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Motor control after spinal cord injury: assessment using surface EMG
A M Sherwood1, W B McKay, M R Dimitrijević
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. ams@bcm.tmc.edu
Muscle & Nerve
|August 1, 1996
Summary
The brain motor control assessment (BMCA) protocol uses surface EMG to reveal subclinical motor control features in individuals with upper motor neuron dysfunction. This method uncovers details not visible in standard clinical exams, aiding in understanding varied responses and monitoring changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction significantly impacts motor control.
- Clinical examinations may not fully capture the nuances of motor control deficits.
- Surface electromyography (EMG) offers a detailed view of motor unit activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Brain Motor Control Assessment (BMCA) protocol.
- To characterize motor control features in individuals with UMN dysfunction using multichannel EMG.
- To identify subclinical motor control findings and their potential clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a comprehensive multichannel surface EMG recording protocol (BMCA).
- Recorded EMG patterns during voluntary and passive maneuvers, and volitional reflex modulation.
- Compared EMG findings in 40 spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects with 5 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The BMCA protocol revealed key motor control information in the EMG (RMS) envelope's temporal pattern.
- Demonstrated rudimentary suprasegmental control of reflexes in paralyzed individuals.
- Identified subclinical motor control features not apparent in clinical assessments.
Conclusions:
- The BMCA protocol provides valuable insights into motor control beyond clinical observation.
- Subclinical findings may explain varied responses in SCI patients.
- The protocol can be used to monitor changes in motor control over time.