Using EMG for diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders Research Papers (original) (raw)

Abstract
The controversy on dental occlusion has been an issue since the time dentistry was born. No other definition has been studied and written most then that regarding occlusion. With no doubt, initially, “occlusion” was seen as the result of technical and biomechanical applications: a static relationship of contact between two dental or prosthetic arches. Studies on anatomy of the dental arches and physiology of the stomatognathic system, have contributed to understanding how occlusion develops in a unique fashion for each individual. Nevertheless it’s only with the study of the function of the stomatognathic system, along with progress in the development of new diagnostic technological instruments, that we can finally add precious information for a new, more modern definition of dental occlusion.
Specifying an ideal occlusion is important because we can extrapolate precious information that could be applied when creating our smiles. The therapeutic information we gather comes as a result from what we define as a malocclusion and it’s comparison to an ideal occlusion. Our ultimate goal, be it in general prosthetics or orthodontics, is to get as close as possible to achieving an ideal occlusion.

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- Dentistry, Using EMG for diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders, Occlusion, Dental Occlusion

Currently, a wide range of applications in medicine take advantage of robots usage, but this relationship has not yet revealed its full potential. Even if the the idea of robots able to replicate human operations has already been proposed to the popular culture from decades, performing a coordinate human-like movements requires the use of advanced tools, like movement reconstruction and kinematics modelling. Humanoid robots can already autonomously perform complex tasks through human gesture and speech. Instead, implementations of full robotics controls derived from biological signals, like EMG and EEG, are still not fully accomplished, despite the many attempts in the researching panorama.
Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to create a reliable system, for real-time applications, able to decode and then replicate, on a humanoid robot, the same motor task of a subject, using as an input only EMG signals.
In order to accomplish this result, this study is first undertaking a target-oriented classification employing SVM. The successive analysis, implements a different approach of end effector trajectory reconstruction and deriving from it the kinematic that has to be applied to the robotic limb.
The use of MLR models and subsequent Kalman filter for the prediction correction have produced noteworthy results. Moreover, the computational time performance of the algorithm made clear that a real-time application is actually possible.
Future developments of this study could be helping the design of new robotic device and exoskeletons able to support patients with neuro-muscular dysfunctions and moreover develop a new concept of rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

The aim of the present study was to assess the activity levels of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle during static postures under controlled and standardized conditions, and to determine whether the muscle activity differed between sexes. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded unilaterally from the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscle in 17 participants whilst they were performing various postural tasks. EMG amplitude was measured by the root mean square values of the raw signals and normalized to peak maximum contractile values for each muscle (%MVC). The intensity of muscle activity was ranked as light (<3%MVC), moderate (3%MVC EMG 8%MVC), and substantial (>8%MVC). During most tasks the two muscles contracted light to moderately. Head leaning and shoulder shrugging postures yielded substantial muscle activity in both muscles. Muscle activity did not differ significantly between male and female participants (F 1⁄4 3.1; p 1⁄4 0.078). Our findings provided normative values, which will enhance future studies of muscle activity during work in a natural, unrestrained environment.

- by Mauro Farella and +1
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- Ergonomics, Using EMG for diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders, Posture, Ergonomics in Dental Practice

Introduction: Neuromuscular orthodontic techniques that investigate the interrelatedness of the muscles, bones, joints and teeth involved
in oral function, hold promise for the treatment of a spectrum of oral disorders. Indeed, such technologies will help patients receive a
more targeted level of care. Here we present a case report concerning an 11-year-old boy who underwent orthodontic treatment for
recurrent pain of the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ), misaligned teeth, and irregular clicking noises (associated with the right
TMJ) during mouth opening. The basic principles of the use of mandibular tracking, surface electromyography, and transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to diagnose malocclusions and determine the cranio-mandibular relationship are outlined.
Case presentation: Pre-treatment status, progress, post-treatment status and 8-year follow-up data are shown.
Conclusion: As neuromuscular orthodontics can provide detailed functional analyses through a combination of technologies, the
clinician is better placed to evaluate the needs of the patient and deliver treatment. Further deployment of such techniques should,
therefore, be encouraged to increase orthodontic health and practice.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze electrical activity of trunk muscles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients and healthy subjects during trunk lateral bending and rotation movements.
Methods: Ten patients with right thoracic scoliosis [Cobb angle: 29.1° (10.4°)] and 10 control adolescents were studied. Electrical activities of erector spinae muscle at 6th and 10th thoracic and 3rd lumbar vertebral level, and external oblique muscles were measured bilaterally during the right and left bending from standing and prone positions, and trunk rotation in sitting position.
Findings: In trunk rotation to the right, the right-side external oblique (antagonist) muscle in scoliosis group was greater than that in control group (p b 0.05). In left bending fromstanding position, in scoliosis group, the antagonistic activity of EST6muscle was greater than its agonistic activity (p b 0.05). Also, in the right bending motion, the agonistic activity of external oblique of scoliosis group was higher than that of control group (p = 0.02). During the left bending from prone position, right-side EST6 and right-side ESL3 muscles of scoliosis group were greater than that of control group (p b 0.05).
Interpretation: In left bending from standing position, in scoliosis group, the greater antagonistic activity of erector spinaemuscle at 6th thoracic vertebral level than its agonistic activity, indicates that scoliosis is associated with asymmetrical muscle activity. Lateral bending from standing position is appropriate test to distinguish between scoliosis and control subjects. In scoliosis, the asymmetrical muscle activity is not an inherent characteristic since it was not displayed in all back motions.

يهدف البحث إلى إجراء مقارنة بين الطيف الكهربائي وتركيز حامض اللاكتيك لتحديد التعب للرباعين الشباب بأعمار(18-21) سنة ،إذ أشارت مشكلة البحث إلى إن التطور العلمي والتكنولوجي أوجب علينا البحث في تفاصيل ودقائق مسببات الأحداث وعدم الاعتماد على الأساليب التقليدية المتعارف عليها، وغالبا تأتي هذه الأساليب الحديثة في دعم أو تصحيح المفاهيم القديمة للمناهج تدريبية أو الوقوف على السلبيات وتشخيصها أو لفتح أفاق ورؤى جديدة. أما الباب الثاني فقد شمل المواضيع ذات العلاقة بالبحث منها مفاهيم التعب وأسبابه . أما الباب الثالث فقد شمل تحديد المنهج الملائم للبحث وكان المنهج الوصفي أما عينة البحث فكانت 12 من الرباعين الشباب بأعمار(18-20) سنة ، وتمت عملية قياس متغيرات البحث عن طريق استخدام جهاز قياس قدرة الطيف الكهربائي، فضلا عن جهاز قياس حامض اللاكتيك والذي تم القياس بعد مرور 5 دقائق من انتهاء التكراريين الأول والأخير من الوحدة التدريبية .وكذلك أدوات ووسائل جمع المعلومات والتجربة الاستطلاعية وقد استخدم الباحث الحقيبة الإحصائية (SPSS) لمعالجة البيانات

ABSTRACT
This paper discusses a case of muscular dystrophy on which it has been performed HRV analysis. The results that we obtain evidence that the subject delineates a net ANS dysfunction. All the basic parameters relating standard time and frequency domain of HRV analysis result profoundly altered. Examination by Poicaré plot evidences in particular that the subject has an atrial fibrillation. Non linear indexes ApEn and Samp En evidence the very high condition of risk of the subject. The merging indication is for the cardiologist and scholars in cardiovascular disease to perform always ANS investigation in subjects in case of muscular dystrophy. After the NPT treatment, the subject obtains a net improvement.
KEYWORDS
ANS Dysfunction in Muscular Dystrophy, HRV Analysis, Atrial Fibrillation
Cite this paper
Conte, E. , Ware, K. , Marvulli, R. , Ianieri, G. , Megna, M. , Conte, S. , Mendolicchio, L. and Pierangeli, E. (2015) Heart Rate Variability: On the Importance to Perform HRV Analysis in Subjects Affected from Muscular Dystrophy. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 5, 141-149. doi: 10.4236/wjcd.2015.56017.

- by Ken Ware and +1
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- Neuroscience, Emotion, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular disease

A new information-theoretic, one-step clustering algorithm is proposed based on relationship between scatter properties of
samples and associated information content. The algorithm allows the number of clusters and respective cluster centers to be estimated based on a region of samples satisfying locally distributive characteristics. Proposed algorithm is justified with a simple normal distribution cases and it is compared to some other well-known clustering algorithms for real data data which
represents various number of arm movements in the form of AR parameters as well as synthetic data. Simulation results
indicate considerably improved clustering performance compared to previously proposed algorithms. The main advantage of the algorithm lies in the fact its complexity is 1 and it does not require presumed cluster number in contrast to well-known algorithms previously described in literature.

Key points r Classic motor unit (MU) recording and analysis methods do not allow the same MUs to be tracked across different experimental sessions, and therefore, there is limited experimental evidence on the adjustments in MU properties following training or during the progression of neuromuscular disorders. r We propose a new processing method to track the same MUs across experimental sessions (separated by weeks) by using high-density surface electromyography. r The application of the proposed method in two experiments showed that individual MUs can be identified reliably in measurements separated by weeks and that changes in properties of the tracked MUs across experimental sessions can be identified with high sensitivity. r These results indicate that the behaviour and properties of the same MUs can be monitored across multiple testing sessions. r The proposed method opens new possibilities in the understanding of adjustments in motor unit properties due to training interventions or the progression of pathologies. Abstract A new method is proposed for tracking individual motor units (MUs) across multiple experimental sessions on different days. The technique is based on a novel decomposition approach for high-density surface electromyography and was tested with two experimental studies for reliability and sensitivity. Experiment I (reliability): ten participants performed isometric knee extensions at 10, 30, 50 and 70% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force in three sessions, each separated by 1 week. Experiment II (sensitivity): seven participants performed 2 weeks of endurance training (cycling) and were tested pre–post intervention during isometric knee extensions at 10 and 30% MVC. The reliability (Experiment I) and sensitivity (Experiment II) of the measured MU properties were compared for the MUs tracked across sessions, with respect to all MUs identified in each session. In Experiment I, on average 38.3% and 40.1% of the identified MUs could be tracked across two sessions (1 and 2 weeks apart), for the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, respectively. Moreover, the properties of the tracked MUs were more reliable across sessions than those of the full set of identified MUs (intra-class correlation coefficients ranged between 0.63—0.99 and 0.39–0.95, respectively). In Experiment II, ß40% of the MUs could be tracked before and after the training intervention and training-induced changes in * E. Martinez-Valdes and F. Negro contributed equally to this work.

A research on signal processing in the uterine muscle contraction of normal birth mother was committed. The processed signals are the result of signal recording by electromyogram (EMG). EMG is used to detect the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when the muscle contraction and relaxation. Muscle electrical signals can be obtained through the installation of EMG electrodes placed on the skin surface of the normal birth maternal uterine muscle that its data signal would be taken. After this EMG data acquisition, then the signal processing was performed using MATLAB R2015b. Several steps were taken in this research are inputting signal, pre-processing signal by providing a band-pass filter (BPF) which then performed the domain signal change from the time domain into the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In the frequency domain, feature extraction was carried out to see information on the signals. Some characteristic parameters were observed in this research, those are the value of Mean Power (MNP), Mean Frequency (MNF), and Total Power (TTP). Results obtained from this research are; The first patient have an average of mean power of 0.019535, average of mean frequency of 133.6642, and average of total power of 5.861746. For the second patient, it has an average of mean power of 0.018487, average of mean frequency of 135.1483, and average of total power of 5.541304. Keywords: Electromyogram(EMG), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), band-pass filter (BPF), Feature Extraction I. INTRODUCTION Developments in the technology and health brought great changes in improving the quality of human life. This is influenced by the increasing number of electronics technology development that leads to the field of biomedicine. The development of these technologies allows the body's signals can be measured and analyzed, so as to determine the quality of a person's health. One frequently used the right biomedical signals are electrical signals in the muscles. To learn the electrical signals in the muscles, supporting tools are necessary, one of those is using an electromyogram. Electromyogram (EMG) basically is used to record and evaluate the electrical activity of the contraction and relaxation of the muscle tissue. The electrical signals generated by muscle contractions are known as myoelectric signals. This signal is generated by a weak electric current, which is generated from the ion exchange across the muscle membrane and detected with the aid of electrodes. Installation of EMG electrodes placed on the surface of the skin on the muscle that its data signal will be taken [1]. In addition to recording the activity of the muscle tissue contraction and relaxation of the arms and legs, EMG also can be used to record muscle contraction in the uterus.

Electroneuromyography is the most useful diagnostic technique for compression neuropathies and peripheral nerve injuries. Both nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography should provide important information about evaluation and management of these disorders. Lesion location, type and severity can be determined by electrophysiological studies. The electrodiagnostic localization of entrapment neuropathies depends on demonstration of conduction block across the site of involvement, using nerve conduction studies. The electrodiagnostic picture of the peripheral nerve injury depends on elapsed time between damage and assessment. In neurapraxia, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) elicited on stimulation of distal part of the lesion are maintained indefinitely in the first week. However, stimulation of the proximal part of the lesion reveals partial or complete conduction block, with varying degrees of loss of CMAP amplitude, change in configuration and slowing of conduction velocity. In axonothemesis, there will be progressive loss of muscle and nerve action potentials in the distal stump in proportion to the degree of axon loss. Needle electromyography findings indicate axon loss and distinguish between electrophysiologically complete and incomplete lesions.

- by Marisa Megna and +1
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- Neuroscience, Emotion, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular disease