Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project:Checklist for reporting and critically appraising studies using EMG (CEDE-Check)

The diversity in electromyography (EMG) techniques and their reporting present significant challenges across multiple disciplines in research and clinical practice, where EMG is commonly used. To address these challenges and augment the reproducibility and interpretation of studies using EMG, the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project has developed a checklist (CEDE-Check) to assist researchers to thoroughly report their EMG methodologies. Development involved a multi-stage Delphi process with seventeen EMG experts from various disciplines. After two rounds, consensus was achieved. The final CEDE-Check consists of forty items that address four critical areas that demand precise reporting when EMG is employed: the task investigated, electrode placement, recording electrode characteristics, and acquisition and pre-processing of EMG signals. This checklist aims to guide researchers to accurately report and critically appraise EMG studies, thereby promoting a standardised critical evaluation, and greater scientific rigor in research that uses EMG signals. This approach not only aims to facilitate interpretation of study results and comparisons between studies, but it is also expected to contribute to advancing research quality and facilitate clinical and other practical applications of knowledge generated through the use of EMG.</p

Between-day repeatability of lower limb EMG measurement during running and walking

There are minimal data describing the between-day repeatability of EMG measurements during running. Furthermore, there are no data characterising the repeatability of surface EMG measurement from the adductor muscles, during running or walking. The purpose of this study was to report on the consistency of EMG measurement for both running and walking across a comprehensive set of lower limb muscles, including adductor magnus, longus and gracilis. Data were collected from 12 lower limb muscles during overground running and walking on two separate days. The coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC) was used to quantify waveform similarity across the two sessions for signals normalised to either maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) or mean/peak signal magnitude. For running, the data showed good or excellent repeatability (CMC=0.87-0.96) for all muscles apart from gracilis and biceps femoris using the MVIC method. Similar levels of repeatability were observed for walking. Importantly, using the peak/mean method as an alternative to the MVIC method, resulted in only marginal improvements in repeatability. The proposed protocol facilitated the collection of repeatable EMG data during running and walking and therefore could be used in future studies investigating muscle patterns during gait

The Keynesian tutor. Kahn and the correspondence with Sraffa, Harrod and Kaldor

In this chapter, relying on new documentary evidence, the differences of approach, style and focus of those economists who were close to Keynes (Sraffa, Harrod, and Kaldor) are highlighted, in relation to Keynes’s ‘favourite pupil’ (as Kahn defined himself). Special importance is given to the period of the ‘Circus’, when Keynes’s new theories were arguing out (and sometimes independently developed) by the younger economists

Propiedades psicométricas de los cuestionarios de funcionalidad en población deportista con patologías musculoesqueléticas de la extremidad inferior: una revisión sistemática

Background and purpose Clinical monitoring for the recovery of sports injuries is fundamental for a safe return to the sport. The identification of the psychometric properties of self-report functional questionnaires, which have been validated in the athlete population, may facilitate the appropriate selection of objective methodologies to assess the functional recovery of individuals with sport-related injuries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the psychometric properties of self-administered questionnaires that measure functionality in athletes with musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb. Materials and methods A comprehensive search was carried out in MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases up to 30 October 2019. Psychometric properties studies of self-reported questionnaires measuring functionality in sports population were included. The methodological quality was evaluated using the COSMIN methodology. Results A total of 37 studies and 13 different questionnaires were included. Cross-cultural validity was the least reported psychometric property. Content validity was poorly reported in the majority of questionnaires. According to the COSMIN standards, LEFS, CAIT, HAGOS, ACL-RSI, VISA-P, and UWRI are valid and reliable questionnaires to determine patient-reported outcome measurements during the rehabilitation process of an athlete. Conclusion The selection of the most appropriate questionnaire to assess functionality in athletes should consider: (1) the condition in which it has been validated, (2) the type of sport included, and (3) the quality of the psychometric properties of the available questionnaires

Nivel de actividad física según GPAQ en mujeres embarazadas y postparto que asisten a un centro de salud familiar

Background: During pregnancy and postpartum, women decrease physical activity (PA) levels despite the health benefits reported in the literature for women and the fetus. Aims: To determine PA levels and sedentary behaviour in women during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: Pregnant and postpartum women between 18 and 40 years old attending to primary care center participated. Sedentary behaviour and PA were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: Information was collected from 47 pregnant and 12 postpartum women. Age was P50=25 (range: 18-40 years). 61% were overweight. Daily PA time was P50=154 (range: 0-960 min/day) for pregnant women and P50=190 (range: 24-411 min/day) during postpartum. Leisure time PA was P50=0 (range: 0-540 min/day) for pregnant women and P50=3 (range: 0-86 min/day) during postpartum. Sedentary behaviour was P50=180 min/day (range: 0-720 min/day) for all women. According to WHO criteria, only 20.3% of women are physically active, adjusting by BMI and educational level the reported PA in GPAQ. There was no association between the variables age, nutritional status, educational level, family income and reported level of PA. Conclusion: Leisure time PA could be susceptible to PA promotion interventions. The reported level of PA is higher than those from similar studies in other countries. Validation studies are needed to determine possible overestimation of the results due to measurement bias