ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3009-6261
Current Organisations
Universität Stuttgart
,
Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung IPA
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Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-09-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JELEKIN.2016.07.006
Abstract: Lumbar multifidus is a complex muscle with multi-fascicular morphology shown to be differentially controlled in healthy in iduals during sagittal-plane motion. The normal behaviour of multifidus muscle regions during walking has only received modest attention in the literature. This study aimed to determine activation patterns for deep and superficial multifidus in young adults during walking at different speeds and inclination. This observational cohort study evaluated ten healthy volunteers in their twenties (three women, seven men) as they walked on a treadmill in eight conditions at 2km/h and 4km/h, each at 0, 1, 5, and 10% inclination. Intramuscular EMG was recorded from the deep and superficial multifidus unilaterally at L5. Activity was characterized by: litude of the peak of activation, position of peak within the gait cycle (0-100%), and duration relative to the full gait cycle. Across all conditions superficial multifidus showed higher normalised EMG litude (p<0.01) superficial multifidus peak litude was 232±115% higher when walking at 4km/h/10%, versus only 172±77% higher for deeper region (p<0.01). The percentage of the gait cycle where peak EMG litude was detected did not differ between regions (49±13%). Deep multifidus duration of activation was longer when walking at the faster vs slower speed at all inclinations (p<0.01), which was not evident for superficial multifidus (p<0.05). Thus, a significantly longer activation of deep multifidus was observed compared to superficial multifidus when walking at 4km/h (p<0.05). Differential activation within lumbar multifidus was shown in young adults during walking. The prolonged, more tonic activation of deep relative to superficial regions of multifidus during gait supports a postural function of deeper fibres.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PAIN.2014.01.027
Abstract: This study investigated change in the distribution of lumbar erector spinae muscle activity and pressure pain sensitivity across the low back in in iduals with low back pain (LBP) and healthy controls. Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from multiple locations over the lumbar erector spinae muscle with a 13×5 grid of electrodes from 19 people with chronic nonspecific LBP and 17 control subjects as they performed a repetitive lifting task. The EMG root mean square (RMS) was computed for each location of the grid to form a map of the EMG litude distribution. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were recorded before and after the lifting task over a similar area of the back. For the control subjects, the EMG RMS progressively increased more in the caudal region of the lumbar erector spinae during the repetitive task, resulting in a shift in the distribution of muscle activity. In contrast, the distribution of muscle activity remained unaltered in the LBP group despite an overall increase in EMG litude. PPT was lower in the LBP group after completion of the repetitive task compared to baseline (average across all locations: pre: 268.0±165.9 kPa post: 242.0±166.7 kPa), whereas no change in PPT over time was observed for the control group (320.1±162.1 kPa post: 322.0±179.5 kPa). The results demonstrate that LBP alters the normal adaptation of lumbar erector spinae muscle activity to exercise, which occurs in the presence of exercise-induced hyperalgesia. Reduced variability of muscle activity may have important implications for the provocation and recurrence of LBP due to repetitive tasks.
Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden AB
Date: 2016
Abstract: To compare short- and long-term changes in neck muscle endurance, electromyography measures of neck muscle activation and fatigue and ratings of fatigue and pain after neck-specific training or physical activity in people with cervical radiculopathy. Randomized clinical trial. Seventy-five patients with cervical radiculopathy. Patients underwent neck-specific training in combination with a cognitive behavioural approach or prescribed physical activity over a period of 14 weeks. Immediately after the intervention and 12 months later, surface electromyography was recorded from neck flexor and extensor muscles during neck endurance tests. Time to task failure, litude and median frequency of the electromyography signal, and subjective fatigue and pain ratings were analysed in 50 patients who completed at least one follow-up. A significant increase in neck flexor endurance time was observed for both groups at 14 weeks compared with baseline and this was maintained at the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.005). No change was identified for the slope of the median frequency. For the neck-specific training group, splenius capitis was less active during neck flexion at both follow-ups (p < 0.01), indicating reduced muscle co-activation. Both specific and general exercise increased neck flexor endurance, but neck-specific training only reduced co-activation of antagonist muscles during sustained neck flexion.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JELEKIN.2018.07.007
Abstract: Isometric bite force control, via measures of force accuracy, force steadiness and force proprioception, was assessed in patients with myogenic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) compared to healthy controls. Twelve people with myogenic TMDs and twelve age- and gender-matched asymptomatic controls performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of unilateral jaw clenching followed by submaximal isometric contractions, with and without visual feedback of force, at 10, 30 50% and 70% MVC. Force performance was assessed with indices of accuracy (mean distance, MD) and precision (standard deviation, SD) and reported as a percentage of the MVC. A mixed-effect model was used to evaluate differences in MVC, MD and SD. The MVC was lower in the TMD group when clenching either ipsilateral or contralateral to the side of greatest pain (p < 0.05). No difference in MD was observed between groups. The SD depended on the interaction between group and painful side (p = 0.04) with the TMD group displaying higher SD when executing the task with the most painful side when compared to the ipsilateral or contralateral sides of the control group. The reduced maximal bite force and force steadiness observed in people with myogenic pain may interfere with masticatory function and should be considered when planning therapeutic interventions for TMDs.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLINPH.2013.11.037
Abstract: To apply a novel method to assess the characteristics of spinal movement in subjects with low back pain (LBP) in a functional task. 17 subjects suffering from chronic non-specific LBP (average pain intensity: 1.8±1.6), and 17 age and gender matched controls performed a repetitive lifting task. Spinal movement was recorded using a novel sensor strip with 12 angle sensors recording the spinal dynamics in evenly spaced (25mm) locations along the spine. Recurrence quantification analysis was applied to different components of the angles to assess the structure of its variability. Mechanically, the LBP and control group performed the task similarly. Reported pain increased in the LBP group, yet task-related angular movement was not different. However, the percentage of determinism for the accessory angular movement (movement variability not directly related to task execution) was significantly higher for the LBP group, indicating a more deterministic (less random) structure of the muscle activation pattern variability. The structure of the variability of spinal movement differs in subjects with chronic non-specific LBP. The determinism of accessory spinal movement may be a useful measure for evaluation of movement impairment in LBP and for monitoring rehabilitation effects.
Publisher: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT)
Date: 04-2017
Abstract: Study Design Controlled laboratory study, case-control design. Objective To evaluate spine kinematics and gait characteristics in people with nonspecific chronic neck pain. Background People with chronic neck pain present with a number of sensorimotor and biomechanical alterations, yet little is known about the influence of neck pain on gait and motions of the spine during gait. Methods People with chronic nonspecific neck pain and age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls walked on a treadmill at 3 different speeds (self-selected, 3 km/h, and 5 km/h), either with their head in a neutral position or rotated 30°. Tridimensional motion capture was employed to quantify body kinematics. Neck and trunk rotations were derived from the difference between the transverse plane component of the head and thorax and thorax and pelvis angles to provide an indication of neck and trunk rotation during gait. Results Overall, the patient group showed shorter stride length compared to the control group (P<.001). Moreover, the patients with neck pain showed smaller trunk rotations (P<.001), regardless of the condition or speed. The difference in the amount of trunk rotation between groups became larger for the conditions of walking with the head rotated. Conclusion People with chronic neck pain walk with reduced trunk rotation, especially when challenged by walking with their head positioned in rotation. Reduced rotation of the trunk during gait may have long-term consequences on spinal health. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017 (4):268-277. Epub 3 Feb 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6768.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2018
DOI: 10.1002/EJP.1318
Abstract: Actigraphy is a quantitative method for the investigation of human physical activity and is normally based on accelerometric and/or kinematic data. A multichannel actigraphy system, able to record both acceleration and spine angles, was employed in this study to measure the quality of movement in 17 in iduals with chronic low back pain (LBP) and 18 healthy in iduals during unrestricted daily activities. An indication of movement complexity was computed by means of non-negative matrix factorization throughout the 24 hr period and in the 60 min of highest activity. Movement complexity differed only when the 60 min of highest activity was taken into account, with the LBP group showing reduced complexity (e.g., for dimensionality = 8, over 90% of the comparisons showed a significant reduction in the LBP group). The results are compatible with the hypothesis that pain induces a reduction in the available kinematic trajectories and degrees of freedom during natural movements, which becomes more evident when more demanding tasks are performed. A reduced movement complexity suggests a persistent alteration of the descending neural pathways and/or a disrupted somatosensory information processing, which could be possibly contrasted by administering highly variable motor tasks. People with chronic pain move differently. Movement quality is difficult to evaluate during daily activities, yet it may prove more informative than quantitative measurements. We proposed a new approach for computing movement complexity and found out that patients' movements get more stereotyped when higher spinal acceleration is required.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-11-2018
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-09-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000381
Abstract: To characterize the distribution of masseter muscle activity and force control during bilateral jaw clenching tasks in people with chronic nonspecific neck pain, without an associated temporomandibular disorder. Twelve volunteers with nonspecific neck pain and 12 age-matched and sex-matched healthy in iduals participated. Submaximal symmetrical and asymmetrical bilateral jaw clenching was performed with and without visual feedback of force. Force performance was assessed with indices of accuracy (mean distance, offset error) and precision (standard deviation, coefficient of variation of force). High-density, 2-dimensional, surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded to characterize bilateral masseter muscle activity. The EMG root mean square was computed for each location of the electrode grid to form a map of the EMG litude distribution, and the location of the center of activity was measured. The patient group showed a different distribution of masseter muscle activity compared with pain-free in iduals during both symmetrical and asymmetrical bilateral jaw clenching. The position of the center of activity was positioned more cranial ( P .001 right masseter only) and more anteriorly in the patient group ( P .0001). In addition, the patients with chronic neck pain displayed higher levels of masseter muscle activation compared with the control participants regardless of the specific task performed ( P .0001). People with chronic neck pain display increased activation and altered distribution of masseter muscle activity during a jaw-clenching coordination task. These results provide a greater appreciation of how secondary orofacial pain or temporomandibular disorders may develop in people with neck pain.
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Date: 2013
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 02-2012
Abstract: We investigated the influence of nociceptive stimulation on the accuracy of task execution and motor unit spike trains during low-force isometric contractions. Muscle pain was induced by infusion of hypertonic saline into the abductor digiti minimi muscle of 11 healthy men. Intramuscular EMG signals were recorded from the same muscle during four isometric contractions of 60-s duration at 10% of the maximal force [maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)] performed before injection (baseline), after injection of isotonic (control) or hypertonic saline (pain), and 15 min after pain was no longer reported. Each contraction was preceded by three 3-s r contractions from 0% to 10% MVC. The low-frequency oscillations of motor unit spike trains were analyzed by the first principal component of the low-pass filtered spike trains [first common component (FCC)], which represents the effective neural drive to the muscle. Pain decreased the accuracy of task performance [coefficient of variation (CoV) for force: baseline, 2.8 ± 1.8%, pain, 3.9 ± 1.8% P 0.05] and reduced motor unit discharge rates [11.6 ± 2.3 pulses per second (pps) vs. 10.7 ± 1.7 pps P 0.05]. Motor unit recruitment thresholds (2.2 ± 1.2% MVC vs. 2.4 ± 1.6% MVC), interspike interval variability (18.4 ± 4.9% vs. 19.1 ± 5.4%), strength of motor unit short-term synchronization [common input strength (CIS) 1.02 ± 0.44 vs. 0.83 ± 0.22], and strength of common drive (0.47 ± 0.08 vs. 0.47 ± 0.06) did not change across conditions. The FCC signal was correlated with force ( R = 0.45 ± 0.06), and the CoV for FCC increased in the painful condition (5.69 ± 1.29% vs. 7.83 ± 2.61% P 0.05). These results indicate that nociceptive stimulation increased the low-frequency variability in synaptic input to motoneurons.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATH.2013.05.011
Abstract: This study compared the immediate effects of an assisted plus active cranio-cervical flexion exercise (exercise group) versus a passive mobilisation plus assisted cranio-cervical flexion (mobilisation group) on performance of the cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT), cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain in patients with chronic neck pain. Eighteen volunteers with chronic idiopathic neck pain participated in the study and were randomised to one of the two intervention groups. Current level of pain, cervical ROM and pain perceived during movement, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and surface electromyography (EMG) during performance of the CCFT were measured before and immediately after the intervention. A significant reduction in resting pain and PPT measured over cervical sites was observed immediately following both interventions, although a greater change was observed for the exercise group. No change in cervical ROM was observed after either intervention. Reduced sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene EMG litude were observed during stages of the CCFT but only for the participants in the active exercise group. Although both active and passive interventions offered pain relief, only the exercise group improved on a task of motor function highlighting the importance of specific active treatment for improved motor control of the cervical spine.
Publisher: Quintessence Publishing
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.11607/OFPH.1432
Abstract: To assess whether patients with persistent neck pain display evidence of altered masticatory muscle behavior during a jaw-clenching task, despite the absence of orofacial pain or temporomandibular disorders. Ten subjects with persistent, nonspecific neck pain and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of unilateral jaw clenching followed by 5-second submaximal contractions at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% MVC were recorded by two flexible force transducers positioned between the first molar teeth. Task performance was quantified by mean distance and offset error from the reference target force as error indices, and standard deviation of force was used as an index of force steadiness. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded bilaterally from the masseter muscle with 13 X 5 grids of electrodes and from the anterior temporalis with bipolar electrodes. Normalized EMG root mean square (RMS) was computed for each location of the grid to form a map of the EMG litude distribution, and the average normalized RMS was determined for the bipolar acquisition. Between-group differences were analyzed with the Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance. Task performance was similar in patients and controls. However, patients displayed greater masseter EMG activity bilaterally at higher force levels (P<.05). This study has provided novel evidence of altered motor control of the jaw in people with neck pain despite the absence of orofacial pain or temporomandibular disorders.
Location: Germany
Location: Germany
Location: Germany
No related grants have been discovered for LEonardo Gizzi.