condition at angles larger than 40% of maximal angle in dorsiflexion. The results provide new insights on the thresholds that should be considered for the design of stretching studies. A threshold of 1% seems much more appropriate than a 2% or 5% threshold in healthy participants. Further studies are required to define similar thresholds for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Le Sant
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, EA 4334, F-44000 Nantes, France; School of Physiotherapy (IFM3R), Nantes, France.
| | - Raphaël Gross
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, EA 4334, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - François Hug
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, EA 4334, F-44000 Nantes, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France; The University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, EA 4334, F-44000 Nantes, France; Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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