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Thesis (MPhysio)--University of South Australia, 1998

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 138-150).

The dynamics of wrist rotations are dominated by joint stiffness, which the neuromuscular system must account and compensate for when controlling wrist movements. Because wrist stiffness is anisotropic, movements in some directions require less torque than movements in others, creating opportunities to follow "paths of least resistance." Forearm pronation-supination (PS) can combine with wrist flexion-extension (FE) and radial-ulnar deviation (RUD) to allow the wrist to rotate in directions of least stiffness. Evaluating this hypothesis, and understanding the control of combined wrist and forearm rotations in general, requires a knowledge of the stiffness (the dominant mechanical impedance) encountered during combined wrist and forearm rotations. While wrist and forearm stiffness have been measured in isolation, there are no measurements of coupled wrist and the forearm stiffness. This study characterizes the passive stiffness of the wrist and forearm in combinations of FE, RUD, and PS. Using a wrist and forearm robot, we measured coupled wrist and forearm stiffness for 15° movements from neutral position in 10 young, healthy subjects. We found the stiffness in PS to be significantly smaller than the stiffness in RUD, but similar in magnitude to the stiffness in FE, indicating that the torque required to overcome stiffness in combinations of PS and FE is significantly smaller than the torque required to overcome stiffness in combinations of FE and RUD (assuming equal displacements). The coupled stiffness measured here will enable future studies to determine optimal paths and to compare these optimal paths to observed movements involving wrist and forearm rotations.

Rigidity is one of the cardinal symptoms in Parkinson's disease, along with Bradykinesia, tremor and postural instability. Rigidity in PD has been understudied, but its pathophysiological basis remains unclear. Various types of neurophysiological and biomechanical approach have been developed in order to investigate the neural control of muscle tone. A common approach is to observe the sensitivity of muscle resistance in response to stretch velocity or displacement [Kamper, Rea, He]. A recent study on elbow flexors in patients with spasticity and rigidity showed a velocity dependent increase in reactive torque in both groups [Lee H, et al). Even though this Study shows a correlation between elbow flexors and velocity, it doesn't discuss the role of elbow extensors. We studied the rigidity response in the elbow of both arms to different speed movements in 12 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease ON or OFF medication. The purpose of this study was to look at both elbow flexion and extension and show that quantitative measures of rigidity and movement disorders in subjects with Parkinson's disease correlate with the currently used clinical evaluations and also find the correlation between velocity and both elbow extension and flexion at the same time. Elbow was flexed and extended by means of a robotic arm,under four different speeds. The resistance to movement was recorded with a torque sensor and EMG of two elbow muscles; Biceps and Triceps; was recorded while the subjects were attempting to relax. The patients were also examined by physicians and their elbow rigidity and muscle tone and Parkinson's disease stage was evaluated and a Universal score in the categories of UPDRS, MMSE, and CAPIT was assigned for each arm of each individual. In the end we will argue that there is a very strong correlation between speed and elbow Extension and Flexion, muscle activity and the rigidity presented in each arm. We will also present the correlation between the robotic torque measurement and the clinical scores given to each subject.

Title: The effect of yogic relaxation on muscle tone Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to present a technique of yogic relaxation, yoga nidra, as one of the possible methods for releasing mental and physical tension. The aim of the practical part of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of yoga nidra on muscle tone. Methods: The practical part of this thesis is a pilot study with six participants. For objective assessment of muscle tone the method of myotonometry was used. M. soleus was selected as the muscle to be measured. First, the original muscle tone of m. soleus on the dominant lower limb of the participants was measured. Then the group of participants was instructed about the practice of yoga nidra and was asked to practice it every day in the following 14 days at home using a given audio recording. After the two-week training, the muscle tone of m. soleus was measured again in order to determine the long-term effect of yoga nidra on muscle tone. Finally, the participants participated in a group lesson of yoga nidra guided by a yoga teacher. Then, the muscle tone of m. soleus was measured again in order to determine the instant effect of yoga nidra on muscle tone. Results: After the two-week training of yoga nidra the research found a decrease in muscle tone of m. soleus in 5 out of 6...

Master's thesis topic: Objectification of selected rehabilitation techniques used to influence the muscle tone Author: Bc. Zuzana Pavelková Branch of study: TVS_B Disertation Tutor: PhDr. Petr Šifta, Ph.D. Year of Defense: 2012 Abstract: The aim of this study was to discover, whether four selected rehabillitation techniques (dry-needling application, cryotherapy, stretching and kinesiotaping) influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. It was assumed, that above mentioned methods decrease the muscle tone of selected muscles, that was increased by previous running performance or owing to acute or chronic problems with Achilles tendon. The muscle tone was measured by myotonometer in Kinesiology laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague; muscle tone of twelve students of thisfaculty was measured. Data were displayed by using an analog- digital convertor and consequently evaluated. The results of this study indicate, that four selected rehabillitation methods influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. The muscle tone was best influenced by application of dry-needling and by kinesiotaping; results of muscle tone measurement after dry-needling application and kinesiotaping confirmed above stated...

Title: The influence of skating frequency on muscle tone of musculus triceps surae. Objective: The aim of this master degree thesis is to determine whether and how much influence the frequency and intensity of isotonic load the muscle tone of musculus soleus during skating of a professional ice hockey player. The muscle tone of musculus soleus is the most objectively measured part of musculus triceps surae by myotonometer. Methods: The master degree thesis is divided into the theoretical part, the processed form of research that serves as a basis for investigation in the second, empirical part. Change in muscle tone of musculus soleus was investigated by using myotonometer, which followed after a full physiotherapy examination. It is quantitative research using quasi-experimental study. Measurements were performed on 10 subjects - professional ice hockey players who are fully manage the technique of skating on the ice, before load, after low frequency isotonic load and after high frequency isotonic load. Conclusion: The myotonometric measurements revealed that after low and high frequency isotonic load of skating on ice rink, the muscle tone of musculus soleus is the same or slightly lower than before load. Keywords: Muscle tone, myotonometer, musculus soleus, skating, ice hockey

Title: The influence of skating frequency on muscle tone of musculus triceps surae. Objective: The aim of this master degree thesis is to determine whether and how much influence the frequency and intensity of isotonic load the muscle tone of musculus soleus during skating of a professional ice hockey player. The muscle tone of musculus soleus is the most objectively measured part of musculus triceps surae by myotonometer. Summary: The master degree thesis is divided into the theoretical part, the processed form of research that serves as a basis for investigation in the second, empirical part. Change in muscle tone of musculus soleus will be investigated by using myotonometer, which will follow after a full physiotherapy examination. Measurements will be performed on 10 subjects - professional ice hockey players who are fully manage the technique of skating on the ice, before load, after low frequency isotonic load and after high frequency isotonic load. Conclusion: The myotonometric measurements revealed that after low and high frequency isotonic load of skating on ice rink, the muscle tone of musculus soleus is the same or slightly lower than before load. Keywords: Muscle tone, myotonometer, musculus soleus, skating, ice hockey

Title: Observing of the skeletal muscle shape changes depending on human body surface temperature Objectives: The aim of this work is to observe the cross-section changes of the m. rectus femoris depending on human body surface temperature changes. The cross section of the muscle was characterized by two dimensions: VDDM (ventrodorsal dimension of muscle) and LMDM (lateromedial dimension of muscle). The body temperature was affected by local positive and negative thermotherapy methods. Methods: The first part of the experiment focused on the selection of appropriate local positive and negative thermotherapy forms. Four of them were selected (two positive thermotherapy methods - Peat thermotherapy bags and infrared heater InfraPhil HP3616 and two negative thermotherapy methods - gel bag Cryoflex and Cryogen 3 device) for the main research. Twelve subjects participated on the main experiment. Selected local positive thermotherapy methods were applied on the centre of the subject's thighs, subsequently selected negative thermotherapy methods were applied. The body surface temperature was measured immediately before application, after 30 minutes of positive thermotherapy and after subsequent negative thermotherapy application. Ultrasound images of m. rectus femoris were taken at same time. VDDM and...