Electromyographic and kinetic strategies to control movements

Abstract

Introduction: This paper is a literature review on the electromyographic and kinetic strategies used by the central nervous system to control voluntary movement. Such strategies have been identified from carrying out simple and complex movements, with and without direction reversal. Objective: To discuss the set of rules used to modulate the muscle activity patterns and muscle torque generated during voluntary movements involving one and two joints. Electromyographic strategies used to control simple movements involving one or two joints are dealt with first. Kinetic strategies are discussed in terms of the generation and modulation of muscle torque to carry out simple and complex movements. Linear synergy between muscle activity and muscle torque and the correlation of the muscle torque generated between chain-linked joints are then discussed. The role of interactive forces in the control of movements is also discussed. Conclusion: Physical therapy practice requires a theoretical framework based on technical-scientific knowledge to guide it. Motor control theories are powerful tools for this. Such knowledge could be used towards understanding the adaptations and modifications in motor control mechanisms that occur as a result of disorders or disease.

Protocol study for a randomised, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial involving virtual reality and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation for the improvement of upper limb motor function in children with Down syndrome

“…14 Studies have been conducted to understand why individuals with DS have slow, unharmonious movements. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The investigation of electromyographic activity and muscle torque demonstrates this deficiency, which can be corrected by the repetition of a given movement during motor training activities. Motor control strategies used in the execution of complex activities, such as a reaching task, have been investigated in this population.…”

“…Motor control strategies used in the execution of complex activities, such as a reaching task, have been investigated in this population. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The positive results achieved with virtual reality (VR) are believed to be related to training in an interactive environment that provides a broad range of activities and scenarios with multiple sensory channels, enabling the creation of exercises at an intensity that is promising for the needs of individuals with DS. [26][27][28] VR can be used as an auxiliary tool involving a playful, motivational objective strengths and limitations of this study…”

Controle motor em indiví­duos portadores da sí­ndrome de Down

“…Durante a execução de movimentos complexos, o movimento em uma articulação focal (a que se deseja mover voluntariamente) gera uma força de reação nas articulações não-focais (que se deseja manter imóvel). Essa força de reação é chamada de torque de interação [16]. Foi demonstrado que indivíduos portadores de neuropatia periférica [17] e de ataxia cerebelar [18] têm grande difi culdade em controlar os torques de interação, gerando movimentos de reversão com trajetórias atípicas.…”

Comparative study between two elbow flexion exercises using the estimated resultant muscle force

“…These variations produce differentiated external resistance, and consequently require distinct muscle efforts in each case. Although the organization of different activation strategies for muscle groups is highly complex and is not fully understood 16 , mechanical analysis has recently been used to understand exercises 10 , and even to choose one exercise over another 17,18 . Hence, in an attempt to understand the elbow flexion exercise from a mechanical perspective, the objective of the present study was to compare the estimated resultant muscle force required throughout the full ROM in two distinct elbow flexion exercises.…”