Ann Rehabil Med.  2011 Aug;35(4):529-534. 10.5535/arm.2011.35.4.529.

Evaluation of Elbow Stretch Reflex Using a Portable Hand-driven Isokinetic System in Normal Adults

• Seo JH
• Yook SW
• Song CG
• Ko MH
• Park SH

• KMID: 1971719
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2011.35.4.529

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate normal healthy persons without spasticity to observe normal findings of the elbow stretch reflex using a newly developed, portable, hand-driven spasticity-measuring system. METHOD: Thirty normal persons without any disease involving the central or peripheral nervous system were enrolled in this study. The portable hand-driven isokinetic system is able to measure the joint angle, angular velocity, electromyographic (EMG) signals, and torque during elbow passive extension-flexion. One set of 10 passive elbow extension and flexion movements was performed for data acquisition at each angular velocity, including 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 degrees per second (degrees/sec). Electromyographic data were collected from the biceps brachii and the triceps brachii. Torque data were collected from sensors around the wrist.
RESULTS
We were able to detect EMG activity and torque in all subjects by using the new portable hand-driven isokinetic system. EMG activity and torque increased with incremental increase of angular velocities. The joint angle of maximal EMG activity according to different angular velocities did not show any significant difference (116degrees-127degrees in elbow extension and 37degrees-66degrees in elbow flexion). The joint angles of maximal torque according to different angular velocities were not significantly different either.
CONCLUSION
Using the portable hand-driven isokinetic system on the elbows of normal subjects, we were able to obtain expected results. By considering our normal findings of the elbow stretch reflex using this system, we propose that the various aspects of spasticity-related data can be measured successfully.

Keyword

Isokinetic exercise; Portable system; Stretch reflex

MeSH Terms

Adult
Elbow
Humans
Joints
Muscle Spasticity
Peripheral Nervous System
Reflex, Stretch
Torque

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Evaluation of normal elbow movement using a portable hand-driven isokinetic system.

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  Fig. 2 Isokinetic exercise analysis tool. EMG activity and torque were detected on elbow extension and flexion in normal subject. (A) The elbow joint angle checked by electrogoniometer, (B) the angular velocity calculated by the device, (C) flexion torque checked on sensors located on the wrist, (D) the EMG signal detected in biceps muscle, (E) torque checked on sensors located on the wristed in triceps muscle, (F) the EMG signal detected in triceps muscle.

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