Jacquelin Perry

Dynamic electromyographic analysis of the throwing shoulder with glenohumeral instability

Fifteen male athletes who were skilled in throwing and who had chronic anterior instability of the shoulder (Group 1) were evaluated by dynamic intramuscular electromyography while pitching a baseball. Indwelling wire electrodes recorded the levels of activity in the biceps, middle deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, pectoralis major, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior throughout the entire pitching sequence. These signals were synchronized electronically with records of the pitch that were made using high-speed photography. The pitch was divided into five phases: wind-up, early cocking, late cocking, acceleration, and follow-through. The results were compared with previous identical studies of twelve healthy, uninjured male athletes who were skilled in throwing (Group 2). Activity increased mildly in the biceps and supraspinatus in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Similar patterns of activity were demonstrated in the deltoid. In Group 1 the infraspinatus had increased activity during early cocking and follow-through but had decreased activity during late cocking. The pectoralis major, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior in Group 1 all were shown to have markedly decreased activity. The study revealed a difference between Groups 1 and 2 in all of the muscles of the shoulder that were tested with the exception of the deltoid. The mildly increased activity levels of the biceps and supraspinatus that were found in Group 1 may compensate for anterior laxity. The marked reduction in activity in the pectoralis major, subscapularis, and latissimus dorsi added to the anterior instability by decreasing the normal internal-rotation force that is needed during the phases of late cocking and acceleration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quadriceps Function: An Anatomical And Mechanical Study Using Amputated Limbs

This anatomical, mechanical study demonstrated the following: 1. The only selective function attributable to the vastus medialis is patellar alignment. 2. The extensor lag accompanying knee lesions is a function of great loss in mechanical advantage of the quadriceps during the last 15 degrees of the extensor range, a 60 per cert increase in force being needed to complete extension. 3. The clinical prominence of the vastus medialis is related to the marked obliquity of the distal fibers, the lowness of the insertion, and the thinness of the fascial covering of this portion of the quadriceps. 4. Early atrophy of the vastus medialis prominence and loss of terminal extension after injury are indicative of general quadriceps weakness.

An EMG analysis of the shoulder in pitching A second report

This is the second report in a series of projects dealing with electromyographic (EMG) analysis of the upper extremity during throwing. Better understanding of the muscle activation patterns could lead to more effective preseason conditioning regimens and rehabilitation pro grams. Indwelling wire electrodes recorded the output from the biceps, long and lateral heads of the triceps, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, and brachialis for four professional baseball pitchers. These signals were synchronized electronically with high speed film records of a fast ball. The EMG signals were converted from analog to digital records. Results showed that wind-up and early cocking phases showed minimal activity in all muscles, and such firing which occurred was of low intensity. Late cocking, which occurred after the front foot was firmly planted, showed moderate activity in the biceps. Cocking was termi nated by the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi. At this point, the trunk began to rotate forward, while the arm remained elevated and the elbow flexed. Also, the shoulder was moving to maximum external rotation. During the acceleration phase, the biceps was notably quiescent, while the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, triceps, and serratus anterior were all active. Muscle action at this time terminated external rotation and elbow flexion; i.e., the muscles fired as decelerators and also initiated the opposite actions for ball acceler ation, internal rotation and elbow extension. Follow- through was not only a time of eccentric contraction with muscle activity decelerating the upper extremity complex, it was also an active event with the shoulder moving across the body and the elbow into extension with forearm pronation.

An electromyographic analysis of the upper extremity in pitching

The upper extremity is vulnerable to injury during the baseball pitch because of the repetitious nature of the action, the extremes in range of motion, and the high angular velocities and torques generated at the shoulder and elbow. Hence this study was designed to describe the muscle-firing patterns through fine-wire electromyography in 29 muscle bellies in the upper extremities of skilled pitchers during the fastball pitch. The results demonstrated that the muscles functioned with precise timing for joint stabilization to prevent injury, joint activation to transfer forces to the ball, and joint deceleration to dissipate forces after ball release. The synchrony of reciprocal and sequential muscle contraction necessary to accomplish these functions was clearly evident. This study provides a better understanding of the coordinated sequence of muscle activity during the throwing motion; this understanding is crucial to the development of exercise protocols and surgical procedures used for treatment and prevention of shoulder and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete.

A comparative electromyographic analysis of the shoulder during pitching: Professional versus amateur pitchers

Dynamic, fine-wire, intramuscular electromyography (EMG) was performed on 12 different shoulder muscles in 13 normal male subjects as they pitched a baseball. Seven were major league baseball pitchers and six were amateur pitchers. The act of pitching a fast ball was filmed at 450 frames per second with the EMG signals recorded synchronously. The subscapularis, su praspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles were tested in 13 subjects, the biceps brachii muscle was tested in 12, and other shoulder muscles were tested variously among the subjects. Two groups of muscles were identified. Group I mus cles, the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, del toid, trapezius, and biceps brachii, served primarily to position the shoulder and elbow for the delivery of the pitch. These muscles were found to have greater activ ity during the early and late cocking stages, with less activity during acceleration. Group II muscles acceler ated the arm and baseball forward in space. These muscles, the pectoralis major, serratus anterior, sub scapularis, and latissimus dorsi, had stronger activity during the propulsive phase of the pitch. The professional pitchers were able to use the mus cles about the shoulder in an efficient manner to achieve greater pitching velocities. The subscapularis and latis simus dorsi muscles of Group II had stronger activity among the professionals, whereas the supraspinatus, teres minor, and biceps brachii muscles of Group I had only minimal activity. The amateurs, on the other hand, continued to use all of the rotator cuff muscles and the biceps brachii muscle of Group I through the accelera tion stage of the pitch. These data may provide a basis for understanding improved performance and an ad junct for sport-specific rehabilitation programs.

Anatomy and biomechanics of the hindfoot.

Hindfoot function involves eccentric loading of the subtalar joint and repetitive strain of the calcaneal soft tissues. Both are induced by the serial pattern of foot support. The subtalar joint experiences rapid eversion following heel strike and subsequent inversion during terminal stance. Although these actions reduce the rotatory strain on the ankle joint, they also challenge the local soft tissues and controlling muscles. Compression and traction of the soft tissues about the heel are normal events during each walking cycle. Loading the limb at the onset of stance causes heel pad compression. Conversely, the plantar fascia and tendo Achillis are subjected to significant traction as body weight is transferred onto the forefoot during the latter half of the single limb support period. The intensity of hindfoot stress increases with the vigor of activity. Running creates symptoms that do not arise with ordinary walking. Microtrauma is cumulative. Also, the aging process reduces the ability of tissue to accommodate repetitive force.

Functional comparison of posterior cruciate-retained versus cruciate-sacrificed total knee arthroplasty.

Gait of 11 patients with bilateral paired posterior cruciate-retaining and cruciate-sacrificing total knee arthroplasties (TKA) was studied preoperatively and two years postoperatively on walking and stair climbing. Five-year clinical and roentgenographic examinations were included in the study. Differences between the two prostheses were noted both in level walking and in stair climbing. On level walking, cruciate-sacrificed TKA had more flexion in loading response and increased flexion and varus moments with increased muscle activity of quadriceps and biceps femoris. Abnormal gaits common to both types of knee were decreased flexion in stance and decreased single-limb stance. Both knees had a stiff-legged gait during stance. On stairs, the cruciate-sacrificed TKA substituted soleus muscle activity for knee stability. The single-limb stance and range of motion were similar for both knees. In clinical terms, the cruciate-sacrificed TKA is less efficient and has greater medial loading and higher joint reaction forces that may affect durability of the prosthesis. The five-year knee scores, patient satisfaction, and roentgenographic examinations were equal for both sets of knees.

Use of cluster analysis for gait pattern classification of patients in the early and late recovery phases following stroke.

The mixture of gait deviations seen in patients following a stroke is remarkably variable. An objective system for classification of gait patterns for this population could be used to guide treatment planning. Quantitated gait analysis was conducted for 47 individuals at admission to in-patient rehabilitation and again at 6 months post-stroke for 42 subjects. Non-hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify the gait patterns of patients based on the temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters of walking. Four clusters of patients were identified at both assessment intervals. At the admission test walking velocity, peak knee extension in mid stance and peak dorsiflexion in swing were the three factors that best characterized the groups. At 6 months the explanatory variables were velocity, knee extension in terminal stance, and knee flexion in pre swing. Differences in muscle strength and muscle activation patterns during walking were identified between groups.

Functional analysis of anterior cruciate ligament instability

Eighteen males and two females (mean age, 26.5 years) underwent biomechanical assessment and Cybex eval uation prior to ACL reconstruction. Clinically, all patients had at least a 1+ grade with the Lachman, anterior drawer, and pivot shift tests, the majority being graded as 2+. Footswitch, high speed photography, force plate, and indwelling wire electrode data were collected while each subject performed free and fast walking, running, cutting, and stair climbing activities. During walking, single limb support times did not differ between the subjects involved and uninvolved limbs. Knee joint angles were similar between limbs during walking, running, and stair climbing maneuvers. Dynamic EMG tracings during walking demonstrated similar quadriceps and calf activity between limbs, while greater variation in hamstring firing was evident among subjects. During running, the involved limb had a longer duration of medial hamstring activity compared to the lateral hamstring. No significant differences were seen in either vertical or sagittal shear forces during free walking. During fast walking, higher midstance vertical forces (F2) were present in the involved limb (P < 0.05). During running, the involved limb experienced lower vertical forces (P < 0.05), while both anterior and posterior sagittal shear differences were insignificant. Straight cut maneuvers demonstrated significantly lower lateral shear and ver tical forces in the involved limb (P < 0.05). Lower lateral and sagittal shear forces in the involved limb (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), combined with a reduced angle of the cut during the cross-cut maneuver, may be the first means to assess the functional pivot shift phenomenon ever documented. Isokinetic Cybex strength testing demonstrated a mean 14% quadriceps deficit and a mean 4% hamstring deficit in the involved limb. Achieving quadriceps and hamstring torque of 86% and 96%, respectively, was not sufficient to eliminate the subjective need for sur gical reconstruction.

Electromyographic activity of shoulder muscles during wheelchair propulsion by paraplegic persons

OBJECTIVE Phasing and intensity of shoulder muscle activity during wheelchair propulsion were documented to identify muscles at risk for fatigue and overuse. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Electromyographic (EMG) activity of 12 muscles was recorded with wire electrodes in 17 paraplegic men during propulsion on a stationary ergometer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Push and recovery phases of the propulsion cycle were determined with an instrumented pushrim. Onset and cessation of EMG were compared between muscles with a repeated measures ANOVA. Average and peak EMG intensity also were identified. RESULTS All muscles functioned either in push or recovery phases, except supraspinatus, which displayed both patterns, and latissimus dorsi, which was inconsistent. The 6 push phase muscles--anterior deltoid, sternal pectoralis major, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and long head of biceps brachii--had onsets in late recovery (78% to 93% cycle) with peak EMG in the first 10% of the cycle. Pectoralis major and supraspinatus had the highest peak (58% and 67%MAX) and average (35% and 27%MAX) EMG intensities in this group. Cessation occurred in late push (17% to 23% cycle) except in biceps brachii (8% cycle) (p < .01). The 5 recovery muscles--middle and posterior deltoid, subscapularis, supraspinatus, and middle trapezius--had EMG onsets in late push (17% to 26% cycle) with moderate average intensities (21% to 32%MAX). These muscles had two EMG peaks (end of push and mid-recovery). Cessation was in late recovery (82% to 91% cycle). CONCLUSIONS Muscles most vulnerable for fatigue were pectoralis major, supraspinatus, and recovery muscles. Endurance training was recommended.