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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

On the effect of thermal agents in the response of the brachial biceps at different contraction levels

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Author(s):
Garcia, Larissa Martins [1] ; Soares, Alcimar Barbosa [2] ; Simieli, Camila [1] ; Peres Boratino, Alessandra Vairo [1] ; de Jesus Guirro, Rinaldo Roberto [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Biomech Med & Rehabil Locomotor Syst, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Fac Elect Engn, Biomed Engn Lab, BR-38400 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY; v. 24, n. 6, p. 881-887, DEC 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess electromyographic features of the brachial biceps muscle after the application of cryotherapy and short-wave diathermy. Sixty healthy volunteers participated in the study and were equally divided into three groups: cryotherapy - application of ice packs for 30 min; short-wave diathermy for 20 min; and control. The thermal agents were applied to the anterior and posterior regions of the non-dominant arm. The electromyographic (EMG) signal from the brachial biceps was recorded before and after the application of thermal agents during flexion of the elbow joint at 25%, 50%, 75% of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction defined at least two days before the actual experiments (MVICbl). The volunteers also were asked to execute a free MVIC before and after the application of the thermal agents (MVICfree). A linear regression model with mixed effects (random and fixed) was used. Intra-group analysis showed a reduction in root mean square (RMS) at MVICfree, with no change in the median frequency of the EMG signal at any contraction level for the short-wave diathermy group. An increase on RMS values and a decrease on median frequencies were found after the application of cryotherapy for all contraction levels. The results imply that cryotherapy plays an important role on changing neuromuscular responses at various levels of muscle contraction. Therapists should be aware of that and carefully consider its use prior to activities in which neuromuscular precision is required. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/09341-7 - Analysis of neuromuscular responses and balance after application of physiotherapeutic resources
Grantee:Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants