Can single-use versus standard duodenoscope improve ergonomics in ERCP? A comparative, simulation-based pilot study

Background and study aims Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries (MSIs) are frequent in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess potential ergonomic advantages of a lighter single-use duodenoscope compared with a standard reusable one for endoscopists performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods Three experienced endoscopists performed an ergonomic, preclinical, comparative protocol-guided simulation study of a single-use and a standard reusable duodenoscope using an anatomic bench model. Surface EMG signals from left forearm and arm muscles were recorded. A commercial inertial sensor-based motion capture system was applied to record body posture as well. Results A significant lowering of root mean square amplitude and amplitude distribution of biceps brachii signal (ranging from 13% to 42%) was recorded in all the participants when using a single-use duodenoscope compared with a reusable one. An overall reduction of muscle activation amplitude and duration was also associated with the single-use duodenoscope for forearm muscles, with different behaviors among subjects. Participants spent most of the time in wrist extension (> 80%) and ulnar deviation (> 65%). A consistent pattern of functional range of motion employed for completing all procedures was observed. Conclusions Our study showed that a lighter scope has a promising effect in reducing upper arm muscle activity during ERCP with potential benefit on musculoskeletal health in the ERCP setting.

Volitional muscle activation intensifies neuronal processing of proprioceptive afference in the primary sensorimotor cortex: an EEG study

Proprioception refers to the ability to perceive the position and movement of body segments in space. The cortical aspects of the proprioceptive afference from the body can be investigated using corticokinematic coherence (CKC). CKC accurately quantifies the degree of coupling between cortical activity and limb kinematics, especially if precise proprioceptive stimulation of evoked movements is used. However, there is no evidence on how volitional muscle activation during proprioceptive stimulation affects CKC strength. Twenty-five healthy volunteers (28.8 ± 7 yr, 11 females) participated in the experiment, which included electroencephalographic (EEG), electromyographic (EMG), and kinematic recordings. Ankle-joint rotations (2-Hz) were elicited through a movement actuator in two conditions: passive condition with relaxed ankle and active condition with constant 5-Nm plantar flexion exerted during the stimulation. In total, 6 min of data were recorded per condition. CKC strength was defined as the maximum coherence value among all the EEG channels at the 2-Hz movement frequency for each condition separately. Both conditions resulted in significant CKC peaking at the Cz electrode over the foot area of the primary sensorimotor (SM1) cortex. Stronger CKC was found for the active (0.13 ± 0.14) than the passive (0.03 ± 0.04) condition (P < 0.01). The results indicated that volitional activation of the muscles intensifies the neuronal proprioceptive processing in the SM1 cortex. This finding could be explained both by peripheral sensitization of the ankle joint proprioceptors and central modulation of the neuronal proprioceptive processing at the spinal and cortical levels.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study is the first to investigate the effect of volitional muscle activation on CKC-based assessment of cortical proprioception of the ankle joint. Results show that the motor efference intensifies the neuronal processing of proprioceptive afference of the ankle joint. This is a significant finding as it may extend the use of CKC method during active tasks to further evaluate the motor efference-proprioceptive afference relationship and the related adaptations to exercise, rehabilitation, and disease.

Effect of Periodic Voluntary Interventions on Trapezius Activation and Fatigue During Light Upper Limb Activity

OBJECTIVE

The effects of diverse periodic interventions on trapezius muscle fatigue and activity during a full day of computer work were investigated.

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal disorders, including trapezius myalgia, may be associated with repeated exposure to prolonged low-level activity, even during light upper-extremity tasks including computer work.

METHODS

Thirty healthy adults participated in a study that simulated two 6-hour workdays of computer work. One workday involved imposed periodic passive and active interventions aimed at disrupting trapezius contraction monotony (Intervention day), whereas the other workday did not (Control day). Trapezius muscle activity was quantified by the 3-dimensional acceleration of the jolt movement of the acromion produced by electrically induced muscle twitches. The spatio-temporal distribution of trapezius activity was measured through high-density surface electromyography (HD-EMG).

RESULTS

The twitch acceleration magnitude in one direction was significantly different across measurement periods (p = 0.0156) on Control day, whereas no significant differences in any direction were observed (p > 0.05) on Intervention day. The HD-EMG from Intervention day showed that only significant voluntary muscle contractions (swing arms, Jacobson maneuver) induced a decrease in the muscle activation time and an increase in the spatial muscle activation areas (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Disruption of trapezius monotonous activity via brief voluntary contractions effectively modified the ensuing contraction pattern (twitch acceleration along one axis, active epochs reduction, and larger spatial distribution). The observed changes support an associated reduction of muscle fatigue.

APPLICATION

This study suggests that disruptive intervention activity is efficient in reducing the impact of trapezius muscle fatigue.

The Sensitivity of Bipolar Electromyograms to Muscle Excitation Scales With the Inter-Electrode Distance

The value of surface electromyograms (EMGs) lies in their potential to non-invasively probe the neuromuscular system. Whether muscle excitation may be accurately inferred from bipolar EMGs depends on how much the detected signal is both sensitive and specific to the excitation of the target muscle. While both are known to be a function of the inter-electrode distance (IED), specificity has been of long concern in the physiological literature. In contrast, sensitivity, at best, has been implicitly assumed. Here we provide evidence that the IED imposes a biophysical constraint on the sensitivity of surface EMG. From 20 healthy subjects, we tested the hypothesis that excessively reducing the IED limits EMGs' physiological content. We detected bipolar EMGs with IEDs varying from 5 mm to 50 mm from two skeletal muscles with distinct architectures, gastrocnemius and biceps brachii. Non-parametric statistics and Bayesian hierarchical modelling were used to evaluate the dependence of the onset of muscle excitation and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the IED. Experimental results revealed that IED critically affects the sensitivity of bipolar EMGs for both muscles-indeliberately reducing the IED yields EMGs that are not representative of the whole muscle, hampering validity. Simulation results substantiate the generalization of experimental results to small and large electrodes. Based on current and previous findings, we discuss a potentially valid procedure for defining the most appropriate IED for a single bipolar, surface recording-i.e., the distance from the electrode to the target muscle boundary may heuristically serve as a lower bound when choosing an IED.

Spatially repeatable components from ultrafast ultrasound are associated with motor unit activity in human isometric contractions. J Neural Eng 2023;20:046016. [PMID: 37437598 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ace6fc]

Objective.Ultrafast ultrasound (UUS) imaging has been used to detect intramuscular mechanical dynamics associated with single motor units (MUs). Detecting MUs from ultrasound sequences requires decomposing a velocity field into components, each consisting of an image and a signal. These components can be associated with putative MU activity or spurious movements (noise). The differentiation between putative MUs and noise has been accomplished by comparing the signals with MU firings obtained from needle electromyography (EMG). Here, we examined whether the repeatability of the images over brief time intervals can serve as a criterion for distinguishing putative MUs from noise in low-force isometric contractions.Approach.UUS images and high-density surface EMG (HDsEMG) were recorded simultaneously from 99 MUs in the biceps brachii of five healthy subjects. The MUs identified through HDsEMG decomposition were used as a reference to assess the outcomes of the ultrasound-based components. For each contraction, velocity sequences from the same eight-second ultrasound recording were separated into consecutive two-second epochs and decomposed. To evaluate the repeatability of components' images across epochs, we calculated the Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC). JSC compares the similarity between two images providing values between 0 and 1. Finally, the association between the components and the MUs from HDsEMG was assessed.Main results.All the MU-matched components had JSC > 0.38, indicating they were repeatable and accounted for about one-third of the HDsEMG-detected MUs (1.8 ± 1.6 matches over 4.9 ± 1.8 MUs). The repeatable components (JSC > 0.38) represented 14% of the total components (6.5 ± 3.3 components). These findings align with our hypothesis that intra-sequence repeatability can differentiate putative MUs from noise and can be used for data reduction.Significance.This study provides the foundation for developing stand-alone methods to identify MU in UUS sequences and towards real-time imaging of MUs. These methods are relevant for studying muscle neuromechanics and designing novel neural interfaces.

A real-time and convex model for the estimation of muscle force from surface electromyographic signals in the upper and lower limbs

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a signal consisting of different motor unit action potential trains and records from the surface of the muscles. One of the applications of sEMG is the estimation of muscle force. We proposed a new real-time convex and interpretable model for solving the sEMG-force estimation. We validated it on the upper limb during isometric voluntary flexions-extensions at 30%, 50%, and 70% Maximum Voluntary Contraction in five subjects, and lower limbs during standing tasks in thirty-three volunteers, without a history of neuromuscular disorders. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method was statistically compared with that of the state-of-the-art (13 methods, including linear-in-the-parameter models, Artificial Neural Networks and Supported Vector Machines, and non-linear models). The envelope of the sEMG signals was estimated, and the representative envelope of each muscle was used in our analysis. The convex form of an exponential EMG-force model was derived, and each muscle's coefficient was estimated using the Least Square method. The goodness-of-fit indices, the residual signal analysis (bias and Bland-Altman plot), and the running time analysis were provided. For the entire model, 30% of the data was used for estimation, while the remaining 20% and 50% were used for validation and testing, respectively. The average R-square (%) of the proposed method was 96.77 ± 1.67 [94.38, 98.06] for the test sets of the upper limb and 91.08 ± 6.84 [62.22, 96.62] for the lower-limb dataset (MEAN ± SD [min, max]). The proposed method was not significantly different from the recorded force signal (p-value = 0.610); that was not the case for the other tested models. The proposed method significantly outperformed the other methods (adj. p-value < 0.05). The average running time of each 250 ms signal of the training and testing of the proposed method was 25.7 ± 4.0 [22.3, 40.8] and 11.0 ± 2.9 [4.7, 17.8] in microseconds for the entire dataset. The proposed convex model is thus a promising method for estimating the force from the joints of the upper and lower limbs, with applications in load sharing, robotics, rehabilitation, and prosthesis control for the upper and lower limbs.

Modulations in motor unit discharge are related to changes in fascicle length during isometric contractions

The integration of electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound imaging has provided important information about the mechanisms of muscle activation and contraction. Unfortunately, conventional bipolar EMG does not allow an accurate assessment of the interplay between the neural drive received by muscles, changes in fascicle length and torque. We aimed to assess the relationship between modulations in tibialis anterior muscle (TA) motor unit (MU) discharge, fascicle length, and dorsiflexion torque using ultrasound-transparent high-density EMG electrodes. EMG and ultrasound images were recorded simultaneously from TA using a 32-electrode silicon matrix while performing isometric dorsiflexion contractions at two ankle joint positions (0° or 30° plantar flexion) and torques (20% or 40% of maximum). EMG signals were decomposed into MUs and changes in fascicle length were assessed with a fascicle-tracking algorithm. MU firings were converted into a cumulative spike train (CST) that was cross-correlated with torque (CST-torque) and fascicle length (CST-length). High cross-correlations were found for CST-length (0.60, range: 0.31–0.85) and CST-torque (0.71, range: 0.31–0.88). Cross-correlation delays revealed that the delay between CST-fascicle length (∼75 ms) was smaller than CST-torque (∼150 ms, P < 0.001). These delays affected MU recruitment and de-recruitment thresholds since the fascicle length at which MUs were recruited and de-recruited was similar but MU recruitment-de-recruitment torque varied. This study demonstrates that changes in TA fascicle length are related to modulations in MU firing and dorsiflexion torque. These relationships allow assessment of the interplay between neural drive, muscle contraction and torque, enabling the time required to convert neural activity into movement to be quantified.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY By employing ultrasound-transparent high-density EMG electrodes, we show that modulations in tibialis anterior muscle motor unit discharge rate were related to both changes in fascicle length and resultant torque. These relationships permitted the quantification of the relative delays between fluctuations in neural drive, muscle contraction, and transfer of torque via the tendon during sustained isometric dorsiflexion contractions, providing information on the conversion of neural activity into muscle force during a contraction.

Quantification of cortical proprioceptive processing through a wireless and miniaturized EEG amplifier

Corticokinematic coherence (CKC) is computed between limb kinematics and cortical activity (e.g. MEG, EEG), and it can be used to detect, quantify and localize the cortical processing of proprioceptive afference arising from the body. EEG-based studies on CKC have been limited to lab environments due to bulky, non-portable instrumentations. We recently proposed a wireless and miniaturized EEG acquisition system aimed at enabling EEG studies outside the laboratory. The purpose of this work is to compare the EEG-based CKC values obtained with this device with a conventional wired-EEG acquisition system to validate its use in the quantification of cortical proprioceptive processing. Eleven healthy right-handed participants were recruited (six males, four females, age range: 24-40 yr). A pneumatic-movement actuator was used to evoke right index-finger flexion-extension movement at 3 Hz for 4 min. The task was repeated both with the wireless-EEG and wired-EEG devices using the same 30-channel EEG cap preparation. CKC was computed between the EEG and finger acceleration. CKC peaked at the movement frequency and its harmonics, being statistically significant (p < 0.05) in 8-10 out of 11 participants. No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in CKC strength between wireless-EEG (range 0.03-0.22) and wired-EEG (0.02-0.33) systems, that showed a good agreement between the recording systems (3 Hz: r = 0.57, p = 0.071, 6 Hz: r = 0.82, p = 0.003). As expected, CKC peaked in sensors above the left primary sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the moved right index finger. As the wired-EEG device, the tested wireless-EEG system has proven feasible to quantify CKC, and thus can be used as a tool to study proprioception in the human neocortex. Thanks to its portability, the wireless-EEG used in this study has the potential to enable the examination of cortical proprioception in more naturalistic conditions outside the laboratory environment. Clinical Relevance-Our study will contribute to provide innovative technological foundations for future unobtrusive EEG recordings in naturalistic conditions to examine human sensorimotor system.

Detecting anatomical characteristics of single motor units by combining high density electromyography and ultrafast ultrasound: a simulation study

Muscle force production is the result of a sequence of electromechanical events that translate the neural drive issued to the motor units (MUs) into tensile forces on the tendon. Current technology allows this phenomenon to be investigated non-invasively. Single MU excitation and its mechanical response can be studied through high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) and ultrafast ultrasound (US) imaging respectively. In this study, we propose a method to integrate these two techniques to identify anatomical characteristics of single MUs. Specifically, we tested two algorithms, combining the tissue velocity sequence (TVS, obtained from ultrafast US images), and the MU firings (extracted from HDsEMG decomposition). The first is the Spike Triggered Averaging (STA) of the TVS based on the occurrences of individual MU firings, while the second relies on the correlation between the MU firing patterns and the TVS spatio-temporal independent components (STICA). A simulation model of the muscle contraction was adapted to test the algorithms at different degrees of neural excitation (number of active MUs) and MU synchronization. The performances of the two algorithms were quantified through the comparison between the simulated and the estimated characteristics of MU territories (size, location). Results show that both approaches are negatively affected by the number of active MU and synchronization levels. However, STICA provides a more robust MU territory estimation, outperforming STA in all the tested conditions. Our results suggest that spatio-temporal independent component decomposition of TVS is a suitable approach for anatomical and mechanical characterization of single MUs using a combined HDsEMG and ultrafast US approach.

Endurance-exercise training adaptations in spinal motoneurones: potential functional relevance to locomotor output and assessment in humans

It is clear from non-human animal work that spinal motoneurones undergo endurance training (chronic) and locomotor (acute) related changes in their electrical properties and thus their ability to fire action potentials in response to synaptic input. The functional implications of these changes, however, are speculative. In humans, data suggests that similar chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability may occur, though the work is limited due to technical constraints. To examine the potential influence of chronic changes in human motoneurone excitability on the acute changes that occur during locomotor output, we must develop more sophisticated recording techniques or adapt our current methods. In this review, we briefly discuss chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability arising from non-human and human work. We then discuss the potential interaction effects of chronic and acute changes in motoneurone excitability and the potential impact on locomotor output. Finally, we discuss the use of high-density surface electromyogram recordings to examine human motor unit firing patterns and thus, indirectly, motoneurone excitability. The assessment of single motor units from high-density recording is mainly limited to tonic motor outputs and minimally dynamic motor output such as postural sway. Adapting this technology for use during locomotor outputs would allow us to gain a better understanding of the potential functional implications of endurance training-induced changes in human motoneurone excitability on motor output.

Design and validation of a wireless Body Sensor Network for integrated EEG and HD-sEMG acquisitions

Sensorimotor integration is the process through which the human brain plans the motor program execution according to external sources. Within this context, corticomuscular and corticokinematic coherence analyses are common methods to investigate the mechanism underlying the central control of muscle activation. This requires the synchronous acquisition of several physiological signals, including EEG and sEMG. Nevertheless, physical constraints of the current, mostly wired, technologies limit their application in dynamic and naturalistic contexts. In fact, although many efforts were made in the development of biomedical instrumentation for EEG and HD-sEMG signal acquisition, the need for an integrated wireless system is emerging. We hereby describe the design and validation of a new fully wireless body sensor network for the integrated acquisition of EEG and HD-sEMG signals. This Body Sensor Network is composed of wireless bio-signal acquisition modules, named sensor units, and a set of synchronization modules used as a general-purpose system for time-locked recordings. The system was characterized in terms of accuracy of the synchronization and quality of the collected signals. An in-depth characterization of the entire system and an end-to-end comparison of the wireless EEG sensor unit with a wired benchmark EEG device were performed. The proposed device represents an advancement of the State-of-the-Art technology allowing the integrated acquisition of EEG and HD-sEMG signals for the study of sensorimotor integration.

Dynamic Surface Electromyography Using Stretchable Screen-Printed Textile Electrodes

OBJECTIVE

Wearable devices have created new opportunities in healthcare and sport sciences by unobtrusively monitoring physiological signals. Textile polymer-based electrodes proved to be effective in detecting electrophysiological potentials but suffer mechanical fragility and low stretch resistance. The goal of this research is to develop and validate in dynamic conditions cost-effective and easily manufacturable electrodes characterized by adequate robustness and signal quality.

METHODS

We here propose an optimized screen printing technique for the fabrication of PEDOT:PSS-based textile electrodes directly into finished stretchable garments for surface electromyography (sEMG) applications. A sensorised stretchable leg sleeve was developed, targeting five muscles of interest in rehabilitation and sport science. An experimental validation was performed to assess the accuracy of signal detection during dynamic exercises, including sit-to-stand, leg extension, calf raise, walking, and cycling.

RESULTS

The electrodes can resist up to 500 stretch cycles. Tests on five subjects revealed excellent contact impedance, and cross-correlation between sEMG envelopes simultaneously detected from the leg muscles by the textile and Ag/AgCl electrodes was generally greater than 0.9, which proves that it is possible to obtain good quality signals with performance comparable with disposable electrodes.

CONCLUSIONS

An effective technique to embed polymer-based electrodes in stretchable smart garments was presented, revealing good performance for dynamic sEMG detections.

SIGNIFICANCE

The achieved results pave the way to the integration of unobtrusive electrodes, obtained by screen printing of conductive polymers, into technical fabrics for rehabilitation and sport monitoring, and in general where the detection of sEMG in dynamic conditions is necessary.

Design and Characterization of a Textile Electrode System for the Detection of High-Density sEMG

Muscle activity monitoring in dynamic conditions is a crucial need in different scenarios, ranging from sport to rehabilitation science and applied physiology. The acquisition of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals by means of grids of electrodes (High-Density sEMG, HD-sEMG) allows obtaining relevant information on muscle function and recruitment strategies. During dynamic conditions, this possibility demands both a wearable and miniaturized acquisition system and a system of electrodes easy to wear, assuring a stable electrode-skin interface. While recent advancements have been made on the former issue, detection systems specifically designed for dynamic conditions are at best incipient. The aim of this work is to design, characterize, and test a wearable, HD-sEMG detection system based on textile technology. A 32-electrodes, 15 mm inter-electrode distance textile grid was designed and prototyped. The electrical properties of the material constituting the detection system and of the electrode-skin interface were characterized. The quality of sEMG signals was assessed in both static and dynamic contractions. The performance of the textile detection system was comparable to that of conventional systems in terms of stability of the traces, properties of the electrode-skin interface and quality of the collected sEMG signals during quasi-isometric and highly dynamic tasks.

The M waves of the biceps brachii have a stationary (shoulder-like) component in the first phase: implications and recommendations for M-wave analysis

OBJECTIVE

We recently documented that compound muscle action potentials (M waves) recorded over the 'pennate' vastus lateralis showed a sharp deflection (named as a shoulder) in the first phase. Here, we investigated whether such a shoulder was also present in M waves evoked in a muscle with different architecture, such as the biceps brachii, with the purpose of elucidating the electrical origin of such afeature.

APPROACH

M waves evoked by maximal single shocks to the brachial plexus were recorded in monopolar and bipolar configurations from 72 individuals using large (10 mm diameter) electrodes and from eight individuals using small (1 mm diameter) electrodes arranged in a linear array. The changes in M-wave features at different locations along the muscle fiber direction were examined.

MAIN RESULTS

The shoulder was recognizable in most (87%) monopolar M waves, whereas it was rarely observed (6%) in bipolar derivations. Recordings made along the fiber direction showed that the shoulder was a stationary (non-propagating) feature, with short duration (spiky), which had positive polarity at all locations along the fibers. The latency of the shoulder (9.5 ± 0.5 ms) was significantly shorter than the estimated time taken for the action potentials to reach the biceps tendon (12.8 ms).

SIGNIFICANCE

The shoulder must be generated by a dipole source, i.e. a source created at a fixed anatomical position, although the exact origin of this dipole is uncertain. Our results suggest that the shoulder may not be due to the end-of-fiber signals formed at the biceps brachii tendon. The shoulder is not related to any specific arrangement of muscle fibers, as it has been observed in both pennate and fusiform muscles. Being a stationary (non-propagating) component, the shoulder is not reliable for studying changes in sarcolemmal excitability, and thus should be excluded from the M-wave analysis.

The Accurate Assessment of Muscle Excitation Requires the Detection of Multiple Surface Electromyograms

When sampling electromyograms (EMGs) with one pair of electrodes, it seems implicitly assumed the detected signal reflects the net muscle excitation. However, this assumption is discredited by observations of local muscle excitation. Therefore, we hypothesize that the accurate assessment of muscle excitation requires multiple EMG detection and consideration of electrode-fiber alignment. We advise prudence when drawing inferences from individually collected EMGs.

Architectural Changes in Superficial and Deep Compartments of the Tibialis Anterior During Electrical Stimulation Over Different Sites

Electrical stimulation is widely used in rehabilitation to prevent muscle weakness and to assist the functional recovery of neural deficits. Its application is however limited by the rapid development of muscle fatigue due to the non-physiological motor unit (MU) recruitment. This issue can be mitigated by interleaving muscle belly (mStim) and nerve stimulation (nStim) to distribute the temporal recruitment among different MU groups. To be effective, this approach requires the two stimulation modalities to activate minimally-overlapped groups of MUs. In this manuscript, we investigated spatial differences between mStim and nStim MU recruitment through the study of architectural changes of superficial and deep compartments of tibialis anterior (TA). We used ultrasound imaging to measure variations in muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fiber length during mStim, nStim, and voluntary (Vol) contractions at 15% and 25% of the maximal force. For both contraction levels, architectural changes induced by nStim in the deep and superficial compartments were similar to those observed during Vol. Instead, during mStim superficial fascicles underwent a greater change compared to those observed during nStim and Vol, both in absolute magnitude and in their relative differences between compartments. These observations suggest that nStim results in a distributed MU recruitment over the entire muscle volume, similarly to Vol, whereas mStim preferentially activates the superficial muscle layer. The diversity between spatial recruitment of nStim and mStim suggests the involvement of different MU populations, which justifies strategies based on interleaved nerve/muscle stimulation to reduce muscle fatigue during electrically-induced contractions of TA.

A Survey on the Use and Barriers of Surface Electromyography in Neurorehabilitation

Historical, educational, and technical barriers have been reported to limit the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in clinical neurorehabilitation settings. In an attempt to identify, review, rank, and interpret potential factors that may play a role in this scenario, we gathered information on (1) current use of sEMG and its clinical potential; (2) professional figures primarily dealing with sEMG; (3) educational aspects, and (4) possible barriers and reasons for its apparently limited use in neurorehabilitation. To this aim, an online 30-question survey was sent to 52 experts on sEMG from diverse standpoints, backgrounds, and countries. Participants were asked to respond to each question on a 5-point Likert scale or by ranking items. A cut-off of 75% agreement was chosen as the consensus threshold. Thirty-five invitees (67%) completed the electronic survey. Consensus was reached for 77% of the proposed questions encompassing current trends in sEMG use in neurorehabilitation, educational, technical, and methodological features as well as its translational utility for clinicians and patients. Data evidenced the clinical utility of sEMG for patient assessment, to define the intervention plan, and to complement/optimize other methods used to quantify muscle and physical function. The aggregate opinion of the interviewed experts confirmed that sEMG is more frequently employed in technical/methodological than clinical research. Moreover, the slow dissemination of research findings and the lack of education on sEMG seem to prevent prompt transfer into practice. The findings of the present survey may contribute to the ongoing debate on the appropriateness and value of sEMG for neurorehabilitation professionals and its potential translation into clinical settings.

Force control during submaximal isometric contractions is associated with walking performance in persons with multiple sclerosis

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience progressive declines in movement capabilities, especially walking performance. The purpose of our study was to compare the amount of variance in walking performance that could be explained by the functional capabilities of lower leg muscles in persons with MS and a sex- and age-matched control group. Participants performed two walking tests (6-min walk and 25-ft walk), strength tests for the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles, and steady submaximal (10% and 20% maximum) isometric contractions. High-density electromyography (EMG) was recorded during the steady contractions, and the signals were decomposed to identify the discharge times of concurrently active motor units. There were significant differences between the two groups in the force fluctuations during the steady contractions (force steadiness), the strength of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles, and the discharge characteristics during the steady contractions. Performance on the two walking tests by the MS group was moderately associated with force steadiness of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles; worse force steadiness was associated with poorer walking performance. In contrast, the performance of the control group was associated with muscle strength (25-ft test) and force steadiness of the dorsiflexors and variance in common input of motor units to the plantar flexors (6-min test). These findings indicate that a reduction in the ability to maintain a steady force during submaximal isometric contractions is moderately associated with walking performance of persons with MS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The variance in walking endurance and walking speed was associated with force control of the lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). In contrast, the fast walking speed of a sex- and age-matched control group was associated with the strength of lower leg muscles. These findings indicate that moderate declines in the walking performance of persons with MS are more associated with impairments in force control rather than decreases in muscle strength.

Contraction level, but not force direction or wrist position, affects the spatial distribution of motor unit recruitment in the biceps brachii muscle

PURPOSE

Different motor units (MUs) in the biceps brachii (BB) muscle have been shown to be preferentially recruited during either elbow flexion or supination. Whether these different units reside within different regions is an open issue. In this study, we tested wheter MUs recruited during submaximal isometric tasks of elbow flexion and supination for two contraction levels and with the wrist fixed at two different angles are spatially localized in different BB portions.

METHODS

The MUs' firing instants were extracted by decomposing high-density surface electromyograms (EMG), detected from the BB muscle of 12 subjects with a grid of electrodes (4 rows along the BB longitudinal axis, 16 columns medio-laterally). The firing instants were then used to trigger and average single-differential EMGs. The average rectified value was computed separately for each signal and the maximal value along each column in the grid was retained. The center of mass, defined as the weighted mean of the maximal, average rectified value across columns, was then consdiered to assess the medio-lateral changes in the MU surface representation between conditions.

RESULTS

Contraction level, but neither wrist position nor force direction (flexion vs. supination), affected the spatial distribution of BB MUs. In particular, higher forces were associated with the recruitment of BB MUs whose action potentials were represented more medially.

CONCLUSION

Although the action potentials of BB MUs were represented locally across the muscle medio-lateral region, dicrimination between elbow flexion or supination seems unlikely from the surface representation of MUs action potentials.

Identification of muscle fasciculations from surface EMG: comparison with ultrasound-based detection

The clinical standard for the identification of muscle fasciculations is needle electromyography. However, both surface electromyograms (sEMG) and ultrasound imaging (US) have been recently proposed as alternative and more sensitive approaches. The aims of this study were to: (i) compare the sensitivity to muscle fasciculations of sEMG and US, (ii) assess the rate of agreement (RoA) between the two approaches, and (iii) investigate how much sensitivity and RoA are affected by the selectivity of sEMG detection. Surface EMGs were collected concurrently with US images using an array of 32 electrodes spanning the whole, posterior aspect of the leg. Muscle fasciculations were identified from US videos and from monopolar and single differential sEMGs computed between electrodes spaced by 1, 2, and 3 cm. Results from five healthy subjects showed that US detected as many fasciculations as single differential EMGs, but always less than monopolar sEMGs. However, monopolar sEMGs exhibited a very poor spatial selectivity, likely responsible for the small RoA with US measures. The RoA was maximal for single differential recordings with 3cm inter-electrode distance, however, it was always smaller than 75% (median=30%). Although preliminary, these results suggest that sEMG and US are sensitive to different events in the muscle volume and that their integration may increase the detection sensitivity to muscle fasciculations.

Potentiation of the first and second phases of the M wave after maximal voluntary contractions in the biceps brachii muscle

The study was undertaken to examine separately the potentiation of the first and second phases of the M wave in biceps brachii after conditioning maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of different durations. M waves were evoked in the biceps brachii muscle before and after isometric MVCs of 1, 3, 6, 10, 30, and 60 s. The amplitude, duration, and area of the first and second phases of monopolar M waves were measured during the 10-min period following each contraction. Our results indicated that the amplitude and area of the M-wave first phase increased after MVCs of long (≥ 30 s) duration (P < 0.05), while it decreased after MVCs of short (≤ 10 s) duration (P < 0.05). The enlargement after the long MVCs persisted for 5 min, whereas the depression after the short contractions lasted only for 15 s. The amplitude of the second phase increased immediately (1 s) after all MVCs tested (P < 0.05), regardless of their duration, and then returned rapidly (10 s) to control levels. Unexpectedly, the amplitude of the second phase decreased below control values between 15 s and 1 min after the MVCs lasting ≥ 6 s (P < 0.05). Our results reinforce the idea that the presence of fatigue is a necessary condition to induce an enlargement of the M-wave first phase and that this enlargement would be greater (and occur sooner) in muscles with a predominance of type II fibers (quadriceps and biceps brachii) compared to type-I predominant muscles (tibialis anterior). The unique findings observed for the M-wave second phase indicate that changes in this phase are highly muscle dependent. Graphical abstract Left panel-Representative examples of M waves recorded in one participant before (control) and at various times after conditioning maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of short (a1) and long (a2) duration. Left panel-Time course of recovery of the amplitude of the first (b1) and second (b2) phases of the M wave after conditioning MVCs of different durations.

Design of a Wireless, Modular and Programmable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulator. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2019;2019:3815-3818. [PMID: 31946705 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8856848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

The use of electrical stimulation to elicit single twitches and tetanic contractions of skeletal muscles has increased markedly in the last years, with applications ranging from basic physiology to clinical settings. Addressing all possible needs required by different applications with an electrical stimulator is challenging as it requires the device to be highly flexible in terms of stimulation configurations (number of channels and electrode location), and possibility to control the stimulation patterns (timing and stimulation profiles). This paper describes a new wireless, modular, and programmable electrical stimulator integrating the possibility to acquire and use biomechanical signals to trigger the stimulation output. A closed-loop FES Cycling setup has been presented to show a possible application of the system.

A Modular, Smart, and Wearable System for High Density sEMG Detection

OBJECTIVE

The use of linear or bi-dimensional electrode arrays for surface EMG detection (HD-sEMG) is gaining attention as it increases the amount and reliability of information extracted from the surface EMG. However, the complexity of the setup and the encumbrance of HD-sEMG hardware currently limits its use in dynamic conditions. The aim of this paper was to develop a miniaturized, wireless, and modular HD-sEMG acquisition system for applications requiring high portability and robustness to movement artifacts.

METHODS

A system with modular architecture was designed. Its core is a miniaturized 32-channel amplifier (Sensor Unit - SU) sampling at 2048 sps/ch with 16 bit resolution and wirelessly transmitting data to a PC or a mobile device. Each SU is a node of a Body Sensor Network for the synchronous signal acquisition from different muscles.

RESULTS

A prototype with two SUs was developed and tested. Each SU is small (3.4 cm × 3 cm × 1.5 cm), light (16.7 g), and can be connected directly to the electrodes; thus, avoiding the need for customary, wired setup. It allows to detect HD-sEMG signals with an average noise of 1.8 μV_RMS and high performance in terms of rejection of power-line interference and motion artefacts. Tests performed on two SUs showed no data loss in a 22 m range and a ±500 μs maximum synchronization delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Data collected in a wide spectrum of experimental conditions confirmed the functionality of the designed architecture and the quality of the acquired signals.

SIGNIFICANCE

By simplifying the experimental setup, reducing the hardware encumbrance, and improving signal quality during dynamic contractions, the developed system opens new perspectives in the use of HD-sEMG in applied and clinical settings.

Design and Test of a Biomechanical Model for the Estimation of Knee Joint Angle During Indoor Rowing: Implications for FES-Rowing Protocols in Paraplegia

Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles during rowing provides a means for the cardiovascular conditioning in paraplegia. The possibility of shaping stimulation profiles according to changes in knee angle, so far conceived as changes in seat position, may help circumventing open issues associated with muscle fatigue and movement coordination. Here, we present a subject-specific biomechanical model for the estimation of knee joint angle during indoor rowing. Anthropometric measurements and foot and seat positions are inputs to the model. We tested our model on two samples of elite rowers; 15 able-bodied, and 11 participants in the Rio 2016 Paralympic games. Paralympic rowers presented minor physical disabilities (LTA-PD classification), enabling them to perform the full rowing cycle (with legs, trunks, and arms). Knee angle was estimated from the rowing machine seat position, measured with a linear encoder, and transmitted wirelessly to a computer. Key results indicate the root mean square error (RMSE) between estimated and measured angles did not depend on group and stroke rate ( ). Significantly greater RMSE values were observed, however, within the rowing cycle ( ), reaching on average 8 deg in the mid-recovery phase. Differences between estimated and measured knee angle values resulted in slightly earlier (5%) detection of knee flexion, regardless of the group and stroke rate considered. Offset of knee extension, knee angle at catch and range of knee motion were identified equally well with our model and with inertial sensors. These results suggest our model describes accurately the movement of knee joint during indoor rowing.

Electrical nerve stimulation modulates motor unit activity in contralateral biceps brachii during steady isometric contractions

The purpose of our study was to compare the influence of five types of electrical nerve stimulation delivered through electrodes placed over the right biceps brachii on motor unit activity in the left biceps brachii during an ongoing steady isometric contraction. The electrical stimulation protocols comprised different combinations of pulse duration (0.2 and 1.0 ms), stimulus frequency (50 and 90 Hz), and stimulus current (greater or less than motor threshold). The electrical nerve stimulation protocols were applied over the muscle of the right elbow flexors of 13 participants (26 ± 3 yr) while they performed voluntary contractions with the left elbow flexors to match a target force set at 10% of maximum. All five types of electrical nerve stimulation increased the absolute amplitude of the electromyographic (EMG) signal recorded from the left biceps brachii with high-density electrodes. Moreover, one stimulation condition (1 ms, 90 Hz) had a consistent influence on the centroid location of the EMG amplitude distribution and the average force exerted by the left elbow flexors. Another stimulation condition (0.2 ms, 90 Hz) reduced the coefficient of variation for force during the voluntary contraction, and both low-frequency conditions (50 Hz) increased the duration of the mean interspike interval of motor unit action potentials after the stimulation had ended. The findings indicate that the contralateral effects of electrical nerve stimulation on the motor neuron pool innervating the homologous muscle can be influenced by both stimulus pulse duration and stimulus frequency. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Different types of electrical nerve stimulation delivered through electrodes placed over the right biceps brachii modulated the ongoing motor unit activity in the left biceps brachii. Although the effects varied with stimulus pulse duration, frequency, and current, all five types of electrical nerve stimulation increased the amplitude of the electromyographic activity in the left biceps brachii. Moreover, most of the effects in the left arm occurred after the electrical nerve stimulation of the right arm had been terminated.

Does the amplitude of biceps brachii M waves increase similarly in both limbs during staircase, electrically elicited contractions?

OBJECTIVE

Humans usually tend to control more finely muscle force production in dominant than non-dominant upper limbs. It is well established that motor unit recruitment is a key mechanism by which muscle force is controlled, and we hypothesized that a relatively smaller number of motor units may be recruited in muscles of dominant than non-dominant limbs for any given increase in synaptic input. Hence, we investigated peripheral properties of dominant and non-dominant biceps brachii through the analysis of M-wave responses to incremental electrical stimulation.

APPROACH

Current pulses at progressively greater intensities were applied in the proximal region of biceps brachii of 16 subjects while surface electromyograms were recorded with a grid of electrodes in the distal region. M-wave amplitude was averaged across channels and normalized with respect to the maximum amplitude value, separately for each stimulation intensity and limb. Amplitude-current intensity curves were interpolated to provide an equal number of stimulation levels between limbs. Differences between dominant and non-dominant arms were assessed through the average increase in M-wave amplitude for consecutive stimulation intensities (increments).

MAIN RESULTS

Wilcoxon's signed-rank test showed that increments in the M-wave amplitude were significantly smaller (p  =  0.017) in dominant than non-dominant biceps brachii.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results suggest that there was a more gradual recruitment of motor units in biceps brachii of dominant than non-dominant arms. This is in agreement with the hypothesis of a broader spectrum of motor unit recruitment thresholds in the dominant arm, which may contribute to a finer regulation of force production.

Motor unit activity, force steadiness, and perceived fatigability are correlated with mobility in older adults

The purpose of our study was to examine the associations between the performance of older adults on four tests of mobility and the physical capabilities of the lower leg muscles. The assessments included measures of muscle strength, muscle activation, and perceived fatigability. Muscle activation was quantified as the force fluctuations-a measure of force steadiness-and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. Perceived fatigability was measured as the rating of perceived exertion achieved during a test of walking endurance. Twenty participants (73 ± 4 yr) completed one to four evaluation sessions that were separated by at least 3 wk. The protocol included a 400-m walk, a 10-m walk at maximal and preferred speeds, a chair-rise test, and the strength, force steadiness, and discharge characteristics of motor units detected by high-density electromyography of lower leg muscles. Multiple-regression analyses yielded statistically significant models that explained modest amounts of the variance in the four mobility tests. The variance explained by the regression models was 39% for 400-m walk time, 33% for maximal walk time, 42% for preferred walk time, and 27% for chair-rise time. The findings indicate that differences in mobility among healthy older adults were partially associated with the level of perceived fatigability (willingness of individuals to exert themselves) achieved during the test of walking endurance and the discharge characteristics of soleus, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior motor units during steady submaximal contractions with the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Differences among healthy older adults in walking endurance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair can be partially explained by the performance capabilities of lower leg muscles. Assessments comprised the willingness to exert effort (perceived fatigability) and the discharge times of action potentials by motor units in calf muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. These findings indicate that the nervous system contributes significantly to differences in mobility among healthy older adults.

Loss of maximal explosive power of lower limbs after 2 weeks of disuse and incomplete recovery after retraining in older adults

KEY POINTS

Disuse in older adults can critically decrease lower limb muscle power, leading to compromised mobility and overall quality of life. We studied how muscle power and its determinants (muscle mass, single muscle fibre properties and motor control) adapted to 2 weeks of disuse and subsequent 2 weeks of physical training in young and older people. Disuse decreased lower limb muscle power in both groups; however, different adaptations in single muscle fibre properties and co-contraction of leg muscles were observed between young and older individuals. Six physical training sessions performed after disuse promoted the recovery of muscle mass and power. However, they were not sufficient to restore muscle power to pre-disuse values in older individuals, suggesting that further countermeasures are required to counteract the disuse-induced loss of muscle power in older adults.

ABSTRACT

Disuse-induced loss of muscle power can be detrimental in older individuals, seriously impairing functional capacity. In this study, we examined the changes in maximal explosive power (MEP) of lower limbs induced by a 14-day disuse (bed-rest, BR) and a subsequent 14-day retraining, to assess whether the impact of disuse was greater in older than in young men, and to analyse the causes of such adaptations. Sixteen older adults (Old: 55-65 years) and seven Young (18-30 years) individuals participated in this study. In a subgroup of eight Old subjects, countermeasures based on cognitive training and protein supplementation were applied. MEP was measured with an explosive ergometer, muscle mass was determined by magnetic resonance, motor control was studied by EMG, and single muscle fibres were analysed in vastus lateralis biopsy samples. MEP was ∼33% lower in Old than in Young individuals, and remained significantly lower (-19%) when normalized by muscle volume. BR significantly affected MEP in Old (-15%) but not in Young. Retraining tended to increase MEP; however, this intervention was not sufficient to restore pre-BR values in Old. Ankle co-contraction increased after BR in Old only, and remained elevated after retraining (+30%). Significant atrophy occurred in slow fibres in Old, and in fast fibres in Young. After retraining, the recovery of muscle fibre thickness was partial. The proposed countermeasures were not sufficient to affect muscle mass and power. The greater impact of disuse and smaller retraining-induced recovery observed in Old highlight the importance of designing suitable rehabilitation protocols for older individuals.

Motor unit discharge characteristics and walking performance of individuals with multiple sclerosis

Walking performance of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly influenced by the activation signals received by lower leg muscles. We examined the associations between force steadiness and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions with tests of walking performance and disability status in individuals who self-reported walking difficulties due to MS. We expected that worse walking performance would be associated with weaker plantar flexor muscles, worse force steadiness, and slower motor unit discharge times. Twenty-three individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (56 ± 7 yr) participated in the study. Participants completed one to three evaluation sessions that involved two walking tests (25-ft walk and 6-min walk), a manual dexterity test (grooved pegboard), health-related questionnaires, and measurement of strength, force steadiness, and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles. Multiple regression analyses were used to construct models to explain the variance in measures of walking performance. There were statistically significant differences (effect sizes: 0.21-0.60) between the three muscles in mean interspike interval (ISI) and ISI distributions during steady submaximal contractions with the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles. The regression models explained 40% of the variance in 6-min walk distance and 47% of the variance in 25-ft walk time with two or three variables that included mean ISI for one of the plantar flexor muscles, dorsiflexor strength, and force steadiness. Walking speed and endurance in persons with relapsing-remitting MS were reduced in individuals with longer ISIs, weaker dorsiflexors, and worse plantar flexor force steadiness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The walking endurance and gait speed of persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) were worse in individuals who had weaker dorsiflexor muscles and greater force fluctuations and longer times between action potentials discharged by motor units in plantar flexor muscles during steady isometric contractions. These findings indicate that the control of motor unit activity in lower leg muscles of individuals with MS is associated with their walking ability.

Textured insoles affect the plantar pressure distribution while elite rowers perform on an indoor rowing machine

INTRODUCTION

During rowing, foot positioning on the foot stretcher is critical to optimise muscle force transmission and boat propulsion. Following the beneficial effects of textured insoles on gait and balance, this study aims at investigating whether passive stimulation of foot mechanoreceptors induced by these insoles may contribute to improving foot loading pattern and symmetry during indoor rowing.

METHODS

Eleven elite rowers were assessed during controlled training on a standard rowing machine while wearing control, low-density or high-density textured insoles. Plantar pressure and knee and trunk kinematics were measured; performance data were recorded from the machine. Insole effect on kinematic parameters, peak and average values of foot force, contact area and position of centre of pressure was assessed with ANOVA and Bonferroni correction for pair-wise comparisons.

RESULTS

A main effect was observed for force and contact area, with the high-density insoles providing greatest values (P<0.035). No interaction was observed between side and insole (P>0.190), even though symmetry was higher with high-density insoles. Kinematics (P = 0.800) and rowing performance were not affected by insole type; a consistent though not statistically significant increase in mean travelled distance was observed for denser insoles (P>0.21).

CONCLUSION

The high-density textured insoles affected foot loading distribution during indoor rowing. Rowers applied greater foot force and over a greater foot stretcher area with the high-density than the low-density and control insoles. These findings and the methodology applied may be relevant for the understanding and monitoring of rowing performance.

Specificity of surface EMG recordings for gastrocnemius during upright standing

The relatively large pick-up volume of surface electrodes has for long motivated the concern that muscles other than that of interest may contribute to surface electromyograms (EMGs). Recent findings suggest however the pick-up volume of surface electrodes may be smaller than previously appreciated, possibly leading to the detection of surface EMGs insensitive to muscle activity. Here we combined surface and intramuscular recordings to investigate how comparably action potentials from gastrocnemius and soleus are represented in surface EMGs detected with different inter-electrode distances. We computed the firing instants of motor units identified from intramuscular EMGs detected from gastrocnemius and soleus while five participants stood upright. We used these instants to trigger and average surface EMGs detected from multiple skin regions along gastrocnemius. Results from 66 motor units (whereof 31 from gastrocnemius) revealed the surface-recorded amplitude of soleus action potentials was 6% of that of gastrocnemius and did not decrease for inter-electrode distances smaller than 4 cm. Gastrocnemius action potentials were more likely detected for greater inter-electrode distances and their amplitude increased steeply up to 5 cm inter-electrode distance. These results suggest that reducing inter-electrode distance excessively may result in the detection of surface EMGs insensitive to gastrocnemius activity without substantial attenuation of soleus crosstalk.

Neural Correlates to the Increase in Maximal Force after Dexamethasone Administration

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effects of short-term glucocorticoid administration on voluntary activation and intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuits.

METHODS

Seventeen healthy men participated in a pseudorandomized double-blind study to receive either dexamethasone (8 mg·d, n = 9 subjects) or placebo (n = 8 subjects) for 7 d. The ankle dorsiflexion torque, corresponding EMG of the tibialis anterior, and voluntary activation assessed by the interpolated twitch method using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were measured during a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were assessed at rest and during submaximal contraction (50% MVC torque) by paired-pulse TMS with the conditioning stimulus set at 0.8× of motor threshold and delivered 2 ms (SICI) and 13 ms (ICF) before the test stimulus (1.2× motor threshold).

RESULTS

The MVC torque (+14%), tibialis anterior EMG (+31%), and voluntary activation (+3%) increased after glucocorticoid treatment (P < 0.05). The increase in voluntary activation was associated with the gain in MVC torque (r = 0.56; P = 0.032). The level of SICI and the duration of the EMG silent period that followed the test TMS decreased (-18.6% and -13.5%, respectively) during the 50% MVC after treatment (P < 0.05), whereas no significant change was observed for ICF. Neither SICI nor ICF changed after treatment when assessed at rest.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term dexamethasone treatment induced specific decrease in the excitability of intracortical inhibitory circuits that likely contributed to the increase in the voluntary activation and associated MVC torque.

Changes in tibialis anterior architecture affect the amplitude of surface electromyograms

Background

Variations in the amplitude of surface electromyograms (EMGs) are typically considered to advance inferences on the timing and degree of muscle activation in different circumstances. Surface EMGs are however affected by factors other than the muscle neural drive. In this study, we use electrical stimulation to investigate whether architectural changes in tibialis anterior (TA), a key muscle for balance and gait, affect the amplitude of surface EMGs.

Methods

Current pulses (500 μs; 2 pps) were applied to the fibular nerve of ten participants, with the ankle at neutral, full dorsi and full plantar flexion positions. Ultrasound images were collected to quantify changes in TA architecture with changes in foot position. The peak-to-peak amplitude of differential M waves, detected with a grid of surface electrodes (16 × 4 electrodes; 10 mm inter-electrode distance), was considered to assess the effect of changes in TA architecture on the surface recordings.

Results

On average, both TA pennation angle and width increased by respectively 7 deg. and 9 mm when the foot moved from plantar to dorsiflexion (P < 0.02). M-wave amplitudes changed significantly with ankle position. M waves elicited in dorsiflexion and neutral positions were ~25% greater than those obtained during plantar flexion, regardless of where they were detected in the grid (P < 0.001). This figure increased to ~50% when considering bipolar M waves.

Conclusions

Findings reported here indicate the changes in EMG amplitude observed during dynamic contractions, especially when changes in TA architecture are expected (e.g., during gait), may not be exclusively conceived as variations in TA activation.

Optimization of surface electrodes location for H-reflex recordings in soleus muscle

The Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) is extensively used to investigate the spinal motor neuron excitability in healthy and pathological subjects. Obtaining a representative and robust amplitude estimation of the H reflex is of marked relevance in clinical as well as in research applications. As for the motor responses, this issue is strictly related to the electrode positioning, especially for large, pinnate muscles such as the triceps surae. In this study we investigated the effect of electrode position on soleus H-reflex amplitude. A grid of 96 electrodes was used to identify maximal H reflexes (Hmax) across the whole soleus region available for surface recording. The spatial distribution of Hmax amplitude detected in monopolar and single-differential derivations was used to determine where greatest reflex responses were detected from soleus. For both derivations and for all participants, largest Hmax were detected consistently over the central soleus region, in correspondence of the muscle superficial aponeurosis. Indeed, the amplitude of Hmax provided by conventional electrodes (1cm² area, 2cm apart) located centrally was significantly greater (median: 35% for monopolar and 79% for single-differential derivations) than that obtained medially, where surface electromyograms are typically recorded from soleus. Computer simulations, used to assist in the interpretation of results, suggest the soleus pinnate architecture was the key determinant of the medio-lateral variability observed for the experimental Hmax. The presented results provide a clear indication for electrode positioning, of crucial relevance in applied studies aimed at eliciting H reflexes.

Filtered Virtual Reference: A New Method for the Reduction of Power Line Interference With Minimal Distortion of Monopolar Surface EMG

GOAL

This study tests and validates a new method to remove power line interference from monopolar EMGs detected by multichannel systems: the filtered virtual reference (FVR). FVR is an adaptation of the virtual reference (VR) method, which consists in referencing signals detected by each electrode in a grid to their spatial average. Signals may however be distorted with the VR approach, in particular when the skin region where the detection system is positioned does not cover the entire muscle.

METHODS

Simulated and experimental EMGs were used to compare the performance of FVR and VR in terms of interference reduction and distortion of monopolar signals referred to a remote reference.

RESULTS

Simulated data revealed the monopolar EMG signals processed with FVR were significantly less distorted than those filtered by VR. These results were similarly observed for experimental signals. Moreover, FVR method outperformed VR in removing power line interference when it was distributed unevenly across the signals of the grid.

CONCLUSION

Key results demonstrated that FVR improves the VR method as it reduces interference while preserving the information content of monopolar signals.

SIGNIFICANCE

Although the actual distribution of motor unit action potential is represented in monopolar EMGs, collecting high quality monopolar signals is challenging. This study presents a possible solution to this issue; FVR provides undistorted monopolar signals with negligible interference and is insensitive to muscle architecture. It is therefore relevant for EMG applications benefiting from a clean monopolar detection (e.g., decomposition, control of prosthetic devices, motor unit number estimation).

Young, Healthy Subjects Can Reduce the Activity of Calf Muscles When Provided with EMG Biofeedback in Upright Stance

Recent evidence suggests the minimization of muscular effort rather than of the size of bodily sway may be the primary, nervous system goal when regulating the human, standing posture. Different programs have been proposed for balance training; none however has been focused on the activation of postural muscles during standing. In this study we investigated the possibility of minimizing the activation of the calf muscles during standing through biofeedback. By providing subjects with an audio signal that varied in amplitude and frequency with the amplitude of surface electromyograms (EMG) recorded from different regions of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, we expected them to be able to minimize the level of muscle activation during standing without increasing the excursion of the center of pressure (CoP). CoP data and surface EMG from gastrocnemii, soleus and tibialis anterior muscles were obtained from 10 healthy participants while standing at ease and while standing with EMG biofeedback. Four sensitivities were used to test subjects' responsiveness to the EMG biofeedback. Compared with standing at ease, the two most sensitive feedback conditions induced a decrease in plantar flexor activity (~15%; P < 0.05) and an increase in tibialis anterior EMG (~10%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, CoP mean position significantly shifted backward (~30 mm). In contrast, the use of less sensitive EMG biofeedback resulted in a significant decrease in EMG activity of ankle plantar flexors with a marginal increase in TA activity compared with standing at ease. These changes were not accompanied by greater CoP displacements or significant changes in mean CoP position. Key results revealed subjects were able to keep standing stability while reducing the activity of gastrocnemius and soleus without loading their tibialis anterior muscle when standing with EMG biofeedback. These results may therefore posit the basis for the development of training protocols aimed at assisting subjects in more efficiently controlling leg muscle activity during standing.

The effect of lymph drainage on the myoelectric manifestation of vastus lateralis fatigue: Preliminary results

Variations in surface electromyograms (EMGs) collected from the vastus lateralis muscle during isometric fatiguing contractions were investigated pre-post lymphatic drainage (intervention group, N=3) and pre-post rest (control group, N=3). The slope of conduction velocity and of EMG amplitude and spectral descriptors was computed from the start to the failure time; the instant after which subjects could not endure contractions. When compared to subjects in the control group, those in the intervention group endured longer. Similarly, muscle fatigue affected to a lesser extent EMGs following lymphatic drainage than following rest. These preliminary results suggest the lymphatic drainage may potentially delay muscle fatigue.

High Density EMG investigation of H-reflex distribution over the soleus muscle

The spatial distribution of H-reflexes over soleus muscle was investigated through High-Density EMG in five healthy subjects. The posterior tibial nerve was stimulated with a staircase current envelope with 1mA steps. The regions where the incremental responses (incremental H-reflexes) occurred were identified for each stimulation step with a validated segmentation algorithm. The average centroid of the segmented areas was located over the Achilles tendon, 5 cm below the myo-tendinous junction of the medial gastrocnemius. The average dimension of these regions corresponded to 28% of the surface covered by the grid of electrodes. The amplitude of H-reflexes recorded in the segmented areas was higher than the average amplitude computed over the entire detection system as well as the H-reflex recorded by the electrode positioned according to SENIAM guidelines. These preliminary results suggest that: i) H-reflex detected from a specific soleus region unlikely reflects the whole muscle volume and ii) H-reflexes with greatest amplitude can be recorded over the Achilles tendon.

Spatial variability in cortex-muscle coherence investigated with magnetoencephalography and high-density surface electromyography

Cortex-muscle coherence (CMC) reflects coupling between magnetoencephalography (MEG) and surface electromyography (sEMG), being strongest during isometric contraction but absent, for unknown reasons, in some individuals. We used a novel nonmagnetic high-density sEMG (HD-sEMG) electrode grid (36 mm × 12 mm; 60 electrodes separated by 3 mm) to study effects of sEMG recording site, electrode derivation, and rectification on the strength of CMC. Monopolar sEMG from right thenar and 306-channel whole-scalp MEG were recorded from 14 subjects during 4-min isometric thumb abduction. CMC was computed for 60 monopolar, 55 bipolar, and 32 Laplacian HD-sEMG derivations, and two derivations were computed to mimic "macroscopic" monopolar and bipolar sEMG (electrode diameter 9 mm; interelectrode distance 21 mm). With unrectified sEMG, 12 subjects showed statistically significant CMC in 91-95% of the HD-sEMG channels, with maximum coherence at ∼25 Hz. CMC was about a fifth stronger for monopolar than bipolar and Laplacian derivations. Monopolar derivations resulted in most uniform CMC distributions across the thenar and in tightest cortical source clusters in the left rolandic hand area. CMC was 19-27% stronger for HD-sEMG than for "macroscopic" monopolar or bipolar derivations. EMG rectification reduced the CMC peak by a quarter, resulted in a more uniformly distributed CMC across the thenar, and provided more tightly clustered cortical sources than unrectifed sEMGs. Moreover, it revealed CMC at ∼12 Hz. We conclude that HD-sEMG, especially with monopolar derivation, can facilitate detection of CMC and that individual muscle anatomy cannot explain the high interindividual CMC variability.

Spatial variation of compound muscle action potentials across human gastrocnemius medialis

The massed action potential (M wave) elicited through nerve stimulation underpins a wide range of physiological and mechanical understanding of skeletal muscle structure and function. Although systematic approaches have evaluated the effect of different factors on M waves, the effect of the location and distribution of activated fibers within the muscle remains unknown. By detecting M waves from the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of 12 participants with a grid of 128 electrodes, we investigated whether different populations of muscle units have different spatial organization within MG. If populations of muscle units occupy discrete MG regions, current pulses of progressively greater intensities applied to the MG nerve branch would be expected to lead to local changes in M-wave amplitudes. Electrical pulses were therefore delivered at 2 pps, with the current pulse amplitude increased every 10 stimuli to elicit different degrees of muscle activation. The localization of MG response to increases in current intensity was determined from the spatial distribution of M-wave amplitude. Key results revealed that increases in M-wave amplitude were detected somewhat locally, by 10-50% of the 128 electrodes. Most importantly, the electrodes detecting greatest increases in M-wave amplitude were localized at different regions in the grid, with a tendency for greater stimulation intensities to elicit M waves in the more distal MG region. The presented results indicate that M waves recorded locally may not provide a representative MG response, with major implications for the estimation of, e.g., the maximal stimulation levels, the number of motor units, and the onset and normalization in H-reflex studies.

Spatial localization of electromyographic amplitude distributions associated to the activation of dorsal forearm muscles

In this study we investigated whether the spatial distribution of surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude can be used to describe the activation of muscle portions with different biomechanical actions. Ten healthy subjects performed isometric contractions aimed to selectively activate a number of forearm muscles or muscle subportions. Monopolar electromyographic signals were collected with an electrode grid of 128 electrodes placed on the proximal, dorsal portion of the forearm. The monopolar EMG amplitude [root mean square (RMS) value] distribution was calculated for each contraction, and high-amplitude channels were identified through an automatic procedure; the position of the EMG source was estimated with the barycenter of these channels. Each of the contractions tested was associated to a specific EMG amplitude distribution, whose location in space was consistent with the expected anatomical position of the main agonist muscle (or subportion). The position of each source was significantly different from the others in at least one direction (ANOVA; transversally to the forearm: P < 0.01, F = 125.92; longitudinally: P < 0.01, F = 35.83). With such an approach, we could distinguish the spatial position of EMG distributions related to the activation of contiguous muscles [e.g., extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC)], different heads of the same muscle (i.e., extensor carpi radialis (ECR) brevis and longus) and different functional compartments (i.e., EDC, middle, and ring fingers). These findings are discussed in terms of how forces along a given direction can be produced by recruiting population of motor units clustered not only in specific muscles, but also in muscle sub-portions. In addition, this study supports the use of high-density EMG systems to characterize the activation of muscle subportions with different biomechanical actions.