Biomaterial Database

Electromyographic comparison of various exercises to improve elbow flexion following intercostal nerve transfer. 2006

P Chalidapong, and K Sananpanich, and J Klaphajone

Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. pchalida@mail.med.cmu.ac.th

We compared the quantitative electromyographic activity of the elbow flexors during four exercises (forced inspiration, forced expiration, trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion), following intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve in 32 patients who had sustained root avulsion brachial plexus injuries. Quantitative electromyographic evaluation of the mean and maximum amplitude was repeated three times for each exercise. We found that mean and maximum elbow flexor activity was highest during trunk flexion, followed by attempted elbow flexion, forced inspiration and finally forced expiration. The difference between each group was significant (p < 0.001), with the exception of the difference between trunk flexion and attempted elbow flexion. Consequently, we recommend trunk flexion exercises to aid rehabilitation following intercostal nerve transfer.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007367	Intercostal Nerves	The ventral rami of the thoracic nerves from segments T1 through T11. The intercostal nerves supply motor and sensory innervation to the thorax and abdomen. The skin and muscles supplied by a given pair are called, respectively, a dermatome and a myotome.	Intercostal Nerve,Nerve, Intercostal,Nerves, Intercostal
D008297	Male		Males
D009068	Movement	The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior.	Movements
D012119	Respiration	The act of breathing with the LUNGS, consisting of INHALATION, or the taking into the lungs of the ambient air, and of EXHALATION, or the expelling of the modified air which contains more CARBON DIOXIDE than the air taken in (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary, 4th ed.). This does not include tissue respiration (	Breathing
D001917	Brachial Plexus	The large network of nerve fibers which distributes the innervation of the upper extremity. The brachial plexus extends from the neck into the axilla. In humans, the nerves of the plexus usually originate from the lower cervical and the first thoracic spinal cord segments (C5-C8 and T1), but variations are not uncommon.	Plexus, Brachial
D004551	Elbow Joint	A hinge joint connecting the FOREARM to the ARM.	Elbow Joints,Joint, Elbow,Joints, Elbow
D004576	Electromyography	Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes.	Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D005081	Exercise Therapy	A regimen or plan of physical activities designed and prescribed for specific therapeutic goals. Its purpose is to restore normal musculoskeletal function or to reduce pain caused by diseases or injuries.	Rehabilitation Exercise,Remedial Exercise,Therapy, Exercise,Exercise Therapies,Exercise, Rehabilitation,Exercise, Remedial,Exercises, Rehabilitation,Exercises, Remedial,Rehabilitation Exercises,Remedial Exercises,Therapies, Exercise
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man