Analysis of the electromyographic activity of the ankle muscles on unstable proprioception devices with and without the use of shoes: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Proprioceptive exercises are performed in physiotherapy with the use of different unstable devices to improve joint stability using the mechanical and sensory properties of the ligaments, joint capsule and muscles surrounding the joint. However, the literature does not clearly show whether the use of foot wear increases or reduces muscle activity on different types of unstable devices. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the electromyographic activity of the ankle muscles on unstable proprioception devices and a stable surface with and without the use of shoes. METHODS: Thirty active, healthy men were submitted to warmup and familiarization of the devices prior to data collection. The order of data collection was chosen randomly by lots [on stable ground or unstable platforms (BOSU in the normal and inverted positions and proprioceptive disk) with or without the use of shoes]. The individuals remained balanced on these surfaces for 15 s. Biological signals were captured using surface electromyography for the evaluation of the activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and fibularis longus muscles. RESULTS: No differences were found in the activation of the muscle in the comparison of the use and non-use of shoes (p > 0.05). The BOSU device in the normal position led to greater muscle activation than in the inverted position (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of shoes does not alter muscle activity of the ankle on the proprioceptive devices used in the present study. Moreover, these unstable devices each generate different muscle activities.

Acute effects of photobiomodulation therapy and magnetic field on functional mobility in stroke survivors: a randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind, crossover, clinical trial.

Identify the optimal energy delivered with a single application of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) combining different light sources (low-level laser therapy-LLLT and light emitting diode therapy-LEDT) and static magnetic field (sMF) in order to determine the acute effects on functional mobility of stroke survivors. Was conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, triple-blind, clinical trial (RCT). Twelve patients were recruited, however ten concluded the study, they were randomly treated with four PBMT/sMF energies (sham-0 J, 10 J, 30 J, and 50 J per site irradiated), with 1-week interval washout between treatments. PBMT/sMF were administered after the pre-intervention (baseline) evaluation and the total energy delivered per site at each treatment was determined based on the results of the randomization procedure. PBMT/sMF were administered in direct contact with the skin and applied with slight pressure to nine sites on the knee extensors, six sites on the knee flexors, and two sites on the plantar flexors' muscles in both lower limbs (bilaterally). The primary outcome measure was the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the secondary outcome was the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Significant improvements were found in the 6MWT test using a total energy of 30 J per site compared with sham (0 J) (p < 0.05) and compared with the baseline evaluation (p < 0.01). And in the TUG test significant improvements were also found using a total energy per site of 30 J per site compared to sham (0 J) and baseline (p < 0.05). PBMT with different light sources (laser and LEDs) and wavelengths in combination with sMF with a total energy per site of 30 J has positive acute effects on functional mobility in stroke survivors.

Effect of postural insoles on gait pattern in individuals with hemiparesis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Recovering the ability to walk is an important goal of physical therapy for patients who have survived cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Orthotics can provide a reduction in plantar flexion of the ankle, leading to greater stability in the stance phase of the gait cycle. Postural insoles can be used to reorganize the tone of muscle chains, which exerts an influence on postural control through correction reflexes. The aim of the present study was to perform kinematic and spatiotemporal analyses of gait in stroke survivors with hemiparesis during postural insole usage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty stroke victims were randomly divided into two groups: 12 in the experimental group, who used insoles with corrective elements specifically designed for equinovarus foot, and eight in the control group, who used placebo insoles with no corrective elements. Both groups were also submitted to conventional physical therapy. The subjects were analyzed immediately following insole placement and after three months of insole usage. The SMART-D 140® system (BTS Engineering) with eight cameras sensitive to infrared light and the 32-channel SMART-D INTEGRATED WORKSTATION® were used for the three-dimensional gait evaluation. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in kinematic range of movement in the ankle and knee as well as gains in ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion in the experimental group in comparison to the control group after three months of using the insoles. CONCLUSION: Postural insoles offer significant benefits to stroke survivors regarding the kinematics of gait, as evidenced by gains in ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion after three months of usage in combination with conventional physical therapy.

Stabilometric analysis of the effect of postural insoles on static balance in patients with hemiparesis: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the main causes of disability among adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of postural insoles on static balance in individuals with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-four strokes survivors with hemiparesis were recruited from the rehabilitation clinics of the university and randomly allocated to two groups: experimental and control group. The subjects were analyzed for stabilometry, immediately following insole placement and after three months of insole usage, with eyes open and eyes closed. RESULTS: A significant difference was found immediately after postural insole placement regarding anteroposterior range of movement (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant reductions were found in the inter-group analysis after three months of insole usage. CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, postural insoles combined with conventional physical therapy offer significant benefits regarding static postural control among stroke victims after three months of use, as demonstrated by computerized stabilometry.

Analysis of electromyographic activity in spastic biceps brachii muscle following neural mobilization.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertonia is prevalent in anti-gravity muscles, such as the biceps brachii. Neural mobilization is one of the techniques currently used to reduce spasticity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess electromyographic (EMG) activity in spastic biceps brachii muscles before and after neural mobilization of the upper limb contralateral to the hemiplegia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repeated pre-test and post-test EMG measurements were performed on six stroke victims with grade 1 or 2 spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale). The Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULNT1) was the mobilization technique employed. RESULTS: After neural mobilization contralateral to the lesion, electromyographic activity in the biceps brachii decreased by 17% and 11% for 90° flexion and complete extension of the elbow, respectively. However, the results were not statistically significant (p gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When performed using contralateral techniques, neural mobilization alters the electrical signal of spastic muscles.

Influence of heat on fatigue and electromyographic activity of the biceps brachii muscle.

Electromyography enables registering muscle activity during contraction and can identify muscle fatigue. In the present study, 30 volunteers between 18 and 30 years of age were submitted to an exertion 1 min of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The electromyographic signal of the biceps brachii muscle and the strength of the flexor muscles of the elbow were determined before and after the administration of microwave diathermy in order to analyze the influence of heat over the strength of the elbow flexor muscles and fatigue of the biceps brachii. The results demonstrate that the strength of the elbow flexor muscles diminished significantly following the application of heat (p<0.05). Heat also led to a significant reduction in the electrical activity of the muscle studied. The present study demonstrates that microwave diathermy on the biceps brachii muscle reduces the flexion strength of the elbow as well as signs of muscle fatigue in the biceps.