Cocontraction measured with short-range stiffness was higher in obstetric brachial plexus lesions patients compared to healthy subjects

Journal article (2017)

Authors

Galia V. Anguelova Leiden University Medical Center
E. de Vlugt Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A.N. Vardy Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Erik Van Zwet Leiden University Medical Center
J. Gert van Dijk Leiden University Medical Center
Martijn J.A. Malessy Leiden University Medical Center
J.H. de Groot Leiden University Medical Center
Research Group
Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Short-range stiffness Activation ratio Erb's palsy Motor misrouting Obstetric brachial plexus lesion
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Biomechanical Engineering

Research Group

Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control

Abstract

We suggest short range stiffness (SRS) at the elbow joint as an alternative diagnostic for EMG to assess cocontraction.Elbow SRS is compared between obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) patients and healthy subjects (cross-sectional study design). Seven controls (median 28. years) and five patients (median 31. years) isometrically flexed and extended the elbow at rest and three additional torques [2.1,. 4.3,. 6.4. N. m] while a fast stretch stimulus was applied. SRS was estimated in silico using a neuromechanical elbow model simulating the torque response from the imposed elbow angle.SRS was higher in patients (250. ±. 36. N. m/rad) than in controls (150. ±. 21. N. m/rad, p = 0.014), except for the rest condition. Higher elbow SRS suggested greater cocontraction in patients compared to controls. SRS is a promising mechanical alternative to assess cocontraction, which is a frequently encountered clinical problem in OBPL due to axonal misrouting.