PURPOSE: To characterize how infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) activate lower limb muscles over the first year of life, without practice, while stepping on a motorized treadmill. METHODS: Twelve infants with MMC were tested longitudinally at 1, 6, and 12 months. Electromyography was used to collect data from the tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris. RESULTS: Across the first year, infants showed no electromyographic activity for approximately 50% of the stride cycle with poor rhythmicity and timing of muscles, when activated. Single muscle activation predominated; agonist-antagonist coactivation was low. Probability of individual muscle activity across the stride decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with MMC show high variability in timing and duration of muscle activity, few complex combinations, and very little change over time.
PURPOSE: To characterize how infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) activate lower limb muscles over the first year of life, without practice, while stepping on a motorized treadmill. METHODS: Twelve infants with MMC were tested longitudinally at 1, 6, and 12 months. Electromyography was used to collect data from the tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris. RESULTS: Across the first year, infants showed no electromyographic activity for approximately 50% of the stride cycle with poor rhythmicity and timing of muscles, when activated. Single muscle activation predominated; agonist-antagonist coactivation was low. Probability of individual muscle activity across the stride decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS:Infants with MMC show high variability in timing and duration of muscle activity, few complex combinations, and very little change over time.
Authors: Victoria A Moerchen; Mohammad Habibi; Kelly A Lynett; Jeffrey D Konrad; Heather L Hoefakker Journal: Pediatr Phys Ther Date: 2011 Impact factor: 3.049
Authors: Sandra L Saavedra; Caroline Teulier; Beth A Smith; Byungji Kim; Benjamin D Beutler; Bernard J Martin; Beverly D Ulrich Journal: Phys Ther Date: 2012-01-06
Authors: M Verhoef; H A Barf; M W M Post; F W A van Asbeck; R H J M Gooskens; A J H Prevo Journal: Dev Med Child Neurol Date: 2004-06 Impact factor: 5.449