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The shoulder joint has a high degree of freedom and an extremely complex and unstable kinematic mechanism. Coordinated contraction of the rotator cuff muscles that stop around the humeral head and the deltoid muscles and the extensibility of soft tissues, such as the joint capsule, labrum, and ligaments, contribute to shoulder-joint stability. Understanding the mechanics of shoulder-joint movement, including soft-tissue characteristics, is important for disease prevention and the development of a device for disease treatment. This study aimed to create a musculoskeletal shoulder model to represent the realistic behavior of joint movement and soft-tissue deformation as a dynamic simulation using a rigid-body model for bones and a soft-body model for soft tissues via a spring–damper–mass system. To reproduce the muscle-contraction properties of organisms, we used a muscle-expansion representation and Hill's mechanical muscle model. Shoulder motion, including the movement of the center of rotation in joints, was reproduced, and the strain in the joint capsule during dynamic shoulder movement was quantified. Furthermore, we investigated narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance in several situations to induce tissue damage due to rotator cuff impingement at the anterior–subacromial border during shoulder abduction. Given that the model can analyze exercises under disease conditions, such as muscle and tendon injuries and impingement syndrome, the proposed model is expected to help elucidate disease mechanisms and develop treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: The quantitative assessment of muscle stiffness or weakness is essential for medical care. Shear wave elastography is non-invasive ultrasound method and provides quantitative information on the elasticity of soft tissue. However, the universal velocity scale for quantification has not been developed. The aim of the study is to determine the shear wave velocities of abdominal muscle during anesthetic induction and to identify methods to cancel the effects of confounders for future development in the quantitative assessment of muscle tone using the universal scale. Methods: We enrolled 75 adult patients undergoing elective surgery with ASA-PS I – III in the period between December 2018 and March 2021. We measured and calculated the shear wave velocity (SWV) before and after opioid administration (i.e., the baseline at rest and opioid-induced rigidity condition), and after muscle relaxant administration (i.e., zero reference condition). The SWV value was adjusted for the subcutaneous fat thickness by our proposed corrections. The SWVs after the adjustment were compared among the values in baseline, rigidity, and relaxation using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey–Kramer test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier UMIN000034692, registered on October 30, 2018. Results: The SWVs in the baseline, opioid-induced rigidity, and muscle relaxation conditions after the adjustment were 2.08 ± 0.48, 2.41 ± 0.60, and 1.79 ± 0.30 m/s, respectively (p < 0.001 at all comparisons). Conclusion: The present study suggested that the SWV as reference was 1.79 m/s and that the SWVs at rest and opioid-induced rigidity were ~ 10% and ~ 30% increase from the reference, respectively. The SWV adjusted for the subcutaneous fat thickness may be scale points for the assessment of muscle tone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between arytenoid adduction asymmetry (AAA) and the demographic and morphological characteristics of true vocal fold (TVF) polyps and establish the cause and effect relationship between AAA and TVF polyps. Methods: Videolaryngostroboscopic findings of 163 patients with TVF polyps were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into Group 1 with AAA or Group 2 without AAA. Demographic details, clinicomorphological polyp characteristics, supraglottic phenomena, and AAA attributes were analyzed. Results: Group 1 was younger than Group 2 (fourth vs fifth decade; P =.0066). Polyp characteristics showed no significant intergroup differences. The association between AAA and false vocal fold (FVF) adduction (65.28% vs 47.62% in Group 1 and 2 respectively; P =.0441) was significant. In relation to TVF polyp laterality, contralateral and bilateral AAA and FVF adduction respectively, was significant. Conclusion: AAA is a compensatory laryngeal adaptation akin to a FVF adduction muscle tension pattern. With a concomitant laryngeal pathology and high vocal demand, AAA is a consequence and not the cause for underlying laryngeal pathology which hinders glottic closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic myography (AMG) noninvasively probes muscle activity. We explored whether AMG captures abnormal motor activity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and how this activity is modulated by antiparkinsonian medication. Twenty patients with PD underwent AMG of the biceps, triceps, extensor carpi radialis longus, and adductor policis muscles of the more affected arm during active and passive movements, using a mobile AMG device (CURO, Denmark). AMG and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Three AMG parameters were calculated using the CURO analysis system. Motor efficiency was expressed by the E‐score, muscle fiber recruitment by the temporal T‐score, spatial summation by the S‐score, and S/T ratio. Twenty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. Group mean values were statistically compared using unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey´s correction for multiple comparison (p ≤ 0.05). For the biceps and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles, the active movement S:T ratio was lower in PD relative to healthy controls. The E‐score was also lower during active and passive flexion/extension movements in the off‐medication state. No significant between‐group differences in the AMG scores were noted for the triceps muscle during active or passive movements. The active S:T ratio and the E‐score during active elbow flexion and extension may offer a useful means to quickly assess abnormal motor activity and the effect of drug treatment in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to use shear wave elastography (SWE) to dynamically describe the characteristics of biceps brachii muscle stiffness during passive stretching in healthy participants, investigate changes in the Young’s modulus–angle curve under various states of muscle tone in stroke patients, and develop a new method for measuring muscle tone quantitatively. Methods: In total, 30 healthy volunteers and 54 stroke patients were evaluated for elbow flexor muscle tone on both sides using passive motion examination and were divided into groups based on their muscle tone status. The real-time SWE video of the biceps brachii and the Young’s modulus data were recorded during the passive straightening of the elbow. The Young’s modulus–elbow angle curves were created and fitted using an exponential model. The parameters yielded from the model were subjected to further intergroup analysis. Results: The repeatability of the Young’s modulus measurement was generally good. During passive elbow extension, the Young’s modulus of the biceps brachii steadily increased as muscle tone increased, and it increased faster when the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score got higher. The exponential model’s fitness was generally good. The curvature coefficient was significantly different between the MAS 0 group and the hypertonia groups (MAS 1, 1+, and 2 groups). Conclusion: The passive elastic characteristics of the biceps brachii are consistent with the exponential model. The Young’s modulus–elbow angle curve of the biceps brachii changes in distinct ways depending on the muscle tone status. SWE can be used to quantify muscular stiffness during passive stretching as a new way of muscle tone evaluation, allowing for quantitative muscle tone evaluation and mathematical assessment of muscle mechanical properties in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bioimpedance (mfBIA) non‐invasively assesses cellular muscle health. Our aim was to explore whether mfBIA captures abnormal cellular muscle health in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and how such changes are modulated with the use of Parkinson's medication. In patients with PD (n = 20) mfBIA measurements were made of biceps brachii, triceps, and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles of the more affected arm whilst at rest, using a mobile mfBIA device (IMPEDIMED, Australia). mfBIA and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Age and sex‐matched healthy subjects (HC; n = 20) served as controls. PD and HC mfBIA parameters were compared by applying an unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). The PD group consisted of 13 men (71 ± 17 years) and 7 women (65 ± 7 years). Independent of medication, internal (Ri) and external resistance (Re) were found to be significantly higher, and membrane capacitance (Mc) significantly lower, in m.biceps brachii in PD subjects compared to HC. Center frequency (fc) was significantly higher in m.biceps brachii of PD subjects in the "medication‐off" state. There was no difference between PD and HC in mfBIA parameters in the measured extensor muscles. The upper limb flexor muscle shows a difference in mfBIA parameters in PD compared to HC. mfBIA may be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of PD patients and is objective, non‐invasive, reliable, and easy to use. Bioimpedance (mfBIA) is an objective, non‐invasive, reliable method when assessing the condition of upper limb muscles in Parkinson's patients. For M. Biceps brachii in PD subjects, internal (Ri) and external resistance (Re) were found to be significantly higher, and membrane capacitance (Mc) significantly lower, compared to healthy subjects. Centre frequency (fc) is higher in PD prior to PD medication, but decreases significantly following medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study examined the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) and analyzed their relationship in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The study was conducted in a public hospital between January and May 2021. Forty-four pregnant women (PGP+, n: 22; PGP−, n: 22) and 21 non-pregnant women were included. Navicular drop was determined and the tonus, stiffness, and creep of PF and AT were measured by Myometer. Navicular drop was significantly different between the PGP+ and the non-pregnant group in both feet (Right, p =.001; Left, p =<.001), and the PGP− and the non-pregnant group in the left foot (p =.009). At the right AT, the stiffness was found to be higher in non-pregnant women compared to the PGP+ group (p =.007). Furthermore, creep was higher in PGP− compared to the non-pregnant group (p =.016). Tissue properties of PF were similar in all groups (p >.05). A correlation between tissue properties and the presence of PGP was not found. No findings indicated that the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the AT and PF were affected by the physiology of pregnancy. Moreover, no relationship was observed between the presence of PGP and the tissue properties of the AT and PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: There are various methods for managing and treating motor problems in children with cerebral palsy, which their effectiveness can be measured in muscle tone, gross motor skills, and voluntary movements. Among these intervention methods, Dohsa-Hou treatment approach was designed to affect the motor function of children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this approach specifically on gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 24 children with spastic cerebral palsy (aged 4 to 14 years) were randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group received a combination of Dohsa-Hou psycho-motor relaxation therapy with routine occupational therapy interventions and the control group received only routine occupational therapy interventions. Dohsa-Hou method was performed in 16 sessions twice a week for 45 minutes. The gross motor performance scale version 66 was used for the assessment gross motor function, and the Ashworth Muscle Tone Scale was used for measuring muscle spasticity. Results: Based on pre-intervention evaluations, it was found that children in the experimental and control groups did not differ in any of the variables, but after the intervention, the rate of change in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group in controlling motor function (P=0.001) and in measuring muscle tone (P=0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the use of Dohsa-Hou method could be effective in promoting gross motor function and modulating muscle tone in children with spastic cerebral palsy aged 4-12 years. Therefore, the use of Dohsa-Hou method can be considered a therapeutic protocol to improve motor function and increase the physical ability of children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations in gait and muscular rigidity are common and disabling in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a single dry needling (DN) session can promote changes in gait and muscle tone in the lower extremities as well as in the evolution of the disease in persons with PD. Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was designed. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) that received a session of DN over the semitendinosus, medial gastrocnemius, soleus and rectus femoris muscles, or to a control group (CG) that received a session of sham DN in the same muscles. The effects of DN were assessed using the timed up and go test (TUG), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and myotonometry before, immediately after, and 7 days after the intervention. Results: Thirty-three participants were analyzed aged 69.9 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD; 39% female). There were no significant differences between the IG and CG for any outcomes. Significant differences were observed when comparing the Pre and Follow-up values in the IG for functional mobility of gait in the TUG (p = 0.049), gait speed in the 10MWT (p = 0.041) and muscle tone in the lower extremities by myotonometry (frequency (p = 0.027) and stiffness (p = 0.013)). By comparison, there were no significant within-group differences in the CG. Conclusion: A single session of DN had no measurable benefit compared to a single session of sham DN. Within-group changes in the IG suggested improvements in functional mobility of gait and gait speed, as well as changes in the muscle tone in the lower extremities of PD patients, which could be worthy of further exploration by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lijecnicki Vjesnik is the property of Croatian Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cervical spine is one of the busiest, most delicate, and most complicated areas in the axial skeletal system (M. Panjabi, 1990; M. Ioosab, 1994). Manual therapy (MT) combines all diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for the study and overcoming of functional blockages in peripheral joints, joints of the spine and related reflex changes in the periphery and / or internal organs. Its main task is the prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system by maintaining the normal volume of joint play. MT has not only a mobilizing but also an analgesic effect. (L. Kraidzhikova, 2011). Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor the effects of manual therapy for cervical dysfunction and to test its effectiveness. Methods: The contingent in the present study are 60 male and female patients aged 40 - 70 years selected by indicators of neck pain with clinically proven or not diagnosed spondylosis. Divided into two groups: 30 with a diagnosis of spondylosis (mean age 56.75) and 30 with an unspecified one (mean age 49.25). Before the start of the application of the kinesitherapeutic methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), functional tests and examinations of the neck pain were performed for both groups. The following muscles were examined: m. Levator scapulae, m. Trapezius and m. Sternocleidomastoideus. The following types of measurements of the volume of movement in the cervical spine were made: goniometry, centimeter, study of muscle tone. In the group diagnosed with spondylosis, in addition to kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), general developmental exercises were applied. Only kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points) were applied to the group without diagnosis. In the studied groups the persons for whom the dominant hand is the right hand predominate. The persons in the first group with a left dominant hand are 6 (or 15%), and in the second are 5 (12.5%). Which arm is dominant affects the load on the shoulder girdle and neck and causes problems in its respective part (left or right). The differences (Wilcoxon signed rank test) in the degrees in the frontal plane on the left and right in both groups were statistically significant (P = 0.02 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the degrees of rotation (P = 0.005 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the lateral slope (P = 0.006 in the first group and P = 0.04 in the second group) and rotation in cm have a difference only in the first group (P = 0.006). The probable reason for the appearance of these differences is the fact that in persons with spondylosis both sides are affected to a large extent, in contrast to persons without a diagnosis, in which the load on the upper limb is decisive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cervical spine is one of the busiest, most delicate, and most complicated areas in the axial skeletal system (M. Panjabi, 1990; M. Ioosab, 1994). Manual therapy (MT) combines all diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for the study and overcoming of functional blockages in peripheral joints, joints of the spine and related reflex changes in the periphery and / or internal organs. Its main task is the prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system by maintaining the normal volume of joint play. MT has not only a mobilizing but also an analgesic effect. (L. Kraidzhikova, 2011). Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor the effects of manual therapy for cervical dysfunction and to test its effectiveness. Methods: The contingent in the present study are 60 male and female patients aged 40 - 70 years selected by indicators of neck pain with clinically proven or not diagnosed spondylosis. Divided into two groups: 30 with a diagnosis of spondylosis (mean age 56.75) and 30 with an unspecified one (mean age 49.25). Before the start of the application of the kinesitherapeutic methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), functional tests and examinations of the neck pain were performed for both groups. The following muscles were examined: m. Levator scapulae, m. Trapezius and m. Sternocleidomastoideus. The following types of measurements of the volume of movement in the cervical spine were made: goniometry, centimeter, study of muscle tone. In the group diagnosed with spondylosis, in addition to kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), general developmental exercises were applied. Only kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points) were applied to the group without diagnosis. In the studied groups the persons for whom the dominant hand is the right hand predominate. The persons in the first group with a left dominant hand are 6 (or 15%), and in the second are 5 (12.5%). Which arm is dominant affects the load on the shoulder girdle and neck and causes problems in its respective part (left or right). The differences (Wilcoxon signed rank test) in the degrees in the frontal plane on the left and right in both groups were statistically significant (P = 0.02 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the degrees of rotation (P = 0.005 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the lateral slope (P = 0.006 in the first group and P = 0.04 in the second group) and rotation in cm have a difference only in the first group (P = 0.006). The probable reason for the appearance of these differences is the fact that in persons with spondylosis both sides are affected to a large extent, in contrast to persons without a diagnosis, in which the load on the upper limb is decisive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postural control is a complex system that combines many subcomponents. The central nervous system's connection with the muscular system allows to execute the voluntary movements and provides appropriate tonus and contractions of postural muscles. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of voluntary muscle contraction on the stability of standing posture. Material and methods: Seventeen young adults (24.11 ± 3.05 years) completed 4 bipedal standing attempts lasting 20 seconds each. Measurements were performed on AMTI plate and involved maintaining balance while standing barefoot on both feet with eyes open and closed. Two additional tests with provoked isometric voluntary muscle contraction were performed under the same visual conditions. Results: For examined healthy subjects, the lack of visual feedback in combination with increased muscle tension caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the peak of sway in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) direction. On the other hand, the values of the center of pressure (CoP) path length and its velocity due to the increased muscle contraction did not significantly decrease their values for trials with eyes open and closed. Conclusions: This study indicates that voluntary muscle contraction can influence the standing posture mainly in combination with a lack of visual feedback, causing its deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical pain is a common health problem, with over 70 % of the world’s population suffering of its exhausting effects at some point of life (Bronfort et al. 2001). This has a significant effect over the individuals and their families, communities, health systems and businesses. Studies show that cervical pain ranges between 10.4% and 21.3%, with a higher incidence in office workers, and particularly those working with computers for more than eight hours a day. Many environmental and personal factors influence the onset and course of cervical pain. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the amount of movement and muscle tonus in the cervical part of the spine in patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis and those with pain syndrome, but without specified diagnosis Methods: The contingent in the current study were 24 female patients aged 40 - 70 years, selected by indicators of cervical pain with clinically proven or not osteochondrosis. They are divided into two groups: 12 with osteochondrosis (average age 56.75) and 12 with an undefined diagnosis (average age 49.25). Prior to functional testing and cervical pain testing the aim and the research was clearly explained to the patients, and written informed consent was obtained. The following muscles were examined: Levator scapulae, m. Trapezius and m. Sternocleidomastoideus. The following types of measurements of the amount of movement in the cervical part of the spine were performed: goniometry, centimetry, examination of muscle tonus. Results and discussion: The data from the study show that of a total of 24 patients studied, 12 of them without proven osteochondrosis, but with neck pain, the muscle tonus, studied by passive movements and movements with additional pressure was redused in the following muscles: m. Levator scapulae on the left - with average value 2.20±1.8; m. Trapezius on the right – with average value 2,80±0,45. The amount of movement in this patients tested by goniometry is reduced only at a lateral slope to the left by average value 19.10±1.60, which is a result of muscle reduced average value 3.10±1.1. (established by preliminary stretching of the muscle, reported by the digital scale of L. Kraidzhikova 2000). This is the reason for the reduced mobility and reduced amount of movement in the cervical area. In patients with proven osteochondrosis, we found decreased increased muscle tone in the following muscles: m. Trapezius on the right with average value 2.6±1.1; m. Levator scapulae on the right with average value 2.8±1.6. The amount of movement in this patients tested by goniometry and the muscle tonus by preliminary stretching of m.Trapezius pars descendens was decreased in most slopes as follows: in extension with average value 19.12±1.600; lateral slope to the right average value 20.12±1.500; lateral slope to the left 19.12±1.400; when rotating to the right average value 25.20±1.900; when rotating to the left average value 20.10±1.300, but for m.Sternocleidomastoideus the muscle tonus was the same in both study groups. Conclusion: The results of the study show that in the 12 patients with diagnosed with osteochondrosis, the amount of movement in most slopes was reduced, as well as the muscle tonus of most of the studied muscles. There is also a change in muscle imbalance, although not in all tested muscles. The results obtained in this way coincide with the literature data related to the problem, namely that patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis (with degenerative changes) have increased movement and stiffness in the cervical region, which lead to to dysfunction and changes in quality of life. The amount of movement varies depending on the inclinations and the measuring instruments. These results provide a basis for expanding and deepening of the study, as well as for developing a kinesitherapy methodology suitable for treatment of both groups of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Forward head posture (FHP) is known to have a large influence on respiratory function by weakening the respiratory muscles. This cross-sectional study is designed to examine the relationship between the tonus, stiffness, and elasticity of head posture muscles and pulmonary capacity. Methods. Overall, 16 FHP and 17 non-forward head posture (NFHP) individuals were evaluated. The tonus, stiffness, and elasticity of the upper trapezius, semispinalis capitis, pectoral muscles, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were measured with a MyotonPRO® device. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test. Pulmonary function tests employed a spirometer. The Neck Disability Index was applied. FHP was determined by measuring the craniovertebral angle. Physical activity levels were evaluated with the Physical Activity Index. Results. The study involved 18 (54.54%) female and 15 (45.45%) male students. Their mean age was 21.24 ± 1.82 years. Neck Disability Index scores were higher in participants with FHP than in NFHP individuals (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in the myotonometric measurements of the analysed muscles between FHP and NFHP groups (p > 0.05). Physiological characteristics of FHP and NFHP participants were different in terms of vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak forced expiratory volume (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Owing to the pulmonary capacity differences between FHP and NFHP individuals, it can be concluded that FHP affects pulmonary capacity. Also, pectoral muscles and semispinalis capitis muscles play an important role in thoracic expansion and therefore influence vital capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Neck is one of the most common sites of musculoskeletal symptoms, and muscle shortening and weakness is observed to be a common cause of neck pain and disability. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate and short term effects of static stretching (SS), autogenic inhibition (AI) and reciprocal inhibition (RI) muscle energy techniques (MET) on isometric muscle strength in the management of mechanical neck pain. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 78 participants with neck pain randomly allocated to SS, AI-MET and RI-MET groups. All the participants received Trans Cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack and unilateral postero-anterior glide, followed by 3–5 repetitions of either SS, AI-MET or RI-MET for five consecutive sessions. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Modified Sphygmomanometer Dynamometry (MSD) were used as outcome measurement tools. One way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA were used for inter-group and intra-group comparison. RESULT: In terms of MSD scores, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the groups. Both AI-MET and RI-MET were found to be comparatively more effective than SS, however AI-MET was found to be the most effective. CONCLUSION: AI-MET is more effective than SS and RI-MET in terms of improving isometric muscle strength in patients with mechanical neck pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acute low back pain (ALBP) causes rapid deterioration of paraspinal muscle function. The underlying neurophysiology is poorly understood. We therefore carried out this observational study in patients with ALBP to characterize motor unit (MU) activity in deep lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle and compare with our previous findings from pain-free subjects. Nine subjects (1 woman; age 26-59 yr) with ALBP duration of 1-21 days were recruited from outpatient clinics. Fine wire electromyography (EMG) electrodes were implanted bilaterally at the painful spinal level under computer tomography guidance. EMG was recorded during spontaneous sitting and standing, and during voluntary force production. Linear mixed models were utilized to test or control for the effects of a number of predefined variables. Compared with sitting, standing increased total duration of EMG activity, median MU discharge rate, interspike interval variability, and common drive measured as common drive coefficients (CDC) derived from concurrently active MU pairs. Median discharge rate in 73 MUs was 5.5 and 6.6 pulses per second (pps) during spontaneous sitting and standing, and 7.2 pps during voluntary force production. Interspike interval variability was lower during voluntary tasks than during spontaneous force production. Common drive was less pronounced in bilateral vs. unilateral unit pairs, also in spontaneous standing. This difference was not seen in our previous pain-free subjects, suggesting altered bilateral control of the spine in ALBP. The distribution of CDC values was not a homogeneous continuum but could be seen as two partially overlapping populations of CDC distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ConScientiae Saúde is the property of Nove de Julho University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Based on the premise that spasticity might affect gait post-stroke, cryotherapy is among the techniques used to temporarily reduce spasticity in neurological patients. This effective technique would enhance muscle performance, and ultimately, functional training, such as walking. However, understanding whether a decrease in spasticity level, if any, would lead to improving muscle performance and gait parameters is not based on evidence and needs to be clarified. Objectives: to investigate the immediate effects of cryotherapy, applied to spastic plantarflexor muscles of subjects post-stroke, on tonus level, torque generation capacity of plantarflexors and dorsiflexors, and angular/spatiotemporal gait parameters. Methods: Sixteen chronic hemiparetic subjects participated in this randomized controlled crossover study. Cryotherapy (ice pack) or Control (room temperature sand pack) were applied to the calf muscles of the paretic limb. The measurements taken (before and immediately after intervention) were: 1) Tonus according to the Modified Ashworth Scale; 2) Torque assessments were performed using an isokinetic dynamometer; and 3) Spatiotemporal and angular kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle (flexion/extension), obtained using a tridimensional movement analysis system (Qualisys). Results: Cryotherapy decreased plantarflexor tonus but did not change muscle torque generation capacity and did not affect spatiotemporal or angular parameters during gait compared to control application. These findings contribute to the evidence-based approach to clinical rehabilitation post-stroke. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that cryotherapy applied to the calf muscles of subjects with chronic hemiparesis reduces muscle hypertonia but does not improve dorsiflexors and plantarflexors performance and gait parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tone of the intraoral und pharyngeal muscles of the upper airway is of particular importance for the development of snoring. By increasing the tone with electrical stimulation, a reduction in snoring may be achieved. The aim of the study was to record the effects of intraoral muscle stimulation during the day on snoring at night.The prospective bi-centric study included 16 patients with snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea (Apnoea Hypopnoea Index [AHI] < 15, BMI < 32). After initial polygraphy, snoring was monitored over 2 weeks (baseline) using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10). This was followed by a 6-week treatment phase (2 × 20 min daily) with an intraoral electrical stimulation device. During and up to 2 weeks after therapy, snoring intensity in addition to use and potential side effects were documented on a daily basis.Three patients discontinued therapy because of technical problems. The 13 remaining patients (11 male/2 female, BMI 26.9 ± 3.2, AHI 9.3 ± 4.6) underwent per-protocol analysis. The mean snoring score was reduced from 5.6 ± 1.1 (baseline) to 3.2 ± 2.7 (after therapy) and remained stable until 2 weeks after treatment (3.3 ± 2.4). In 7 patients (53.9%) the score was reduced by more than 50%. Patients with an AHI < 10 responded better to therapy. No unexpected events occurred.In the present pilot study, the first signs of the effectiveness of intraoral muscle stimulation in snoring patients were shown. In addition to a technical improvement of the stimulator, carrying out controlled trials and assessing potential influencing factors on the success of therapy are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Somnologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research / Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu is the property of Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of International Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of TianJin Medical Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kinesio® Taping is seen as a complementary tape therapy, a recovery method designed to facilitate the natural healing process of the human body. It is a way of improving the function of the tissues and the physiological system. The present study aims to identify the short-term effect (3 days) of the kinesiological tape applied on the muscular groups involved in the functional scoliosis formation, which should influence the possibility of aspiration of the spine for postural recovery. The evolution of the muscle tonus parameter and elasticity parameter for the evaluated muscles through the Myoton device was followed. Subjects in the study, 13 preteens aged 7 to 12 years, were tested before and after 3 days following the application of Kinesio® Taping. The results obtained in the evaluation of the parameters for the experimental group showed statistically significant progress at a p < 0.05 for the elasticity parameter, which leads to the partial validity of our study and arouses the interest of insisting on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of the upright stance is one of the basic requirements in human daily life. Stance postural control is achieved through muscle coordination based on the integration of multisensory inputs such as visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive somatosensory inputs. In this study, our aim was to develop a stance postural control model including a neural controller with feed-forward control and sensory feedback control based on visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive somatosensory feedback inputs. The feed-forward control consists of conventional feed-forward control, which sends constant inputs (necessary to maintain the posture) to the muscles, as well as stiffness regulation which controls the body stiffness (overall joint stiffness) based on sensory input conditions. In contrast to previous studies, a musculoskeletal model with 70 muscles rather than an inverted pendulum was selected to represent the human body. A bipedal stance under the influence of a maximal 120-ms neurological time delay was achieved by muscle control rather than joint torque control. Furthermore, we considered four sensory input conditions: normal, vision exclusion, vestibular loss, and vision exclusion together with vestibular loss. In each condition, variables of the neural controller were searched to keep the musculoskeletal model standing during a five-second forward dynamics simulation by the optimization method. As a result, we found that when all three types (visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive) of the sensory inputs are available, low muscle stiffness is sufficient to maintain the balance of a musculoskeletal model. When one (visual or vestibular) or several (both visual and vestibular) sensory inputs get excluded, high stiffness may be desirable for maintenance of the balance. This simulation result indicates that our newly developed computational model resembles the physiological features reported in experimental study, namely that individuals might stiffen their body during upright standing to cope with deterioration in sensory input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rigakuryoho Kagaku is the property of International Press Editing Center Incorporation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Manuelle Medizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The underlying neurophysiology of postural control of the lower back in humans is poorly understood. We have characterized motor unit (MU) discharge activity in the deep lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle in nine healthy subjects (20-40 yr, 3 females). Bilateral fine wire electrodes were implanted at L4 spinal level using ultrasound guidance. EMG was recorded during spontaneous sitting and standing and during voluntary force production. Individual MUs were analyzed with regard to instantaneous discharge rate, interspike interval variability, alternation of activity between MUs, and cross correlation between concurrently active MUs quantified by the common drive coefficient (CDC). Significant effects of sitting vs. standing were seen on median discharge rate and interspike interval variability. Median discharge rate in 71 units was 5.4 and 6.9 pulses/s during spontaneous sitting and standing and 7.4 pulses/s during voluntary force production. Several MUs fired doublets. CDC analysis of 87 MU pairs showed a significantly higher common drive in spontaneous than in voluntary activity and significant differences between unilateral and bilateral pairs, although not when spontaneously active in standing. In spite of common drive, MUs were recruited from inactivity to tonic discharge lasting for several minutes without changes in discharge rate in already active MUs, and several instances were documented where activity was rotated between MUs. We argue that this behavior is indicative of self-sustained discharge in LM motoneurons, establishing intrinsic motoneuron properties as a central mechanism for postural control of deep back muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Purpose: To verify the association of hamstring tightness and range of motion in anterior pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar motion (LM), and trunk flexion (TF) during forward bending. Overview of Literature: Increased hamstring stiffness could be a possible contributing factor to low back injuries. Clinical observations have suggested that hamstring tightness influences lumbar pelvic rhythm. Movement restrictions or postural asymmetry likely lead to compensatory movement patterns of the lumbar spine, and subsequently to increased stress on the spinal soft tissues and an increased risk of low back pain (LBP). Methods: Hamstring muscle tightness was measured using the self-monitored active knee extension (AKE) test. A bubble inclinometer was used to determine the range of motion of PT, LM, and TF during forward bending. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, comparisons between groups and a correlation between hamstring tightness (AKE) and anterior PT, TF, and regional LM with p ≤0.05. Results: The LBP group was composed of 36 participants, and the asymptomatic group consisted of 32 participants. The mean for PT in the control group was 66.7°, 64.5° for LM and 104.6° for TF. Respective values in the symptomatic group were 57.0°, 79.8°, and 82.2°. Conclusions: Participants with LBP showed restriction in the pelvis and TF range of motion, but had higher amplitudes in the lumbar spine during forward bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims It has been reported that proton pump inhibitors induce relaxation in different types of smooth muscles. The aim of this study is to investigate in vitro effects of proton pump inhibitors on human pylorus muscle. Methods Pyloric sphincters were studied in 10 patients who were operated for stomach cancer. In isolated organ bath, control and response to rabeprazole were recorded following contraction with carbachol. During the treatment experiment, while distilled water was applied during the control experiment in every 5 minutes, rabeprazole was administered in every 5 minutes at doses of 10-6, 10-5, 10-4, and 10-3 M respectively. Contraction frequencies, maximum contraction values and muscle tones were measured. Results The contraction frequencies in the control group were greater than the rabeprazole group in the second, third and fourth intervals while the maximum contraction values in the rabeprazole group were lower in the fourth interval. Even though muscles tones were not different in both groups during all intervals, it was remarkable that the muscle tone was significantly decreased in the rabeprazole group during the fourth interval compared to the first and second intervals. Conclusions In the present study, high doses of rabeprazole reduced contraction frequencies, maximum contraction values, and muscle tone of human pylorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Manuelle Medizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: One of the components of the Kangaroo Method (KM) is the adoption of the Kangaroo Position. The skin-to-skin contact and the vertical position the child adopts when in this position may provide sensorial, vestibular and postural stimuli for the newborn. The Kangaroo Position may encourage vestibular stimuli and a flexed posture of the limbs, suggesting the hypothesis that the Kangaroo Position may have an impact on flexor muscle tone. The effect of these stimuli on the motor features of the newborn has not been the subject of much investigation. No study has yet been conducted to determine whether the Kangaroo Position may progressively increase electromyographic activity or whether this increase persists until term-equivalent age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Kangaroo Position on the electromyographic activity of preterm children. Method: A follow-up study was carried out between July and November 2011 at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife-Brazil, using a sample of 30 preterm children. Surface Eletromyography (SEMG) was used to investigate the muscle activity of biceps brachii. The electromyographic readings were taken immediately before (0 h) and after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h of application of the Kangaroo Position as well as at the term equivalent age in each baby. Electromyographic activity was analyzed using the Root Mean Square (RMS) and the mean values of the times were analyzed by way of analysis of variance for repeated measures and the Tukey test. Results: Electromyographic activity of the biceps brachii varied and increased over the whole 96h period (RMS:0 h = 36.5 and 96 h = 52.9) (F(5.174) = 27.56; p < 0.001) and remained constant thereafter (RMS: term-equivalent age = 54.2). The correlations between the corrected age and the values for electromyographic activity did not show any statistical significance. Conclusion: The Kangaroo Position leads to a growing increase in the electromyographic activity of preterm children's biceps brachii after up to 96 h of stimulation and this response persists until at least the 21st day after this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Manuelle Medizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Age-related loss of muscle mass contributes to aging of the human face. Aims To evaluate the effects of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation ( NMES) device on facial muscle tone and signs of facial aging in healthy women. Patients/Methods One hundred and eight healthy women (mean age 43.7, range 32 to 58-45 years) participated in this randomized, controlled, partially blinded study. Participants were randomized to 12 weeks' treatment with the NMES facial device (20 min/day, 5 days/week) or to a nonintervention control group. Participants could not alter fitness, diet or facial care routines during the study. Assessments included psychometric evaluations of facial appearance and assessor-blinded ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the zygomatic major muscle. Results Mean muscle thickness increased vs. baseline in the NMES group (18.6%) but not the control group. Between-group differences were significant at 6 and 12 weeks ( P = 0.05 and P = 0.0001). NMES users reported subjective improvements in facial attributes. The control group did not. In an overall evaluation, ≥80% of NMES users reported improved firmness, tone and lift vs. <5% of the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusions A 12-week course of facial NMES was associated with increased thickness of the zygomatic major muscle and subjective improvements in facial attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rehabilitation & Physical Medicine / Rehabilitace a Fyzikální Lékařství is the property of Czech Medical Association of JE Purkyne and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Mother & Child Health (BJMCH) / Revista Brasileira de Saude Materno Infantil (RBSMI) is the property of Instituto de Medicina Integral and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to assess knee extensor and flexor muscle torque in individuals with hemiparesis after stroke and determine the relationship with muscle tone. Fifty individuals (mean age 58 ± 6.4 years), 6 to 48 months after stroke, participated in the study. Maximal concentric knee extension and flexion torque at 60°/s and 120°/s and maximal eccentric knee extension contractions at 60°/s were measured with a Biodex dynamometer. Muscle tone was assessed with the modified Ashworth Scale. The relative weakness in the paretic knee muscles ranged from 30% to 42% and was greater for the flexors and at higher velocities (p< 0.05). The knee flexion/extension torque ratio in the non-paretic lower limb was 0.53 for both velocities and significantly lower (p< 0.01) for the paretic lower limb (0.44 at 60°/s and 0.39 at 120°/s). The eccentric/concentric ratio in the paretic lower limb (1.66) was significantly higher (p< 0.05) than in the non-paretic lower limb (1.31). Concentric torque in the paretic lower limb was significantly correlated (p< 0.05) with muscle tone. In conclusion, post-stroke weakness of the knee muscles was most prominent in the flexors and at higher velocities, whereas eccentric strength seemed to be preserved. Strength was also associated with the spasticity that can occur after stroke. This post-stroke muscle weakness pattern could be of importance for gait performance and should therefore be accommodated when planning rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the time-dependent effect of vibration on the muscle tone of the the triceps surae. [Subjects] We examined the legs of 18 healthy males (mean age: 22.1±4.4 years) with no history of neurological disorders. [Method] Using a vibration stimulus device, we applied a 76.6 Hz vibration stimulus with an amplitude of 2 mm for 10 min to the left leg above the Achilles tendon. Using an evoked electromyograph, we measure the amplitudes of the H and M waves during the vibration stimulus. From the measurements, we calculated the H/M ratio and assessed the muscle tonus of the triceps surae. [Results] The H/M ratio began falling 1 min after the start of the vibration stimulus and continued falling until 3 min after the start of the vibration stimulus. [Conclusion] We clarified that the muscle tone of the triceps surae was inhibited by the vibration stimulus from immediately after the start of the intervention, and that the effect was greatest at 3 min after the start of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Manuelle Medizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) affects spinal muscles, due to inflammation and structural damage. The mechanical properties of the muscles, such as tone or stiffness, could be altered in axSpA. The aim of this work is to analyze the mechanical properties of cervical and lumbar spine muscles in axSpA patients and their relationship with metrology measures, function, disease activity, structural damage and quality of life. Methods: axSpA patients and age/gender/BMI matched healthy controls were recruited. The muscle mechanical properties (MMPs), such as tone or frequency, stiffness, decrement (linear elastic properties), relaxation and creep (viscoelastic properties), of cervical (semispinalis capitis) and lumbar (erector spinae) muscles were bilaterally measured at rest using myotonometry. Additionally, conventional metrology, BASMI (metrology index), BASDAI (disease activity index), mSASSS (radiological structural damage index) and SF-12 (health-related quality of life questionnaire) were used in the axSpA group. Between-groups comparison, intra-group correlations and multivariable regression analyses were performed to achieve the study aims. Results: Thirty-four axSpA patients (mean age: 46.21 ± 8.53 y) and 34 healthy volunteers (mean age: 43.97 ± 8.49 y) were recruited. Both in cervical and lumbar spine, linear elastic parameters were significantly higher in axSpA patients in comparison with controls, while viscoelastic parameters were significantly lower. Lumbar muscle frequency, stiffness, relaxation, creep and cervical muscle elasticity were fair to strongly correlated (|0.346| < r < |0.774|) with age, functional status, activity of disease, structural damage and quality of life in axSpA patients. Furthermore, moderate to good fitted multivariate models (0.328 < R2 < 0.697) were obtained combining age, conventional metrology, activity of the disease and function for the estimation of cervical and lumbar MMPs. Conclusion: Mechanical properties of spinal muscles of axSpA patients differ from controls. Lumbar and cervical muscles exhibit greater linear elastic properties and lower viscoelastic properties, which are related with age, clinical and psychophysiological features of axSpA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rabbits, cats and rats anaesthetized, curarized, with the skull fixed in a stereotaxic apparatus, the peripheral stump of the cervical sympathetic nerve (c.s.n.) was electrically stimulated at frequencies within the physiological range and the isometric tension was recorded at the lower jaw. In a group of experiments the afferent discharges from the jaw elevator muscle spindles was also recorded, in the mesencephalic nucleus of the fifth cranial nerve. Unilateral stimulation of the c.s.n. induced in jaw elevator muscles of rabbits an increase of tension of 5.5±0.5 g (latency: 0.5-2 s, time constant: 2.5-5 s) maintained with little or no decrement until the end of stimulation. This response proved not to be secondary to vasomotor changes since: i) approximately half of it was mediated by the fastest conducting component of the c.s.n. fibres, ii) it was not mimicked by a sudden reduction of blood supply to the muscles, iii) it was unaffected by 10 min bilateral occlusion of both the external and the internal carotid arteries. During c.s.n. stimulation the afferent discharge from spindles belonging to jaw elevator muscles exhibited an increase of firing (often preceded by a transient decrease) lasting throughout the stimulation. Also, the position sensitivity of all the spindle afferents tested was modified by the sympathetic stimulation. The results presented are interpreted to suggest that the sympathetic system may induce an intrafusal muscle fibre contraction in jaw elevator muscles. The possible functional implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]