基于表面肌电技术对卒中患者上肢运动时躯干肌用力疲劳程度的研究

目的 探讨卒中患者上肢运动过程中躯干肌用力疲劳情况。 方法 前瞻性连续纳入2019年4-9月于中山大学附属第三医院康复医学科住院的卒中患者作为卒中 组，并招募年龄、性别匹配的健康志愿者作为对照组。使用木插板分别让卒中患者的健侧和患侧上 肢、健康志愿者利手侧上肢进行前后向置物-返回运动各15次，分3组完成，每组5次，组间间隔30 s。 受试者在运动前后根据改良版Borg自觉用力程度量表对其自身疲劳程度进行评价，对比受试者运动 前后的量表评分结果。利用表面肌电技术采集进行前后向置物-返回运动时躯干肌（运动侧斜方肌、 双侧腹直肌、双侧腹外斜肌、双侧胸段及腰段竖脊肌）的肌电频域指标[平均功率频率（mean power frequency，MPF）]平均值，分别比较卒中患者健侧、患侧运动时与健康志愿者利手侧肌肉MPF的差异。 结果 卒中组患侧和健侧上肢运动后改良版Borg自觉用力程度量表评分均较运动前升高（均P ＜0.001），而对照组运动前后差异无统计学意义。使用表面肌电图技术分析发现，在前后向置物-返 回运动过程中，相比对照组，卒中组患者不论用患侧还是健侧上肢运动，其健侧腹直肌、患侧腹直 肌、健侧腹外斜肌、患侧胸段竖脊肌的MPF均较低，以上差异均具有统计学意义；其余肌肉两组差异 无统计学意义。 结论 卒中患者双上肢活动时躯干肌群容易出现疲劳。在进行上肢前后向置物-返回动作过程中， 双侧腹直肌、健侧腹外斜肌和患侧胸段竖脊肌的疲劳程度更加明显。     

脑卒中偏瘫患者直立坐位及坐位屈伸运动时躯干浅表肌群表面肌电信号特征研究

目的分析脑卒中偏瘫患者在躯干直立坐位、坐位下前屈、后伸运动过程中躯干浅表肌群的表面肌电信号特征,探讨脑卒中后躯干肌群的控制机制。方法选取17例脑卒中左侧偏瘫患者及16例健康志愿者,采集2组在躯干直立坐位、坐位下前屈45°、后伸30°时腹直肌、腹外斜肌、胸段竖脊肌、腰段竖脊肌的表面肌电图RMS值。结果直立坐位:腹直肌、腹外斜肌、胸段竖脊肌、腰段竖脊肌RMS值在正常组左、右侧及脑卒中组瘫痪侧和非瘫痪侧对比均差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。坐位躯干前屈45°:正常组各肌群RMS值左侧、右侧差异无统计学意义(P0.05),脑卒中组中两侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌RMS值比较及其分别与正常组同侧比较均差异无统计学意义(P0.05),而胸段竖脊肌和腰段竖脊肌的RMS值瘫痪侧均低于非瘫痪侧且低于正常组同侧(P0.05)。坐位躯干后伸30°:正常组各肌群RMS值左侧、右侧差异无统计学意义(P0.05),同时脑卒中组腹直肌、胸段竖脊肌、腰段竖脊肌RMS值两侧对比亦差异无统计学意义(P0.05),而腹外斜肌的RMS值瘫痪侧低于非瘫痪侧(P0.05);脑卒中组瘫痪侧、非瘫痪侧各肌群RMS值较正常组对比均降低(P0.05)。结论脑卒中偏瘫患者在屈伸时双侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌功能均受损,尤其是腹外斜肌、竖脊肌离心收缩功能受损更为明显,康复训练中应重视躯干浅表肌群的离心收缩训练。     

卒中后膈肌功能及相关因素分析

目的 分析卒中后偏瘫患者的膈肌功能,并探讨其与卒中病程以及吞咽、呼吸、运动、平衡功能和日常生活能力的相关性。 方法 本研究为前瞻性研究,连续纳入首次卒中后单侧偏瘫的患者,记录患者的一般资料,洼田饮水试验、主观呼吸功能障碍程度量表、Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定量表（Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment scale,FMA）、Berg平衡量表（Berg balance scale,BBS）、改良Barthel指数（modified Barthel index,mBI）。采用超声测定膈肌功能,包括平静呼吸时的膈肌活动度以及用力呼吸状态下的膈肌活动度和膈肌增厚率。比较整体和不同瘫痪侧患者偏瘫侧和健侧的膈肌功能,分别比较左侧偏瘫和右侧偏瘫患侧的膈肌功能和健侧的膈肌功能。分析瘫痪侧的膈肌功能与病程、洼田饮水试验、主呼吸功能障碍程度量表、FMA、BBS、mBI等指标的相关性 结果 研究共纳入45例卒中患者,其中左侧偏瘫27例（60.00%）,右侧偏瘫18例（40.00%）。在整体患者中,用力呼吸状态下,偏瘫侧膈肌活动度（31.69±15.18 mm vs. 40.24±14.66 mm,P＜0.001）及膈肌增厚率（34.99%±23.70% vs. 48.13%±21.98%,P＜0.001）低于健侧。用力呼吸状态下,左侧偏瘫患者的偏瘫侧膈肌活动度（30.13±12.64 mm vs. 44.10±12.95 mm,P＜0.001）和膈肌增厚率（41.20%±23.42% vs. 54.63%±21.08%,P =0.004）较健侧低;右侧偏瘫患者的偏瘫侧膈肌增厚率（25.67%±21.47% vs. 38.37%±20.07%,P =0.005）较健侧低。用力呼吸状态下,右侧偏瘫患者的偏瘫侧膈肌增厚率低于左侧偏瘫患者（P =0.029）。右侧偏瘫患者的健侧膈肌活动度（P =0.028）及膈肌增厚率低于左侧偏瘫患者（P =0.012）。卒中患者平静呼吸状态下,偏瘫侧膈肌活动度与FMA（r =0.362,P =0.015）呈正相关;用力呼吸状态下,偏瘫侧膈肌活动度与洼田饮水试验（r =0.298,P =0.047）、主观呼吸功能障碍程度量表（r =0.437,P =0.003）、FMA（r =0.330,P =0.027）、BBS（r =0.370,P =0.012）、mBI（r =0.321,P =0.031）呈正相关,偏瘫侧膈肌增厚率与病程（r =-0.298,P =0.047）呈负相关。 结论 卒中后偏瘫侧膈肌功能较健侧下降,右侧偏瘫患者双侧膈肌功能较左侧偏瘫患者更差。卒中患者膈肌功能与病程呈负相关,与吞咽功能、呼吸功能、肢体运动功能、平衡能力及日常生活能力呈正相关。     

脑卒中患者小腿三头肌肌张力的表面肌电特征

目的采用表面EMG(sEMG)法,探讨脑卒中偏瘫患者不同功能状态下小腿三头肌的sEMG变化。方法选取30例脑卒中恢复期存在小腿三头肌痉挛的偏瘫患者,分别采集患者在踝关节被动背屈牵伸过程中,伸膝位和屈膝位的健患侧内外腓肠肌以及比目鱼肌的sEMG信号,以及患者在行走5个步行周期时健患侧内外腓肠肌及比目鱼肌的sEMG信号。并对sEMG的均方根振幅(RMS)值进行分析比较。结果 (1)在踝关节被动背屈牵伸过程中:患侧内外腓肠肌的RMS值伸膝位明显高于屈膝位(均P0.05),比目鱼肌无明显差异;同体位下内外腓肠肌以及比目鱼肌的RMS值患侧显著高于健侧(均P0.05);伸膝位时患侧内侧腓肠肌的RMS值最高。(2)在步行运动过程中:支撑相时,健侧内外腓肠肌的RMS值高于患侧(P0.01),比目鱼肌无差异;摆动相时,健侧内外腓肠肌以及比目鱼肌的RMS值高于患侧(均P0.01)。支撑相时,比目鱼肌贡献度患侧高于健侧(P0.05),而外侧腓肠肌的贡献度健侧高于患侧(P0.05)。结论脑卒中恢复期患者在踝关节被动背屈牵伸时,腓肠肌是偏瘫患者小腿三头肌痉挛的主要因素。步行时,患侧比目鱼肌取代正常跖屈时腓肠肌成为主要步行推动肌群。     

基于神经电生理技术探讨脑卒中对脊髓运动神经元及周围神经的影响

目的通过神经传导及F波检测探讨脑卒中对脊髓运动神经元及周围神经的影响。方法选择12例偏瘫的脑卒中患者,偏瘫上肢Brunnstrom分期为Ⅳ～Ⅴ期,用肌电/诱发电位仪采集患者双侧上肢肌皮神经、正中神经的神经传导及正中神经F波相关参数,并对采集的健患侧参数进行分析比较。同时采用Fugl-Meyer量表评价患侧上肢功能,并分析患侧肌皮神经、正中神经神经传导相关参数与患侧上肢功能的相关性。结果 (1)运动神经传导:①与健侧相比,刺激腕部时患侧正中神经传导速度减慢(P0.05)。②与健侧相比,刺激肘部时患侧正中神经复合肌肉动作电位(Compound Muscle Action Potential,CMAP)潜伏期延长(P0.05)。③与健侧相比,患侧肌皮神经CMAP波幅减低(P0.05)。(2)感觉神经传导:刺激双侧正中神经腕部、肘部时,健患侧正中神经感觉神经动作电位(Sensory Nerve Action Potential,SNAP)波幅、潜伏期及神经传导速度差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)偏瘫上肢Fugl-Meyer量表评分与患侧正中神经、肌皮神经传导相关参数进行相关性分析,结果显示均无相关性(P0.05)。(4)脑卒中患者患侧正中神经F波出现率较对侧增加(P0.05)。结论脑卒中不仅会导致患侧上肢运动神经轴索变性及脱髓鞘改变,同时还会影响运动单位中的脊髓运动神经元兴奋性,故在脑卒中康复治疗过程中应加强针对脊髓运动神经元兴奋性的治疗。     

卒中后肩痛周围神经电生理学研究

目的 通过对卒中后肩痛患者上肢进行神经传导速度检查及针极肌电图检查，观察卒中后肩痛患者周围神经电生理指标的变化。方法 选择符合入选标准的卒中住院患者40例，根据数字疼痛评分法（Numerical Pain Rating Scale，NPRS）分为肩痛组（26例）与无肩痛组（14例）。分别进行双侧上肢神经传导速度检查和针极肌电图（electromyography，EMG）检查。结果 肩痛组患侧腋神经、肌皮神经、正中神经复合肌肉动作电位（compound muscle action potential，CMAP）波幅较无肩痛组患侧降低，差异有显著性（P=0.000，0.001，0.000）；无肩痛组患侧尺神经CMAP波幅较同组健侧降低，差异有显著性（P=0.000）；肩痛组患侧尺神经感觉神经动作电位（sensory nerve action potential，SNAP）波幅较无肩痛组患侧降低，差异有显著性（P=0.000）。三角肌、肱二头肌自发电位出现率，肩痛组较无肩痛组增高，差异具有显著性（P=0.044，0.044）。结论 卒中后肩痛患者伴有上肢周围神经的损伤，且肩痛的发生可能与运动神经损伤有关。     

急性缺血性卒中患者溶栓治疗前后CT微血管表面通透性参数图的特点分析

目的 分析动态计算机X线断层扫描灌注（CT perfusion,CTP）成像获得的脑组织局部微血管表面通透性（permeability surface,PS）参数图在急性缺血性卒中中的分布特点以及其在溶栓治疗前后的变化。
方法 急性缺血性卒中发病3～8h内的入组患者分别在基线和静脉溶栓治疗后接受“一站式”CT检查。使用Patlak模型分析CTP图像并得到PS参数图,分别测量基线和溶栓后的患侧和健侧脑组织的微血管PS值,分别记为：患侧基线PS（PSischemia-pre）、健侧基线PS（PScontrol-pre）、患侧溶栓后PS（PSischemia-post）和健侧溶栓后PS（PScontrol-post）。
结果 22例患者基线时接受“一站式”CT检查以及静脉溶栓治疗,17例患者完成（24±6）h随访的CTP成像评价。患者的基线PS值患侧较对侧升高[6.20ml・min-1・（100ml）-1 vs 0.65ml・min-1・（100ml）-1,P<0.01];溶栓治疗后PS值患侧仍较健侧为高[3.39ml・min-1・（100ml）-1 vs 0.39ml・min-1・（100ml）-1,P<0.01]。基线以及溶栓后患侧和健侧PS定量值均具有统计学差异（P<0.01）。17例基线和随访CTP均可评估的数据中,13例（76％）患者溶栓治疗后PS值降低,但患侧基线和溶栓治疗后PS值差异无统计学意义（P＝0.093）。22例患者中1例发生出血转化,其PSischemia-pre为6.74ml・min-1・（100ml）-1。
结论 动态CTP成像获得的PS参数图可以用来反映急性缺血性脑组织缺血区域的通透性异常增高。     

颈部与轴性肌张力障碍及肉毒素疗法

1痉挛性斜颈（spasmodic torticollis） 1．1概念是颈部局灶性肌张力障碍所致的头位异常，其本质是大脑的运动、姿势程序异常。斜颈姿势在不同患者有不同，可出现头部旋转、侧屈、前后屈及耸肩、侧弯、躯干扭转等各种组合，也有伴震颇及以肌痛为主诉者。因不仅限于斜颈，故最近多称为“颈部肌张力障碍（cervical dystonia）”。精神紧张及运动时常恶化。     

急性大面积脑梗死脑电图δ/α功率比值与中线结构移位的相关性研究

目的 评估急性大面积脑梗死患者定量脑电图（quantitative electroencephalography，qEEG）参数和脑
中线结构移位之间的相关性，探索反映脑中线结构移位最敏感的qEEG变化区域。
方法 纳入2017年9月-2019年5月于首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院神经重症医学科住院治疗，脑
梗死体积＞患侧大脑中动脉流域的2/3，发病7 d内完成脑电图监测的脑梗死患者。使用快速傅里
叶变换分别计算梗死侧和健侧的前、中、后区域以及半球脑电图的δ/α功率比值（delta/alpha power
ratio，DAR），并记录同期GCS评分、NIHSS评分。在脑电图监测前后4 h内完成头颅CT或MRI，测量透明
隔水平的大脑中线结构移位。统计不同区域的DAR与中线结构移位的相关性。根据中线结构移位
≥5 mm和<5 mm，≥10 mm和<10 mm分组，比较组间不同部位DAR的差异。绘制ROC曲线，确定提示中
线结构移位≥5 mm和≥10 mm的DAR界值及其敏感性和特异性，并与NIHSS评分、GCS评分对中线结构
移位预测价值比较。
结果 共29例患者、38段脑电图记录纳入分析。健侧后头部DAR与中线结构移位正相关（ρ=0.5264，
P =0.0007）。中线结构移位≥5 mm组相比<5 mm组、≥10 mm组相比<10 mm组，健侧后头部DAR均显
著升高（分别为6.48±5.70 vs 2.09±1.47，P =0.0043；10.59±6.60 vs 3.29±3.30，P =0.0008）。分别
以DAR≥2.326和≥2.569为界值，可以提示中线结构移位≥5 mm和≥10 mm（敏感度分别为72.73%和
100.00%，特异度分别为81.25%和64.52%），均优于NIHSS评分和GCS评分。
结论 健侧后头部DAR增加与大面积脑梗死中线结构移位呈正相关。qEEG可作为监测大面积脑梗
死中线结构移位的方法。     

磁刺激运动诱发肌电位对运动机能评价的临床应用

目的：观察磁刺激运动诱发肌电位对运动机能的评价。方法：用磁刺激装置对正常人１２例，运动障碍患者３１例进行了经颅脑刺激，记录运动诱发肌电位。结果：受检测的４３例，无一例引起头痛和感觉异常，也无癫痫及意识障碍等副作用。正常人中，诱发肌电位的潜伏期相对恒定，振幅在个体间虽存有差异，但同一例左右侧几乎相同。对２０例单侧肢体功能障碍的肌力按体征分级，比较患侧和健侧的诱发肌电位，发现患侧振幅较健侧明显减低。对肌力０～２级的病例，不能诱发出肌电位。结论：磁刺激运动诱发肌电位，在临床上可在数量上正确评价肢体的运动机能，并且经颅磁刺激法是安全的。     

卒中偏瘫患者出院后习得性废用发展情况的调查研究

目的 调查卒中亚急性期偏瘫患者出院后习得性废用发展情况，分析习得性废用与患者人口学因素、 临床特点及功能恢复的相关性。 方法 前瞻性连续纳入2018年7月-2019年12月期间南方医科大学深圳医院预备出院的卒中偏瘫患 者。收集患者一般资料和临床特点，并在出院后4周、8周和12周用运动活动记录表（motor activity log， MAL）评估患者的习得性废用情况，在出院前3 d，出院后4周、8周和12周用改良Ashworth指数测试肘 腕屈肌群肌张力，偏瘫上肢功能测试香港版、Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分和箱块测试评价上肢功 能，功能独立性评定评价日常生活能力。对各随访时间点MAL与其他评估量表、人口学因素和临床特 点进行相关性分析。 结果 研究完成随访患者47例，男性36例（76.6%），平均年龄58.74±11.08岁，平均发病时间 48.00±28.38 d，其中缺血性卒中32例（68.1%），出血性卒中15例（31.9%）。MAL的患手使用频率/ 患者活动质量在出院后4周、8周和12周时分别为2.66（1.38～4.03）分/2.87（1.03～3.56）分、3.30 （1.93～4.41）分/3.17（1.55～3.77）分和3.59（2.00～4.33）分/3.28（2.00～3.96）分，除8周与12周 之间的患手使用频率差异无统计学意义之外，其他时间点之间差异均具有统计学意义。各随访时间 点患者肘屈肌群张力变化差异无统计学意义（P =0.076），其余功能表现均显著恢复（均P <0.05）。出 院后4周、8周和12周各时间点，MAL与年龄呈一般正相关（ρ=0.33～0.39），与发病时间呈一般负相关 （ρ=-0.49～-0.33），与肘腕部屈肌张力呈一般至中等负相关（ρ=-0.58～-0.38），与日常生活能力 呈一般至中等正相关（ρ=0.30～0.60），与上肢运动功能呈一般至强正相关（ρ=0.49～0.76）。 结论 卒中亚急性期偏瘫患者出院后患肢仍然可以保持显著的功能恢复，但依然面临习得性废用 的挑战，且习得性废用与年龄、发病时间、腕肘屈肌群张力、日常生活生活能力和上肢功能相关。     

Activation of selected trunk muscles during symmetric functional activities in poststroke hemiparetic and hemiplegic patients

OBJECTIVE: To compare the EMG activity between the recti abdominii muscles and between the lumbar erector spinae muscles in hemiparetic and hemiplegic patients during functional symmetric trunk movements and to compare patients' EMG activity profiles with those of healthy controls. METHODS: EMG activity from the selected muscles was recorded during three symmetric and time controlled trunk exercises. Data analysis was based on values of cross correlations and of ratios between EMG activity of the bilateral corresponding muscles. RESULTS: In all groups, the highest cross correlations were obtained for both muscles when the muscles acted as prime movers. For the recti abdominii muscles, these values in the patients were comparable with those of the healthy subjects, whereas for the extensor muscles, the highest synchronous activity was displayed in healthy subjects and the lowest in hemiplegic patients. Laterality differences in the amount of EMG activity of the recti abdominii muscles were not biased towards one side. For the extensor muscles, in the controls, the activation levels were higher in the left erector spinae muscle than in the right one in two of the three exercises. Similarly, in the extensor muscles of the hemiparetic patients, activity on the paretic side was higher than on the non-paretic side in two exercises. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a supratentorial poststroke hemiparesis or hemiplegia, bilateral corresponding axial trunk muscles co-contract during symmetric trunk activities. Synchronous activation is at its highest level during voluntary dynamic tasks and is greater in the recti abdominii than in the erector spinae muscles. For both muscles, EMG activation levels on the paretic side were not lower than on the non-paretic side. Thus, the assertion that the muscles on the paretic side are activated to a lesser extent than their counterparts on the non-paretic side during symmetric trunk movements was not confirmed.     

Electromyographic activity of voluntarily activated trunk flexor and extensor muscles in post-stroke hemiparetic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To study the EMG activity of selected trunk muscles during self-initiated voluntary flexion and extension of the trunk in post-stroke hemiparetic subjects, and to compare measurement results to corresponding findings in control subjects. METHODS: Using a sample of 50 patients and 30 control subjects, bilateral EMG activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) and external oblique (EO) muscles was studied during direct trunk flexion, and activity of the lumbar erector spinae (ES) and latissimus dorsi (LD) was studied during straight trunk extension. Variables of timing, magnitude, and temporal synchronization between muscle activity on the paretic and non-paretic sides of the body in the patient group were compared with the same measurements taken from the left and right sides of the body in the control group. RESULTS: Activity of the RA and LD muscles on the affected side of the body was reduced and delayed relative to the unaffected side in the patients and relative to the control subjects. Some deterioration was also observed in the function of the EO muscle, whereas the lumbar ES displayed normal activity on both sides of the body. Trunk velocity during both flexion and extension was slower in the patients than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existence of ipsilateral as well as contralateral higher inputs to axial and to a lesser extent also to more lateral trunk muscles, the function of the superficial abdominal muscles and of the LD muscle is adversely affected by a contralateral stroke. Conversely, the lumbar ES, which can be categorized as local trunk extensors, seem to normally fulfill their anti-gravitational task on both sides of the body.     

Trunk muscle activation pattern in parkinsonian camptocormia as revealed with surface electromyography

IntroductionCamptocormia is frequently seen in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy. It is characterized by a pathological forward bending of the trunk during standing, often combined with a lateral trunk deviation. The etiology of camptocormia in PD is still unknown. Muscle MRI studies show abnormalities mainly of the erector spinae confirmed by muscle biopsies. Quantitative electromyographic examination of trunk muscle activity is missing.MethodsVentral (rectus and obliquus externus abdominis) and dorsal (iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus, multifidus) trunk muscles and the rectus femoris were recorded bilaterally with surface electromyography in standing PD patients with camptocormia (n = 10) and matched healthy controls (n = 10) who mimicked the patients' posture. EMG amplitudes were compared quantitatively. In controls, the relation between varying degrees of trunk flexion and EMG was established systematically.ResultsIncreasing forward trunk flexion was associated with increasing back muscle activity in controls, while abdominal muscle activity was negligible. During anterolateral trunk flexion, back muscle activity increased particularly on the contralateral side. The patients showed a similar pattern. However, normalized EMG activity of their trunk extensors was significantly higher than in controls, often reaching half-maximal amplitudes. Their rectus femoris and oblique abdominal muscles were overactive, but to a lesser extent.ConclusionsPD patients with camptocormia must use the functional reserve of their lumbar trunk muscles to counteract gravity. We interpret this as a weakness of the paravertebral muscles. Compared to the other examined muscles the paravertebral muscles are most affected. The increased EMG activity of the rectus femoris warrants further research.     

CT muscle imaging and the clinical assessment of neuromuscular disease

Twenty patients with neurogenic disorders, polymyositis, or muscular dystrophies were assessed clinically and by CT imaging of limb, limb girdle, and trunk muscles, using a standard protocol. On each side of these patients 26 movements were graded by the MRC scale, and 20 muscles were assessed by CT imaging. The clinical and CT findings could be compared, in a blind evaluation, in 10 muscles on each side. A quantitative assessment of the CT muscle images were also made. The CT images showed striking abnormalities, even in many muscles of normal strength by clinical testing. Asymmetrical involvement of muscles was found in all the disorders studied, even when not suspected on clinical examination. Muscles in patients with muscular dystrophy were more abnormal than those in patients with neurogenic disorders. In polymyositis the attenuation values were intermediate to the other two groups. A “washed-out” appearance with very low attenuation values was very suggestive of muscular dystrophy. Involvement of paraspinal and rectus abdominis muscles was uncommon in neurogenic disorders. The gracilis muscle was relatively resistant to degeneration. CT imaging can enhance the clinical assessment of patients with neuromuscular disease, often revealing unexpected abnormalities. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Identification of motor neurons for accessory muscles of inspiration and expiration, pectoralis, trapezius and external oblique: comparison with non-respiratory skeletal muscle

The motor neurons for the accessory muscles of respiration, pectoralis, trapezius, external oblique, and the rectus abdominis were studied in the spinal cord. The objective was to determine if the localization and morphology of the motor neurons for these muscles bear any distinct relationship to the specialized function of these muscles, serving both as supportive skeletal muscles and as accessory respiratory muscles. In addition, it was of interest to know if the inspiratory role of the pectoralis and trapezius muscles and the expiratory role of the external oblique and rectus abdominis are related to the spatial organization of the motor neurons; this knowledge may be important in the discrimination of influences from afferent connections. The motor neurons for these muscles were retrogradely labeled with true blue and were compared with the triceps motor neurons. All neurons occurred ipsilateral and most labeling occurred in C6-7. The motor neurons for the accessory muscles were mainly confined to the ventrolateral tip of the ventral gray matter. The triceps neurons were dorsolateral to the respiratory related neurons in C6-7. Within the confines of the ventrolateral area, the majority of neurons for the pectoralis were localized medial to ventromedial, those for the trapezius were ventrolateral, and those for the external oblique were in the extreme ventrolateral to ventral sections of C7. No neurons were observed in C2 to T2 for the rectus abdominis. A second neuronal column occurred medioventrally in the ventral gray of C4-6 for the trapezius, and is distinct and separated from the C6-7 cell column.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Improved C3-4 transfer for treatment of root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk Animal experiments and clinical application

Experimental rats with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were treated with the improved C3-4 transfer for neurotization of C5-6.Results showed that Terzis grooming test scores were significantly increased at 6 months after treatment,the latency of C5-6 motor evoked potential was gradually shortened,and the amplitude was gradually increased.The rate of C3 instead of C5 and the C4 + phrenic nerve instead of C6 myelinated nerve fibers crossing through the anastomotic stoma was approximately 80%.Myelinated nerve fibers were arranged loosely but the thickness of the myelin sheath was similar to that of the healthy side.In clinical applications,39 patients with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were followed for 6 months to 4.5 years after treatment using the improved C3 instead of C5 nerve root transfer and C4 nerve root and phrenic nerve instead of C6 nerve root transfer.Results showed that the strength of the brachial biceps and deltoid muscles recovered to level III-IV,scapular muscle to level III-IV,latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles to above level III,and the brachial triceps muscle to level 0-III.Results showed that the improved C3-4 transfer for root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk in animal models is similar to clinical findings and that C3-4 and the phrenic nerve transfer for neurotization of C5-6 can innervate the avulsed brachial plexus upper trunk and promote the recovery of nerve function in the upper extremity.     

Upper camptocormia in Parkinson's disease: Neurophysiological and imaging findings of both central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms

BackgroundCamptocormia is a disabling complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), but its pathophysiology is poorly elucidated. Depending on the fulcrum of forward trunk flexion, two subtypes have been defined, upper (UCC) and lower camptocormia, the former being much more frequent. The aim of the study was to explore possible pathophysiological mechanisms of PD-related UCC.MethodsTen PD patients with UCC (UCC-PD) and ten PD patients without camptocormia (NoUCC-PD) underwent simultaneous electromyography (EMG) of thoracic paraspinal (TPS), obliquus externus abdominis (OEA), rectus abdominis (RA), and iliopsoas (IP) muscles during relaxed standing (both groups) and trunk realignment (UCC-PD group). Quantitative EMG and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of TPS muscles were also performed.ResultsUCC-PD patients showed hyperactivity of TPS and OEA muscles in quiet stance. During voluntary trunk extension, hyperactivity of OEA muscles persisted, thus revealing a co-contraction of flexor and extensor trunk muscles. Motor unit potentials (MUP) of TPS muscles showed shorter duration (p = 0.005) and lower amplitude (p = 0.004) in UCC-PD than in NoUCC-PD patients. MRI did not detect significant between-group differences in the cross-sectional area and fat fraction of TPS muscles, although the latter was higher in the UCC-PD than in the NoUCC-PD group at all thoracic levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest that hyperactivity of OEA might sustain UCC in PD. Concurrent mild myopathic changes in TPS muscles in PD with UCC may be secondary to muscle disuse but nevertheless may contribute to abnormal trunk posture.     

Cerebral reorganization in chronic low back pain and neurostimulation to improve motor control

Chronic recurrent pain results in brain reorganization for cortical sensory and motor representation of muscles. This review supports the hypothesis that maladaptive plasticity in chronic low back pain patients could be associated with disorders of volitional activation of trunk/pelvis muscles and alterations of their anticipatory motor patterns for postural control. This is actually observed for the transversus abdominis muscle, an abdominal muscle that stabilizes the lumbosacral spine against external and internal postural perturbations. Indeed, voluntary activation of this muscle is more difficult in low back pain and a posterolateral translation of its cortical motor representation is observed in association with a delay of its anticipatory activation (usually observed in any focal limb movement). During physiotherapy, low back pain patients are trained to hollowing for contracting the transversus abdominis muscle, which normalizes both activation delays and cortical motor representation. This motor rehabilitation could be potentiated by peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation directly over the nerves/muscles. This review introduces the magnetic stimulation technique and proposes to combine peripheral theta-burst stimulation to conventional therapy for increasing the functional gain. This may facilitate the activation of sensory afferents and modulate cortical plasticity to improve (or even re-activate) the sensorimotor control and possibly influence pain. Peripheral magnetic stimulation as an ancillary treatment adjuvant for promoting motor control in low back pain might also be relevant in any other neurological or musculoskeletal disorder with underlying maladaptive brain reorganization.