Development of a novel technique to insert intramuscular electromyography electrodes into the deep intrinsic foot muscles via the dorsum of the foot.

This study aimed to develop an insertion technique for intramuscular EMG recording of the oblique head of adductor hallucis (AddH) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles in humans via the dorsum of the foot, and report feasibility of intramuscular EMG data acquisition during walking in shoes. In eight individuals without musculoskeletal pain or injury (5 males; 32 ± 8 years), intramuscular electrodes were inserted into AddH (oblique head) and FDI through the right foot's dorsum (between metatarsals I-II) with ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound transducer was positioned on the plantar surface.

Trunk muscle activation during movement with a new exercise device for lumbo-pelvic reconditioning.

Gravitational unloading leads to adaptations of the human body, including the spine and its adjacent structures, making it more vulnerable to injury and pain. The Functional Re-adaptive Exercise Device (FRED) has been developed to activate the deep spinal muscles, (LM) and (TrA), that provide inter-segmental control and spinal protection. The FRED provides an unstable base of support and combines weight bearing in up-right posture with side alternating, elliptical leg movements, without any resistance to movement.

Smudging of the Motor Cortex Is Related to the Severity of Low Back Pain.

Study Design: Cross-sectional design.

Objective: Here we aimed to determine whether motor cortical reorganization in low back pain (LBP) can be identified using noninvasive surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings of back muscles at different lumbar levels, and whether cortical reorganization is related to clinical features of LBP.

Summary Of Background Data: Reorganization of motor regions of the brain may contribute to altered motor control, pain, and disability in chronic LBP.

Targeting chronic recurrent low back pain from the top-down and the bottom-up: a combined transcranial direct current stimulation and peripheral electrical stimulation intervention.

Background: Mechanisms such as neural sensitization and maladaptive cortical organization provide novel targets for therapy in chronic recurrent low back pain (CLBP).

Objective: We investigated the effect of a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) treatment on pain, cortical organization, sensitization and sensory function in CLBP.

Methods: Using a placebo-controlled crossover design, 16 individuals received four treatments in separate sessions: (i) anodal tDCS/PES; (ii) anodal tDCS/sham PES; (iii) sham tDCS/PES; or (iv) sham tDCS/sham PES.