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Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 3

This article is from Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) , volume 14 . Abstract Surface electromyography (sEMG) is an important measurement technique used in biomechanical, rehabilitation and sport environments. In this article the design, development and testing of a low-cost wearable sEMG system are described. The hardware architecture consists of a two-cascade small-sized bioamplifier with a total gain of 2,000 and band-pass of 3 to 500 Hz. The sampling frequency of the system is 1,000 Hz. Since real measured EMG signals are usually corrupted by various types of noises (motion artifacts, white noise and electromagnetic noise present at 50 Hz and higher harmonics), we have tested several denoising techniques, both on artificial and measured EMG signals. Results showed that a wavelet—based technique implementing Daubechies5 wavelet and soft sqtwolog thresholding is the most appropriate for EMG signals denoising. To test the system performance, EMG activities of six dominant muscles of ten healthy subjects during gait were measured (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, sartorius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius). The obtained EMG envelopes presented against the duration of gait cycle were compared favourably with the EMG data available in the literature, suggesting that the proposed system is suitable for a wide range of applications in biomechanics.

This article is from Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) , volume 14 . Abstract Surface electromyography (sEMG) is an important measurement technique used in biomechanical, rehabilitation and sport environments. In this article the design, development and testing of a low-cost wearable sEMG system are described. The hardware architecture consists of a two-cascade small-sized bioamplifier with a total gain of 2,000 and band-pass of 3 to 500 Hz. The sampling frequency of the system is 1,000 Hz. Since real measured EMG signals are usually corrupted by various types of noises (motion artifacts, white noise and electromagnetic noise present at 50 Hz and higher harmonics), we have tested several denoising techniques, both on artificial and measured EMG signals. Results showed that a wavelet—based technique implementing Daubechies5 wavelet and soft sqtwolog thresholding is the most appropriate for EMG signals denoising. To test the system performance, EMG activities of six dominant muscles of ten healthy subjects during gait were measured (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, sartorius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius). The obtained EMG envelopes presented against the duration of gait cycle were compared favourably with the EMG data available in the literature, suggesting that the proposed system is suitable for a wide range of applications in biomechanics.

This article is from SpringerPlus , volume 2 . Abstract Background: Grip strength is widely used for estimating whole body strength but there is a lack of information relating to grip endurance. Comparison between endurance of different muscle groups has received little attention. The main aim of the present study was to determine the endurance characteristics of hand grip and quadriceps muscles in healthy young adults and then to examine the association between fatigability of the two muscle groups. Methods: Twenty one healthy participants (8 males and 13 females) aged 18–35 years were studied. A maximal intermittent endurance test, consisting of 12 isometric contractions held for 3 seconds separated by 5 second rest periods, was utilised to measure muscle endurance. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and Jamar dynamometer were used to assess quadriceps and hand grip respectively. The mean of first (M1) and last (M2) three repetitions was calculated. Fatigue index values were calculated for both muscle groups by the 1st peak torque (PT) minus the last (12th) PT, divided by the 1st PT multiplied by 100. Results: Quadriceps torque (M1:197.3 ± 65.2 Nm; M2:163.1 ± 47.6 Nm) and grip strength (M1:33.6 ± 9.9 Kg; M2:25.2 ± 8.1 Kg) both declined significantly during the 12 repetitions (p 

viii, 278 p. : 24 cm

viii, 278 p. : 24 cm

viii, 278 p. : 24 cm

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 1

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 1

NEUROKINETIC THERAPY

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 4

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 4

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 4

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 4

This article is from Critical Care , volume 15 . Abstract Introduction: It has been proposed that intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) should be assessed using the sum of manual muscle strength test scores in 12 muscle groups (the sum score). This approach has been tested in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, yet little is known about the feasibility or test characteristics in other critically ill patients. We studied the feasibility and interobserver agreement of this sum score in a mixed cohort of critically ill and injured patients. Methods: We enrolled patients requiring more than 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Two observers performed systematic strength assessments of each patient. The primary outcome measure was interobserver agreement of weakness as a binary outcome (ICUAW is sum score less than 48; "no ICUAW" is a sum score greater than or equal to 48) using the Cohen's kappa statistic. Results: We identified 135 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Most were precluded from study participation by altered mental status or polytrauma. Thirty-four participants were enrolled, and 30 of these individuals completed assessments conducted by both observers. Six met the criteria for ICUAW recorded by at least one observer. The observers agreed on the diagnosis of ICUAW for 93% of participants (Cohen's kappa = 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44 to 1.0). Observer agreement was fair in the ICU (Cohen's kappa = 0.38), and agreement was perfect after ICU discharge (Cohen's kappa = 1.0). Absolute values of sum scores were similar between observers (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.91), but they differed between observers by six points or more for 23% of the participants. Conclusions: Manual muscle testing (MMT) during critical illness was not possible for most patients because of coma, delirium and/or injury. Among patients who were able to participate in testing, we found that interobserver agreement regarding ICUAW was good, particularly when evaluated after ICU discharge. MMT is insufficient for early detection of ICU-acquired neuromuscular dysfunction in most patients and may be unreliable during critical illness.

This article is from Critical Care , volume 15 . Abstract Introduction: It has been proposed that intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) should be assessed using the sum of manual muscle strength test scores in 12 muscle groups (the sum score). This approach has been tested in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, yet little is known about the feasibility or test characteristics in other critically ill patients. We studied the feasibility and interobserver agreement of this sum score in a mixed cohort of critically ill and injured patients. Methods: We enrolled patients requiring more than 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Two observers performed systematic strength assessments of each patient. The primary outcome measure was interobserver agreement of weakness as a binary outcome (ICUAW is sum score less than 48; "no ICUAW" is a sum score greater than or equal to 48) using the Cohen's kappa statistic. Results: We identified 135 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Most were precluded from study participation by altered mental status or polytrauma. Thirty-four participants were enrolled, and 30 of these individuals completed assessments conducted by both observers. Six met the criteria for ICUAW recorded by at least one observer. The observers agreed on the diagnosis of ICUAW for 93% of participants (Cohen's kappa = 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44 to 1.0). Observer agreement was fair in the ICU (Cohen's kappa = 0.38), and agreement was perfect after ICU discharge (Cohen's kappa = 1.0). Absolute values of sum scores were similar between observers (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.91), but they differed between observers by six points or more for 23% of the participants. Conclusions: Manual muscle testing (MMT) during critical illness was not possible for most patients because of coma, delirium and/or injury. Among patients who were able to participate in testing, we found that interobserver agreement regarding ICUAW was good, particularly when evaluated after ICU discharge. MMT is insufficient for early detection of ICU-acquired neuromuscular dysfunction in most patients and may be unreliable during critical illness.

This article is from BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation , volume 5 . Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to compare through surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) on dry land and in water by manual muscle test (MMT). Method: Sixteen healthy right-handed subjects (8 males and 8 females) participated in measurement of muscle activation of the right shoulder. The selected muscles were the cervical erector spinae, trapezius, pectoralis, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, infraspinatus and latissimus dorsi. The MVC test conditions were random with respect to the order on the land/in water. Results: For each muscle, the MVC test was performed and measured through sEMG to determine differences in muscle activation in both conditions. For all muscles except the latissimus dorsi, no significant differences were observed between land and water MVC scores (p = 0.063–0.679) and precision (%Diff = 7–10%) were observed between MVC conditions in the muscles trapezius, anterior deltoid and middle deltoid. Conclusions: If the procedure for data collection is optimal, under MMT conditions it appears that comparable MVC sEMG values were achieved on land and in water and the integrity of the EMG recordings were maintained during wáter immersion.

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The purpose of this investigation was to assess biofeedback (BF) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and placebo-control training by means of a post-training transfer test. The subjects for the research were 30 women. Initial tests consisted of measuring the electromyographic response of the frontalis muscle of the forehead to stress. After the test procedures were completed, training sessions were conducted. BF subjects were instructed to use a feedback tone as a guide for relaxation. PMR subjects heard progressive relaxation instructions that were modified so that the majority of the training instructions were directed specifically to the frontalis muscle. The group of subjects receiving placebo training listened to a short, taped presentation on the benefits of relaxation after which they heard music that fluctuated in volume and tempo. Results showed that both BF and PMR training reduced resting electromyography significantly more than the placebo-control procedure. BF subjects had significantly greater reductions following training than either the PMR or control groups. (JD)

The purpose of this investigation was to assess biofeedback (BF) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and placebo-control training by means of a post-training transfer test. The subjects for the research were 30 women. Initial tests consisted of measuring the electromyographic response of the frontalis muscle of the forehead to stress. After the test procedures were completed, training sessions were conducted. BF subjects were instructed to use a feedback tone as a guide for relaxation. PMR subjects heard progressive relaxation instructions that were modified so that the majority of the training instructions were directed specifically to the frontalis muscle. The group of subjects receiving placebo training listened to a short, taped presentation on the benefits of relaxation after which they heard music that fluctuated in volume and tempo. Results showed that both BF and PMR training reduced resting electromyography significantly more than the placebo-control procedure. BF subjects had significantly greater reductions following training than either the PMR or control groups. (JD)

The purpose of this investigation was to assess biofeedback (BF) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and placebo-control training by means of a post-training transfer test. The subjects for the research were 30 women. Initial tests consisted of measuring the electromyographic response of the frontalis muscle of the forehead to stress. After the test procedures were completed, training sessions were conducted. BF subjects were instructed to use a feedback tone as a guide for relaxation. PMR subjects heard progressive relaxation instructions that were modified so that the majority of the training instructions were directed specifically to the frontalis muscle. The group of subjects receiving placebo training listened to a short, taped presentation on the benefits of relaxation after which they heard music that fluctuated in volume and tempo. Results showed that both BF and PMR training reduced resting electromyography significantly more than the placebo-control procedure. BF subjects had significantly greater reductions following training than either the PMR or control groups. (JD)

Muscle Function Testing

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.Mind Pump Fit Tip: MOST accepted fitness programs give you results, but none last forever. (1:53)A new MAPS Program is COMING! (14:28)Strength training has a profound impact on our health. (15:18)Shout out to Vuori and their new partner. (19:39)ChatGPT can now give stock predictions?! (22:55)Why is Bill Gates now criticizing the vaccine? (24:10)COVID-19 is a great study in human behavior. (27:27)Is Logan Paul's 'Prime' the Gatorade of this generation? (33:10)Mind Pump Recommends 'Pez Outlaw' on Netflix. (44:03)The '0' calorie hustle. (48:22)Defining raw milk. (51:23)Shout out to Mackenzie Smith! (56:38)#ListenerLive question #1 - Is it typical for someone with a heavy endurance background for their body to \"remember\" to be lean or conservative on any mass/gain? (57:54)#ListenerLive question #2 - What are the best practices to incorporate weighing food to get an idea of what I eat and how that breaks down in macros and calories? (1:13:23)#ListenerLive question #3 - Where do you recommend I start if I'm looking into getting testing done to check for hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies and to get an idea of my overall gut health? (1:28:05)#ListenerLive question #4 - As an athlete, is it beneficial to sleep in after a hard practice the evening before? (1:38:15)Related Links/Products MentionedAsk a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: [email protected] Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!Visit Drink LMNT for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! February Promotion: MAPS Performance, MAPS Aesthetic, and MAPS HIIT are all 50% off! **Code FEB50 at checkout** Tip: Turn Up the Volume - T NATION Mind Pump #1897: Why Phasing Your Workouts Is So Important & How To Properly Switch It UpResistance Training and Mortality Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Vuori Teams Up With Exos As Exclusive Apparel Partner Ponto Performance Pant - Vuori ChatGPT explains Warren Buffett's investment strategy Bill Gates says COVID-19 vaccines are 'missing two key things' Logan Paul announces deal with UFC - Sports IllustratedWatch The Pez Outlaw | Netflix12 'Zero Calorie' Foods That Totally Have Calories Chocolate milk vs. protein shake: Which is better after a workoutVisit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout**MAPS Fitness Anabolic Mind Pump #1305: Five Steps To Intuitive Eating Mind Pump #1830: Five Steps To Determine Your Ideal Caloric Intake Stephen Cabral's Big 5 TestsMP Hormones Mind Pump Hormones Facebook Private ForumStephen Cabral x Mind Pump MP Holistic HealthOura Ring: Accurate Health Information Accessible to Everyone Mind Pump #1770: How Sleep Helps Your Muscles Recover And Grow Mind Pump #1345: 6 Ways To Optimize Sleep For Faster Muscle Gain And Fat Loss Mind Pump Podcast - YouTubeMind Pump Free ResourcesPeople MentionedBrad Schoenfeld, Ph.D. (@bradschoenfeldphd) InstagramLogan Paul (@loganpaul) InstagramMackenzie Smith (@smithhmackenzie) TwitterDr. Stephen Cabral (@stephencabral) InstagramKerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) - Instagram

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.Mind Pump Fit Tip: MOST accepted fitness programs give you results, but none last forever. (1:53)A new MAPS Program is COMING! (14:28)Strength training has a profound impact on our health. (15:18)Shout out to Vuori and their new partner. (19:39)ChatGPT can now give stock predictions?! (22:55)Why is Bill Gates now criticizing the vaccine? (24:10)COVID-19 is a great study in human behavior. (27:27)Is Logan Paul's 'Prime' the Gatorade of this generation? (33:10)Mind Pump Recommends 'Pez Outlaw' on Netflix. (44:03)The '0' calorie hustle. (48:22)Defining raw milk. (51:23)Shout out to Mackenzie Smith! (56:38)#ListenerLive question #1 - Is it typical for someone with a heavy endurance background for their body to \"remember\" to be lean or conservative on any mass/gain? (57:54)#ListenerLive question #2 - What are the best practices to incorporate weighing food to get an idea of what I eat and how that breaks down in macros and calories? (1:13:23)#ListenerLive question #3 - Where do you recommend I start if I'm looking into getting testing done to check for hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies and to get an idea of my overall gut health? (1:28:05)#ListenerLive question #4 - As an athlete, is it beneficial to sleep in after a hard practice the evening before? (1:38:15)Related Links/Products MentionedAsk a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: [email protected] Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!Visit Drink LMNT for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! February Promotion: MAPS Performance, MAPS Aesthetic, and MAPS HIIT are all 50% off! **Code FEB50 at checkout** Tip: Turn Up the Volume - T NATION Mind Pump #1897: Why Phasing Your Workouts Is So Important & How To Properly Switch It UpResistance Training and Mortality Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Vuori Teams Up With Exos As Exclusive Apparel Partner Ponto Performance Pant - Vuori ChatGPT explains Warren Buffett's investment strategy Bill Gates says COVID-19 vaccines are 'missing two key things' Logan Paul announces deal with UFC - Sports IllustratedWatch The Pez Outlaw | Netflix12 'Zero Calorie' Foods That Totally Have Calories Chocolate milk vs. protein shake: Which is better after a workoutVisit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout**MAPS Fitness Anabolic Mind Pump #1305: Five Steps To Intuitive Eating Mind Pump #1830: Five Steps To Determine Your Ideal Caloric Intake Stephen Cabral's Big 5 TestsMP Hormones Mind Pump Hormones Facebook Private ForumStephen Cabral x Mind Pump MP Holistic HealthOura Ring: Accurate Health Information Accessible to Everyone Mind Pump #1770: How Sleep Helps Your Muscles Recover And Grow Mind Pump #1345: 6 Ways To Optimize Sleep For Faster Muscle Gain And Fat Loss Mind Pump Podcast - YouTubeMind Pump Free ResourcesPeople MentionedBrad Schoenfeld, Ph.D. (@bradschoenfeldphd) InstagramLogan Paul (@loganpaul) InstagramMackenzie Smith (@smithhmackenzie) TwitterDr. Stephen Cabral (@stephencabral) InstagramKerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) - Instagram

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.Mind Pump Fit Tip: MOST accepted fitness programs give you results, but none last forever. (1:53)A new MAPS Program is COMING! (14:28)Strength training has a profound impact on our health. (15:18)Shout out to Vuori and their new partner. (19:39)ChatGPT can now give stock predictions?! (22:55)Why is Bill Gates now criticizing the vaccine? (24:10)COVID-19 is a great study in human behavior. (27:27)Is Logan Paul's 'Prime' the Gatorade of this generation? (33:10)Mind Pump Recommends 'Pez Outlaw' on Netflix. (44:03)The '0' calorie hustle. (48:22)Defining raw milk. (51:23)Shout out to Mackenzie Smith! (56:38)#ListenerLive question #1 - Is it typical for someone with a heavy endurance background for their body to \"remember\" to be lean or conservative on any mass/gain? (57:54)#ListenerLive question #2 - What are the best practices to incorporate weighing food to get an idea of what I eat and how that breaks down in macros and calories? (1:13:23)#ListenerLive question #3 - Where do you recommend I start if I'm looking into getting testing done to check for hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies and to get an idea of my overall gut health? (1:28:05)#ListenerLive question #4 - As an athlete, is it beneficial to sleep in after a hard practice the evening before? (1:38:15)Related Links/Products MentionedAsk a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: [email protected] Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!Visit Drink LMNT for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! February Promotion: MAPS Performance, MAPS Aesthetic, and MAPS HIIT are all 50% off! **Code FEB50 at checkout** Tip: Turn Up the Volume - T NATION Mind Pump #1897: Why Phasing Your Workouts Is So Important & How To Properly Switch It UpResistance Training and Mortality Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Vuori Teams Up With Exos As Exclusive Apparel Partner Ponto Performance Pant - Vuori ChatGPT explains Warren Buffett's investment strategy Bill Gates says COVID-19 vaccines are 'missing two key things' Logan Paul announces deal with UFC - Sports IllustratedWatch The Pez Outlaw | Netflix12 'Zero Calorie' Foods That Totally Have Calories Chocolate milk vs. protein shake: Which is better after a workoutVisit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout**MAPS Fitness Anabolic Mind Pump #1305: Five Steps To Intuitive Eating Mind Pump #1830: Five Steps To Determine Your Ideal Caloric Intake Stephen Cabral's Big 5 TestsMP Hormones Mind Pump Hormones Facebook Private ForumStephen Cabral x Mind Pump MP Holistic HealthOura Ring: Accurate Health Information Accessible to Everyone Mind Pump #1770: How Sleep Helps Your Muscles Recover And Grow Mind Pump #1345: 6 Ways To Optimize Sleep For Faster Muscle Gain And Fat Loss Mind Pump Podcast - YouTubeMind Pump Free ResourcesPeople MentionedBrad Schoenfeld, Ph.D. (@bradschoenfeldphd) InstagramLogan Paul (@loganpaul) InstagramMackenzie Smith (@smithhmackenzie) TwitterDr. Stephen Cabral (@stephencabral) InstagramKerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) - Instagram

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Healing the Self: The Art & Practice of Muscle Testing - Part 2

Quantitative assessment of muscle strength is crucial for evaluating physical function and monitoring rehabilitation progress. While various methods exist, there is a need for low-cost, portable, and reliable strength measurement tools. This protocol outlines a scoping review to explore the development and testing of a low-cost continuous force measurement system (CFMS) for quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength assessment.

This article is from Critical Care , volume 17 . Abstract Introduction: Impaired skeletal muscle function has important clinical outcome implications for survivors of critical illness. Previous studies employing volitional manual muscle testing for diagnosing intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) during the early stages of critical illness have only provided limited data on outcome. This study aimed to determine inter-observer agreement and clinical predictive value of the Medical Research Council sum score (MRC-SS) test in critically ill patients. Methods: Study 1: Inter-observer agreement for ICU-AW between two clinicians in critically ill patients within ICU (n = 20) was compared with simulated presentations (n = 20). Study 2: MRC-SS at awakening in an unselected sequential ICU cohort was used to determine the clinical predictive value (n = 94) for outcomes of ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay. Results: Although the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for MRC-SS in the ICU was 0.94 (95% CI 0.85–0.98), κ statistic for diagnosis of ICU-AW (MRC-SS

This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

This article is from Genes , volume 3 . Abstract RNAi is a convenient, widely used tool for screening for genes of interest. We have recently used this technology to screen roughly 750 candidate genes, in C. elegans, for potential roles in regulating muscle protein degradation in vivo. To maximize confidence and assess reproducibility, we have only used previously validated RNAi constructs and have included time courses and replicates. To maximize mechanistic understanding, we have examined multiple sub-cellular phenotypes in multiple compartments in muscle. We have also tested knockdowns of putative regulators of degradation in the context of mutations or drugs that were previously shown to inhibit protein degradation by diverse mechanisms. Here we discuss how assaying multiple phenotypes, multiplexing RNAi screens with use of mutations and drugs, and use of bioinformatics can provide more data on rates of potential false positives and negatives as well as more mechanistic insight than simple RNAi screening.

Book digitized by Google and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user tpb.

Book digitized by Google and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user tpb.

A computer model was designed based on the concept of common drive which suggests that motor units (group of muscle fibers and the single alpha-motoneuron that innervates them) in a muscle are controlled by a common input to the entire motoneuron pool. Where possible, the model utilized experimentally determined data and supplemented these with findings reported in the literature. It was validated by matching the simulated mean firing rates, power spectra, and compound muscle force outputs to that produced by data from the Tibialis Anterior muscle. The model was implemented using Matlab's % SIMULINK % tool In this form, the model allows easy modification of parameters to allow for virtual experimentation that would otherwise be impossible with human or animal models. The developed model was used to evaluate a commonly used technique, spike-triggered averaging (STA), to estimate the twitch force of an individual motor unit. It was concluded that STA has the potential to produce valid estimates only at firing rates below 3 pulses per second which are physiologically unfeasible. Simulations suggest that the effects of common drive on reliable MU twitch estimation may not be as extensive as initially expected. Additionally, hypotheses regarding the effect of various mechanical characteristics under certain physiological paradigms such as hand dominance or fatigue on the electrical properties can be investigated using the model.

A computer model was designed based on the concept of common drive which suggests that motor units (group of muscle fibers and the single alpha-motoneuron that innervates them) in a muscle are controlled by a common input to the entire motoneuron pool. Where possible, the model utilized experimentally determined data and supplemented these with findings reported in the literature. It was validated by matching the simulated mean firing rates, power spectra, and compound muscle force outputs to that produced by data from the Tibialis Anterior muscle. The model was implemented using Matlab's % SIMULINK % tool In this form, the model allows easy modification of parameters to allow for virtual experimentation that would otherwise be impossible with human or animal models. The developed model was used to evaluate a commonly used technique, spike-triggered averaging (STA), to estimate the twitch force of an individual motor unit. It was concluded that STA has the potential to produce valid estimates only at firing rates below 3 pulses per second which are physiologically unfeasible. Simulations suggest that the effects of common drive on reliable MU twitch estimation may not be as extensive as initially expected. Additionally, hypotheses regarding the effect of various mechanical characteristics under certain physiological paradigms such as hand dominance or fatigue on the electrical properties can be investigated using the model.

Aim: The optimal test for inspiratory muscle endurance has not been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the repeatability of the incremental load test, which is frequently used in the clinic. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy adults aged 18-35 years were included in the study. The anthropometric characteristics of the subjects were recorded. Physical activity levels were evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. They performed spirometry testing, maximal inspiratory pressure assessment and incremental load test. The incremental load test was started with 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure and the pressure was increased at one-minute intervals. The test was repeated after two weeks. Results: Test retest reliability of the incremental load test was found excellent (ICC: 0.979; p< 0.001). There was no significant difference between the breathing parameters, rate of perceived exertion and duty cycle of the test and retest (p> 0.05).  Discussion: The incremental load test is repeatable to evaluate inspiratory muscle endurance in healthy adults. Studies investigating repeatability in the clinical setting and considering multiple repeat tests are required.