Search

The use of assistive technologies, such as a non-invasive interface for neuroelectrical signal and functional electrical stimulation (NESs-FESs), can mitigate the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI), including impairment of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. However, it requires an adaptation process to enhance the user’s performance by tuning the learning curve to a point of extreme relevance. Therefore, in this pilot study, the learning curves of two people with complete SCI (PA: paraplegic-T6, and PB: quadriplegic-C4) were analyzed, with results obtained on the accuracy of the classifier (AcCSP−LDA), repetitions of intra-day training, and number of hits and misses in the activation of FESs for sixteen interventions using the NESs-FESs interface. We assumed that the data were non-parametric and performed the Spearman’s ρ test (and p-value) for correlations between the data. There was variation between the learning curves resulting from the training of the NESs-FESs interface for the two participants, and the variation was influenced by factors both related and unrelated to the individual users. Regardless of these factors, PA improved significantly in its learning curve, as it presented lower values in all variables in the first interventions compared to the PB, although only PA showed statistical correlation (on AcCSP−LDA values in RLL). It was concluded that despite the variations according to factors intrinsic to the user and the functioning of the equipment used, sixteen interventions were sufficient to achieve a good learning effect to control the NESs-FESs interface.

(1) Background: The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is commonly used clinically to evaluate spasticity, but its qualitative nature introduces subjectivity. We propose a novel metric scale to quantitatively measure spasticity using mechanomyography (MMG) to mitigate these subjective effects. (2) Methods: The flexor and extensor muscles of knee and elbow joints were assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) during the acquisition of mechanomyography (MMG) data. The median absolute amplitude of the MMG signals was utilized as a key descriptor. An algorithm was developed to normalize the MMG signals to a universal gravitational (G) acceleration scale, aligning them with the limits and range of MAS. (3) Results: We evaluated 34 lower and upper limbs from 22 volunteers (average age 39.91 ± 13.77 years) of both genders. Polynomial regression provided the best fit (R2 = 0.987), with negligible differences (mean of 0.001 G) between the MAS and MMG. We established three numerical sets for the median, minimum, and maximum MMG(G) values corresponding to each MAS range, ensuring consistent alignment of the Modified Ashworth levels with our proposed scale. (4) Conclusions: Muscle spasticity can now be quantitatively and semi-automatically evaluated using our algorithm and instrumentation, enhancing the objectivity and reliability of spasticity assessments.

Spasticity is a motor condition present in 75 to 88% of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). One form of treatment is called punctual mechanical oscillation (PO). The current study aimed to study different protocols for the application of PO and the magnitude of their effects. In total, 7children with medical diagnosis of CP and ICD (International Classification of Diseases) were included. The first intervention protocol (Int1) consisted of the application of PO to the spastic muscle tendon and the second intervention protocol (Int2) to the muscle belly ofthe spastic antagonist muscle. For evaluation, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used, while simultaneously capturing the mechanomyography (MMG) signals. Data were collected pre-intervention and 1 (Post1), 15 (Post15), 30 (Post30), 45 (Post45), and60 (Post60) minutes after the interventions. The MAS values (median ± interquartile range) post intervention were statistically lower when compared to the pre values in the 2 protocols studied; in Int1between Pre (2 ± 0) andPost15 (0 ± 1.75), Post30 (0 ± 1), Post45 (1 ± 1),and Post60 (1 ± 1), and in Int2only between Pre (2 ± 1) and Post1 (0 ± 1).The values found in the MMG in both its temporal and spectral domains did not follow a pattern (p>0.05). The comparison between the protocols did not demonstrate statistical differences in any characteristics (MAS, MMGMF, and MMGRMS). However, PO was shown to be a therapeutic resource that modulated spasticity for up to 60 minutes after its application, and PO could contribute as a tool to aid the treatment of spasticity.

ABSTRACT Pain in the lower limbs is common in athletes and a limiting factor in performance. Acupuncture has shown positive effects as an analgesic treatment and may potentially be used for pain reduction in runners. This study aimed to analyze the parameters associated with knee pain by correlating strength parameters of the musculature assessed in runners treated with acupuncture. A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted on 34 runners of both sexes aged 20 to 52 years, who presented with knee-related pain from January to June, 2015. Two pain questionnaires and a maximal strength test with electromyographic evaluation of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and medialis muscles were used, and patients were monitored during five follow-up visits after an acupuncture protocol. All participants reported experiencing a decrease in knee pain after treatment. The affected limbs showed an increase in average strength by 34% and 25% compared to the contralateral limb. An increase in the number of motor units recruited for the three muscles was observed in both limbs. In conclusion, the proposed acupuncture protocol was effective in reducing pain symptoms in the knee region of athletes, thus influencing their gain in strength and muscle balance. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

Surface mechanography (MMG) is a non-invasive technique that captures signs of low-frequency vibrations of skeletal muscles through the skin. However, subcutaneous structures may interfere with the acquisition of MMG signals. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of skinfold thickness (ST) on the MMG wavelet-based signal in the rectus femoris muscle during maximal voluntary contraction in two groups of individuals: group I (n = 10, ST 20 mm). Negative correlation was observed between the 19 Hz, 28 Hz and 39 Hz frequency bands with ST. There was a statistical difference in almost all frequency bands, especially in the X and Y axes. All MMG axes in group II presented higher magnitudes in frequency bands 2 and 6 Hz (like low-pass filter). Thus, these results can be applied to calibrate MMG responses as biofeedback systems.

Abstract Aims: This study tested whether performing exergames with and without additional external load could induce to different internal load demand for young adults. Methods: Fifteen young women (24.4 ± 4.06 years) participated in the study. Electromyography (EMG) activity, heart rate (HR) and overall and local rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined in “Just Dance” and “Ski” exergames without additional external load and with additional external load of 5% of body mass attached bilaterally to the ankles in “Just Dance” and using a weight vest in “Ski”. Results: EMG, HR and overall RPE presented similar responses between loads in both exergames (p>.05). However, local RPE differentiate internal load only in “Just Dance”, with higher values with additional load (with additional load: 11.2 ± 2.1 RPE; without additional load: 10.3 ± 1.4 RPE; p = .037). Conclusion: Therefore, performing exergames with an additional external load of 5% of young women body mass did not induce different internal load demand in “Just Dance” and “Ski” exergames compared to performing such games without external load. However, the greater local RPE in “Just Dance” exergame after adding the external load suggests that a higher amount of load (i.e., > 5% of body mass) to this population may generate different internal load demand.

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study is to associate the healthy area of the lung (evaluated by radiography) with the data of respiratory mechanics in children with atelectasis after cardiac surgery, under mechanical ventilation in the assisted controlled mode. Altogether, 46 children were selected, but 16 were excluded due to irregular respiratory waves or lack of the data on arterial blood gases. A group of 30 children under assisted controlled mode were analyzed, and 10 from this group developed atelectasis. The data were analyzed before and after the onset of atelectasis, and respiratory mechanics was correlated to radiography. We also analyzed the data related to arterial blood gas of these children - who initially had no pulmonary complication - to verify possible changes due to assisted controlled cycles. Atelectasis may modify some parameters of respiratory mechanics. In the association of the healthy area of the lung with the respiratory mechanics, the Spearman correlation results showed statistical significance of the lung area with airway resistance (ρ=−0.648 and p=0.043). Our results show that it is possible to analyze respiratory mechanics waves by selecting controlled cycles in the assisted controlled mode, since we found insignificant changes in potential ionic hydrogen. The analysis of respiratory mechanics allows checking lung function and undesired lung injuries; the analysis of respiratory mechanics can be daily performed in these children to have important information on the pulmonary function. Our research also showed that under the assisted controlled mode is also possible to evaluate respiratory mechanics.

A aplicação de estímulos elétricos nas regiões profundas do cérebro é definida como estimulação encefálica profunda (EEP). A EEP pode ser aplicada em patologias motoras e psicológicas, reduzindo ou tornando desnecessária a administração de medicação complementar. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar uma atualização pertinente à EEP, baseando-se principalmente em artigos do último triênio. Foram selecionados artigos das bases de pesquisa Wiley Online Library (3), ScienceDirect (8), SciELO (1), BioMed Central (1), Google acadêmico (17) e livros (7), totalizando 37 referências selecionadas, das quais 15 artigos foram publicados no ano de 2010 e três, publicados em 2011. Dentre os parâmetros estimulatórios mais empregados durante o triênio 2009 a 2011, destacam-se: amplitude de 1 a 10 V; corrente entre 50 e 300 μA; frequência de 130 a 185 Hz e período ativo do pulso entre 60 e 220 μs. A EEP mostra-se como recurso viável para tratamento de patologias que apresentam distúrbios de movimento, como doença de Parkinson, distonias e mioclonias. Além disso, a EEP é eficiente para o tratamento de distúrbios psicológicos/neurológicos como depressão, epilepsia e cefaleia e possui forte incentivo a pesquisas que tenham aplicações diferenciadas, como o tratamento de viciados em drogas.

INTRODUÇÃO: O potencial de ação (PA) origina-se graças a uma perturbação do estado de repouso da membrana celular, com consequente fluxo de íons, por meio da membrana e alteração da concentração iônica nos meios intra e extracelular. OBJETIVOS: Sintetizar o conhecimento científico acumulado até o presente sobre o potencial de ação neural e o seu processo de adaptação sob aplicação de um estímulo constante. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Busca realizada nas bases Springer, ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Acadêmico, Portal de Periódicos da Capes, além de livros referentes ao assunto. O idioma de preferência selecionado foi o inglês, com as keywords: action potential; adaptation; accommodation; rheobase; chronaxy; nerve impulse. Efetuou-se a procura de artigos com uma janela de tempo de 1931 a 2010 e livros de 1791 a 2007. RESULTADOS: Dos trabalhos selecionados, foram extraídas informações a respeito dos seguintes tópicos: potencial de ação e suas fases; condução nervosa; reobase; cronaxia; acomodação; e adaptação neuronal. CONCLUSÃO: Um estímulo que crie PA, se aplicado de maneira constante, pode reduzir a frequência de despolarizações em função do tempo e, consequentemente, adaptar a célula. O tempo que a célula demora, na ausência de estímulos, para recuperar sua frequência original é definido como desadaptação.

Introduction Iontophoresis is a noninvasive technique used to increase transdermal penetration of substances through the skin layer (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) in a controlled manner. Technological advance in recent decades have provided reduced cost of equipment needed for implementation, which allowed for the expansion of this technique. Objective The aim of this paper is to present the state of the art on iontophoresis, ranging from the atomic characteristics of the ion formation to the current applications of the technique. Methods Were researched papers from databases: IOP publishing, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Springer, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar and books with keywords iontophoresis, ions, topical applications between 1967 and 2010. Results Were selected (number of papers and database) 1 IOP Publishing, 1 from ScienceDirect, Central, 1 from Springer, 2 from PubMed, 11 from IEEE Xplore, 35 from Google Scholar, and 15 books, totaling 66 references and websites with nationally marketed electrotherapy products. Conclusion Iontophoresis is suitable for applications such as acetic acid (calcific tendinitis and myositis ossificans), calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate (control of musculoskeletal spasms), dexamethasone (inflammation), lidocaine (inflammation of soft tissues), zinc oxide (rheumatoid arthritis). It is also used in cosmetic applications with devices attached to the skin and for eye treatment aimed at specific tissues of the eye, providing a treatment option for various eye diseases, reducing the complications secondary to traditional methods of treatment. The advantages are the significant increase in the release and control of therapeutic agents, including drugs with high molecular weight. The disadvantages of iontophoresis are the complexity of the drug release system and prolonged exposure of the skin to an electrical current.