Loading...
2 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
- Smart dashboard for Hoffmann reflex analysisPublication . Cunha, Bruno; Ferreira, Ricardo; Carneiro, Ana Sofia; Sousa, AndreiaThe Hoffmann reflex is a is a neurophysiological test that provides insight into the functioning of the human nervous system. It is commonly used in clinical and research settings to evaluate the modulation of the monosynaptic spinal reflex. This paper focus the analysis of the Hoffmann reflex in the trapezius muscle, a muscle of particular interest for researchers and clinicians due to its importance in upper limb function and dynamic stability. However, the Hoffmann reflex analysis of this muscle bring some challenges as the need of applicating burst of electrical square impulses in each current intensity. A web-based smart dashboard, implemented in Python, which allows the user to visualize and analyze the Hoffmann reflex using various signals acquired through a constant current stimulator. The dashboard provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface that facilitates the selection of muscle signals of interest, analysis cycles, and start and end points for the signals. The visualizations offered by the dashboard, including overlapped and mean signal graphics, provide valuable insights into the Hoffmann reflex and its properties. Preliminary experiments with field experts and physiotherapists have yielded positive feedback on the usefulness of this tool, as they seek to gain a deeper understanding of the Hoffmann reflex, and we plan to further improve its capabilities in the future by employing machine learning techniques to automate the reflex detection.
- The influence of shoulder position during multi-joint exercises in the relative scapular muscles activity in symptomatic and asymptomatic conditionsPublication . Carneiro, Ana Sofia; Vilas-Boas, J. Paulo; Cruz, Eduardo B.; Macedo, Rui; Ferreira, Sílvia B. e; Sousa, AndreiaScapular muscles changes, as increased upper trapezius activity and decreased middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscle activity, have been demonstrated in shoulder pain specific or non-specific conditions. Shoulder external rotation exercises have been recommended to improve scapular activity in shoulder pain. To evaluate the relative scapular muscles activity during multi-joint exercises combining shoulder external rotation, trunk rotation and scapular squeeze. Forty-one participants with and without shoulder pain were assessed in a cross-sectional study. They performed isometric multi-joint exercises at 0∘ and 90∘ of shoulder abduction with and without support. The relative activity of upper, middle, and lower trapezius and serratus anterior (upper/middle and lower portions) was measured through electromyography. The scapular muscular balance was assessed by the ratio between relative activity of the upper trapezius and the other muscles. Both groups presented similar results. The exercise at 90∘ abduction led to increased relative muscle activity against maximal voluntary contraction in both groups for upper trapezius (with support: 4% MVIC, p= 0.001 or 15% MVIC, p< 0.0001; and without support: 11% MVIC, p< 0.0001 or 13%, p< 0.0001, for asymptomatic and symptomatic group, respectively) and lower trapezius (with support: 66% MVIC, p< 0.0001 or 62% MVIC, p< 0.0001, for asymptomatic and symptomatic group.