Foreground Detection Analysis of Ultrasound Image Sequences Identifies Markers of Motor Neurone Disease across Diagnostically Relevant Skeletal Muscles

Diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) includes detection of small, involuntary muscle excitations, termed fasciculations. There is need to improve diagnosis and monitoring of MND through provision of objective markers of change. Fasciculations are visible in ultrasound image sequences. However, few approaches that objectively measure their occurrence have been proposed; their performance has been evaluated in only a few muscles; and their agreement with the clinical gold standard for fasciculation detection, intramuscular electromyography, has not been tested. We present a new application of adaptive foreground detection using a Gaussian mixture model (GMM), evaluating its accuracy across five skeletal muscles in healthy and MND-affected participants. The GMM provided good to excellent accuracy with the electromyography ground truth (80.17%–92.01%) and was robust to different ultrasound probe orientations. The GMM provides objective measurement of fasciculations in each of the body segments necessary for MND diagnosis and hence could provide a new, clinically relevant disease marker.     

Comparison of two mobilization techniques in management of chronic non-specific low back pain

AimThe aim of the study was to compare between the effects of Maitland's postero-anterior (PA glide) mobilization and Mulligan's sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) on pain, mobility, muscle activation and functional disability in subjects with chronic, non-specific low back pain.MethodsThe study was a two arm repeated measure design with random allocation of subjects (n = 33). Subjects in group 1 received Maitland's PA glide mobilization and those in group 2 received Mulligan's SNAG. Along with the respective mobilization technique, individualized exercises were common for subjects in both the groups. Subjects in both groups received treatment for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) scores, lumbar flexion and extension range of motion, erector spinae muscle activity and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire score.ResultsThe outcome measure scores showed statistical significance in time effect on NPRS (p = 0.001); lumbar flexion and extension range of motion (p = 0.001); erector spinae muscle activity (0.001); Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire score (p = 0.001); group effect on lumbar flexion (p = 0.03) and extension range of motion (p = 0.05); and interaction effect (time x group) on lumbar flexion (p = 0.003) and extension range of motion (p = 0.002); and, erector spinae muscle activity (p = 0.05) at the 3rd lumbar vertebral level.ConclusionThe addition of Maitland or Mulligan mobilization techniques of the spine does not show a difference in the improvement of symptoms associated with chronic non-specific low back pain.     

Electromyographic findings of paradoxical puborectalis contraction correlate poorly with cinedefecography

Abstract. Background: Both intra-anal sponge electromyography (SEMG) and needle electromyography (NEMG) are used to diagnose paradoxical puborectalis contraction (PPC). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the correlation among SEMG and NEMG and cinedefecography (CD) in the diagnosis of PPC. Methods: Between 1992 and 1999, a total of 261 constipated patients underwent both CD and EMG: 64 had NEMG while 197 had SEMG. PPC was diagnosed by EMG when there was failure to achieve a significant decrease in electrical activity of the puborectalis muscle during attempted evacuation. CD criteria for PPC included lack of straightening of the anorectal angle or persistence of the puborectalis impression during evacuation. CD was considered diagnostic and EMG results were thus compared with those of CD. Agreement was calculated using the kappa statistics () for concordance. Results: Both NEMG and SEMG had low positive predictive rates (33% in NEMG, 28% in SEMG) and high negative predictive rates (91% in NEMG, and 78% in SEMG) when correlated with CD findings. Agreement between NEMG and CD was noted in 46 of 64 patients (72%, =0.274) while there was agreement between SEMG and CD in 120 of 197 patients (61%; =0.067); p>0.05 needle vs. sponge. Conclusion: Although both NEMG and SEMG have a low positive predictive values, they have high negative predictive value for PPC. Therefore, neither NEMG nor SEMG alone are optimal tests for diagnosing the presence of PPC.This work was presented in poster format at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, 19–12 July 2000, Brighton, UK.     

功能性便秘的生物反馈治疗

目的评价生物反馈方法治疗功能性便秘的疗效。方法对我院42例慢性功能性便秘患者进行生物反馈治疗,治疗前后进行临床评估、直肠和盆底肌电描记并进行对比分析。结果生物反馈治疗后患者临床症状改善,肌电图显示盆底肌和腹肌的矛盾运动消失,肛门外括约肌的收缩幅度有不同程度的增加,松弛幅度降低(P<0·05),总有效率为93%,改善伴随症状有效率70%,6个月随访复发率仅5·26%。结论生物反馈治疗功能性便秘有效。     

脊髓延髓性肌萎缩症的肌电生理特点

目的：探讨脊髓延髓性肌萎缩症（SBMA）的电生理特点。方法：总结并回顾分析了7例SBMA患者的神经传导和针极肌电图的特点,并以肌萎缩侧索硬化（ALS）患者作为对照组,与SBMA组进行比较。结果：（1）SBMA组复合肌肉动作电位（CMAP）异常的患者和神经的出现率均明显低于ALS组（P〈0.01）。（2）7例SBMA患者均存在感觉神经传导异常,且上肢感觉神经动作电位（SNAP）异常的出现率高于下肢（P〈0.05）。（3）SBMA组自主电位的出现率显著低于ALS组,而巨大电位的出现率显著高于ALS组（P〈0.01）。结论：SBMA的神经肌肉电生理改变具有特征性,可以作为鉴别诊断的重要依据。     

The immediate effects of a shoulder brace on muscle activity and scapular kinematics in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome and rounded shoulder posture: A randomized crossover design

BackgroundRound shoulder posture (RSP) is one of the potential risks for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) due to alignment deviation of the scapula. Evidence on how the characteristics of a shoulder brace affecting the degree of RSP, shoulder kinematics, and associated muscle activity during movements is limited.Research questionThe purposes of this study were (1) to compare the effects of a shoulder brace on clinical RSP measurements, muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and RSP; and (2) to compare the effects of two configurations (parallel and diagonal) and two tensions (comfortable and forced tension) of the brace straps on muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with SIS and RSP.MethodsTwenty-four participants (12 males; 12 females) with SIS and RSP were randomly assigned into 2 groups (comfortable then forced, and forced then comfortable) with 2 strap configurations in each tension condition. The pectoralis minor index (PMI), acromial distance (AD) and shoulder angle (SA) were used to assess the degree of RSP. Three-dimensional electromagnetic motion analysis and electromyography were used to record the scapular kinematics and muscle activity during arm movements.ResultsAll clinical measurements with the brace were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Under forced tension, muscle activities were higher with the diagonal configuration than with the parallel configuration in the lower trapezius (LT) (1.2–2.3% MVIC, p < 0.05) and serratus anterior (SA) (2.3% MVIC, p = 0.015). For upward rotation and posterior tilting of the scapula, the diagonal configuration was larger than the parallel configuration (1.5°, p = 0.038; 0.4°–0.5°, p < 0.05, respectively).SignificanceDifferent characteristics of the straps of the shoulder brace could alter muscle activity and scapular kinematics at different angles during arm movement. Based on the clinical treatment preference, the application of a shoulder brace with a diagonal configuration and forced tension is suggested for SIS and RSP subjects.     

La fistule artérioveineuse est un facteur supplémentaire de risque de développer un syndrome du canal carpien chez le patient hémodialysé

IntroductionCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent entrapment neuropathy reported in patients with renal failure undergoing periodic haemodialysis. The role of arteriovenous fistula was discussed. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship.MethodsSubjects for this study were hemodialysis patients who underwent systematic electroneuromyography between January 2003 and December 2010. Only patients with unilateral fistulae were included for the study.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-four out of 155 patients were examined. CTS was noted in 106 patients and was detectable only in ENMG in 42% of cases. It was more frequent (P < 0.001) and more severe in the side of fistulae (P = 0.08). Besides, development of CTS was only correlated with the longer duration of dialysis (P = 0.005). This duration was significantly shorter in patients with CTS and diabetes.ConclusionThe positive correlation between CTS and aretriovenous fistulae confirms the pathogenic role of this latter. The risk rises in these patients with the duration of hemodialysis and the presence of diabetes.     

The muscle findings in a pediatric patient with live attenuated oral polio vaccine-related flaccid monoplegia

A pediatric patient, who was given live-attenuated oral polio vaccine twice without distinct gait disturbance during infancy, begun to present limp at 3 years. His gait disturbance became remarkable with aging. At 7 years, he was unable to dorsiflex the left ankle, and presented flaccid monoplegia of the left lower extremity, and the left Achilles tendon reflex was diminished. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple crack-lines in the left anterior tibial muscle, but was unable to detect any distinct lesion at responsible level of L4, L5 and S1 anterior horn cells’ degeneration. Electromyography showed continuous fibrillation potentials, but muscle biopsy presented nearly normal in this muscle. The serum levels of polio antibody type 1 and type 2 titers were elevated 64× respectively, while the type 3 antibody titer was not elevated 4×. This patient was diagnosed as live attenuated oral polio vaccine-related flaccid monoplegia, with mild clinical course.     

The influence of positioning in urination: An electromyographic and uroflowmetric evaluation

PurposeWe conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate whether the different positions during urination influence the electrical activity of the abdominal and perineal musculature, as well as the uroflowmetric parameters of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).Materials and methodsNinety-four children between the ages of 3 and 14 years with symptoms of LUTD were evaluated. All underwent uroflowmetry and electromyography tests (abdominal and perineal) in two different positions: oriented position (trunk bent slightly forward and feet flat) and atypical position (standing on toes for boys and buttocks not in contact with the lavatory seat and legs flexed in girls). We excluded nine patients due to suspicions of outside interference or elements complicating the analysis of charts.ResultsAmong patients evaluated 55 (64.7%) were girls and 30 (35.3%) were boys with an average age of 8.5 years. Children urinating in atypical position showed higher levels of perineal electrical activity than when they were in normal position (p = 0.018). However, there was no difference in the pattern of the curve if normal or abnormal when comparing the two groups (p = 0.824). When evaluated separately, the boys demonstrated no difference between positions, in relation to perineal electrical activity (p = 0.412) or abdominal electrical activity (p = 0.202).ConclusionsThe electrical activity of the pelvic floor musculature is decreased in the oriented position when compared to atypical positions in female children. Our data suggest that special attention should be given to adopting an adequate posture during urination for girls with LUTD.     

Is there an association between anxiety/depression and temporomandibular disorders in college students?

Objective

Considering the high incidence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in the population aged 15-30 years and the fact that students are exposed to stressful psychosocial factors, the purposes of this study were: to verify clinical symptoms and jaw functionality in college students with TMD according to the anxiety/depression (A/D) level and to evaluate the correlation between A/D and functionality, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and pain and muscle activity.

Material and Methods

Nineteen students with TMD diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders underwent two assessments during an academic semester. The evaluations were based on questionnaires (MFIQ - Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire; HADS - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), clinical measurements (MMO without pain, MMO and assisted MMO; palpation of joint and masticatory muscles), and electromyography. The HADS scores obtained in the two assessments were used to classify all data as either "high" or "low" A/D. Data normality, differences and correlations were tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test, Student''s t-test (or the Wilcoxon test), and Spearman test, respectively. The alpha level was set at 0.05.

Results

None of the clinical variables were significantly different when comparing low and high A/D data. In low A/D there was a significant correlation between HADS score and: MFIQ (P=0.005, r=0.61), and MMO without pain (P=0.01, r=-0.55).

Conclusions

Variation in A/D level did not change clinical symptoms or jaw functionality in college students with TMD. Apparently, there is a correlation between TMJ functionality and A/D level, which should be further investigated, taking into account the source of the TMD and including subjects with greater functional limitation.