Motor unit firing behavior during prolonged 50% MVC dorsiflexion contractions in young and older adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in motor unit firing behavior during prolonged contractions in young and older adults. Motor unit activity was recorded from the tibialis anterior of 16 subjects (8 young and 8 older), while they performed isometric dorsiflexion at 50% MVC until task failure. Mean motor unit firing rate, the standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) of the interspike intervals, and number of doublet discharges were calculated for a total of 52 motor units, tracked for an average of 92.9 ± 68.6 s. There was no age-related difference in the time to task failure. A modest decline in firing rate was observed in 71% of the motor units, with no significant age-related difference. The SD and CV of the interspike interval had a positive slope in 65% and 69% of the motor units, respectively, with no significant age-related differences. The number of doublet discharges remained stable throughout the contraction. Both groups exhibited motor unit dropout (discharge cessation) during the contraction. Thus, a fatiguing task producing modest changes in firing rate in young and older adults is accompanied by an appreciable increase in firing rate variability. The incidence of doublet discharges is not increased during fatiguing contractions.     

Strength training,but not endurance training,reduces motor unit discharge rate variability

This study evaluates and compares the effects of strength and endurance training on motor unit discharge rate variability and force steadiness of knee extensor muscles. Thirty sedentary healthy men (age, 26.0 ± 3.8 yrs) were randomly assigned to strength training, endurance training or a control group. Conventional endurance and strength training was performed 3 days per week, over a period of 6 weeks. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), time to task failure (at 30% MVC), coefficient of variation (CoV) of force and of the discharges rates of motor units from the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis were determined as subjects performed 20% and 30% MVC knee extension contractions before and after training. CoV of motor unit discharges rates was significantly reduced for both muscles following strength training (P < 0.001), but did not change in the endurance (P = 0.875) or control group (P = 0.995). CoV of force was reduced after the strength training intervention only (P < 0.01). Strength training, but not endurance training, reduces motor unit discharge rate variability and enhances force steadiness of the knee extensors. These results provide new insights into the neuromuscular adaptations that occur with different training methods.     

Motor unit discharge pattern and conduction velocity in patients with upper motor neuron syndrome

Motor unit properties were analyzed in patients with upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). Multi-channel surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded for 300 s from the biceps brachii muscle of seven male subacute patients (time from lesion, mean ± SE, 4.9 ± 1.0 months). In three patients, both arms were investigated, leading to 10 recorded muscles. Patients were analyzed in rest-like condition with motor units activated due to pathological muscle overactivity. For a total of 12 motor units, the complete discharge pattern was extracted from EMG decomposition. Interpulse interval variability was 7.8 ± 0.9%. At minimum discharge rate (6.4 ± 0.4 pulses per second, pps), conduction velocity was smaller than at maximum discharge rate (12.0 ± 0.9 pps) in all motor units (3.60 ± 0.21 m/s vs. 3.84 ± 0.20 m/s). Conduction velocity changed by 1.35 ± 0.48% (different from zero, P < 0.01) for each increase of 1 pps in discharge rate. It was concluded that conduction velocity of low-threshold motor units in subacute patients with UMNS had similar values as reported in healthy subjects and was positively correlated to instantaneous discharge rate (velocity recovery function of muscle fibers).     

Within-day and between-days reliability of quadriceps isometric muscle fatigue using mechanomyography on healthy subjects

This study aimed to examine within-day and between-days intratester reliability of mechanomyography (MMG) in assessing muscle fatigue. An accelerometer was used to detect the MMG signal from rectus femoris. Thirty one healthy subjects (15 males) with no prior knee problems initially performed three maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) using an ISOCOM dynamometer. After 10 min rest, subjects performed a fatiguing protocol in which they performed three isometric knee extensions at 75% MVC for 40 s. The fatiguing protocol was repeated on two other days, two to four days apart for between-days reliability. MMG activity was determined by overall root mean squared amplitude (RMS), mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF) during a 40 s contraction. RMS, MPF and MF linear regression slopes were also analysed. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC); ICC1,1 and ICC1,2 were used to assess within-day reliability and between-days reliability respectively. Standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable difference (SDD) described the within-subjects variability. MMG fatigue measures using linear regression slopes showed low reliability and large between-days error (ICC1,2 = 0.43–0.46; SDD = 306.0–324.8% for MPF and MF slopes respectively). Overall MPF and MF, on the other hand, were reliable with high ICCs and lower SDDs compared to linear slopes (ICC1,2 = 0.79–0.83; SDD = 21.9–22.8% for MPF and MF respectively). ICC1,2 for overall MMG RMS and linear RMS slopes were 0.81 and 0.66 respectively; however, the SDDs were high (56.4% and 268.8% respectively). The poor between-days reliability found in this study suggests caution in using MMG RMS, MPF and MF and their corresponding slopes in assessing muscle fatigue.     

Spatial distribution of surface action potentials generated by individual motor units in the human biceps brachii muscle

This study analyses the spatial distribution of individual motor unit potentials (MUPs) over the skin surface and the influence of motor unit depth and recording configuration on this distribution. Multichannel surface (13 × 5 electrode grid) and intramuscular (wire electrodes inserted with needles of lengths 15 and 25 mm) electromyographic (EMG) signals were concurrently recorded with monopolar derivations from the biceps brachii muscle of 10 healthy subjects during 60-s isometric contractions at 20% of the maximum torque. Multichannel monopolar MUPs of the target motor unit were obtained by spike-triggered averaging of the surface EMG. Amplitude and frequency characteristics of monopolar and bipolar MUPs were calculated for locations along the fibers’ direction (longitudinal), and along the direction perpendicular (transverse) to the fibers. In the longitudinal direction, monopolar and bipolar MUPs exhibited marked amplitude changes that extended for 16–32 mm and 16–24 mm over the innervation and tendon zones, respectively. The variation of monopolar and bipolar MUP characteristics was not symmetrical about the innervation zone. Motor unit depth had a considerable influence on the relative longitudinal variation of amplitude for monopolar MUPs, but not for bipolar MUPs. The transverse extension of bipolar MUPs ranged between 24 and 32 mm, whereas that of monopolar MUPs ranged between 72 and 96 mm. The mean power spectral frequency of surface MUPs was highly dependent on the transverse electrode location but not on depth. This study provides a basis for the interpretation of the contribution of individual motor units to the interference surface EMG signal.     

The vastus lateralis neuromuscular activity during all-out cycling exercise

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to study modifications in motor control through surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity during a very short all-out cycling exercise.MethodsTwelve male cyclists (age 23 ± 4 years) participated in this study. After a warm-up period, each subject performed three all-out cycling exercises of 6 s separated by 2 min of complete rest. This protocol was repeated three times with a minimum of 2 days between each session. The braking torque imposed on cycling motion was 19 N m. The sEMG of the vastus lateralis was recorded during the first seven contractions of the sprint. Time–frequency analysis of sEMG was performed using continuous wavelet transform. The mean power frequency (MPF, qualitative modifications in the recruitment of motor units) and signal energy (a quantitative indicator of modifications in the motor units recruitment) were computed for the frequency range 10–500 Hz.ResultssEMG energy increased (P ? 0.05) between contraction number 1 and 2, decreased (P ? 0.05) between contraction number 2 and 3 then stabilized between contraction number 3 and 7 during the all-out test. MPF increased (P ? 0.05) during the all-out test. This increase was more marked during the first two contractions.ConclusionsThe decrease in energy and the increase in the sEMG MPF suggest a large spatial recruitment of motor units (MUs) at the beginning of the sprint followed by a preferential recruitment of faster MUs at the end of the sprint, respectively.     

Short term bed-rest reduces conduction velocity of individual motor units in leg muscles

Space permanence simulations such as prolonged bed-rest can mimic some of the physiological modifications in the human body and provide study conditions that are more accessible than during space flight. A short term bed-rest experiment was organized to simulate the effects of weightlessness for studying the adaptation to this condition. Eight healthy young volunteers were studied before and immediately after the 14 day periods of strict bed-rest.Surface EMG signals were detected with linear electrode arrays from vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior muscle during isometric voluntary contractions at 20% MVC. Motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) of individual motor units were extracted from the interference EMG signals with a partial decomposition algorithm and averaged.MUAP templates generated by the same motor unit could be retrieved before and after bed-rest period. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) was estimated from each averaged MUAP template and from the global EMG signal. Both global and single MU conduction velocity was observed to decrease by about 10% after the bed-rest period (p < 0.05). Amplitude and power spectral parameters did not significantly change after the bed-rest period.It is concluded that a short term bed-rest reduces the CV of individual motor units without a significant effect on muscle force or on other electrophysiological parameters.     

Trunk muscle activation during golf swing: Baseline and threshold

There is a lack of studies regarding EMG temporal analysis during dynamic and complex motor tasks, such as golf swing. The aim of this study is to analyze the EMG onset during the golf swing, by comparing two different threshold methods. Method A threshold was determined using the baseline activity recorded between two maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Method B threshold was calculated using the mean EMG activity for 1000 ms before the 500 ms prior to the start of the Backswing. Two different clubs were also studied. Three-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare methods, muscles and clubs. Two-way mixed Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with absolute agreement was used to determine the methods reliability.Club type usage showed no influence in onset detection. Rectus abdominis (RA) showed the higher agreement between methods. Erector spinae (ES), on the other hand, showed a very low agreement, that might be related to postural activity before the swing. External oblique (EO) is the first being activated, at 1295 ms prior impact. There is a similar activation time between right and left muscles sides, although the right EO showed better agreement between methods than left side. Therefore, the algorithms usage is task- and muscle-dependent.     

Distribution of motor unit potential velocities in the biceps brachii muscle of sprinters and endurance athletes during prolonged dynamic exercises at low force levels

In surface electromyography (sEMG), the distribution of motor unit potential (MUP) velocities has been shown to reflect the proportion of faster and slower propagating MUPs. This study investigated whether the distribution of MUP velocities could distinguish between sprinters (n = 11) and endurance athletes (n = 12) in not-specifically trained muscle (biceps brachii) during prolonged dynamic exercises at low forces. sEMG was acquired during 4 min’ exercises: unloaded, 5%, 10% and 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The features extracted from the sEMG were: the mean muscle conduction velocity – estimated using the inter-peak latency and cross-correlation methods, the within-subject skewness (expressing the proportions of faster and slower propagating MUPs) and the within-subject standard deviation of MUP velocities (SD-mup). Sprinters showed a greater proportion of faster propagating MUPs than endurance athletes. During fatigue, the SD-mup of sprinters broadened progressively, whereas that of endurance athletes did not. The findings suggest that sprinters conveyed a greater proportion of faster motor units than endurance athletes and that motor unit behavior during fatigue differed between groups. Thus, the distribution of MUP velocities enables distinction between a muscle of sprinters and endurance athletes during prolonged dynamic exercises at low forces.     

Multi-channel electromyography during maximal isometric and dynamic contractions

Motor unit behavior differs between contraction types at submaximal contraction levels, however is challenging to study during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). With multi-channel surface electromyography (sEMG), mean physiological characteristics of the active motor units can be extracted. Two 8-electrode sEMG arrays were attached on biceps brachii muscle (one on each head) to examine behavior of sEMG variables during isometric, eccentric and concentric MVCs of elbow flexors in 36 volunteers.On average, isometric (364 ± 88 N) and eccentric (353 ± 74 N) MVCs were higher than concentric (290 ± 73 N) MVC (p < 0.001). Mean muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) was highest during eccentric MVC (4.42 ± 0.49 m/s) than concentric (4.25 ± 0.49 m/s, p < 0.01) and isometric (4.14 ± 0.45 m/s, p < 0.001) MVCs. Furthermore, eccentric MVC showed lower sEMG amplitude at the largest elbow joint angles (120–170°) and higher CV at the smallest (70–150°) elbow joint angles (p < 0.05–0.001) than concentric MVC.The differences in CV and sEMG amplitude between the MVCs suggest that the control strategy of motor units differs between the contraction types during MVCs, and is dependent on the muscle length between the dynamic MVCs.     

Behaviour of a surface EMG based measure for motor control: Motor unit action potential rate in relation to force and muscle fatigue

Surface electromyography parameters such as root-mean-square value (RMS) and median power frequency (FMED) are commonly used to assess the input of the central nervous system (CNS) to a muscle. However, RMS and FMED are influenced not only by CNS input, but also by peripheral muscle properties. The number of motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) per second, or MUAP Rate (MR), being the sum of the firing rates of the active motor units, would reflect CNS input solely. This study explored MR behaviour in relation to force and during a fatiguing contraction in comparison to RMS and FMED.In the first experiment (n = 10) a step contraction of shoulder elevation force (20–100 N) was performed while multi-channel array EMG was recorded from the upper trapezius muscle. The sensitivity of MR for changes in force (1.8%/N) was almost twice as high as that of RMS (0.97%/N), indicating that MR may be more suitable for monitoring muscle force. The second experiment (n = 6) consisted of a 15-min isometric contraction of the biceps brachii. MR increased considerably less than RMS (0.9% vs. 4.1%), suggesting that MR selectively reflects central motor control whereas RMS also reflects peripheral changes. These results support that, at relatively low force levels, MR is a suitable parameter for non-invasive assessment of the input of the CNS to the muscle.     

Rectification of SEMG as a tool to demonstrate synchronous motor unit activity during vibration

The use of surface electromyography (SEMG) in vibration studies is problematic since motion artifacts occupy the same frequency band with the SEMG signal containing information on synchronous motor unit activity. We hypothesize that using a harsher, 80–500 Hz band-pass filter and using rectification can help eliminate motion artifacts and provide a way to observe synchronous motor unit activity that is phase locked to vibration using SEMG recordings only. Multi Motor Unit (MMU) action potentials using intramuscular electrodes along with SEMG were recorded from the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) of six healthy male volunteers. Data were collected during whole body vibration, using vibration frequencies of 30 Hz, 35 Hz, 40 Hz or 50 Hz. A computer simulation was used to investigate the efficacy of filtering under different scenarios: with or without artifacts and/or motor unit synchronization. Our findings indicate that motor unit synchronization took place during WBV as verified by MMU recordings. A harsh filtering regimen along with rectification proved successful in demonstrating motor unit synchronization in SEMG recordings. Our findings were further supported by the results from the computer simulation, which indicated that filtering and rectification was efficient in discriminating motion artifacts from motor unit synchronization. We suggest that the proposed signal processing technique may provide a new methodology to evaluate the effects of vibration treatments using only SEMG. This is a major advantage, as this non-intrusive method is able to overcome movement artifacts and also indicate the synchronization of underlying motor units.     

Inter-session reliability and sex-related differences in hamstrings total reaction time,pre-motor time and motor time during eccentric isokinetic contractions in recreational athlete

The purposes were twofold: (a) to ascertain the inter-session reliability of hamstrings total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time; and (b) to examine sex-related differences in the hamstrings reaction times profile. Twenty-four men and 24 women completed the study. Biceps femoris and semitendinosus total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time measured during eccentric isokinetic contractions were recorded on three different occasions. Inter-session reliability was examined through typical percentage error (CV_TE), percentage change in the mean (CM) and intraclass correlations (ICC). For both biceps femoris and semitendinosus, total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time measures demonstrated moderate inter-session reliability (CV_TE < 10%; CM < 3%; ICC > 0.7). The results also indicated that, although not statistically significant, women reported consistently longer hamstrings total reaction time (23.5 ms), pre-motor time (12.7 ms) and motor time (7.5 ms) values than men. Therefore, an observed change larger than 5%, 9% and 8% for total reaction time, pre-motor time and motor time respectively from baseline scores after performing a training program would indicate that a real change was likely. Furthermore, while not statistically significant, sex differences were noted in the hamstrings reaction time profile which may play a role in the greater incidence of ACL injuries in women.     

Motor unit number estimation as a complementary test to routine electromyography in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Electromyographic (EMG) abnormalities that reveal denervation and reinnervation caused by lower motor neuron degeneration do not reflect the number of motor units that determines muscle strength. Consequently, motor unit activity potential (MUAP) parameters do not reflect muscle dysfunction.The aim of the study was to compare the value of motor unit number estimation (MUNE) and MUAP parameters as indicators of clinical muscle dysfunction in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to analyze the role of MUNE as a supplement to the EMG criteria for the diagnosis of ALS.In 25 patients with ALS, MUNE by the multipoint incremental method in the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and quantitative EMG in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) were obtained. The Medical Research Council (MRC) scale was used to evaluate clinical muscle dysfunction. A strong correlation between the number of motor units evaluated by MUNE and ADM clinical function by the MRC scale was found (P < 0.001). An increased value of surface-detected single motor action potential was associated with a decreased MRC score for ADM (P < 0.1). No relation was found between MUAP parameters in FDI and MRC scores. Our data support the value of the MUNE method for the detection of motor unit loss in ALS, and it could be postulated that MUNE studies may be considered complementary tests for ALS in a future revision of ALS criteria.     

Decreased lower limb muscle recruitment contributes to the inability of older adults to recover with a single step following a forward loss of balance

In response to a balance disturbance, older individuals often require multiple steps to prevent a fall. Reliance on multiple steps to recover balance is predictive of a future fall, so studies should determine the mechanisms underlying differences between older adults who can and cannot recover balance with a single step. This study compared neural activation parameters of the major leg muscles during balance recovery from a sudden forward loss of balance in older individuals capable of recovering with a single step and those who required multiple steps to regain balance. Eighty-one healthy, community dwelling adults aged 70 ± 3 participated. Loss of balance was induced by releasing participants from a static forward lean. Participants performed four trials at three initial lean magnitudes and were subsequently classified as single or multiple steppers. Although step length was shorter in multiple compared to single steppers (F = 9.64; p = 0.02), no significant differences were found between groups in EMG onset time in the step limb muscles (F = 0.033–0.769; p = 0.478–0.967). However, peak EMG normalised to values obtained during maximal voluntary contraction was significantly higher in single steppers in 6 of the 7 stepping limb muscles (F = 1.054–4.167; p = 0.045–0.024). These data suggest that compared to multiple steppers, single steppers recruit a larger proportion of the available motor unit pool during balance recovery. Thus, modulation of EMG amplitude plays a larger role in balance recovery than EMG timing in this context.     

Reliability of a modified motor unit number index (MUNIX) technique

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine the relative and absolute between-day reliability of the motor unit number index (MUNIX).MethodsYoung, healthy adults (n = 19) attended two testing sessions separated by 4-weeks where their maximal pinch-grip strength, MUNIX, and motor unit size index (MUSIX) were assessed in the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and limits of agreement (LOA).ResultsNo mean differences were observed for MUNIX or MUSIX. The CV for the MUNIX and MUSIX measures were between 13.5% and 17.5%. The ICC for both measures were moderate to moderately-high (0.73–0.76), The LOA for both indicated a homoscedastic relationship.DiscussionOur findings indicate moderate to moderately-high reliability for both MUNIX and MUSIX. Future work is needed to ensure both measures are reliable in other muscles and cohorts, and further investigations are required to examine the validity of MUNIX.     

Ciliary muscle contraction force and trapezius muscle activity during manual tracking of a moving visual target

Previous studies have shown an association of visual demands during near work and increased activity of the trapezius muscle. Those studies were conducted under stationary postural conditions with fixed gaze and artificial visual load. The present study investigated the relationship between ciliary muscle contraction force and trapezius muscle activity across individuals during performance of a natural dynamic motor task under free gaze conditions. Participants (N = 11) tracked a moving visual target with a digital pen on a computer screen. Tracking performance, eye refraction and trapezius muscle activity were continuously measured. Ciliary muscle contraction force was computed from eye accommodative response. There was a significant Pearson correlation between ciliary muscle contraction force and trapezius muscle activity on the tracking side (0.78, p < 0.01) and passive side (0.64, p < 0.05). The study supports the hypothesis that high visual demands, leading to an increased ciliary muscle contraction during continuous eye–hand coordination, may increase trapezius muscle tension and thus contribute to the development of musculoskeletal complaints in the neck–shoulder area. Further experimental studies are required to clarify whether the relationship is valid within each individual or may represent a general personal trait, when individuals with higher eye accommodative response tend to have higher trapezius muscle activity.     

Repeatability of a running heat tolerance test

At present there is no standardised heat tolerance test (HTT) procedure adopting a running mode of exercise. Current HTTs may misdiagnose a runner's susceptibility to a hyperthermic state due to differences in exercise intensity. The current study aimed to establish the repeatability of a practical running test to evaluate individual's ability to tolerate exercise heat stress. Sixteen (8M, 8F) participants performed the running HTT (RHTT) (30 min, 9 km h⁻¹, 2% elevation) on two separate occasions in a hot environment (40 °C and 40% relative humidity). There were no differences in peak rectal temperature (RHTT1: 38.82±0.47 °C, RHTT2: 38.86±0.49 °C, Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.93, typical error of measure (TEM)=0.13 °C), peak skin temperature (RHTT1: 38.12±0.45, RHTT2: 38.11±0.45 °C, ICC=0.79, TEM=0.30 °C), peak heart rate (RHTT1: 182±15 beats min⁻¹, RHTT2: 183±15 beats min⁻¹, ICC=0.99, TEM=2 beats min⁻¹), nor sweat rate (1721±675 g h⁻¹, 1716±745 g h⁻¹, ICC=0.95, TEM=162 g h⁻¹) between RHTT1 and RHTT2 (p>0.05). Results demonstrate good agreement, strong correlations and small differences between repeated trials, and the TEM values suggest low within-participant variability. The RHTT was effective in differentiating between individuals physiological responses; supporting a heat tolerance continuum. The findings suggest the RHTT is a repeatable measure of physiological strain in the heat and may be used to assess the effectiveness of acute and chronic heat alleviating procedures.     

Age-related decreases in motor unit discharge rate and force control during isometric plantar flexion

Aging is related to multiple changes in muscle physiology and function. Previous findings concerning the effects of aging on motor unit discharge rate (DR) and fluctuations in DR and force are somewhat contradictory. Eight YOUNG and nine OLD physically active males performed isometric ramp (RECR) and isotonic (ISO) plantar flexions at 10 and 20% of surface EMG at MVC. Motor unit (MU) action potentials were recorded with intramuscular fine-wire electrodes and decomposed with custom build software “Daisy”. DR was lower in OLD in RECR-10% (17.9%, p < 0.001), RECR-20% (15.8%, p < 0.05), ISO-10% (17.7%, p < 0.01) and ISO-20% (14%, n.s.). In YOUNG force fluctuations were smaller at ISO-10% (72.1%, p < 0.001) and ISO-20% (55.2%, p < 0.05) which were accompanied with a slight increase in DR variation (n.s.). The observed lower DR in OLD is in line with earlier findings in small distal muscles. Also the larger force fluctuation in OLD was in line with previous studies with smaller hand muscles. These findings suggest that the age-related changes in MU control do exist also in large leg extensors that play an important role in human locomotion and balance control.     

Arthrobacter sp. lipase immobilization on magnetic sol–gel composite supports for enantioselectivity improvement

A bacterial lipase from Arthrobacter sp. (ABL: IIIM Jammu, India strain, MTCC No. 5125) has been immobilized on non-magnetic (Type A) and magnetic (Type B) supports derived from copolymerization of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and tetraethylorthosilicate. Immobilized ABL presented 21–34 mg/g protein binding providing 30–75 units/g activity in Type A non-magnetic composites and 24–45 mg/g protein binding providing 35–90 units/g activity with Type B supports containing magnetic particles. Immobilized ABL preparations have shown enhanced stability at pH 5–9 and temperature up to 70 °C whereas free ABL is unstable under these conditions. Improved hydrolytic conversion as well as enantioselectivity were observed with acyl fluoxetine intermediate (ethyl 3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate alkyl acylates) and chiral auxiliaryacyl 1-phenyl ethanol using immobilized ABL derivatives (ee ～99%; 3–4-fold increase in E-values) as compared to ABL enzyme/cells (ee 93–98%). Introduction of magnetic particles in these supports has led to easier separation process with high product recovery yields.