O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as variáveis cardio-respiratórias (Pa, FC, 'VO IND.2', 'VCO IND.2' e Ve) durante a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) do quadríceps em portadores de lesão medular. Participaram da pesquisa dez pacientes (cinco paraplégicos e cinco tetraplégicos) e um sujeito saudável voluntário padrão. O protocolo do teste consistiu em 10 minutos de repouso, 20 minutos de EENM dos quadríceps e 10 minutos de recuperação. O sujeito saudável realizou o mesmo procedimento, entretanto, os movimentos de flexão/extensão dos joelhos foram realizadas de maneira voluntária. Durante a EENM foram constatados baixos valores de 'VO IND.2' e 'VCO IND.2', lenta cinética dos gases e valores alterados de 'P IND.O2' e 'P IND.CO2', em outros casos foi constatada a rápida cinética dos gases. Houve o aumento da Pa sistólica e da FC, entretanto em alguns pacientes observaram-se limitações na resposta da FC. Portanto, os pacientes apresentaram algumas limitações nas respostas cardio-respiratórias, indicando realização de exercício exaustivo, mas apresentaram capacidade de realização de exercício induzido artificialmente, possivelmente devido aos benefícios da EENM / The objective of this research was to evaluate cardio-respiratory responses (heart rate, blood pressure, 'VO IND.2', 'VCO IND.2' e Ve) to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the quadriceps in patients with spinal cord injury. Ten patients (five paraplegics and five tetraplegics) and one healthy subject participated in this study. The protocol of the test consisted of ten minutes of rest, twenty minutes of NMES of the quadriceps and ten minutes of recovery. However, the healthy subject performed the voluntary movement of knee flexion and extension. The findings in this study indicated that patients during NMES demostrated low values of 'VO IND.2' e 'VCO IND.2', slow gas kinetics and altered values of 'P IND.O2' and 'P IND.CO2', on the others cases, the fast kinetics of the gas was verified. Moreover, there were increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Nevertheless, for some patients, heart rate response limitations were observed. Therefore, the patients presented some limitations in the cardio-respiratory responses, indicating performance of exhaustive exercise, but the use of NMES can elicit improvements in exercise tolerance due to its benefits

Introdução: A força muscular periférica e respiratória pode estar reduzida em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). O impacto desta redução sobre a capacidade de realizar atividades e exercícios não é bem conhecida. Objetivos: Comparar a força muscular periférica e respiratória e o desempenho no teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e no teste de senta e levanta de 1 minuto (TSL) em indivíduos com e sem DPOC e estudar o impacto da força muscular nos dois testes. Métodos: Foram estudados 21 pacientes com DPOC (13 homens, idade de 63±7 anos, volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo - VEF1 – 1,14±0,54, 42±18% do previsto) e 21 indivíduos sem DPOC (13 homens, idade 64±7 anos, VEF1 2,64±0,65, 106±21% do previsto). Todos os indivíduos realizaram espirometria, avaliação da pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e expiratória máxima (PEmáx), teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) para avaliar força do quadríceps, TC6 e TSL. Resultados: Quando comparados com controles pacientes com DPOC apresentaram valores inferiores de PImáx (77±23 cm H2O vs 102±18 cm H2O, p=0,0001), PEmáx (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0,001), força do quadríceps (17±5 Kg vs 23±4 Kg, p=0,0001), distância no TC6 (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p=0,0001) e repetições no TSL (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0,0001). No grupo de 42 indivíduos a distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o VEF1 (r=0,80, p=0,0001), com a PImáx (r=0,59, p=0,0001), com a PEmáx (r=0,63, p=0,0001), com a SpO2 basal (r=0,61, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,63, p=0,0001). Num modelo multivariado o VEF1, a PImáx e a dispneia basal explicaram 81% da variabilidade da distância percorrida no TC6. Em relação ao TSL as melhores correlações foram observadas com o VEF1 (r=0,55, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,50, p=0,0001) e associação mais fraca foi observada com as pressões respiratórias máximas (r=0,34, p=0,02). A distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o número de repetições no TSL (r=0,61, p=0,0001). Conclusões: Pacientes com DPOC tem redução da força muscular do quadríceps e das pressões respiratórias e um pior desempenho no TC6 e no TSL em relação aos controles. Tanto a força muscular do quadríceps como as pressões respiratórias influenciam o desempenho nos dois testes. Entretanto, o impacto da força do quadríceps sobre a distância percorrida parece depender do VEF1. Observamos uma relação forte entre a distância percorrida e o número de elevações no TST, sugerindo que o TST possa ter um papel na avaliação funcional de pacientes com DPOC. / Introduction: Peripheral and respiratory muscle strength may be reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The impact of this reduction on the ability to perform activities and exercises is not well known. Aims: To compare the peripheral and respiratory muscle strength and the performance in a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and a sit-to-stand test (STST) in subjects with and without COPD and to study the impact of the muscle strength on both tests. Methods: We studied 21 patients with COPD (13 men, age 63±7 years, forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1 1.14±0.54, 42 ± 18% predicted ) and 21 subjects without COPD (13 men, age 64±7 years, FEV1 2.64±0.65, 106±21% predicted). All subjects underwent spirometry, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), one-repetition maximum (1RM) to evaluate quadriceps strength, 6MWT and STST. Results: When compared to controls patients with COPD showed lower values of MIP (77±23 cm H2O vs. 102±18 cm H2O, p=0.0001), MEP (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0.001), quadriceps strength (17 ± 5 kg vs. 23 ± 4 kg, p=0.0001), distance in 6MWT (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p = 0.0001) and repetitions in STST (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0.0001). The walked distance was associated with FEV1 (r=0.80, p=0.0001), MIP (r=0.59, p=0.0001), MEP (r=0.63, p=0.0001), baseline SpO2 (r=0.61, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.63, p=0.0001). In a multivariate model FEV1, MIP and baseline dyspnea explained 81% of the walked distance variance in 6MWT. Regarding the TSL, the best correlations were observed with FEV1 (r=0.55, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.495, p = 0.0001) while a weaker association was observed with the maximal respiratory pressures (r=0.34, p=0.02). The distance walked in 6MWT was associated with the number of repetitions in TSL (r=0.61, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Patients with COPD have reduced quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressures and a worse performance in the 6MWT and STST in relation to controls. Both the quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressure influenced the performance in both tests. However, the impact of quadriceps strength on the walked distance seems to depend on FEV1. We observed a strong relationship between distance and number of elevations in STST, suggesting that STST may have a role in the functional evaluation of patients with COPD.

The purposes of the present study were to resolve a number of major inconsistencies found in the literature on the structure of the quadriceps femoris muscle and to extend knowledge of its structure using descriptive, qualitative methodology. The quadriceps femoris muscle was investigated in 41 cats, and the findings were confirmed in 6 human cadavers. Two aponeuroses with major biomechanical functions (rectus-vastus and vastus aponeurosis), neither of which had been previously described in the literature, were characterized in both species. The study also resolved many major inconsistencies in the literature: The muscle sometimes described as vastus intermedius (VI) was found to be the articularis genu, the muscle sometimes described as vastus medialis (VM) was found to be the VI, the rectus femoris head was found to have an additional proximal nerve branch not previously recognized, no anomalous 5th head was ever found, and the distal VM were not found to have 2 heads (in either cats or humans). The authors’ anatomical descriptions and bimechanical models of the muscles, tendons, and neurovascular should provide a helpful foundation for future studies on the quadriceps. Two general recommendations are made: 1) that the feline model be considered a viable model to elucidate human knee pathomechanics; and 2) that regardless of the anatomical structure of interest, orthopedic nurses, orthopedic surgeons, and research investigators should routinely use the research literature for anatomical guidance instead of standard anatomical textbooks. © 2002, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

No description available.

No description available.

Musculoskeletal injuries are commonly associated with muscle atrophy as a function of immobilization or change of normal function. For example, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which may involve ligament reconstruction, results in the "quadriceps avoidance" gait which leads to atrophy of the knee extensormuscles. In these situations it is not clear whether or not the atrophy is associated with loss of specific muscle fibre types with accompanying functional deficits. Such knowledge would be helpful in implementing exercise regimes designed to compensate for loss of particular fibre types. It is believed that isokinetic exercise performed at speeds below 180° per second strengthens type I muscle fibres, and type II fibres at fast speeds. However, there is no evidence to indicate the specific muscle fibre response to different rates of muscle contraction. Identification of muscle fibre type is most directly determined by biopsy technique but is too invasive for a routine measurement. Electromyography median frequency has been used as a non-invasive measure to infer muscle fibre composition in various studies. However, the reliability and accuracy of this technique has been questioned and improvement is necessary. This research was designed to provide a more accurate and reliable protocol for the determination of EMG median frequency which may be used, after validation against more direct biopsy techniques, as a routine method for inferring muscle fibre composition. The investigation also explored the muscular response as measured by EMG median frequency to varying speeds of muscle contraction, fatiguing exercise and atrophy following ACL reconstruction. The ultimate aim of this research was to improve the reliability of the determination of EMG median frequency to enhance its application as a predictor of muscle fibre composition. This provides information which may improve ACL rehabilitation programs designed to restore and prevent specific muscle fibre types loss that have not previously been targeted by current rehabilitation programs. This research was conducted in three studies. Study one determined the stability of the EMG median frequency bilaterally for the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles and identified the mode of contraction associated with the greatest reliability. The strength and EMG median frequency of the vastus lateralis, medial hamstrings and vastus medialis of 55 subjects was determined across 5 speeds from 0° to 240° per second using a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer and an EMG data acquisition system. Isometric contraction was found to have the least bilateral discrepancy (4.01% ±3.06) and between trials standard deviation (4.50) in the vastus lateralis, medial hamstrings and vastus medialis. Study two investigated the EMG median frequency changes in the vastus lateralis which occur immediately following different speeds of isokinetic exercise to the point of fatigue in normal subjects. Thirty-four subjects participated in the study, and performed a 90-second period of isokinetic exercise to activate the knee extensors at either 30° or 300° per second. EMG median frequency of the vastus lateralis was determined before, immediately after and 7 minutes after the fatiguing exercise. The percentage drop in EMG median frequency of the vastus medialis was gnificantly (p<0.05) greater after slow speed (27.9%) than fast speed (20.25%) exercise, while no significant difference was found for the percentage drop in extension torque. Full recovery was found 7 minutes after the fatiguing exercise. By reference to previous research showing a relationship between EMG median frequency and muscle fibre type, an increase in activation of type I muscle fibres with slow speed exercise and an increase in type II muscle fibres with fast speed exercise was observed. Study three identified the changes in EMG median frequency following ACL reconstruction and evaluated the bilateral differences in EMG median frequency of the knee muscles. The relationships between EMG median frequency and the measures of knee functional ability, knee muscle strength, age and time since surgery were also investigated. Twelve subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus and gracilis graft 6 to 12 months earlier, participated in the study. EMG median frequency was determined from an 8-second isometric contraction and knee functional ability was assessed using the Cincinnati Rating Scale. Bilateral EMG median frequency shifts were inconsistent among subjects. On the basis of previous research which indicated a relationship between EMG median frequency and fibre type, no consistent pattern of muscular fibre type atrophy subsequent to ACL reconstruction occurred within 6 to 12 months (ranged from -43 to 57 Hz). Additionally, no significant correlations were found between the EMG median frequency and the knee functional score and knee extension and flexion torques, age, time since operation and the bilateral differences in EMG median frequency. The results of this investigation will serve to improve the reliability of EMG median frequency across a range of conditions in which it has been evaluated. Further research is needed to confirm the relationship between EMG median frequency and direct observations of muscle fibre composition to improve the predictive value of this measure. Following this validation it will be possible to evaluate the bilateral EMG median frequency shift to infer the type of muscle fibre atrophy, and use this measure in determining the efficacy of specific rehabilitation programs. In conclusion * An 8-second isometric contraction is recommended for determining EMG median frequency. * EMG median frequency of a muscle decreases significantly more after slow fatiguing exercise than after fast speed fatiguing exercise. * There was no generalised bilateral EMG median frequency shift found in a group of subjects 6 to 12 months following semitendinosus and gracilis graft ACL reconstruction. * The results of this study will serve to improve the reliability of procedures used to determine EMG median frequency under a range of different contractile conditions. The EMG median frequency changes in response to these conditions require further validations with muscle biopsy in future.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:18:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseJSB.pdf: 1248166 bytes, checksum: 2327b08724c3471ad628a8f9fb5ff44d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004-12-10 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee and its rupture results in pain, instability, muscle atrophy and weakness. The quadriceps femoris muscle dysfunction is common before and after ACL reconstruction and can persist over years. A detailed understanding of neuromuscular function after ACL reconstruction is critical to the development of optimal rehabilitation strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of functional and morphological factors, in the muscle recovery, after ACL reconstruction. The effects of two therapeutic methods, usually utilized to recover muscle strength were also evaluated: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and eccentric exercise. Eight subjects (age = 31.3 ± 5.8 years) who had undergone ACL ligament reconstruction (mean 9.4 ± 0.7 months after the surgery) were randomly assigned to either an eccentric exercise associated with NMES (russian current) or only an eccentric exercise group. Only the involved limb was trained 2 days a week, for 12 weeks. The uninvolved one was also evaluated as reference. The quadriceps muscle function was evaluated by the measurement of the knee extensor torque during isometric and eccentric isokinetic contractions (30 and 120º/s) and by surface electromyography (EMG) of the Vastus Medialis Obliquos (VMO), Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF) muscles. The quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured in six regions using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI-I). The initial evaluation showed significant extensor torque deficit both in isometric and eccentric conditions of the involved limb, compared to the contralateral one. There was significant muscle atrophy along the quadriceps extension, mainly in the distal thigh region. The EMG activity was lower for the VMO in all tested situations. NMES did not interfere in the gain of muscular strength, in any of the evaluated functions. The eccentric training increased significantly the isometric (from 198 ± 37 to 228 ± 48 Nm, p<0.05) and eccentric torque at 30 and 120º/s (from 227 ± 56 to 291 ± 65, p< 0.01 and from 199 ± 51 to 240 ± 63, p< 0.05, respectively). Quadriceps cross-sectional area also increased at all the evaluated regions for the involved limb, and the highest hypertrophy was at the thigh proximal region (from 169 ± 27 to 189 ± 25,8 cm2, p< 0.01 ), when compared to the distal region (form 31,5 ± 5,9 to 35,1 ± 6,1 cm2, p< 0.01). The EMG activity of VMO was recovered after the first six weeks of eccentric training. In the same period, the increased extensor torque showed correlation with the increased quadriceps cross-sectional area (r=0,81) and with the recovery of motor unit activation (r=0.69). After twelve weeks of training, there was correlation only between increased torque and cross-sectional area (r=0.78). In conclusion: 1) eccentric training showed to be a potent resource in the recovery of both morphological and functional factors of quadriceps, after ACL reconstruction; 2) NEMS did not interfere in the rehabilitation of these individuals. / O Ligamento Cruzado Anterior (LCA) é o mais freqüentemente ligamento lesado do joelho e a sua ruptura resulta em dor, instabilidade, atrofia e fraqueza muscular. A disfunção do músculo quadríceps é comum antes e após a reconstrução do LCA, podendo persistir por anos. Um detalhado conhecimento da função neuromuscular após reconstrução do LCA é crítico para a otimização das estratégias de reabilitação. O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar as contribuições dos fatores funcionais e morfológicos na recuperação da força muscular, após reconstrução do LCA. Os efeitos de dois métodos terapêuticos usualmente utilizados na reabilitação também foram avaliados: a Estimulação Elétrica Neuromuscular (EENM) e o exercício excêntrico. Oito indivíduos (31.3 ± 5.8 anos) os quais foram submetidos a reconstrução do LCA (média de 9.4 ± 0.7 meses de pós-operatório) foram aleatoriamente designados para o grupo exercício excêntrico com EENM (utilizando a corrente russa) ou apenas exercício excêntrico. Apenas o membro envolvido foi treinado, 2 vezes por semana, durante 12 semanas. O membro não envolvido foi avaliado como referência. A função do músculo quadríceps foi avaliada por medidas do torque extensor do joelho durante contrações isométricas e isocinéticas excêntricas (30 e 120º/s) e por meio da eletromiografia (EMG) de superfície dos músculos Vasto Medial Oblíquo (VMO), Vasto Lateral (VL) e Reto Femoral. A Área de Secção Transversa (AST) do quadríceps foi mensurada em seis regiões, por meio de imagens de Ressonância Nuclear Magnética (RNM). A avaliação inicial demonstrou significativo déficit no torque extensor do membro acometido, quando comparado ao não acometido, tanto nas avaliações isométricas como nas excêntricas. Houve significativa atrofia muscular ao longo do quadríceps, sobretudo na região distal. A atividade EMG mostrou-se reduzida no VMO, em todas as situações avaliadas. A EENM não interferiu no ganho de força muscular, em nenhuma das funções mensuradas. O treinamento excêntrico aumentou significativamente o torque isométrico (de 198 ± 37 para 228 ± 48 Nm, p<0.05) e excêntrico em 30 e 120º/s (de 227 ± 56 para 291 ± 65, p< 0.01 e de 199 ± 51 para 240 ± 63, p< 0.05, respectivamente). A área de secção transversa também aumentou em todas as regiões avaliadas do membro acometido, sendo que a maior hipertrofia ocorreu na região proximal da coxa (de 169 ± 27 para 189 ± 25,8 cm2, p< 0.01), quando comparada a região distal (de 31,5 ± 5,9 para 35,1 ± 6,1 cm2, p< 0.01). A atividade EMG do VMO foi recuperada após as primeiras seis semanas de treinamento excêntrico. No mesmo período, o aumento no torque extensor demonstrou correlação direta com o aumento na área de secção transversa (r=0.81) e com a recuperação na ativação das unidades motoras (r=0.69). Após doze semanas de treinamento, houve correlação apenas entre o aumento do torque e a área de secção transversa (r=0.78). Em conclusão: 1) o treinamento excêntrico mostrou-se um potente recurso tanto na recuperação dos fatores morfológicos como funcionais do músculo quadríceps, após reconstrução do LCA; 2) a EENM não interferiu na reabilitação desses indivíduos.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:19:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissFP.pdf: 1902081 bytes, checksum: 3d115e0c53ebb8c3fb55b12dd2b2fe0a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-02-28 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electric activity (EMG) in the temporal and amplitude aspects of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) muscles during forward step tasks: stepdown (SFD) and step-up (SFS), and backward step tasks: step-down (SPD) and step-up (SPS). Twenty seven females were evaluated and separated in two groups: fifteen normal subjects Control Group (21.13 ± 2.17 years) and twelve subjects with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome PPS (21.08 ± 2.31 years). The height of the step was regulated for two angles 45º and 75º - of knee s flexion joint. A metronome was used to help the volunteers about the time to performance the tasks, a eletrogoniometer was used in the control of the knee angle and a pressure sensor was used to determinate the start and the end of the electromyography register. The electric activity was recorded by surface (Ag/AgCl) electrodes, an EMG apparatus with 8 channels (EMG System Brazil) and a software of acquisition data AqDados 7.02. The EMG data was processed by the software Matlab 6.1 that calculated both the onset timing of the muscles and the integrated of the EMG signal. The EMG was normalized by the mean of the three muscle contractions and was calculated de ratio VMO/VLL and VMO/VLO for comparisons between groups and exercises. The relative onset timing was determinate by the difference VMO-VLO and VMO-VLL. The t-tests showed that in the step up exercise (75º of the knee flexion), there are differences when compared the groups, either in frontal step VMO/VLL (p= 0.000) and VMO/VLO (p = 0.000), than posterior step VMO/VLL (p = 0.000) and VMO/VLO (p = 0.000). In the control group there is a prevalence of an early contractions of de VMO muscle, however in the PPS group, the VMO onset occurred at the same time or after the VLO and VLL muscles in the mayor of the cases. The Anova three-way and Duncan post hoc showed that in step at 45º, the ratio VMO/VLO (p = 0,000) and VMO/VLL (p = 0,016) was greater then step at 75º in both groups. When compared the steps in 45º and 75º into the groups, were found differences either in the VMO:VLO ratio (p = 0,000) than VMO:VLL ratio (0,016) with greater values in the step at 45º. The comparison between the exercises performed in the same step height showed that both VMO:VLO and VMO:VLL ratios always was greater in the SFS than SFD (p = 0,01), SPS (p = 0,04) and SPD (p = 0,000). There is no difference between SFD and SPS (p = 0,570) or SPD (p = 0,090). In the Control group the SPS was smaller then SPD, on the other hand, in the SDFP group the SPS was greater than SPD (p = 0,30). Our results suggest that there is a difference in the motor control between groups about muscle recruitment either in frontal than posterior step-up at 75º. In the amplitude aspect, the step at 45º seem to recruit selectively the VMO muscle in comparison with VLL and VLO, thus, this step height should be used preferentially in the SDFP treatment programs. Regarding of the mode of execution, the frontal step (SFS) seems to be the most indicated when the objective is the selective activation of the VMO muscle mainly in the step at 45º. / A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar, nos aspectos temporal e de amplitude, a atividade elétrica dos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral longo (VLL) e vasto lateral oblíquo (VLO) nos exercícios de step frontal: subida (SFS) e descida (SFD) e step posterior: subida (SPS) e descida (SPD). Foram avaliados 27 indivíduos do sexo feminino divididos em dois grupos: 15 clinicamente normais Grupo Controle (21,13 ± 2,17 anos) e 12 portadores da Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar - SDFP (21,08 ± 2,31). A altura do step foi regulada para dois ângulos - 45º e 75º - de flexão da articulação do joelho. Um metrônomo auxiliou os voluntários quanto ao tempo de execução do exercício, um eletrogoniômetro foi utilizado para controlar o ângulo de flexão do joelho e um sensor de pressão foi utilizado para informar quanto ao início e o final de cada exercício. A atividade elétrica foi captada por meio de eletrodos ativos diferenciais simples de superfície, um eletromiógrafo de 8 canais (EMG System do Brasil) e um programa de aquisição de dados (AqDados 7.02.06). O sinal elétrico captado foi tratado por rotinas do software Matlab 6.1 que calcularam o tempo de início da ativação elétrica para cada músculo (análise temporal) e a integral matemática da área abaixo da envoltória do sinal retificado e filtrado (análise de amplitude). Os valores da integral foram normalizados pela média das três contrações para cada músculo e posteriormente calculada as relações VMO: VLO e VMO: VLL. O tempo relativo de ativação foi determinado subtraindo-se o tempo de ativação do VLL e do VLO do tempo de ativação do VMO (VMO - VLO e VMO-VLL). O teste t - Student (p &#8804; 0,05) revelou que, no exercício de subida no step a 75º, houve diferença significativa no tempo relativo de ativação entre os grupos, tanto para o step frontal: VMO-VLO (p = 0,000) e VMO-VLL (p = 0,000), quanto para o step posterior: VMO-VLO (p = 0,000) e VMO-VLL (p = 0,000). No grupo Controle prevaleceu uma ativação antecipada do VMO em relação aos músculos VLL e VLO; já no grupo SDFP houve prevalência da ativação simultânea e tardia do VMO em relação aos demais músculos. A ANOVA thre-way e o teste de Duncan (p&#8804; 0,05) revelaram diferenças na relação VMO:VLO e VMO:VLL quando comparados os grupos Controle e SDFP (p = 0,014). Os valores da relação VMO:VLO e VMO:VLL foram significativamente maiores no step a 45º do que a 75º (p = 0,000 e p = 0,016, respectivamente) nos dois grupos. A comparação entre os exercícios realizados dentro de uma mesma angulação de step revelou que tanto a relação VMO:VLO quanto VMO:VLL sempre foram maiores no SFS quando comparado ao SFD (p = 0,010), ao SPS (p = 0,040) e ao SPD (p = 0,000). Não houve diferença entre a SFD e a SPS (p=0,570) ou a SPD (p = 0,090). No grupo Controle o SPS foi menor que a SPD (p = 0,030), enquanto que no grupo SDFP ocorreu o inverso nas duas relações em ambos os steps. Nossos resultados sugerem haver diferenças no controle motor entre os grupos quanto ao recrutamento muscular, tanto no step frontal quanto no posterior no ângulo de 75º. Na análise da amplitude, o step a 45 º parece recrutar mais seletivamente o músculo VMO em relação ao VLL e VLO do que no step a 75º, podendo ser utilizado preferencialmente no tratamento de indivíduos portadores de SDFP. Quanto à modalidade de step, o exercício de subida frontal (SFS) parece ser o mais indicado quando o objetivo for a ativação seletiva do músculo VMO principalmente no step a 45º.

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Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal. / Avec l'émergence des voyages spatiaux, plusieurs adaptations physiologiques ont été recensées en état d'apesanteur. L'apesanteur dans l'espace décroît l'activité et le chargement mécanique des muscles les plus importants pour déplacer et supporter le poids du corps, dans le but de maintenir une posture droite. Ces muscles, principalement les groupes musculaires des membres inférieurs, sont appelés muscles supporteurs du poids ; en réponse à une utilisation réduite, ils s'affaissent et dépérissent, ou s'atrophient. Les changements incluent une réduction de la grosseur du muscle [59, 60], la décomposition des protéines musculaires [61], la réduction de la force [69, 70] et de l'endurance [60] musculaires, de même que des changements dans les types de fibres présentes dans les muscles [61]. La faiblesse et le mauvais fonctionnement musculaire survenant suite à une exposition aux vois spatiaux réfèrent communément à l'atrophie musculaire fonctionnelle induite par microgravité (l'atrophie musculaire fonctionnelle signifie une réduction du volume des muscles liée à l'inactivité). Aucun de ces changements ne présente un problème pour les astronautes tant et aussi longtemps qu'ils n'effectuent que de légers travaux. Pour les astronautes, le problème devient critique lorsqu'ils reviennent sur terre et que les muscles affaiblis sont de nouveau soumis à la force de gravité intégrale. Dans une situation d'urgence, les individus aux muscles affaiblis seraient moins aptes à répondre rapidement ou à utiliser la force musculaire. À présent, l'atrophie musculaire fonctionnelle des muscles des membres inférieurs induite par microgravité demeure un sérieux problème pour les astronautes qui poursuivent un vol spatial prolongé. Des contremesures comme l'exercice physique [91] peuvent aider au maintien de la -force et des fonctions musculaires, toutefois l'exercice seul est insuffisant pour prévenir l'excès en perte musculaire. Ainsi, il est nécessaire de développer des solutions plus efficaces. La présente recherche a été entreprise afin d'évaluer l'efficacité de la stimulation électrique thérapeutique (SET) pour minimiser l'atrophie musculaire fonctionnelle et le mauvais fonctionnement musculaire chez des patients ayant subi une reconstruction du ligament croisé antérieur (LCA). Le LCA est fréquemment lésé au cours de pratiques sportives. Une atrophie et un affaiblissement significatifs du groupe musculaire du quadriceps femoris (GMQF) survient suite à la reconstruction du LCA [131] et s'applique aux adaptations neuromusculaires survenant chez les astronautes suite à une exposition prolongée en état d'apesanteur. L'objectif de cette recherche était d'entreprendre des expériences préliminaires afin de déterminer le paradigme de stimulation le plus efficace pour minimiser l'atrophie musculaire fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs induite par microgravité chez les astronautes. Le recours à des patients ayant subi une reconstruction du LCA fournit un modèle adéquat servant à étudier les traitements pouvant minimiser de tels déficits des fonctions musculaires. Au total, 24 patients ont été assignés au hasard dans deux groupes, soit un groupe expérimental (n=12) ou un groupe contrôle (n=12), suite à la reconstruction du LCA grâce à une greffe du tendon patellaire. Durant les 12 semaines suivant l'opération, tous les patients ont suivi un programme standard de réhabilitation. De plus, le groupe expérimental a reçu un traitement par SET pendant six à huit heures, et ce, cinq soirs par semaine. Le torque maximal isocinétique du GMQF, le travail et la puissance moyenne ont été mesurés dans les deux membres inférieurs à 60°/sec et à 180°/sec, en plus de l'activation neurale (iEMG) et de la fréquence de la puissance -médiane (MED) des muscles vastus medialis et vastus lateralis, avant l'opération et à six et 12 semaines après l'opération. Toutes les mesures ont été standardisées en pourcentage du GMQF sain. Les résultats indiquent qu'après l'opération, le torque maximal isocinétique, le travail et la puissance moyenne étaient significativement réduits (p<0,01) dans le GMQF lésé, et ce pour les deux vitesses, à six et à 12 semaines, comparativement aux valeurs préopératoires. L'activité iEMG du muscle vastus lateralis était significativement réduite à six (p<0,01) et à 12 semaines (p<0,05) suite à l'opération. Toutefois, aucune réduction significative de l'activité iEMG du vastus medialis n'a été observée, et ce pour les deux vitesses, à six et à 12 semâmes après l'opération. Le MED est passé à des fréquences plus basses dans les muscles vastus lateralis (p<0,01) et vastus medialis (p<0,05) lorsque mesurée à six semaines. Cependant, 12 semaines après l'opération, le MED du vastus lateralis était revenu aux valeurs préopératoires, alors que le changement de MED du vastus medialis persistait (p<0,05). Aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre les groupes contrôle et expérimental en terme de mesures du torque maximal isocinétique et d'activation des muscles vastus lateralis et vastus medialis tout au long de l'étude. En conclusion, la SET combinée à la réhabilitation n'a pas fourni de bénéfice supplémentaire en terme d'amélioration de la récupération du GMQF au début de la phase postopératoire chez des patients ayant subi une reconstruction du LCA grâce à une greffe du tendon patellaire.