Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

Exploration of correlation between multiple subjective and objective evaluation indicators in early stage with recovery time in combination of acupuncture and medication for treating facial neuritis / 重庆医学

Objective To analyze the correlation between the multiple evaluation indicators in the early stage and the cure time(needed time from treatment to cure)of the patients with facial neuritis treated by ac-upuncture combined with medication,and to optimize the subjective and objective indicators enable predicting the cure time of facial neuritis in early stage.Methods All patients were treated by acupuncture and medica-tion combination.The research subjects were 64 patients with facial neuritis from the outpatient of cupuncture and moxibustion department of this hospital.The correlation between the grade of facial nerve paralysis,sur-face electromyography related data,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,Sunnybrook Facial Grading System(SFGS)score,Facial Disability Index-Physical(FDIP)score,Facial Disability Index-Social(FDIS)score on 7 d of onset with the cure time was analyzed.Results The cure time was positively correlated with the grade of facial nerve paralysis and FDIS score on 7 d of onset(P＜0.01),amd negatively correlated with the scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP score,SFGS score and the affected side to healthy ratio of CMAP amplitude of buccal temporal branch of facial nerve(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05);the cure time had no sig-nificant correlation with the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP amplitude in zygomatic branch of facial nerve,the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP latent period of temporal branch,buccal branch and zygomatic branch of facial nerve and F wave output rate(P＞0.05).Conclusion In the early stage subjective indicators of the acupuncture combined with medication for treating facial neuritis,grade of facial nerve paralysis,self-made symptom scoring scale,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP and FDIS scores and the ratio of affected side to healthy side of CMAP amplitude of the buccal branch,temporal branch of the facial nerve in sEMG in the objective indicators could be used to predict the cure time,better guide the treatment and have more effective and accurate comunication with the patients.

Effects of dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of varying consistencies and volumes on the hyoid muscles in healthy adults / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Modification of food consistency and volume is a commonly used method of swallowing compensation in clinical practice.Dry swallowing is a commonly used method of evaluation.The hyoid muscles are very important in swallowing.The effects of dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies and volumes on hyoid muscle activation levels are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of simple dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies and volumes on the hyoid muscles in healthy adults. METHODS:A total of 44 healthy adults were included from April to August 2019,including 19 males and 25 females,with an average age of(21.7±2.8)years.They randomly performed dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies(the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative(IDDSI)frame levels 0-4)and volumes(5,10,20 mL),and the surface electromyogram signals of the hyoid muscles during each swallowing task were recorded.After processing the raw surface electromyogram signals,the activation levels of the hyoid muscles were compared between dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistency and volume. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to swallowing tasks of 20 mL for levels 0-4,10 mL for level 3,and 5 mL for level 4 were higher than those of dry swallowing(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 5-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for level 3(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 10-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for levels 2 and 3(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to all swallowing tasks were higher than that of dry swallowing(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than that of the 5-and 10-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to the 10-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 5-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for level 3(P＜0.05).To conclude,in healthy adults performing swallowing tasks of different volumes and consistencies,the level of activation of the hyoid muscles is less susceptible to IDDSI frame levels 0-4 consistency and more susceptible to volume.The higher volume indicates the higher activation level of the hyoid muscles.

Relationship between muscle activation characterization and fall risk in older adults during walking up and down stairs / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:During stair walking,different muscles work in concert and compensate for each other,and it is unclear whether weakened muscle strength actually affects stair fall risk in older adults.Real-time electromyographic signals from older adults during stair walking are used to reflect high fall risk in older adults during stair walking,which may further improve the accuracy of prediction methods. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of aging on lower limb muscle activation in older adults during stair walking and to analyze the relationship between their muscle activation characteristics and stair fall risk. METHODS:Subjects were divided by age into an older group(n=19)and a younger group(n=18)group and were asked to walk on a 10-step staircase at a natural speed,incorporating surface electromyography acquisition technology,to capture surface electromyography signals during stair walking and calculate the root mean square(RMS)to analyze differences in muscle activation levels.Logistic regression analysis was utilized to establish a predictive model for stair fall risk in older adults by incorporating the lateral femoral and gastrocnemius muscle RMS.The discrimination of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve,and the fit of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Activation of the rectus femoris(Z=-3.464,P=0.001;t=3.379,P=0.002)and lateral gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.978,P=0.003;Z=-3.555,P<0.001)was higher in older adults than in younger adults when walking up and down stairs.Activation of the anterior tibialis(Z=-2.350,P=0.019)and medial(Z=2.321,P=0.020)and lateral(t=3.158,P=0.004)gastrocnemius muscles was higher in older adults when ascending stairs than descending stairs.Older adults at risk for falls had less activation of the lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.613,P=0.009),medial gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.286,P=0.022)when walking upstairs,and lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.368,P=0.018)when walking downstairs than did older adults not at risk for falls.The predictive ability,goodness of fit,and discrimination of the stair fall prediction model for older adults based on surface electromyography were good(P-value of 0.010 for the Omnibus test of the model coefficients,P-value of 0.214 for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and the area of the curve of the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle=0.856,P=0.009).(5)The model was modeled with a cut-off value of 38.64 for the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS value and there was a 0.952-fold increase in the risk of staircase falls for each unit decrease in the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS in older adults.

Diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasound combined with electromyographic physiological parameters for postpartum SUI of different degrees and pelvic floor function of primipara / 中国医学装备

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasound combined with electromyography physiological parameters for postpartum stress urinary incontinence(SUI)of different degrees and pelvic floor function of primipara.Methods:A total of 160 SUI patients who admitted to Yan'an hospital of Kunming City from January 2019 to January 2022 were selected,and they were divided into abnormal group(110 cases)and normal group(50 cases)according to pelvic floor function(the muscle voltage values of different muscle fibers).The SUI was graded according to the Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis of Urological Diseases and the International Incontinence Advisory Committee's Incontinence Questionnaire(ICI-Q-SF).The posterior horn(α)of bladder and urethra at rest,the displacements of the bladder neck on y-axis(△y)and x-axis(△x)after the rest to the fatigue action,the proximal urethral rotation angle after the rest to the fatigue action(γ),the posterior horn of bladder and urethra(β)after the fatigue action were observed.The electromyography was used to draw and record the pelvic floor myoelectric activity signals of the patients of two groups at five stages(pre baseline rest period,class II muscle fiber systole period,class II and I muscle fiber systole period,class I muscle fiber systole period and post baseline rest period).And then,the muscle voltage values of different muscle fibers on the surface of pelvic floor were quantified.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in Δ x between patients with postpartum SUI of different degrees.There were significant differences in △y,α,β and γ between patients with postpartum SUI of different degrees(F=7.162,7.655,14.998,2.758,P<0.05).The differences of the means of muscle voltages of pre and post baseline rest period,and class I muscle fiber systole period among patients with postpartum SUI of different degrees were not significant.The differences of the means of muscle voltages of class II,and the class II and I muscle fiber systole period among patients with postpartum SUI of different degrees were significant(F=12.062,24.501,P<0.05),respectively.There was no statistically significant difference in △x between the two groups.The △y,α,β and γ of abnormal group were significantly higher than those of normal group(t=8.991,8.691,9.389,27.552,P<0.05),respectively.There were no statistically significant differences in the means of muscle voltage values of the pre and post baseline rest period,and class I muscle fibers systole period between the two groups.The means of muscle voltage values of class II,and class II and I muscle fibers systole period in the abnormal group was significantly higher than them in the normal group(t=9.613,14.452,P<0.05),respectively.The sensitivities of △y,α,β,γ,the means of class II muscle fibers systole period,and the means of class II and I muscle fibers systole period of pelvic floor ultrasound and electromyography physiological parameters were respectively 71.60%,79.40%,81.40%,91.20%,83.30%and 82.40%,and the specificities of them were respectively 41.40%,37.90%,37.90%,60.30%,41.40%,and 44.80%in diagnosing postpartum SUI of different degrees of primipara.The sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis of them were respectively 92.20%and 82.80%in diagnosing postpartum SUI of different degrees of primipara.The sensitivities of △y,α,β,γ,the means of class II muscle fibers systole period,and the means of class II and I muscle fibers systole period of pelvic floor ultrasound and electromyography physiological parameters were respectively 79.10%,77.30%,88.20%,89.10%,77.30%,87.30%,and the specificities of them were respectively 64.00%,64.00%,52.00%,46.00%,70.00%and 66.00%in diagnosing pelvic floor function of primipara.The sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were respectively 98.20%and 80.00%in diagnosing pelvic floor function of primipara.Conclusion:Pelvic floor electromyography physiological parameters and pelvic floor ultrasonic parameters have a certain value in diagnosing postpartum SUI of different degrees and pelvic floor function,and the value of the combined diagnosis of them is higher.

Multisensory Conflict Impairs Cortico-Muscular Network Connectivity and Postural Stability: Insights from Partial Directed Coherence Analysis / 神经科学通报·英文版

Sensory conflict impacts postural control, yet its effect on cortico-muscular interaction remains underexplored. We aimed to investigate sensory conflict's influence on the cortico-muscular network and postural stability. We used a rotating platform and virtual reality to present subjects with congruent and incongruent sensory input, recorded EEG (electroencephalogram) and EMG (electromyogram) data, and constructed a directed connectivity network. The results suggest that, compared to sensory congruence, during sensory conflict: (1) connectivity among the sensorimotor, visual, and posterior parietal cortex generally decreases, (2) cortical control over the muscles is weakened, (3) feedback from muscles to the cortex is strengthened, and (4) the range of body sway increases and its complexity decreases. These results underline the intricate effects of sensory conflict on cortico-muscular networks. During the sensory conflict, the brain adaptively decreases the integration of conflicting information. Without this integrated information, cortical control over muscles may be lessened, whereas the muscle feedback may be enhanced in compensation.

The biomechanical research of knee osteoarthritis patients under different angular velocities based on the characteristic multichannel surface electromyography / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To observe and analyze the surface electromyography activity of quadriceps femoris of knee osteoar-thritis(KOA)patients. Method:The surface electromyography of vastus lateralis,rectus femoris,and vastus medialis were recorded and analyzed in 30 KOA patients and 30 normal people during isokinetic knee flexion or extension at veloci-ties of 60 °/s,90 °/s or 180 °/s.We also record clinical indicators(muscle thickness and degree of knee pain)of the KOA group and evaluate the correlation between electromyographic data and clinical indicators. Result:Compared with the healthy control group,the KOA group had significantly lower knee extensor mo-ment during isokinetic knee flexion or extension at velocities of 60°/s(P＜0.001),90°/s(P＜0.01),or 180°/s(P＜0.01).Statistics showed that there were significant differences in the median frequency difference rate of vastus lateralis(P＜0.05)and root mean square value of rectus femoris(P＜0.01)between the healthy control group and the KOA group under 60°/s angular velocities.There was a significant difference in the root mean square value of rectus femoris(P＜0.05)between the two groups at velocities of 90°/s.Statistics revealed that the median frequency difference rate(P＜0.05)and root mean square value(P＜0.05)of rectus femoris had changed significantly at the velocities of 180°/s.The results of both multiple regression and random forest algo-rithm showed that knee extensor moment was the strongest predictor between electromyographic characteristics and clinical indicators. Conclusion:The strength of quadriceps femoris in KOA patients was decreased.Thus,the patient may need more muscles to complete the same action,which was easy to cause muscle fatigue.The knee extensor moment was closely related to the quadriceps femoris thickness and the degree of knee pain.It offers important advantag-es for the diagnosis and assessing the severity,which may provide the way for the future study of KOA.

Application of a multifunctional torticollis orthosis with manual correction in paediatric congenital myoton-ic torticollis / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of using multi-functional torticollis orthosis with manipulation in pediatric congenital myotonic torticollis. Method:In this study,60 children with congenital myotonic torticollis were randomly divided into a test group and a control group.The test group was treated with a multi-torticollis orthosis on the basis of tradition-al corrective manual therapy,while the control group was only treated with manual correction.After three months of treatment,the corrective effect of the orthosis in different neck positions of the children was ob-served.Surface electromyography(sEMG)data analysis was conducted by collecting sEMG signals of the stern-ocleidomastoid muscle in two neck positions:lateral flexion and rotation.The sEMG signal characteristics of each child's sternocleidomastoid muscle were then analyzed.Subsequently,an overall assessment of the treat-ment for the children with torticollis was performed. Result:The root mean square(RMS)values of the sternocleidomastoid surface EMG signals were significantly higher in the test group than those in the control group,with a significant difference(P＜0.05).There were sig-nificant differences between the two groups before and after treatment(P＜0.01).Overall,the total effective treatment rate in the test group was 96.67％,which was significantly higher than that in the control group,showing a significant difference(P＜0.01). Conclusion:In children with early-stage congenital muscular torticollis,the orthosis is precise,reliable,com-fortable and adjustable,and the combination of manual correction makes significant clinical outcomes and im-provements of torticollis in children.

Effect of knee isokinetic training on mild to moderate muscle spasticity of the lower limbs in stroke patients / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To observe the effect of knee isometric training on mild to moderate lower limb muscle spasticity in stroke patients.Methods A total of 130 stroke hemiplegia patients were prospectively included in this study.They were admitted to Xiangcheng People's Hospital of Suzhou City between August 2021 and December 2023 and numbered according to the order of collection.The patients were then randomly assigned to either the control group or the isokinetic group using a random number table.Each group consisted of 65 cases.Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation training(5 days a week,40 minutes per day),with the isokinetic group receiving additional isokinetic muscle training(5 days a week,20 minutes per day)on top of the conventional rehabilitation training.The treatment period lasted for 6 weeks.The surface electromyographic signals of the rectus femoris muscle on the affected side were analyzed for their root-mean-square(RMS),integral electromyographic(iEMG)values,the modified Ashworth scale(MAS)scores,knee flexors and extensors peak torque and its ratio,the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale-lower extremity(FMA-LE)scores,and the 10 m walk test were used before and after the treatments to compare the surface electromyography of rectus femoris,the degree of muscle spasticity and exercise capacity of the lower extremities of the two groups.Results Prior to treatment,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the RMS of the rectus femoris muscle,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the flexor and extensor muscles and their ratio,FMA-LE score,and step speed(all P＞0.05).RMS of the rectus femoris muscle,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and their ratios,FMA-LE scores,and step speed improved in control group after treatment compared to before treatment([12.3±2.2]μV vs.[15.5± 2.9]μV,[24.8±2.3]μV·s vs.[29.2±3.1]μV·s,[1.34±0.15]points vs.[1.56± 0.25]points,[20.8±3.4]N·m vs.[12.3±2.5]N·m,[34.5±2.3]N·m vs.[26.3±3.6]N·m,0.60±0.16 vs.0.47±0.14,[26.1±2.9]points vs.[21.3±2.4]points,[0.61±0.14]m/s vs.[0.46±0.15]m/s;all P＜0.05).Rectus femoris muscle RMS,iEMG values,MAS scores,peak torque of the flexor and extensor muscles and their ratio,FMA-LE scores and step speed after treatment in the isokinetic group were(10.9±1.8)μV,(22.4±2.1)μV·s,(1.25±0.18)points,(28.7±3.0)N·m,(41.5±2.8)N·m,0.69±0.18,(29.0±2.3)points,(0.69±0.18)m/s,compared with pretreatment(respectively[15.4±2.2]μV,[29.6±3.0]μV·s,[1.58±0.34]points,[12.6± 2.3]N·m,[26.1±3.1]N·m,0.48±0.17,[21.5±2.1]points,[0.48±0.17]m/s)and control group after treatment,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Before treatment,the differences in rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values between patients with mild spasticity and patients with moderate spasticity in the isokinetic group and the corresponding patients with mild spasticity and moderate spasticity within the control group were not statistically significant(all P＞0.05).After treatment,the rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values in patients with mild spasticity within the isokinetic group([10.2±1.0]μV and[20.2±2.0]μV·s,respectively)were statistically different from those before treatment([14.1±2.3]μV and[28.1±3.2]μV·s,respectively)and those after treatment in patients with mild spasticity within the control group([11.4±1.7]μV and[23.6±2.5]μV·s respectively;all P＜0.05);the rectus femoris muscle RMS and iEMG values in patients with moderate spasticity within the isokinetic group improved compared with the pre-treatment period([11.8±1.5]μV vs.[16.9±2.6)μV,and[24.9±2.2]μV·s vs.[31.3±3.8]μV·s,respectively;both P＜0.05),and with the control group after treatment(RMS and iEMG values of[13.2±2.5]μV and[26.1± 2.7]μV·s,respectively),the difference in RMS was statistically significant(P＜0.01),and the difference in iEMG values was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Isokinetic muscle training has a positive effect on improving mild-to-moderate muscle spasticity of the lower limb knee extension,and the effect is more significant the lighter the degree of spasticity.

Evaluating the outcome of idiopathic tremor through tremor analysis / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To explore the differences in tremor characteristics between patients with primary Parkinson's disease(IPD),essential tremor(ET),and Parkinson's disease developed from essential tremor(ET-PD).Method Thirty IPD patients,30 ETs,and 20 ET-PD patients were included,and the frequency,contraction pattern,and presence of harmonics of static and postural tremors were compared among the three groups.Results There were statistically significant differences(P<0.01)among the IPD group,ET group,and ET-PD group in terms of age of onset,disease course,and the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale(UPDRS)score.There were statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in the average frequency of stationary tremors,average frequency of postural tremors,rate of alternating tremors in stationary state,rate of alternating tremors in postural state,and rate of harmonic occurrence in stationary state among the IPD group,ET group,and ET-PD group,as well as in the rate of harmonic occurrence in postural state(P<0.05).Conclusion The IPD group,ET group,and ET-PD group each have significant differences in tremor characteristics.The ET-PD group has both characteristics and uniqueness,and tremor analysis can help identify this disease.

Effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MethodsA total of 60 patients with CNLBP in Jiaxing Second Hospital from January, 2022 to March, 2023 were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 30). Both groups received health education, physical factor therapy and core stability training, while the experimental group received respiratory training in addition, for four weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association low back pain (JOA) score and Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI) were compared between two groups before and after treatment, while surface electromyography was used to detect the root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps (movement muscles), and the activation sequence and relative activation time of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps were calculated. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of VAS, JOA and ODI improved significantly in both groups (|t| > 8.515, P < 0.001), and the scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.089, P < 0.05). RMS and iEMG of transversus abdominis and multifidus improved significantly after treatment in both groups (|t| > 18.831, P < 0.001), and were significantly better in the experimental group (|t| > 3.481, P < 0.05). The transversus abdominis and multifidus in both groups were activated before the movement muscles, and the relative activation time of transversus abdominis and multifidus increased in negative (|t| > 48.115, P < 0.001), the experimental group being better (|t| > 3.229, P < 0.05). ConclusionCombination of core stability training and respiratory training is beneficial in reducing the pain of patients with CNLBP, reducing the lumbar dysfunction, improving the order of muscle activation, and strengthening feedforward control.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on maximal voluntary contraction in women with temporomandibular dysfunction: randomized clinical trial / Efeitos da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea na contração voluntária máxima de mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) combined with manual therapy in women diagnosed with muscular Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) with or without Reduced Disc Displacement (RDD). The objective was to evaluate the action of manual therapy in conjunction with TENS as a therapeutic tool for treating TMD, analyzing the electromyographic tasks in MVC and in rest, and measuring pain scores with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). METHODS: This study has a blinded randomized clinical trial design. In this context, after screening, 11 women with a diagnosis of muscular TMD with or without RDD, aged between 18 and 39 years, were investigated. The 11 women were randomly divided into two intervention groups, one receiving manual therapy alone and the other receiving manual therapy together with TENS. The participants were assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and MBGR protocols for inclusion and exclusion, using the VAS to analyze pain, and Surface Electromyography (EMG) to analyze MVC and rest muscle activation. RESULTS: Lower MVC and rest values were observed after the intervention in both intervention groups. Manual therapy alone was as effective as manual therapy combined with TENS. There was no difference between the manual therapy group (MG) and manual therapy+TENS group (TG) in the VAS scores, however when comparing pre- and post-intervention, lower values were observed in the scores of both groups. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed a reduction in pain, but the combination of TENS and manual therapy showed a slight improvement in the stability of the masticatory muscles compared to manual therapy alone. With or without TENS, muscle relaxation and analgesia were achieved.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Esta pesquisa teve o propósito de avaliar a eficácia da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) combinada com terapia manual em mulheres diagnosticadas com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) muscular com ou sem Deslocamento de Disco com Redução (DDR). O objetivo foi avaliar a ação da terapia manual em conjunto com a TENS como ferramenta terapêutica para tratamentos da DTM, analisando as tarefas eletromiográficas na Contração Voluntária Máxima (CVM) e no repouso, e aferindo os escores da dor com a Escala Analógica Visual (EAV). MÉTODOS: Este estudo possui um desenho de ensaio clínico randomizado cego. No contexto, após a triagem foram investigadas 11 mulheres com diagnóstico de DTM muscular com ou sem DDR, com idades entre 18 e 39 anos. As 11 mulheres foram divididas randomicamente em dois grupos de intervenção, um deles recebendo somente terapia manual e outro grupo recebendo a terapia manual juntamente com a TENS. As participantes foram avaliadas pelos protocolos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Desordens Temporomandibulares (DC/TMD) e MBGR para inclusão e exclusão, por meio da EAV para análise da dor, e da Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMG) para a análise da CVM e do repouso, verificando a ativação muscular. RESULTADOS: Foram observados menores valores da CVM e de repouso após a intervenção em ambos os grupos de intervenção. A aplicação só de terapia manual é tão eficaz quanto o uso de terapia manual em conjunto com a TENS. Não houve diferença entre o grupo com terapia manual (GM) e o grupo com terapia manual+TENS (GT) nos escores da EAV, entretanto quando comparados pré e pós-intervenção, foram observados menores valores nos escores dos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os grupos apresentaram redução da dor, mas a combinação de TENS e terapia manual mostrou ligeira melhora na estabilidade da musculatura mastigatória em comparação com a terapia manual isolada. Com ou sem TENS, o relaxamento muscular e a analgesia foram alcançados.

Perfil clínica y electromiográfico de las distrofias musculares en República Dominicana / Clinical and electromyographic profile of muscular dystrophies in the Dominican Republic

Introducción: Las distrofias musculares son trastornos miogénicos hereditarios caracterizados por una atrofia muscular progresiva y una debilidad de distribución y gravedad variable. La población de Republica Dominicana es fruto de una mezcla de etnias, haciéndola portadora de una herencia cromosómica y ADN diverso, siendo susceptibles a poder presentar cualquier desorden de carácter hereditario. Material y métodos: Con una muestra de 17 pacientes obtenidos entre septiembre 2019- marzo 2020, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y transversal, en el cual se hizo una revisión de los expedientes de la clínica de miopatías en la consulta de neurología pediátrica del Hospital Infantil Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, para describir el perfil clínico de los pacientes con distrofia muscular y los hallazgos de electromiografía en los casos que la misma. Resultados: se encontró que la distribución de la edad correspondió a 5-9 años en un 53%, siendo el sexo masculino, el más frecuente. En el 70.59% presentaron antecedentes familiares de distrofia muscular. Los principales motivos de consulta fueron cansancio y caídas frecuentes. Conclusión: En los hallazgos de electromiografía, el porcentaje de pacientes que presentó esta prueba con alteraciones fue de 88.24% y sin alteraciones el 11.76%. Esto nos demuestra, la gran utilidad de dicho estudio en el diagnóstico de las distrofias musculares en países donde no se cuenta con estudio molecular, siendo una de las pruebas esenciales en el abordaje diagnóstico de los pacientes con sospecha clínica de dichas patologías.

Introduction: Muscular dystrophies are hereditary myogenic disorders characterized by progressive muscular atrophy and weakness of variable distribution and severity. The population of the Dominican Republic is the result of a mixture of ethnic groups, making it the bearer of a diverse chromosomal inheritance and DNA, being susceptible to presenting any hereditary disorder. Methods: With a sample of 17 patients obtained between September 2019-March 2020, a retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study, in which a review of the files of the myopathies clinic was made in the pediatric neurology consultation of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, to describe the clinical profile of patients with muscular dystrophy and the electromyography findings in the cases with the same. Results: The age distribution corresponded to 5-9 years; 53%, being the masculines, the most frequent sex. In 70.59%, there was a family history of muscular dystrophy. The main reasons for consultation were fatigue and frequent falls. Conclusion: In the electromyography findings, the percentage of patients who presented this test with alterations was 88.24% and 11.76% without alterations. This result shows us the great utility of said study in the workup of muscular dystrophies in countries with no availabilities for molecular studies, being one of the essential tests in the diagnostic approach of patients with clinical suspicion of said pathologies.

Pattern of maximum voluntary contraction in patients with temporomandibular disorder before and after speech therapy with and without use of elastic bandages / Padrão de contração voluntária máxima em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após terapia fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify if there is an electromyographic difference during maximal (maximum) voluntary contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders, before and after speech therapy intervention with and without the use of therapeutic elastic bandages. Methods: an analysis of secondary data from a clinical intervention study, carried out with 17 adult volunteers, diagnosed with temporomandibular muscle dysfunction with or without disc displacement with reduction. The Bandage Group received manual therapy associated with elastic bandages and the No Bandage Group received only manual therapy. Surface electromyography was performed to record the Maximum Voluntary Contraction before and after four weeks of speech therapy intervention. For exploratory analysis, the Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon paired tests were used, with P<0.05. Results: in the Bandage Group, there was a statistically significant decrease in electrical activity during Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the masseter and temporalis muscles on the left side at the post-therapeutic moment. Comparing the pre- and post-intervention between Bandage Group and No Bandage Group, a statistical difference was found in the electrical activity values of the Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the left temporal muscle. Conclusion: manual myofunctional speech therapy, associated or not with the use of therapeutic elastic bandages, impacts the muscle activity of the masseter and temporal muscles during Maximum Voluntary Contraction, whether the values demonstrate relaxation and/or equivalence of the electromyographic values of the masticatory muscles.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se há diferença eletromiográfica durante contração voluntária máxima dos músculos masseter e temporal de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, antes e após intervenção fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica terapêutica. Métodos: foi realizada a análise de dados secundários de estudo do tipo intervenção clínica, com 17 voluntárias, adultas, com diagnóstico de disfunção temporomandibular muscular com ou sem deslocamento de disco com redução. O Grupo Bandagem recebeu terapia manual associada à bandagem elástica e o Grupo Sem Bandagem recebeu apenas terapia manual. Foi realizada eletromiografia de superfície para registro da contração voluntária máxima antes e após quatro semanas de intervenção fonoaudiológica. Para análise exploratória foram utilizados os testes: Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon Pareado, com p<0,05. Resultados: no Grupo Bandagem, houve diminuição estatisticamente significante da atividade elétrica durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima nos músculos masseter e temporal do lado esquerdo no momento pós-terapêutico. Na comparação do pré e pós-intervenção entre Grupo Bandagem e Grupo Sem Bandagem, constatou-se diferença estatística nos valores da atividade elétrica de Contração Voluntária Máxima no músculo temporal esquerdo. Conclusão: a terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional manual, associada ou não ao uso da bandagem elástica terapêutica, impacta a atividade muscular dos músculos masseter e temporal durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima, sejam os valores demonstrando relaxamento e/ou equivalência dos valores eletromiográficos da musculatura mastigatória.

The squat exercise recruits core muscles as much as localized exercises / O exercício de agachamento recruta músculos do tronco tanto quanto exercícios localizados

Abstract Introduction In the context of resistance training, which encompasses both strengthening and rehabilitation, the incorporation of global range exercises demands intense activation of the trunk muscle groups, which play a primary role in body stabilization. The squat, notorious for its complexity and effectiveness in activating stabilizers during execution, raises a central question: whether this exercise recruits the muscles more significantly compared to localized exercises, such as push-ups and trunk exten-sions. Objective To identify the degree of activation of the trunk muscles during squats and compare it with localized exercises for the trunk muscles: lumbar and abdominal. Methods Using surface electromyography, the activation of the iliocostalis, multifidus, internal oblique, external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles was evaluated. The sample included 16 physically active volunteers of both sexes. A repeated measures t-test (α < 0.05) was used as an analysis method. Results The iliocostalis, multifidus and internal oblique muscles showed similar levels of activation both in the squat and in their respective isolated exercises, while the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles showed greater activity during trunk flexion. Conclusion It is possible to infer that squats are an effective exercise for training the iliocostalis, multifidus and internal oblique muscles, while localized exercises are more suitable for strengthening the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. Such conclusion can contribute to optimizing the planning of exercise sessions by replacing isolated trunk exercises with squats.

Resumo Introdução No contexto do treinamento resistido, que engloba tanto o fortalecimento quanto a reabilitação, a incorporação de exercícios de alcance global demanda uma intensa ativação dos grupos musculares do tronco, os quais desempenham um papel primordial na estabilização corporal. O agachamento, notório por sua complexidade e eficácia na ativação dos estabilizadores durante a execução, suscita uma questão central: se o agachamento recruta de forma mais acentuada a musculatura do tronco comparativamente a exercícios localizados, tais como flexões e extensões do tronco. Objetivo Identificar o grau de ativação dos músculos do tronco durante o agachamento e confrontá-lo com exercícios localizados para a musculatura do tronco: lombar e abdominal. Métodos Através da aplicação da eletromiografia de superfície, avaliou-se a ativação dos músculos iliocostal, multífido, oblíquo interno, oblíquo externo e reto abdominal. A amostra englobou 16 voluntários de ambos os gêneros, fisicamente ativos. Empregou-se um teste t de medidas repetidas (α < 0,05) como método de análise. Resultados Os músculos iliocostal, multífido e oblíquo interno manifestaram níveis semelhantes de ativação tanto no agachamento quanto em seus respectivos exercícios isolados, enquanto os músculos reto abdominal e oblíquo externo apresentaram maior atividade durante a flexão do tronco. Conclusão É possível inferir que o agachamento se configura como um exercício eficaz para o treinamento do iliocostal, multífido e oblíquo interno, enquanto os exercícios localizados se revelam mais indicados para o fortalecimento do oblíquo externo e dos músculos reto abdominais. Tais conclusões podem contribuir para a otimização do planejamento de sessões de exercícios, mediante a substituição de exercícios isolados de tronco pelo agachamento.

Electrical activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles and aspects of swallowing in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta

ABSTRACT Purpose: to characterize the electrical activation of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles at rest and during swallowing tasks, to compare it with clinical aspects of swallowing. Methods: a cross-sectional study, divided into mild osteogenesis imperfecta and moderate-to-severe osteogenesis imperfecta groups. Surface electromyography was performed on the masseter and suprahyoid muscles at rest and during swallowing tasks. The Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores assessment form was used to assess clinical aspects of swallowing. Results: moderate-to-severe osteogenesis imperfecta participants presented a higher percentage of masseter activation than mild osteogenesis imperfecta ones. Regarding the clinical aspects of swallowing, the total sample presented 40.9% normal lip occlusion or with slight effort; 59.1% demonstrated tongue protrusion and 50% showed two other signs of atypical function. Furthermore, the higher the score for lip activity during swallowing, the lower the activation of the suprahyoid muscles at rest. Conclusions: the activation of the suprahyoid muscles while swallowing saliva and during consecutive swallows of liquid was similar, and activation during different tasks was higher in the moderate-to-severe osteogenesis imperfecta group. The better the labial myofunctional condition during swallowing, the lower the electrical activation of the suprahyoid muscles at rest.

Clinical and electromyographic evaluation pre and post lingual frenotomy of an infant with ankyloglossia: A case report / Avaliação clínica e eletromiográfica de bebê com anquiloglossia pré e pós-frenotomia lingual: relato de caso

ABSTRACT The goal is to present a clinical case of a baby diagnosed with ankyloglossia evaluated clinically and by surface electromyography, during bottle sucking before and after 15, 30 and 60 days of lingual frenotomy. Based on the anatomofunctional evaluation of the Tongue Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies, interference of the lingual frenulum was identified. The tongue, during sleep, was positioned on the floor of the mouth. The initial electromyographic evaluation of the suprahyoid muscles, during bottle feeding, showed asymmetry in root mean square (RMS) values, in microvolts (μV), between the right and left suprahyoid muscles. The evaluation was repeated after 15, 30 and 60 days after lingual frenotomy. After 15 days, appropriate lip and tongue posture, coordinated sucking movements, and absence of noises or choking were observed. After 30 days, symmetry was observed between the suprahyoid muscles, which was maintained 60 days after the surgical procedure. After lingual frenotomy, the adequacy of the position of lips and tongue, during rest and sleep, was reestablished within 15 days, and after 30 days of the procedure, there was adequacy of the tongue posture, during crying, and symmetry of the electromyographic activity of the suprahyoid muscles, during sucking. The results were maintained until the end of the study.

RESUMO O objetivo é apresentar um caso clínico de um bebê diagnosticado com anquiloglossia, avaliado clinicamente e por eletromiografia de superfície na sucção de mamadeira antes e após 15, 30 e 60 dias da frenotomia lingual. Baseado na avaliação anatomofuncional do Protocolo de Avaliação do Frênulo da Língua em Bebês, identificou-se interferência do frênulo lingual. A língua, durante o sono, apresentava-se no assoalho da boca. A avaliação eletromiográfica inicial dos músculos supra-hioideos, na sucção por mamadeira, mostrou assimetria no root mean square (RMS), em microvolts (μV), entre os músculos supra-hioideos direitos e esquerdos. A avaliação foi repetida após 15, 30 e 60 dias da frenotomia lingual. Após 15 dias observaram-se postura de lábio e língua adequadas, sucção com movimentos coordenados, ausência de ruídos ou engasgos. Após 30 dias observou-se simetria entre os músculos supra-hioideos, que se manteve 60 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Após a frenotomia lingual, a adequação da posição de lábios e língua, durante repouso e sono, foram restabelecidas em 15 dias, e, após 30 dias do procedimento, ocorreu adequação da postura de língua no choro e simetria da atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos supra-hioideos na sucção. Os resultados foram mantidos até o fim do estudo.

Electrophysiological evaluation of the neuromuscular junction: a brief review / Avaliação eletrofisiológica da junção neuromuscular: breve revisão

Abstract The nerve terminal and muscle membrane compose the neuromuscular junction. After opening the voltage-gated calcium channels, action potentials from the motor axons provoke a cascade for the acetylcholine release from synaptic vesicles to the synaptic cleft, where it binds to its receptor at the muscle membrane for depolarization. Low amplitude compound muscle action potential typically presents in presynaptic disorders, increasing by more than 100% after a 10-second effort in the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and less in botulism. Needle electromyography may show myopathic motor unit action potentials and morphological instability ("jiggle") due to impulse blocking. Low-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) is helpful in postsynaptic disorders, such as myasthenia gravis and most congenital myasthenic syndromes, where the number of functioning acetylcholine receptors is reduced. Low-frequency RNS with a decrement >10% is abnormal when comparing the 4th to the first compound muscle action potential amplitude. High-frequency RNS is helpful in presynaptic disorders like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, botulism, and some rare congenital myasthenic syndromes. The high-frequency RNS releases more calcium, increasing the acetylcholine with a compound muscle action potential increment. Concentric needle records apparent single-fiber action potentials (spikes). A voluntary activation measures the jitter between spikes from two endplates. An electrical activation measures the jitter of one spike (one endplate). The jitter is the most sensitive test for detecting a neuromuscular junction dysfunction. Most neuromuscular junction disorders are responsive to treatment.

Resumo O nervo terminal e a membrana muscular compõem a junção neuromuscular. Após a abertura dos canais de cálcio dependentes de voltagem, os potenciais de ação do axônio motor provocam uma cascata de eventos que libera acetilcolina das vesículas para a fenda sináptica, ligando-se ao receptor na membrana muscular para despolarização. O potencial de ação muscular composto de baixa amplitude ocorre nas desordens pré-sinápticas, aumentando em mais de 100% após esforço de 10 segundos na síndrome miastênica de Lambert-Eaton e menos no botulismo. A eletromiografia pode mostrar potenciais de ação da unidade motora miopáticos e instabilidade morfológica ("jiggle") devido ao bloqueio do impulso. Estimulação nervosa repetitiva (ENR) de baixa frequência é útil nos distúrbios pós-sinápticos, como miastenia gravis e a maioria das síndromes miastênicas congênitas, quando há número reduzido de receptores de acetilcolina funcionantes. ENR de baixa frequência com decremento >10% é anormal comparando-se à amplitude do quarto com o primeiro potencial de ação muscular composto. ENR de alta frequência é útil nas doenças pré-sinápticas, como síndrome miastênica de Lambert-Eaton, botulismo e algumas síndromes miastênicas congênitas raras. ENR de alta frequência libera mais cálcio, aumenta acetilcolina, resultando em incremento do potencial de ação muscular composto. O eletrodo de agulha concêntrico registra potenciais de ação aparente de fibra única (PAAFU). Ativação voluntária mede jitter entre dois PAAFUs (duas junções neuromusculares). Ativação elétrica mede jitter de um PAAFU (uma junção neuromuscular). Jitter é o teste mais sensível para detectar disfunção de junção neuromuscular. A maioria dos distúrbios juncionais é responsiva ao tratamento.

Uso de Electromiografía de Alta Densidad en las Distrofias Musculares: una Mirada Actual / Use of high-density electromyography in muscular dystrophies: a current look

Introducción. Las distrofias musculares son trastornos genéticamente heredados que causan la degeneración progresiva de las fibras musculares. La electromiografía, especialmente la de alta densidad, se ha convertido en una herramienta valiosa para el diagnóstico y el estudio de la función muscular de trastornos neuromusculares. Objetivo. Describir y discutir el uso actual de esta técnica en las distrofias musculares. Métodos. Se realizó un Scoping Review sobre el uso de electromiografía de alta densidad en personas con distrofia muscular. Se buscó en PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science y Biblioteca Cochrane Plus, usando palabras clave en inglés y español. Se consideraron estudios desde 2015 a la fecha. Se identificaron tres artículos que cumplían con los criterios establecidos. Resultados. Los estudios se centraron en aplicaciones clínicas y de bioingeniería para personas con distrofia muscular de Duchenne y distrofia facioescapulohumeral. Los resultados sugieren que variables como la fatiga, la activación temporo-espacial y la dimensionalidad en gestos motores están determinados por la degeneración de las fibras musculares, el reemplazo por tejido fibrótico, los cambios adaptativos y la debilidad muscular progresiva característica de este grupo de condiciones. Se resalta la utilidad de la electromiografía de alta densidad en la evaluación y el manejo de la distrofia muscular. Conclusiones. El uso de esta técnica en estos trastornos neuromusculares sigue en aumento, pero se hace necesario explorar más aristas para ampliar su uso como herramienta en el estudio y en el desarrollo de intervenciones terapéuticas en esta condición por parte de profesionales de la salud.

Background. Muscular dystrophies are genetically inherited disorders that cause progressive degeneration of muscle fibers. Electromyography, especially high-density electromyography, has become a valuable tool for the diagnosis and study of muscle function in neuromuscular disorders, so the objective of this study is to describe and discuss the current use of this technique in muscular dystrophies. Methods. A Scoping Review was carried out on the use of high density electromyography in people with muscular dystrophy. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Plus Library were searched using keywords in English and Spanish. Studies from 2015 to date were considered. Three articles were identified that met the established criteria. Results. The studies focused on clinical and bioengineering applications for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy. The results suggest that variables such as fatigue, temporal-spatial activation and dimensionality in motor gestures are determined by the degeneration of muscle fibers, replacement by fibrotic tissue, adaptive changes and progressive muscle weakness characteristic of this group of conditions. The usefulness of high-density electromyography in the evaluation and management of muscular dystrophy is highlighted. Conclusions. The use of this technique in these neuromuscular disorders continues to increase, but it is necessary to explore more aspects to expand its use as a tool in the management of this condition.

A web-based survey to map the electromyography practice in Brazil / Uma enquete via internet para mapear a prática de eletromiografia no Brasil

Abstract Background Detailed information about the electromyography practice in Brazil is largely unavailable. Objective To evaluate where and how electromyography is performed in Brazil, as well as regional disparities and the professional and academic credentials of electromyographers. Methods We conducted an internet-based survey of active Brazilian electromyographers. The websites of health insurance companies, professional academies, medical cooperatives, online search engines, and social networks in each Brazilian state were screened and we evaluated the credentials of each electromyographer listed in the Brazilian Federal Medical Board (BFMB) registration website and their online curricula vitae in the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, CNPq, in Portuguese). We also evaluated the same parameters in a control group of non-electromyographer neurologists randomly matched by geographical distribution and gender. Results We found 469 electromyographers (384 neurologists and 85 non-neurologists), with a male predominance. In total, 81.9% were BFMB-certified neurologists, 49.9%, BFMB-certified clinical neurophysiologists, and 10.4%, BFMB-certified physiatrists. Among the non-neurologists, 48.2% were physiatrists. Most electromyographers practiced in states on the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. When adjusted by population, the Federal District and the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás presented the highest of eletromyographers density. Electromyographers were not more likely to have current/past academic affiliations. Conclusion In Brazil, electromyography is performed predominantly by neurologists, and half of them are BFMB-certified clinical neurophysiologists. The present study highlights regional disparities and may guide government-based initiatives, for instance, to improve the diagnosis of leprosy and the management of neuromuscular disorders within the Brazilian territory.

Resumo Antecedentes Informações detalhadas sobre a prática de eletromiografia no Brasil são em grande parte indisponíveis. Objetivo Avaliar onde e como a eletromiografia é realizada no Brasil, as disparidades regionais, e as credenciais profissionais e acadêmicas dos eletromiografistas. Métodos Realizamos uma enquete via internet de eletromiografistas brasileiros ativos. Foram rastreados sites de operadoras de planos de saúde, academias profissionais médicas, cooperativas médicas, ferramentas de busca online e redes sociais em cada estado brasileiro. Em seguida, avaliamos as credenciais de cada eletromiografista listado no site de registro do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) e seus curricula vitae online no Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). Também avaliamos os mesmos parâmetros em um grupo controle de neurologistas não eletromiografistas pareados aleatoriamente por distribuição geográfica e gênero. Resultados Encontramos 469 eletromiografistas (384 neurologistas e 85 não neurologistas), com predominância do sexo masculino. Ao todo, 81,9% eram neurologistas com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM, 49,9%, neurofisiologistas clínicos com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM, e 10,4%, fisiatras com certificação confirmada pelo mesmo site. Entre os não neurologistas, 48,2% eram fisiatras. A maioria dos eletromiografistas atuava nos estados do Sul e do Sudeste. Quando ajustados pela população, o Distrito Federal e os estados de Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás apresentaram a maior densidade de eletromiografistas. Os eletromiografistas não eram mais propensos a ter vínculos acadêmicos atuais/passados. Conclusão No Brasil, a eletromiografia é realizada predominantemente por neurologistas, e metade deles são neurofisiologistas clínicos com certificação confirmada pelo site do CFM. Este estudo destacou as disparidades regionais, e pode orientar ações governamentais para, por exemplo, melhorar o diagnóstico da hanseníase e o manejo das doenças neuromusculares no território brasileiro.