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

Journal Article (2017)
Author(s)

Galia V. Anguelova (Leiden University Medical Center)

E de Vlugt (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control)

A.N. Vardy (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control)

Erik Van Zwet (Leiden University Medical Center)

J. Gert van Dijk (Leiden University Medical Center)

M. J.A. Malessy (Leiden University Medical Center)

J.H. de Groot (Leiden University Medical Center)

Research Group
Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.08.015
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2017
Language
English
Research Group
Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control
Volume number
63
Pages (from-to)
192-196

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.

No files available

Metadata only record. There are no files for this record.