连续递增负荷条件下肌肉活动的力-电关系

目的：观察非疲劳状态下肱二头肌在静态连续递增负荷下sEMG信号的线性和非线性指标变化规律,探讨非疲劳状态下肌肉活动的力-电关系。方法：记录11名男性受试者肱二头肌在完成为时5s连续递增负荷等长收缩过程中的sEMG信号,观察线性分析指标AEMG、MPF、MF与非线性分析指标C（N）和DET%的变化规律。结果：AEMG由第1s的112.14μV逐渐上升到第5s的1277.18μV,与负荷水平呈明显线性相关;DET%从第1s的74.95下降到第5s的46.78,呈单调递减变化;MPF、MF和C（N）在本试验条件下未发生明显改变。结论：在连续递增收缩过程中,线性分析指标AEMG呈线性递增性变化,而MPF和MF无显著改变;非线性分析指标DET%随用力程度的连续递增而递减,而C（N）则保持相对稳定。     

等长收缩诱发肌肉疲劳及恢复过程中表面肌电信号特征变化规律

运用线性和非线性分析方法分析不同强度等长收缩诱发局部肌肉疲劳及恢复过程中表面肌电信号（surface electromyogram,sEMG）特征的变化规律,探讨影响sEMG信号变化的可能原因和机制.结果显示,在肱二头肌疲劳收缩过程中,sEMG的特征指标平均肌电值（average EMG,AEMG）、平均功率频率（mean power frequency,MPF）、Lempel-Ziv复杂度（Lempel-Ziv complexity,C（n））和确定性线段百分数（Determinism%,% DET）的变化具有良好的规律性.恢复期AEMG没有表现出规律性的变化,MPF、C（n）和?T在恢复期2秒即开始显著恢复,在前10秒恢复很快,随后恢复速度变慢.恢复初期sEMG信号特征的快速变化提示中枢控制因素可能发挥更大作用.     

局部肌肉疲劳的表面肌电信号复杂度和熵变化

目的 在于探讨静态和动态疲劳性运动过程中肱二头肌和腰部脊竖肌表面肌电(surface electromyography,sEMG)信号的Lempel-Ziv复杂度和Kolmogorov熵的变化规律。18名男性大学生志愿者被随机分为肱二头肌和腰部脊竖肌运动负荷组,分别完成静态和动态疲劳运动负荷试验。运动负荷期间连续记录sEMG信号,在对运动负荷时间和重复次数进行标准化处理后,截取相应时段的sEMG信号,计算Lempel-Ziv复杂度和Kolmogorov熵,观察它们随肌肉疲劳发展的变化规律。研究结果表明,无论是静态还是动态疲劳运动条件下,被检肌肉sEMG信号的复杂度和熵均随着运动负荷时间呈现明显的单调递减型变化。该变化可能与神经系统渐进性协调众多运动单位同步收缩的‘协同效应”有关。     

基于sEMG信号的操作者上肢肌肉施力疲劳评价模型研究

为评价操作者完成施力操作后上肢肌肉疲劳状态,提出了一种基于上肢肱二头肌的sEMG信号-疲劳程度主观感受的肌肉施力疲劳评价方法.为此,设置不同的拉/伸操作力,选取13名青年男性志愿者参加测试,记录其上肢肱二头肌操作至疲劳状态下的表面肌电信号sEMG;对于上肢肱二头肌局部疲劳的主观感受的评分,则采用通用的Borg量表来分级,由受试者完成操作后进行问卷而获得.然后,运用1/3倍频程分析方法对sEMG进行频域处理后,完成了sEMG-Borg分值的曲线拟合,得出上肢肌肉疲劳评价模型.根据数据分析结果,建立的二次曲线评价模型最为理想,它将为监测实际操作任务时人的疲劳状态并进行操作任务设计与分析提供依据与手段.     

不同姿势久坐下女性腰部肌肉的sEMG信号变化

目的:观察女性受试者在不同坐姿久坐前后腰部肌肉表面肌电(sEMG)信号的变化,探讨不同姿势的久坐对竖脊肌功能状态的影响。方法:32名女性受试者随机分成4组,分别在4种不同的座椅(座椅A、B、C、D)上久坐2 h。记录受试者腰部竖脊肌在久坐前后2次最大随意收缩力量(MVC)测试中的sEMG信号,观察测试过程中的前3 s时频指标及全程频域指标的变化。结果:3 s的时频指标平均肌电振幅(AEMG)、平均功率谱频率(MPF)在不同坐姿久坐前后无显著性差异,其中AEMG在座椅B组中明显大于座椅A组;全程信号的频域指标MPF在久坐后显著减小,但在不同坐姿之间无显著性差异。结论:女性受试者在4种不同坐姿2 h久坐前后腰部竖脊肌的最大活动水平无明显改变;最大持续收缩能力在久坐后下降,但在不同坐姿间并无显著差异。     

优秀赛艇运动员不同部位肌肉微循环血流灌注量的变化特点

目的：探讨优秀赛艇运动员不同部位肌肉微循环血流灌注量（MB）的变化特点,为无创微循环相关指标更好的应用于运动员机能监控提供参考和借鉴。方法：运用PeriFlux System5000系列激光多普勒血流仪对12名优秀男子赛艇运动员不同部位肌肉微循环血流灌注量进行无创测试,测试环境为室内,温度（25±3）℃,湿度45．O％～65．O％。结果：①基础值：肱二头肌〉肱桡肌〉股四头肌〉腓肠肌,且肱二头肌显著高于肱桡肌（P〈0．05）,极显著高于股四头肌和腓肠肌（P〈0．01）;②加热后值及加热前后差值：肱桡肌〉肱二头肌〉股四头肌〉腓肠肌,且肱二头肌、肱桡肌显著高于腓肠肌（P〈0．05）。结论：优秀男子赛艇运动员上肢肌肉值MBF值要明显高于下肢肌肉,尤其加热后值上肢肌肉明显高于下肢肌,而上肢肌肉或下肢肌肉之间则不存在明显差异,因此为了使监测结果更具有代表性,赛艇运动员进行微循环血流灌注量及其相关指标监测时应选取上肢相同肌肉上同一空间的解剖位点。     

萎缩比目鱼肌间断强直收缩疲劳后恢复速率的影响因素

为研究模拟失重大鼠萎缩比目鱼肌强直收缩疲劳后恢复速率的影响因素,采用尾部悬吊模拟失重大鼠模型及离体骨骼肌条灌流技术,观测其在不同收缩模式下疲劳后的恢复过程。正常大鼠离体比目鱼肌条实验显示,10s短时程（S10P）与300s长时程（L10P）强直收缩轻度疲劳[强直收缩最大张力（P0）下降10％]后,在20min恢复期末,均可恢复至疲劳前P0,且恢复程度不受疲劳持续时间的影响;轻度疲劳后,在灌流液中加入10μmol／L钌红抑制肌浆网Ca^2＋释放功能,恢复速率减慢,恢复程度最大仅至94％P0,然后呈下降趋势,提示轻度疲劳可能仅抑制肌原纤维功能。60s短时程（S50P）与300s长时程（L50P）强直收缩中度疲劳（P0下降50％）后,在20min恢复期末,收缩张力分别恢复至95％P0和90％P0,表明中度疲劳持续时间影响恢复的速率;相同条件中度疲劳后,在灌流液中加入5mmol／L咖啡因促进肌浆网Ca62＋释放功能,恢复速率明显加快,无论疲劳持续时间长短,5min便可完全恢复,提示中度疲劳不仅抑制肌原纤维功能,还抑制肌浆网Ca^2＋释放功能。尾部悬吊1周的大鼠比目鱼肌明显萎缩,其重量／体重之比仅为对照大鼠的60％。采用短与长持续时间的轻与中度疲劳作用后,在20min恢复期末,收缩张力分别恢复至94％P0（S10P）、95％P0（L10P）、92％P0（S50P）、84％P0（L50P）,均与同步对照组有显著差异。以上结果提示：模拟失重1周大鼠萎缩的比目鱼肌,轻度与中度疲劳均可抑制肌原纤维功能与肌浆网Ca^2＋释放功能,使恢复速率减慢。     

静态姿势图在飞行任务负荷所致的疲劳评估中的作用

目的:研究静态姿势图在飞行任务负荷所致疲劳评估中的作用。方法:30名符合条件的男性大学生被要求持续进行4小时的模拟飞行任务负荷,其静态姿势图及任务负荷成绩将在每小时末进行重复测量。根据变化敏感的参数,静态立位平衡指数将通过主成分分析法进行计算。随后,该指数与任务负荷水平的相互关系将通过曲线拟合进行分析。结果:在模拟飞行任务负荷影响下,被试静态姿势控制能力明显下降。静态立位平衡指数随着任务负荷时间的持续而明显增大,并与任务负荷时间存在线性关系(R~2=0.949);多重任务成绩与任务负荷持续时间之间存在二次曲线的关系(R~2=0.968),与静态立位平衡指数也呈现相似的二次方曲线关系(R~2=0.976)。结论:静态姿势图与飞行任务负荷水平具有线性关系,能够反映任务负荷所致疲劳水平的大小。     

4周爬梯抗阻训练对低氧诱导大鼠骨骼肌萎缩的影响

目的探究抗阻训练抵抗低氧诱导骨骼肌萎缩的效果,为解决高原训练期间运动员骨骼肌丢失问题提供理论依据。方法 8周龄雄性Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠24只,平均体重约230 g,随机分为4组:常氧安静组(C)、常氧抗阻训练组(R)、低氧安静组(H)和低氧抗阻训练组(HR)。H和HR组在模拟海拔4000 m,R和HR组则进行抗阻训练,进行4周的低氧及抗阻训练干预后测试各组大鼠体成分,比目鱼肌、趾长伸肌、腓肠肌、肱二头肌的湿重和肌纤维横截面积。结果观察到HR组瘦体重显著高于H组,H组瘦体重显著低于C组;HR组的肱二头肌湿重和肌纤维横截面积显著高于H组。结论抗阻训练有助于预防低氧诱导骨骼肌萎缩的发生,爬梯形式的抗阻练习可刺激大鼠肱二头肌的肥大。     

蚱蝉(Cryptotympana atrata Fabricius)发声器结构:发声膜与鸣声

蚱蝉单发声膜发出的click声波形由高幅值和低幅脉冲列(pulse train,PT)组成.高幅值PT含脉冲越多,主峰频率(main peak frequency,MPF)就越高.本文进一步阐明:1、高幅值PT多含有11个脉冲,当含有1,2,3个时,脉冲个数与MPF成准线性关系 超过三个为非线性关系.2、双发声膜发声的频带主要在2700Hz-6700Hz之间.数个click声组成的波形中,低幅值PT功率谱包络波近似于标准高斯型,MPF约为4900Hz;不同高幅值PT内含主脉冲的频率不同是MPF变化的主要因素.3、蚱蝉鸣声功率谱主要有三个子谱区A,B,及C,对应的频带依次约为2700Hz—3700Hz,3700Hz-5700Hz,及5700Hz—6700Hz.     

EMG frequency content changes with increasing force and during fatigue in the quadriceps femoris muscle of men and women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gender on changes in electromyographic (EMG) signal characteristics of the quadriceps muscles with increasing force and with fatigue. A total of fourteen healthy adults (seven men, seven women) participated in the study. Subjects had to perform isometric ramp contractions in knee extension with the force gradually increasing from 0 to 100% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a 6-s period. Subjects then performed a fatigue task, consisting of a sustained maximum isometric knee extension contraction held until force decreased below 50% of the pre-fatigue MVC. Subjects also performed a single ramp contraction immediately after the fatigue task. The Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude, mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF) of EMG signals obtained from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris were calculated at nine different force levels from the ramp contractions (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% MVC), as well as every 5 s during the fatigue task. The main results were a more pronounced increase in EMG RMS amplitude for the three muscles and in MPF for the VL muscle with force in men compared with women. No significant effect of gender was found with regards to fatigue. These observations most likely reflect a moderately greater type II fiber content and/or area in the VL muscle of men compared to that of women.     

Relationship between average muscle fibre conduction velocity and EMG power spectra during isometric contraction, recovery and applied ischemia

The relationship between muscle fibre conduction velocity (MFCV) and the power spectrum of surface EMGs in 3 human volunteers was studied during isometric contractions at 40% maximum voluntary contraction. In addition, the recovery of these two parameters was measured during short lasting contractions at the same force level every 30 s. The recovery phase was also studied during ischaemia, thereby preventing the recovery of MFCV. The mean MFCV was calculated by the cross-correlation method. The measurements were facilitated by a real-time estimation of the cross-correlation and the MFCV and by a graphic display of the digitised signal. During contraction a nearly linear relation was found between MFCV and the median frequency of the power spectrum (MPF). During recovery this relationship was lost in one subject: MPF restored much faster then MFCV. During recovery under ischemia MFCV did not recover, but MPF recovered partially in all subjects. It is concluded that the shift of the power spectrum to lower frequencies during fatigue cannot be explained by changes in MFCV alone. Central mechanisms also influence the power spectrum and studying the recovery of local muscle fatigue during ischemia may separate these influences from that of MFCV on the power spectrum during fatigue.     

Repeatability of surface EMG parameters at various isometric contraction levels and during fatigue using bipolar and Laplacian electrode configurations.

The objective of this work was to assess the repeatability of two surface electromyographic (sEMG) recording techniques, the classical bipolar configuration and a Laplacian configuration to document their ability to provide reliable information during follow-up studies. The signals were recorded on 10 healthy subjects during voluntary isometric contractions of the biceps brachii muscle at different constant contraction levels. Slopes, area ratios (at 60% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and initial values (at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% MVC) of the root mean square (RMS), the mean power frequency (MPF) and the muscle fibre conduction velocity (CV) were estimated. Experimental sessions were repeated on three different days with both electrode sets to evaluate the repeatability of sEMG parameter estimates. Classical results were observed, such as an increase in the RMS and the CV with the contraction level. Only initial values of RMS and MPF were shown to be dependent on electrode type. These two parameters presented intra-class correlation coefficient values higher than .80 for high contraction levels. On the whole, the repeatability of the measures was good; however it was better for all sEMG parameter estimates with bipolar electrodes than Laplacian electrodes. Because a bipolar configuration is less selective than a Laplacian one, it provides a global view of muscular activity, which is more repeatable, hence more suitable for follow-up studies.     

Mechanomyogram and electromyogram responses of upper limb during sustained isometric fatigue with varying shoulder and elbow postures

To investigate the behavior of mechanomyogram (MMG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals in the time and frequency domains during sustained isometric contraction, MMG and surface EMG were obtained simultaneously from four muscles: upper trapezius (TP), anterior deltoid (DL), biceps brachii (BB), and brachioradialis (BR) of 10 healthy male subjects. Experimental conditions consisted of 27 combinations of 9 postures [3 shoulder angles (SA): 0 degree, 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 3 elbow angles (EA): 120 degrees, 90 degrees, 60 degrees] and 3 contraction levels: 20%, 40%, and 60% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Subjective evaluations of fatigue were also assessed using the Borg scale at intervals of 60, 30, and 10 sec at 20%, 40%, and 60% MVC tests, respectively. The mean power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS) of both signals were calculated. The current study found clear and significant relationships among physiological and psychological parameters on the one hand and SA and EA on the other. EA's effect on MVC was found to be significant. SA had a highly significant effect on both endurance time and Borg scale. In all experimental conditions, significant correlations were found between the changes in MPF and RMS of EMG in BB with SA and EA (or muscle length). In all four muscles, MMG frequency content was two or three times lower than EMG frequency content. During sustained isometric contraction, the EMG signal showed the well-known shift to lower frequencies (a continuous decrease from onset to completion of the contraction). In contrast, the MMG spectra did not show any shift, although its form changed (generally remaining about constant). Throughout the contraction, increased RMS of EMG was found for all tests, whereas in the MMG signal, a significant progressive increase in RMS was observed only at 20% MVC in all four muscles. This supports the hypothesis that the RMS amplitude of the MMG signal produced during contraction is highly correlated with force production. Possible explanations for this behavioral difference between the MMG and EMG signals are discussed.     

Muscle fatigue-induced enhancement of corticomuscular coherence following sustained submaximal isometric contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle

Oscillatory activity of the sensorimotor cortex shows coherence with muscle activity within the 15- to 35-Hz frequency band (β-band) during weak to moderate sustained isometric contraction. We aimed to examine the acute changes in this corticomuscular coupling due to muscle fatigue and its effect on the steadiness of the exerted force. We quantified the coherence between the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded over the sensorimotor cortex and the rectified surface electromyogram (EMG) of the tibialis anterior muscle as well as the coefficient of variance of the dorsiflexion force (Force(CV)) and sum of the auto-power spectral density function of the force within the β-band (Force(β-PSD)) during 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 60 s before (prefatiguing task) and after (postfatiguing task) muscle fatigue induced by sustained isometric contraction at 50% of MVC until exhaustion in seven healthy male subjects. The magnitude of the EEG-EMG coherence increased in the postfatiguing task in six of seven subjects. The maximal peak of EEG-EMG coherence stayed within the β-band in both pre- and postfatiguing tasks. Interestingly, two subjects, who had no significant EEG-EMG coherence in the prefatiguing task, showed significant coherence in the postfatiguing task. Additionally, Force(CV) and Force(β-PSD) significantly increased after muscle fatigue. These data suggest that when muscle fatigue develops, the central nervous system enhances oscillatory muscular activity in the β-band stronger coupled with the sensorimotor cortex activity accomplishing the sustained isometric contraction at lower performance levels.     

Assessment of muscle hardness changes induced by a submaximal fatiguing isometric contraction

Transient elastography consists of measuring the transverse local shear elastic modulus defined as local muscle hardness (LMH). It has previously been shown that LMH is correlated to muscle activity level during non-fatiguing contractions. The aim of this study was to describe how LMH and muscle activity level change during a submaximal fatiguing constant-torque protocol. Changes in gastrocnemius medialis LMH and in surface electromyographic activities (sEMG) of plantar flexors induced by a submaximal isometric plantar flexion (40% of the maximal isometric torque) until exhaustion were quantified. During the contraction, sEMG of each muscle increased (P<0.001) whereas LMH remained constant (P>0.05). Active LMH assessed during the contraction did not parallel muscle activity level changes during this type of submaximal fatigue protocol. Interestingly, LMH at rest assessed in passive conditions was higher prior to the fatiguing effort (P<0.05), rather than that assessed immediately after. Muscle and tendon viscous behaviors could imply a creep phenomenon during a prolonged isometric contraction, and our results in LMH at rest could indicate that this phenomenon induces changes in muscle intrinsic mechanical properties. Further studies are needed to examine whether it could have an influence on muscle activity levels during the contraction.     

Muscle endurance time estimation during isometric training using electromyogram and supervised learning

Constant-force isometric muscle training is useful for increasing the maximal strength , rehabilitation and work-fatigue assessment. Earlier studies have shown that muscle fatigue characteristics can be used for evaluating muscle endurance limit. Study Objective: To predict muscle endurance time during isometric task using frequency spectrum characteristics of surface electromyography signals along with analysis of frequency spectrum shape and scale during fatigue accumulation. Method: Thirteen subjects performed isometric lateral raise at 60% MVC of deltoid (lateral) till endurance limit. Time windowed sEMG frequency spectrum was modelled using 2-parameter distributions namely Gamma and Weibull for spectrum analysis and endurance prediction. Results: Gamma distribution provided better spectrum fitting (P < 0.001) than Weibull distribution. Spectrum Distribution demonstrated no change in shape but shifted towards lower frequency with increase of magnitude at characteristic mode frequency. Support Vector Regression based algorithm was developed for endurance time estimation using features derived from fitted frequency spectrum. Time taken till endurance limit for acquired dataset 38.53 ± 17.33 s (Mean ± Standard Deviation) was predicted with error of 0.029 ± 4.19 s . R-square: 0.956, training and test sets RMSE was calculated as 3.96 and 4.29 s respectively. The application of the algorithm suggested that model required 70% of sEMG signal from maximum time of endurance for high prediction accuracy. Conclusion: Endurance Limit prediction algorithm was developed for quantification of endurance time for optimizing isometric training and rehabilitation. Our method could help personalize and change conventional training method of same weight and duration for all subjects with optimized training parameters, based upon individual sEMG activity.     

High frequency vibration conditioning stimulation centrally reduces myoelectrical manifestation of fatigue in healthy subjects

ObjectiveVibration conditioning has been adopted as a tool to improve muscle force and reduce fatigue onset in various rehabilitation settings. This study was designed to asses if high frequency vibration can induce some conditioning effects detectable in surface EMG (sEMG) signal; and whether these effects are central or peripheral in origin.Design300 Hz vibration was applied for 30 min during 5 consecutive days, to the right biceps brachii muscle of 10 healthy males aged from 25 to 50 years. sEMG was recorded with a 16 electrode linear array placed on the skin overlying the vibrated muscle. The test protocol consisted of 30% and 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) as well as involuntary (electrically elicited) contractions before and after treatment.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between PRE and POST vibration conditioning when involuntary stimulus-evoked contraction and 30% MVC were used. Significant differences in the initial values and rates of change of muscle fibre conduction velocity were found only at 60% MVC.Conclusions300 Hz vibration did not induce any peripheral changes as demonstrated by the lack of differences when fatigue was electrically induced. Differences were found only when the muscle was voluntarily fatigued at 60% MVC suggesting a modification in the centrally driven motor unit recruitment order, and interpreted as an adaptive response to the reiteration of the vibratory conditioning.     

A comparison between mechanomyographic condenser microphone and accelerometer measurements during submaximal isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions.

The aim of this study was to compare mechanomyogram (MMG) recorded by a condenser microphone (MIC) and an accelerometer (ACC) during submaximal isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions in 14 males. The maximal voluntary force (MVC) of the biceps brachii was measured. The subjects were asked to do short duration isometric, concentric and eccentric contraction at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% MVC twice. For the concentric and eccentric contraction, the subject bent his arm for 3s (concentric) then held it for 3s and extended (eccentric) during 3s. The normalized root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) increased linearly with increased force for both transducers. There was a correlation between MIC MPF and ACC MPF at 10%, 30%, 50% MVC, and between MIC RMS and ACC RMS at 30% MVC during isometric contractions. There was significantly higher MPF for the ACC than for the MIC in concentric and eccentric modes, while the RMS did not differ among transducers in the three contraction modes. The RMS and MPF values coefficient of variations were significantly larger during anisometric contractions compared with isometric contractions and were lower for the accelerometer than for the microphone. The present results obtained during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions of increased intensity showed that the information contained in microphone- and accelerometer-based MMG signals is different despite similar trends. It can be concluded that at low-moderate movement velocity, concentric contractions can be investigated by means of accelerometer and microphone.