The electromyographical basis of inaccurate motor performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the electromyographical basis of inaccurate movement by identifying the variate and invariate characteristics of a ballistic, isometric precision-grip skill. Our results have shown that in most subjects investigated, IEMG, discharge rate and the paterns of muscle synergy were variate movement parameters while the sequence of muscle activation, the relative duration of muscle activity and the time to peak force (rise-time) remained essentially invariante. Based on these results, we can conclude that inaccurate performance of this skill, in most of the subjects investigated, was more dependant upon changes in muscle IEMG than in alterations in the temporal sequencing of muscle activity. It was apparent that from trial to trial, subjects had more difficulty in reproducing the appropriate levels of muscle contraction and synergy than in reproducing the required periods of action

A new role of home-based exercise program in peripheral arterial disease patients

There has been growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of supervised exercise program in rehabilitation and treatment for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the efficacy of home-based exercise program in PAD patients remains to be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 24-week home-based exercise program on the maintenance of improved functional capacity after a 12-week supervised training in PAD patients. Seventeen PAD patients were recruited, with an average age of 71.4 years, range 57-80, resting ankle-to-brachial index (ABI)<0.61, pain free walking time (PFWT) 119 59s, and maximal walking time (MWT) 287 113s at baseline. The program included a 12-week control stage without prescribed exercise, followed by a 12-week supervised exercise program, then a 24-week of home-based exercise program. No significant changes were found in the measured functional variables after the control stage. The supervised training significantly improved the PFWT by 178%, MWT by 159%, peak VO2 by 14.5%, and walking economy by 23.9% (p0.05), but significantly better than of the baseline level (p<0.05). In summary, the results of this study suggested a new and effective way to utilise the home-based exercise program in rehabilitation and treatment for PAD patients