Article
Neurosciences
Jacquelyn M. Maciukiewicz, Tea Lulic, Kimberly L. MacKay, Kimberly A. Meszaros, Clark R. Dickerson
Summary: This study aimed to investigate differences in commonly monitored shoulder muscles using normalized sEMG amplitude between maximal exertions at different hand locations and across force exertion directions relative to standard MVCs. The results showed that normalizing location specific maximal exertions to standard MVCs underestimated maximal activity across most tasks in all shoulder muscles tested, except for overestimation of latissimus dorsi amplitudes in the low right hand location.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Woorim Cho, Victor R. Barradas, Nicolas Schweighofer, Yasuharu Koike
Summary: Muscle synergy analysis using surface electromyography (EMG) is beneficial in studying muscle coordination in various fields. Current methods in extracting muscle synergies in the upper limb have limitations due to the requirement of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and multidirectional reaching tasks. This study proposes a new isometric rotating task that does not require precise motor control or large forces, providing a reliable alternative for future studies.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chao Wang, Manoj Sivan, Danyang Wang, Zhi-Qiang Zhang, Gu-Qiang Li, Tianzhe Bao, Sheng Quan Xie
Summary: This study proposes a novel method for measuring spasticity in stroke patients by quantifying the difference between the affected and unaffected sides during elbow maximal voluntary contraction tasks. This method utilizes inertial measurement units and a force sensor to capture movement dynamics and estimate muscle activation. The results of this measurement are highly correlated with the ratings from clinical assessment tools.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Christian Garske, Matthew Dyson, Sigrid Dupan, Graham Morgan, Kianoush Nazarpour
Summary: By comparing the effects of different game design elements on virtual prosthetic training tasks, it was found that participants in the game-based groups performed the tasks for a significantly longer time when more game design elements were implemented. They were also more likely to end the task due to fatigue rather than boredom or frustration.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Philemon Marcel-Millet, Philippe Gimenez, Alain Groslambert, Gilles Ravier, Sidney Grospretre
Summary: This study found that different types of visual feedback, such as force or EMG feedbacks, can influence MIVC force. Additionally, the type of feedback employed could modify the relationships between EMG and force. EMG biofeedback may represent a useful tool for optimizing motor strategies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Loic Lebesque, Gil Scaglioni, Alain Martin
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of different torque-time integrals (TTI) on neuromuscular fatigability and highlights the importance of using sustained maximal voluntary contraction (MVC1-MIN) to assess neuromuscular fatigability.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Iris Sachet, Niels Peter Brochner Nygaard, Gael Guilhem, Francois Hug, Sylvain Dorel
Summary: This study aimed to determine the relationship between lower-limb muscle strength capacity and torque generation in sprint cycling for male and female world-class cyclists. The results showed that isokinetic torques had stronger correlations with cycling torque than isometric torques, regardless of body position. In males, knee extension and hip flexion torques were key predictors of cycling torque, while in females, knee extension and hip flexion torques accounted for the majority of the variance in cycling torque.
SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miyuki Nakatani, Kensuke Murata, Hiroaki Kanehisa, Yohei Takai
Summary: The study examined the force-velocity relationship and power output characteristics of upper limb muscles in gymnasts, revealing that gymnasts cannot generate explosive force corresponding to their muscle size compared to judo athletes. This could be attributed to lower neuromuscular activities during maximal dynamic tasks against relatively low loads in gymnasts.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander M. Zero, Eric A. Kirk, Kalter Hali, Charles L. Rice
Summary: During low torque graded isometric contractions, motor units exhibit initial firing rate acceleration followed by saturation, with most units better fit by a linear function while some better fit by an exponential trajectory. Increased synaptic drive and greater antagonist surface electromyography during moderate torque outputs may dampen persistent inward currents (PICs) activity.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Frederic R. Simon, Geoffrey N. Ertel, Youri Duchene, Hugo Maciejewski, Gerome C. Gauchard, Guillaume Mornieux
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of technical and core stability parameters on rowing ergometer performance, defined as mean power at the handle. Analysis of 24 high-level rowers on an instrumented RowPerfect 3 ergometer revealed that leg, trunk, and arm power output significantly predicted mean power at the handle, with trunk power being the strongest predictor. Technical parameters such as time to peak power, work ratio, and mean to peak power ratio also played a role in predicting power output. Additionally, a greater trunk range of motion significantly influenced the power produced by this segment. These findings highlight the importance of technical training on dynamic ergometers to improve power output in rowers, with a focus on achieving earlier peak power, enhanced work production at the trunk and arm levels, and distributing power throughout the drive phase. Furthermore, the trunk plays a significant role as a power producer within the kinetic chain from the legs to the arms.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Filip Kukic, Vladimir Mrdakovic, Aleksandar Stankovic, Dusko Ilic
Summary: This study investigated the effects of knee joint angle on muscle activation, exerted torque, and whether the knee angle affects the muscle activation-torque ratio. The results showed that knee joint angle had an effect on torque, while muscle activation remained unaffected. Significant effects were not observed in the muscle activation-torque ratio for lateral and medial quadriceps heads. The investigated range of knee joint angles seems to provide optimal conditions for maximal muscle activation but not for torque output, ligament loading, and joint contact forces. Clinicians and sports coaches should carefully consider training goals and choose knee joint angles accordingly.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kwangsub Song, Sangui Choi, Hooman Lee
Summary: This paper proposes an LSTM-based voluntary and non-voluntary muscle contraction classification algorithm in an electrical stimulation environment. By classifying mixed EMG signals, the issue of noise introduced by voluntary muscle contraction signals is addressed. After suppressing artifact noise and feature selection, the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional methods.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Goksu Avdan, Sinan Onal, Bryan K. K. Smith
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate different MVC positions for four muscles (VL, BF, GL, and TA) and determine the optimal positions. Surface electromyography was used to measure neuromuscular activities. The results showed that multiple positions were needed for VL, BF, and TA to reach maximum MVC values, while only one position was needed for GL.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jan-Frieder Harmsen, Christopher Latella, Ricardo Mesquita, Alessandro Fasse, Moritz Schumann, Michael Behringer, Janet Taylor, Kazunori Nosaka
Summary: This study found that the acute effects of muscle cramping induced by maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the amplitude of Hoffmann reflexes (H-reflex) and compound muscle action potentials (M-wave) were inconsistent. While MVIC-induced muscle cramps reduced H-reflex amplitude, muscle stretch to end cramping was a potential contributing factor, whereas NMES may potentiate H-reflexes and obscure cramp-related changes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
N. Benjanuvatra, D. Bradbury, G. Landers, P. S. R. Goods, O. Girard
Summary: This study examined the effects of hypoxia on neuromuscular responses during multi-set, high-load resistance exercise. The results showed that hypoxia increased metabolic stress, but had only subtle effects on neuromuscular function.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Iris Sachet, Niels Peter Brochner Nygaard, Gael Guilhem, Francois Hug, Sylvain Dorel
Summary: This study aimed to determine the relationship between lower-limb muscle strength capacity and torque generation in sprint cycling for male and female world-class cyclists. The results showed that isokinetic torques had stronger correlations with cycling torque than isometric torques, regardless of body position. In males, knee extension and hip flexion torques were key predictors of cycling torque, while in females, knee extension and hip flexion torques accounted for the majority of the variance in cycling torque.
SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Valentin Goreau, Robin Pigne, Nathan Bernier, Antoine Nordez, Francois Hug, Lilian Lacourpaille
Summary: Individual activation strategies during hamstring strengthening exercises have not been thoroughly explored for their consequences on muscle damage distribution. This study found a significant correlation between the distribution of activation and the distribution of damage in the hamstring muscle heads during maximal eccentric contractions.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Francois Hug, Simon Avrillon, Aurelie Sarcher, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Dario Farina
Summary: This study used graph theory to extract networks of motor neurons based on their correlated activity and identified the existence of common inputs among the motor neurons. The findings suggest that movements are controlled through small groups of motor neurons with common inputs, which do not necessarily correspond to muscle anatomy. This research provides a new neural framework for understanding the structure of common inputs to motor neurons.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jeroen Aeles, Aurelie Sarcher, Francois Hug
Summary: This study investigated the anatomical structure and functional role of the human soleus muscle. It was found that the common synaptic input between motor units innervating the medial and lateral posterior soleus compartments was not different from that within each individual compartment, which contradicts previous findings in finger muscles.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo Martinez-Valdes, Roger M. Enoka, Ales Holobar, Kevin McGill, Dario Farina, Manuela Besomi, Francois Hug, Deborah Falla, Richard G. Carson, Edward A. Clancy, Catherine Disselhorst-Klug, Jaap H. van Dieen, Kylie Tucker, Simon Gandevia, Madeleine Lowery, Karen Sogaard, Thor Besier, Roberto Merletti, Matthew C. Kiernan, John C. Rothwell, Eric Perreault, Paul W. Hodges
Summary: The analysis of single motor unit (SMU) activity is crucial for understanding the neural strategies controlling muscle force. Traditionally, this analysis has been done invasively through intramuscular electromyography (EMG), but recent advances in signal processing techniques have enabled the identification of SMU activity in high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) recordings.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yue Wen, Sangjoon J. Kim, Simon Avrillon, Jackson T. Levine, Francois Hug, Jose L. Pons
Summary: In this study, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) framework was proposed for neural drive estimation. The deep CNN can be applied without retraining to different muscles, sessions, and participants, showing potential for neural-machine interfaces.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Francois Hug, Simon Avrillon, Jaime Ibanez, Dario Farina
Summary: This review proposes a new conceptual framework for the neural control of movement, which combines the concepts of common input to motor neurons and modular control, while considering the constraints imposed by recruitment order. The article analyzes various scales of motor control and offers a unified approach to explain apparently divergent observations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Charly Fornasier-Santos, Axelle Arnould, Jeremy Jusseaume, Benjamin Millot, Gael Guilhem, Antoine Couturier, Pierre Samozino, Jean Slawinski, Jean-Benoit Morin
Summary: This study compared five commonly used on-field systems for sprint acceleration and found that they were all effective in measuring maximum velocity and computing force-velocity mechanical outputs, with low coefficients of variation in inter-trial reliability.
Article
Physiology
Louise Tier, Sauro E. Salomoni, Francois Hug, Manuela Besomi, Paul W. Hodges
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the coordination strategies between back muscles during a tightly constrained isometric trunk extension task. The results showed substantial variations in coordination within and between individuals, and changes in coordination after brief exposure to muscle activation feedback. These findings highlight the highly flexible control of back muscles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Raphael Hamard, Jeroen Aeles, Simon Avrillon, Taylor J. M. Dick, Francois Hug
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether the neural control of the biarticular gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) muscles is joint-specific. The results showed that there was no difference in the distribution of EMG amplitude and motor unit activity between knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion tasks. The level of common synaptic input between GM and GL motor units was also similar across the two tasks. These findings suggest that the neural control of the GM and GL muscles is similar irrespective of the joint action.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Nicole Y. Kelp, Christofer J. Clemente, Kylie Tucker, Francois Hug, Sabrina Pinel, Taylor J. M. Dick
Summary: Muscle contraction causes bulging and shape changes, which are influenced by internal muscle properties and contractile forces. The internal muscle properties play an important role in shaping and gearing, especially during high-force contractions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alessandro Del Vecchio, Carina Marconi Germer, Thomas M. Kinfe, Stefano Nuccio, Francois Hug, Bjoern Eskofier, Dario Farina, Roger M. Enoka
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify the low-dimensional latent components, called motor unit modes, underlying the discharge rates of motor units in knee extensors and hand muscles during submaximal isometric contractions. Factor analysis identified two independent motor unit modes that captured most of the covariance of the motor unit discharge rates. The distribution of motor unit modes was different between hand and knee muscles, with a continuous distribution found for the knee muscles.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Marion Crouzier, Francois Hug, Frances T. Sheehan, Natalie J. Collins, Kay Crossley, Kylie Tucker
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the torque distribution between the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis in adolescents with and without patellofemoral pain. The results showed that there was no decreased contribution of the vastus medialis to knee extension torque in adolescents with patellofemoral pain compared to controls.
ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jackson Levine, Simon Avrillon, Dario Farina, Francois Hug, Jose L. Pons
Summary: Recent studies suggest that the nervous system generates movements by controlling groups of motor neurons that do not always align with muscle anatomy. This study aimed to determine whether these motor neuron synergies are consistent across tasks with different mechanical constraints. The results show that principal component analysis and cross-correlation can accurately identify common inputs and separate motor neurons that receive or do not receive these inputs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pascal Edouard, Benjamin Caumeil, Caroline Giroux, Antoine Bruneau, Jeanne Tondut, Laurent Navarro, Christine Hanon, Gael Guilhem, Alexis Ruffault
Summary: The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of injury complaints related to athletics activity in elite sprinting athletes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on elite sprinting athletes licensed with the French Federation of Athletics, collecting retrospective data of injury complaints. The results showed that most injury complaints were located in the lower limb, particularly involving the hamstrings, and the main diagnosis was hamstring muscle injury. Efforts should be made to monitor injuries in this population and develop specific injury risk reduction strategies for athletics and sprinting.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
