Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Spinal Cord Stimulation And Video Games Training On Body-Machine Interface Control, Jie Fei

McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Damage to the spinal cord causes long-lasting loss of motor and sensory function, and currently, there is no ‘cure’ for paralysis. However, even people with severe spinal cord injuries (SCI) have some residual mobility. Studies have shown that transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with functional training targeting residual mobility can further improve the motor function of individuals with SCI. In this study, we present a technical framework that aims to enhance rehabilitation outcomes by targeting residual mobility through a motor training-based approach. Our technical framework centers around a non-invasive body-machine interface (BoMI) that relies on the use of …

Role Of Emg Monitoring On Cvemp Testing In Preschool Age Children, Brenna Murray

Dissertations, 2020-current

While cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing has largely been studied and practiced on the adult population, less is known about the best practices for performing cVEMPs on a pediatric population, especially in young children under the age of 5 years. Further, very young children (i.e., 2-3 years) often prefer to sit with their caregiver during the testing, yet there is very little data on how much electromyographic (EMG) activity a child generates if in a seated position as opposed to a supine position. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of EMG on cVEMP recordings …

An Exploratory Study Of The Effects Of Aquatic Walking On Function And Muscle Activity In Knee Osteoarthritis: Part 2, John M. Coons, Brandon Grubbs, Conor Theiss, Vaughn W. Barry, Sandra Stevens

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This paper presents Part 2 of a study that investigated the effects of an 8-week (3x/week) underwater treadmill (UT) walking intervention on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) outcomes in 6 adults with KOA (62.7 ± 14.2 years). The Knee Outcome Survey (KOS) for activities of daily living and muscle activity during a 10-m walk and a 20 cm step down were measured before and after the intervention. The following KOS measures improved after the UT walking program (p < 0.05; g > 0.8): stiffness, swelling, weakness, walking, going up stairs, going downstairs, kneeling on the front of the knee, squatting, and sitting with the …

Pressurized Device For Mitigating Atrophy In Soleus During Long-Duration Spaceflight, Ramona Tovar Briones, Kimhab Sor, Breandrea Diaz, Dona Varghese, Benjamin Easter, Hunter Alvis, Brandon R. Rigby

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

A major concern with long duration spaceflight, skeletal muscle atrophy is most detrimental in lower limb musculature, particularly in muscles critical for proper gait, such as the soleus. The decline of muscle activation and the suppression of sensory input from plantar sole mechanoreceptors can add to the attenuation of skeletal muscle health during spaceflight. More specifically, inhibition of sensory input from sole receptors, such as with gravitational unloading, decreases selective activation, thereby negatively affecting muscle tone and inevitably resulting in lower limb atrophy. PURPOSE: To design, fabricate, and test a specialized boot with an insole that applies oscillating pneumatic …

Electromyographic Activation Of The Quadriceps During The Concentric Phase Of The Squat, Kase Pennartz, Dakota Harris, Calvin Smith, Lyric Richardson, Micheal Luera

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Mechanical muscle properties such as length-tension relationship in conjunction with electromyography (EMG) allow greater insight into the overall motor coordination. The different morphologies of the quadriceps and their force generating capacities can be quantified through the differences in EMG amplitude. PURPOSE: To examine quadriceps activation during the squat exercise under various intensities. METHODS: Eleven participants (age 18-35; height: 181.1 ± 8.9cm; weight: 97.7 ± 19.1kg) were recruited for this study. Subjects completed three visits, one familiarization and two testing days separated by 48 hours. Ultrasound images were obtained from the three primary leg extensor muscles (vastus lateralis (VL), …

The Relationship Between Gluteus Maximus Activation And Running Economy In Recreational Distance Runners, Carlos Hernandez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Within the running community, there are strategies that a trainer will utilize to improve the performance of an athlete. One of these strategies suggests that an increase in activation of the Gluteus Maximus (GM) muscle will result in an increase in the efficiency of runners. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between GM activation and running economy (RE).

Methods: Three female and seven male recreational runners (27±8 yrs) from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt and the local community. A Pearson product-correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between Gluteus Maximus activation and …

Electromyographic Comparison Between The Rear-Foot-Elevated Vs. B-Stance Unilateral Back Squat Techniques, Sarah Pearce, Jennifer Rivera, Minhyuk Kwon, Whitney Leyva, Edward Jo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Rear-Foot-Elevated back squat (RFE) and B-Stance (BS) are two unilateral back squat techniques with the latter commonly proposed as the more stable of the two. There is currently a lack of research comparing these two techniques with respect to neuromuscular demand and movement characteristics. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle activation differences via surface electromyography (EMG) between the RFE vs. BS unilateral back squat techniques with equated load. METHODS: Thirteen healthy college-aged, resistance-trained male (n=10) and female (n=3) subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects visited the laboratory on two occasions separated …

Snapping Triceps Syndrome: A Rare Cause Of Medial Elbow Pain, Dale Bongbong, Kevin Gilbert Ms, Kenneth Vitale Md, Fascm, Jennifer Tram Md

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Snapping medial triceps is a relatively rare cause of medial elbow pain that occurs when the tricep tendon dislocates over the medial or lateral epicondyle. Physical exams usually demonstrate intermittent medial elbow pain with extreme elbow flexion or extension, however dynamic diagnostic studies allow for direct visualization of the dislocating tricep. This case report adds to the sparse literature on snapping medial triceps. METHODS: We report a rare occurrence of snapping medial triceps in a young female who initially presented with pain at the posteromedial right elbow with extreme flexion and extension. Intermittent snapping of the medial elbow was …

Corticosteroid Injection Exhibits Symptomatic Improvement In Cts Patients With Negative Emgs, Brooke G. Garnica, Aaron R. Prater, Elizabeth A. Washnock-Schmid, Alaa Hazime, Dr. Charles S. Day

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

While corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are effective in patients with mild EMGs, no literature has examined the effectiveness of injections in patients with negative EMGs. We hypothesized that patients with negative EMGs will have minimal symptomatic and functional improvement.

Methods

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was administered to patients clinically diagnosed with CTS and a negative or mild EMG prior to corticosteroid injection. The BCTQ comprises functional (FSS) and symptom status (SSS) questions. The patient was re-evaluated at 2-weeks, 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-injection. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA tests. A post-hoc Benjamini-Hochberg FDR …

Effects Of Upper Body Eccentric Versus Concentric Strength Training And Detraining On Maximal Force, Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy And Serum Hormones In Women, Keijo Häkkinen, Robert U. Newton, Simon Walker, Arja Häkkinen, Sonja Krapi, Rebekka Rekola, Päivi Koponen, William J. Kraemer, G. Gregory Haff, Anthony Blazevich, Kazunori Nosaka, Juha Ahtiainen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Effects of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) strength training of the upper body performed twice a week for 10 weeks followed by detraining for five weeks on maximal force, muscle activation, muscle mass and serum hormone concentrations were investigated in young women (n = 11 and n = 12). One-repetition bench press (1RM), maximal isometric force and surface electromyography (EMG) of triceps brachii (TB), anterior deltoid (AD) and pectoralis major (PM), cross-sectional area (CSA) of TB (Long (LoH) and Lateral Head (LaH)) and thickness of PM, as well as serum concentrations of free testosterone, cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and sex …

Central Sensitization, Muscle Function, And Knee Kinematics In Females With Patellofemoral Pain, Kemery Jean Sigmund

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Females with patellofemoral pain (PFP) are at higher risk, have higher rates, and experience worse long-term outcomes than males. Structural and functional changes have been observed in pain networks and neuromuscular systems in individuals with PFP. Central sensitization describes dysfunctional pain modulation which could lead to altered neuromuscular control. Evidence examining relationships between central sensitization and muscle function in PFP is lacking.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether females with PFP exhibit signs of central sensitization compared to pain-free females. Then, after grouping each individual based on her quantitative sensory test results into a centrally …

Electromyographic Analysis Of The Vastus Lateralis And Vastus Medialis Muscles Among Different Crank Lengths In Cycling, Jackson C. Crovella, Karoline M. Wucherer, Joy He, Christiane R. O'Hara

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Crank length (CL) on a bicycle may influence the total activation and period of activation of the leg muscles. Differences in total muscular activation suggest that CL may alter muscular fatigue. Differences in muscular onset and offset suggest that CL may shift muscle activation periods across a 360 degree crank cycle. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of four different CL (155, 165, 175, and 185 mm) on muscular activation of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM). METHODS: Nine non-cyclists (6M, 3F, aged 18-55) participated in a single blind randomized cross-over experiment with four CL. Delsys EMG sensors …

Electromyographic Examination Of Hip And Knee Extension Hex Bar Exercises Varied By Starting Knee And Torso Angles, Meghan Mccauley, Jennifer Rivera, Whitney D. Leyva, Kalin A. Tomlinson, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Elisabeth Zeitz, Edward Jo Dr.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Variations of the deadlift can be executed using the hexagonal (hex) bar by altering, for instance, the knee and torso angles while maintaining a constant hip angle at the start position. PURPOSE: To examine muscle activation patterns of the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and erector spinae during three deadlift variations using the hex bar. METHODS: Twenty resistance-trained male and female subjects performed hex bar deadlift variations in three different starting knee flexion positions: 128.4 ± 8.5° (elevated Romanian Deadlift), 111.9 ± 8.7° (conventional elevated deadlift), and 98.3 ± 6.5° (conventional hexagonal bar deadlift). Subjects performed three repetitions at …

Electromyographical Differences Between The Hyperextension And Reverse-Hyperextension, Matthew Cuthbert, Nicholas J. Ripley, Timothy J. Suchomel, Robert Alejo, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

ABSTRACT: Cuthbert, M, Ripley, NJ, Suchomel, TJ, Alejo, R, McMahon, JJ, and Comfort, P. Electromyographical differences between the hyperextension and reverse-hyperextension. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1477-1483, 2021-The aims of this study were to compare muscle activation of the erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GMax), and biceps femoris (BF) during the hyperextension (HE) and reverse-HE (RHE) exercises. Ten subjects (age, 23 ± 4 years; height, 175.9 ± 6.9 cm; mass, 75.2 ± 9.7 kg) had electromyography (EMG) electrodes placed on the ES, GMax, and BF muscles in accordance with SENIAM (Surface EMG for Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles) guidelines. Subjects performed …

Objective Detection Of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials, Daniel J. Romero

Dissertations, 2020-current

Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs and oVEMPs, respectfully) are considered objective tests of vestibular function measured using surface electromyography (EMG). In addition, VEMPs are visually detected by an examiner, often requiring a high level of stimulation to the ear to easily visualize a waveform plotted across time. However, a high level of stimulation, like those used during routine VEMP testing, is problematic since it has been shown to be unsafe in children when compared to adults. Visual interpretation can also vary between examiners in cases of reduced vestibular function or when the level of required muscle contraction …

Examining The Effect Of Partial-Range Of Motion Bench Press Exercise On Metabolic Work, Regional Myoelectrical Amplitude, And Local Muscle Hyperemia: A Pilot Study., Jacob D. Fanno, Ian Powell, Cole Hambric, Daniel Newmire

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Traditionally, it is recommended to utilize a full-range of motion (fROM) during resistance training; however, recent data has found that using a partial-range of motion (pROM) may elicit similar hypertrophy and strength gains. Further research is required to assess the acute physiological differences of pROM in comparison to traditional fROM during a resistance exercise bout. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study is to observe the metabolic work, myoelectrical amplitude, and muscle hyperemia during and following bouts of both flat and incline barbell bench press exercises with differing ranges of motion. METHODS: One male subject (21.6y; 168cm; 83kg; …

High-Contrast, Moving Targets In An Emerging Target Paradigm Promote Fast Visuomotor Responses During Visually Guided Reaching, Rebecca A. Kozak, Brian D. Corneil

Brain and Mind Institute Researchers' Publications

Humans have a remarkable capacity to rapidly interact with the surrounding environment, often by transforming visual input into motor output on a moment-to-moment basis. But what visual features promote rapid reaching? High-contrast, fast-moving targets elicit strong responses in the superior colliculus (SC), a structure associated with express saccades and implicated in rapid electromyographic (EMG) responses on upper limb muscles. To test the influence of stimulus properties on rapid reaches, we had human subjects perform visually guided reaches to moving targets varied by speed (experiment 1) or speed and contrast (experiment 2) in an emerging target paradigm that has recently been …

Force And Emg Comparison Between A Weight-Bearing Clinical Assessment Of Hip Strength Assessment And Non-Weightbearing Tasks, Kemery J. Sigmund, Jennifer E. Earl-Boehm

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: Altered hip strength is a risk factor for lower extremity injury but its relationship to biomechanical dysfunction is debated. Hip strength assessment methods are criticized for using unidirectional, non-weight-bearing positions which may not be representative of athletic activity and may affect comparison to biomechanical analysis of athletic tasks. A weight-bearing task may better represent hip muscle function during these movements. The aim of this study was to identify EMG and force differences for a clinical weight-bearing method of hip strength (the squat-hold) to traditional non-weight-bearing maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) for hip abduction, extension, and external rotation. Methods: Twenty-nine …

Stimulus-Locked Responses On Human Upper Limb Muscles And Corrective Reaches Are Preferentially Evoked By Low Spatial Frequencies, Rebecca A. Kozak, Philipp Kreyenmeier, Chao Gu, Kevin Johnston, Brian D. Corneil

Brain and Mind Institute Researchers' Publications

© 2019 Kozak et al. In situations requiring immediate action, humans can generate visually-guided responses at remarkably short latencies. Here, to better understand the visual attributes that best evoke such rapid responses, we recorded upper limb muscle activity while participants performed visually-guided reaches towards Gabor patches composed of differing spatial frequencies (SFs). We studied reaches initiated from a stable posture (experiment 1, a static condition), or during on-line reach corrections to an abruptly displaced target (experiment 2, a dynamic condition). In both experiments, we detail the latency and prevalence of stimulus-locked responses (SLRs), which are brief bursts of EMG activity …

Do Emg Monitoring And Amplitude Normalization Reduce Cvemp Variability In A Pediatric Population?, Brenna Murray

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Untreated balance disorders can cause anxiety, social withdrawal, and even slow motor development in children, making early and accurate diagnosis crucial to patient care. One of the leading tests for the diagnosis of balance disorders is known as the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. The cVEMP test is the only clinically available tool that assesses the integrity of the organ of balance known as the saccule and its afferent pathway through the inferior vestibular nerve. The test is noninvasive and easy to administer, making patient diagnosis quick and effective rendering it crucial in the assessment of vestibular function …

Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (Cvemps): "Differentiation Of Inter-Neck Emg Symmetry Between Children And Adults", Ellen Jones

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

A cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP) is one of the few objective vestibular diagnostic tests available for pediatric populations. This test evaluates the functionality of the saccule end organ through an inhibitory reflex on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle that inhibits the level of electromyographic (EMG) activity (Wiener-Vacher, 2013). Because the saccule response is measured as an inhibition of EMG in the SCM, it is imperative that the SCM have a tonic contraction prior to eliciting the response and that the contraction of the SCM is equal on the right and left sides. It is generally accepted that young, healthy adults …

The Effects Of A Yoga Intervention On Reactive Balance In Older Adults, Haley M. Hayes

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Research into successful aging has shown that the ability to control balance is a key part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Given the increased proportion of older adults in society, the development of effective strategies to promote successful aging are critical. One promising form of activity that could effectively sustain and/or improve balance in addition to other health markers is yoga. Although studies have been done showing yoga's benefits on mobility, mood and cognition the vast majority of these studies lack scientific rigor. The main purpose of this thesis project was to examine the efficacy of a 6-week yoga intervention …

Different Effects Of Static And Vibrating Foam Rollers On Ankle Plantar Flexion Flexibility And Neuromuscular Activation, Brianna G. Mazzei

Honors College Theses

The relatively new implementation of vibration into foam rollers was developed in response to the positive feedback of whole-body vibration treatment and foam rolling therapy. The purpose of the study is to research the changes in range of motion and myoelectric activity of the ankle dorsiflexors in female NCAA Division I swimmers when using a vibrating foam roller in comparison to a static foam roller. Combining the self-myofascial release with the increased blood flow and muscle temperature exerted from vibration could possibly enhance the effects of foam-rolling treatment. The different effects of ankle flexibility and motor unit activation after static …

The Effects Of Two Post-Activation Potentiation Methods On Muscular Activation, Ileana A. Jarquin, Samuel Montalvo, Daniel Conde, Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia, Sandor Dorgo

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Post Activation Potentiation (PAP) is an exercise concept based on utilizing a maximal voluntary contraction of the muscles at task to potentiate a dynamic muscular contraction of the same muscles. It is well established that PAP is modulated between performance readiness and muscular fatigue. Heart Rate percentage (HR%) has been used as an indicator of performance readiness and muscular fatigue. PURPOSE: To examine different muscular activation (μV) in response to two different PAP protocols during the vertical jump exercise. METHODS: 8 participants (5 males and 3 females; mean ± SD: Age = 22.6 ± 1.76 years; Height …

Performance Impact Of Different Lower-Limb Setup Positions In The Backstroke Swimming Start, Gordon E. Barkwell

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The performance impact of different knee extension angles in the setup position for a backstroke start was evaluated using an instrumented starting surface. Ten backstroke swimmers completed maximum-effort starts in each of two setup positions: one with the knees flexed, and one with the knees extended. The start handles and touchpad were instrumented with tri-axial force plates. Activity of major hip and knee extensors was measured using surface electromyography. Body position was recorded throughout the start using two high-speed cameras. There was no difference in time to 10 m between the two conditions, indicating there is likely no advantage in …

Electromyographical Comparison Of A Traditional, Suspension Device, And Towel Pull-Up, Ronald L. Snarr, Ashleigh V. Hallmark, Jason C. Casey, Michael R. Esco

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Strengthening muscles of the back may have various implications for improving functions of daily living, aiding in the transfer of power in throwing, and assist in injury prevention of the shoulder complex. While several versions of the pull-up exist, there is currently no literature comparing their differences. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographical activity of the latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, and biceps brachii while performing three variations of the pull-up. Resistance-trained men and women (n = 15, age = 24.87 ± 6.52 years) participated in this study by performing traditional pull-ups, suspension device pull-ups, …

The Use Of Emg As A Physical Therapy Learning Aid, Madeline L. Johnson, Rachel C. Cooklin, Erika N. Faria, Taylor M. Schavo, Eric Sternlicht

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle recruitment of an agonist and antagonist muscle during the step up physical therapy exercise with and without visual electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. 15 healthy, college-aged subjects were recruited to participate in the study. Subjects performed the step up with and without visual feedback in two separate sessions over a four week period. Muscle activity was recorded from the Vastus Medialis (VMO) of the target leg and Medial Gastrocnemius on the contralateral leg. EMG recordings were collected using a BTS FREEEMG system and data was processed using BTS SEMGanalyzer software (BTS Bioengineering, …

Efficacy Of Electromyography And The Dead Bug Exercise, Taylor M. Scavo, Rachel C. Cooklin, Erika N. Faria, Madeline L. Johnson, Eric Sternlicht

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The Dead Bug exercise is performed in physical therapy clinics to restore lumbar spine stability and core strength in patients with lower back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using electromyography (EMG) feedback to enhance proper mechanics during the Dead Bug exercise. Sixteen healthy, college age students volunteered as subjects for the study. Subjects performed the Dead Bug (Fig. 1a.) with and without visual EMG cues and were given instructions on how to execute the exercise. Data was recorded using a BTS FREEEMG Analyzer and signal processed and data analyzed using the BTS …

Fine-Wire Intramuscular Insertion To The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Does Not Affect Muscle Activation And Performance During High Exertion Spinal Extension Muscle Contractions, James Dimascio, Rebeka Hicks, Matthew Kimber, Kelsey Synder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study the deep lumbar paraspinal muscle activation is with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). However, it is currently unknown how paraspinal muscle performance is affected by the invasive intramuscular insertion and the presence of the fine-wire electrode in the muscle. The purpose of this study was to analyze how insertion of fine-wire EMG into lumbar paraspinal muscle affects the lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue, endurance, activation, and peak extension torque during high exertion spinal extension exercises. Participants: 20 individuals between the ages of 18-40 participated. The participants …

Adaptations Of Lumbar Biomechanics After Four Weeks Of Running Training With Minimalist Footwear And Technique Guidance: Implications For Running-Related Lower Back Pain, Szu-Ping Lee, Joshua P. Bailey, Jo Armour Smith, Stephanie Barton, David Brown, Talia Joyce

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Objectives

To investigate the changes in lumbar kinematic and paraspinal muscle activation before, during, and after a 4-week minimalist running training.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Participants

Seventeen habitually shod recreational runners who run 10–50 km per week.

Main outcome measures

During stance phases of running, sagittal lumbar kinematics was recorded using an electrogoniometer, and activities of the lumbar paraspinal muscles were assessed by electromyography. Runners were asked to run at a prescribed speed (3.1 m/s) and a self-selected speed.

Results

For the 3.1 m/s running speed, significant differences were found in the calculated mean lumbar posture …