Relationship between function, strength and electromyography of upper extremities of persons with tetraplegia

• Published in: Spinal cord 2012-01, Vol.50 (1), p.28-32
• Main Authors: de Vargas Ferreira, V M, Varoto, R, Cacho, ÊW Azevedo, Cliquet, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Anatomy; Arm - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cerebrospinal fluid. Meninges. Spinal cord; Chronic Disease; Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disability Evaluation; Electromyography - methods; Female; Human Physiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength - physiology; Muscle Weakness - diagnosis; Muscle Weakness - etiology; Muscle Weakness - physiopathology; Muscle, Skeletal - innervation; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurochemistry; Neurology; Neuropsychology; Neurosciences; original-article; Quadriplegia - diagnosis; Quadriplegia - etiology; Quadriplegia - physiopathology; Spinal Cord Injuries - complications; Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1362-4393; 1476-5624
• DOI: 10.1038/sc.2011.95

Study design: Cross-sectional. Objective: To analyze the relationships between functional tests, arm strength and root mean square of surface electromyography (EMG). Setting: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Twenty-four individuals with chronic tetraplegia participated. Upper extremity motor score (UEMS), functional independence measure (FIM) motor score, spinal cord independence measure III and capabilities of upper extremity (CUE) were performed. Muscle strength of the right elbow flexors–extensors was assessed using dynamometry and manual muscle test (MMT) and EMG of right biceps and triceps brachii were performed. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and Mann–Whitney's U -test were used. Results: Functional tests and UEMS correlated strongly among them. UEMS highly correlated with triceps dynamometry and EMG. The dynamometry showed a very high correlation with MMT on the extensor group and a moderate correlation with flexor group. Triceps EMG showed moderate correlation with FIM and CUE. High correlations between triceps EMG and elbow extensors dynamometry and MMT were observed. A significant better performance on functional tests was observed on lower ASIA motor levels. The low-tetraplegia group showed a significant higher score on triceps EMG and dynamometry. Conclusion: Arm strength and EMG seem to be related to functional capabilities and independence in chronic tetraplegia.