This study compared the effects of a simple versus complex contraction pattern on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of maximal isometric strength gains and reductions in force variability. A control group (N = 12) performed simple isometric contractions of the wrist flexors. An experimental group (N = 12) performed complex proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contractions cons...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential value of two advanced EMG measures as additional diagnostic measures in the polymyographic assessment of postural upper-limb tremor. METHODS We investigated coherence as a measure of dependency between two EMG signals, and cumulant analysis to reveal patterns of synchronicity in EMG activity in muscle pairs. Eighty datasets were analyzed retrospectively,...

In this study we tested the hypothesis that during steady contractions of human wrist extensors or flexors, the torque-angle relationship during movements imposed about the wrist is predicted by the classical isometric muscle length-tension curve, with ascending, descending and ascending limbs. Angle-torque relationships were measured during steady muscle activation (10% of maximal voluntary co...

Voluntary contractions induce thixotropic changes in intrafusal muscle fibres and hence, by induction or removal of "slack", the background discharge and sensitivity of spindle endings to stretch is altered. This study assessed whether such changes also altered the "excitability" of the motor cortex. Eleven subjects performed a series of voluntary conditioning contractions of the wrist flexors ...

abstract background: radiography is the most widely available imaging modality. precise evaluations of wrist x-ray can help diagnosis and evaluate the prognosis of many wrist disorders. methods: we measured length, angles and indices in 150 posteroanterior and lateral wrist x-rays to determine normal dimensions and variations according to age and sex. all x-rays were made with standard exposure...

Background: Mirror therapy is one of the cognitive-induced interventions based on mirror neurons neurologic grounds. Aim: to evaluate effect upper extremity functional and motor skills among chronic stroke patients. Design: a quasi-experimental design (pre/post-test). Setting: The study was conducted at Egypt Health care Authority, Port Said hospitals ICU departments. Subjects: All patients (50...

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop reduced passive range of motion with age. The determining factor underlying this process is believed to be progressive development of contracture in skeletal muscle that likely changes the biomechanics of the joints. Consequently, to identify the underlying mechanisms, we modeled the mechanical characteristics of the forearm flexors acting across ...

This mixed, single-double blind study examined the effect of a stepwise increase in vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) on the isometric strength of cervical flexor and deltoid muscles in 20 asymptomatic females with deep bite (age range 20-40 years). Vertical dimension of occlusion was increased by mandibular acrylic bite plates, 2, 4, 6 and 12 mm. Subjects were instructed to bite while resi...

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the reliability of joint resting position (EJP), resistance to passive movement (ERM), and the angle of appearance of the resistance (EAR) as measures of muscle hypertonus of elbow flexors in patients after stroke. Previously, similar measures had been found reliable when applied to measuring shoulder and wrist hypertonus in patients after stroke. METHOD For...