TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Löffler, Nils A1 - Klein, Julia A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Mechanomyography and acceleration show interlimb asymmetries in Parkinson patients without tremor compared to controls during a unilateral motor task JF - Scientific Reports N2 - The mechanical muscular oscillations are rarely the objective of investigations regarding the identification of a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not this specific motor output differs between PD patients and controls. The novelty is that patients without tremor are investigated performing a unilateral isometric motor task. The force of armflexors and the forearm acceleration (ACC) were recorded as well as the mechanomyography of the biceps brachii (MMGbi), brachioradialis (MMGbra) and pectoralis major (MMGpect) muscles using a piezoelectric-sensor-based system during a unilateral motor task at 70% of the MVIC. The frequency, a power-frequency-ratio, the amplitude variation, the slope of amplitudes and their interlimb asymmetries were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behavior of muscular output in PD without tremor deviates from controls in some parameters: Significant differences appeared for the power-frequency-ratio (p = 0.001, r = 0.43) and for the amplitude variation (p = 0.003, r = 0.34) of MMGpect. The interlimb asymmetries differed significantly concerning the power-frequency-ratio of MMGbi (p = 0.013, r = 0.42) and MMGbra (p = 0.048, r = 0.39) as well as regarding the mean frequency (p = 0.004, r = 0.48) and amplitude variation of MMGpect (p = 0.033, r = 0.37). The mean (M) and variation coefficient (CV) of slope of ACC differed significantly (M: p = 0.022, r = 0.33; CV: p = 0.004, r = 0.43). All other parameters showed no significant differences between PD and controls. It remains open, if this altered mechanical muscular output is reproducible and specific for PD. Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81672-z SN - 2045-2322 VL - 11 PB - Springer Nature CY - Berlin ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Löffler, Nils A1 - Klein, Julia A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Mechanomyography and acceleration show interlimb asymmetries in Parkinson patients without tremor compared to controls during a unilateral motor task T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The mechanical muscular oscillations are rarely the objective of investigations regarding the identification of a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not this specific motor output differs between PD patients and controls. The novelty is that patients without tremor are investigated performing a unilateral isometric motor task. The force of armflexors and the forearm acceleration (ACC) were recorded as well as the mechanomyography of the biceps brachii (MMGbi), brachioradialis (MMGbra) and pectoralis major (MMGpect) muscles using a piezoelectric-sensor-based system during a unilateral motor task at 70% of the MVIC. The frequency, a power-frequency-ratio, the amplitude variation, the slope of amplitudes and their interlimb asymmetries were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behavior of muscular output in PD without tremor deviates from controls in some parameters: Significant differences appeared for the power-frequency-ratio (p = 0.001, r = 0.43) and for the amplitude variation (p = 0.003, r = 0.34) of MMGpect. The interlimb asymmetries differed significantly concerning the power-frequency-ratio of MMGbi (p = 0.013, r = 0.42) and MMGbra (p = 0.048, r = 0.39) as well as regarding the mean frequency (p = 0.004, r = 0.48) and amplitude variation of MMGpect (p = 0.033, r = 0.37). The mean (M) and variation coefficient (CV) of slope of ACC differed significantly (M: p = 0.022, r = 0.33; CV: p = 0.004, r = 0.43). All other parameters showed no significant differences between PD and controls. It remains open, if this altered mechanical muscular output is reproducible and specific for PD. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 720 Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-523049 SN - 1866-8364 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Löffler, Nils A1 - Klein, Julia A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Mechanomyography and acceleration show interlimb asymmetries in Parkinson patients without tremor compared to controls during a unilateral motor task JF - Scientific reports N2 - The mechanical muscular oscillations are rarely the objective of investigations regarding the identification of a biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not this specific motor output differs between PD patients and controls. The novelty is that patients without tremor are investigated performing a unilateral isometric motor task. The force of armflexors and the forearm acceleration (ACC) were recorded as well as the mechanomyography of the biceps brachii (MMGbi), brachioradialis (MMGbra) and pectoralis major (MMGpect) muscles using a piezoelectric-sensor-based system during a unilateral motor task at 70% of the MVIC. The frequency, a power-frequency-ratio, the amplitude variation, the slope of amplitudes and their interlimb asymmetries were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behavior of muscular output in PD without tremor deviates from controls in some parameters: Significant differences appeared for the power-frequency-ratio (p=0.001, r=0.43) and for the amplitude variation (p=0.003, r=0.34) of MMGpect. The interlimb asymmetries differed significantly concerning the power-frequency-ratio of MMGbi (p=0.013, r=0.42) and MMGbra (p=0.048, r=0.39) as well as regarding the mean frequency (p=0.004, r=0.48) and amplitude variation of MMGpect (p=0.033, r=0.37). The mean (M) and variation coefficient (CV) of slope of ACC differed significantly (M: p=0.022, r=0.33; CV: p=0.004, r=0.43). All other parameters showed no significant differences between PD and controls. It remains open, if this altered mechanical muscular output is reproducible and specific for PD. KW - Diseases KW - Neurology KW - Neuroscience Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81672-z SN - 2045-2322 VL - 11 IS - 1 PB - Macmillan CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Hoff, Marco A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Measuring system and method of determining the Adaptive Force JF - European journal of translational myology N2 - The term Adaptive Force (AF) describes the capability of adaptation of the nerve-muscle-system to externally applied forces during isometric and eccentric muscle action. This ability plays an important role in real life motions as well as in sports. The focus of this paper is on the specific measurement method of this neuromuscular action, which can be seen as innovative. A measuring system based on the use of compressed air was constructed and evaluated for this neuromuscular function. It depends on the physical conditions of the subject, at which force level it deviates from the quasi isometric position and merges into eccentric muscle action. The device enables – in contrast to the isokinetic systems – a measure of strength without forced motion. Evaluation of the scientific quality criteria of the devices was done by measurements regarding the intra- and interrater-, the test-retest-reliability and fatiguing measurements. Comparisons of the pneumatic device with a dynamometer were also done. Looking at the mechanical evaluation, the results show a high level of consistency (r²=0.94 to 0.96). The parallel test reliability delivers a very high and significant correlation (ρ=0.976; p=0.000). Including the biological system, the concordance of three different raters is very high (p=0.001, Cronbachs alpha α=0.987). The test retest with 4 subjects over five weeks speaks for the reliability of the device in showing no statistically significant differences. These evaluations indicate that the scientific evaluation criteria are fulfilled. The specific feature of this system is that an isometric position can be maintained while the externally impacting force rises. Moreover, the device can capture concentric, static and eccentric strength values. Fields of application are performance diagnostics in sports and medicine. KW - Adaptive Force KW - isometric eccentric force KW - muscle action KW - motor control KW - strength measurement system Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2017.6479 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 27 IS - 3 SP - 152 EP - 159 PB - Unipress CY - Padova ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Hoff, Marco A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Measuring system and method of determining the Adaptive Force N2 - The term Adaptive Force (AF) describes the capability of adaptation of the nerve-muscle-system to externally applied forces during isometric and eccentric muscle action. This ability plays an important role in real life motions as well as in sports. The focus of this paper is on the specific measurement method of this neuromuscular action, which can be seen as innovative. A measuring system based on the use of compressed air was constructed and evaluated for this neuromuscular function. It depends on the physical conditions of the subject, at which force level it deviates from the quasi isometric position and merges into eccentric muscle action. The device enables – in contrast to the isokinetic systems – a measure of strength without forced motion. Evaluation of the scientific quality criteria of the devices was done by measurements regarding the intra- and interrater-, the test-retest-reliability and fatiguing measurements. Comparisons of the pneumatic device with a dynamometer were also done. Looking at the mechanical evaluation, the results show a high level of consistency (r²=0.94 to 0.96). The parallel test reliability delivers a very high and significant correlation (ρ=0.976; p=0.000). Including the biological system, the concordance of three different raters is very high (p=0.001, Cronbachs alpha α=0.987). The test retest with 4 subjects over five weeks speaks for the reliability of the device in showing no statistically significant differences. These evaluations indicate that the scientific evaluation criteria are fulfilled. The specific feature of this system is that an isometric position can be maintained while the externally impacting force rises. Moreover, the device can capture concentric, static and eccentric strength values. Fields of application are performance diagnostics in sports and medicine. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 346 KW - Adaptive Force KW - isometric eccentric force KW - motor control KW - muscle action KW - strength measurement system Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-402676 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Wolff, Lara L. A1 - Bittmannn, Frank N. T1 - Emotional Imagery Influences the Adaptive Force in Young Women BT - Unpleasant Imagery Reduces Instantaneously the Muscular Holding Capacity JF - Brain Sciences N2 - The link between emotions and motor function has been known for decades but is still not clarified. The Adaptive Force (AF) describes the neuromuscular capability to adapt to increasing forces and was suggested to be especially vulnerable to interfering inputs. This study investigated the influence of pleasant an unpleasant food imagery on the manually assessed AF of elbow and hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy women. The maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imagery and baseline (p < 0.001, dz = 0.98–1.61). During unpleasant imagery, muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50% of maximal AF, in contrast to baseline and pleasant imagery, during which the isometric position could be maintained mostly during the entire force increase up to ~97.90 ± 5.00% of maximal AF. Healthy participants showed an immediately impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imagery, presumably related to negative emotions. Hence, AF seems to be suitable to test instantaneously the effect of emotions on motor function. Since musculoskeletal complaints can result from muscular instability, the findings provide insights into the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A case example (current stress vs. positive imagery) suggests that the approach presented in this study might have future implications for psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics. KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capability KW - neuromuscular adaptation KW - motor control KW - pleasant and unpleasant imagery KW - emotions KW - emotional imagery KW - manual muscle test Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101318 SN - 2076-3425 VL - 12 IS - 10 PB - MDPI CY - Basel, Schweiz ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Wolff, Lara L. A1 - Bittmannn, Frank N. T1 - Emotional Imagery Influences the Adaptive Force in Young Women BT - Unpleasant Imagery Reduces Instantaneously the Muscular Holding Capacity T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The link between emotions and motor function has been known for decades but is still not clarified. The Adaptive Force (AF) describes the neuromuscular capability to adapt to increasing forces and was suggested to be especially vulnerable to interfering inputs. This study investigated the influence of pleasant an unpleasant food imagery on the manually assessed AF of elbow and hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy women. The maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imagery and baseline (p < 0.001, dz = 0.98–1.61). During unpleasant imagery, muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50% of maximal AF, in contrast to baseline and pleasant imagery, during which the isometric position could be maintained mostly during the entire force increase up to ~97.90 ± 5.00% of maximal AF. Healthy participants showed an immediately impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imagery, presumably related to negative emotions. Hence, AF seems to be suitable to test instantaneously the effect of emotions on motor function. Since musculoskeletal complaints can result from muscular instability, the findings provide insights into the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A case example (current stress vs. positive imagery) suggests that the approach presented in this study might have future implications for psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 816 KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capability KW - neuromuscular adaptation KW - motor control KW - pleasant and unpleasant imagery KW - emotions KW - emotional imagery KW - manual muscle test Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-582014 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 816 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Aehle, Markus A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Disgusting odours affect the characteristics of the adaptive force in contrast to neutral and pleasant odours JF - Scientific Reports N2 - The olfactomotor system is especially investigated by examining the sniffing in reaction to olfactory stimuli. The motor output of respiratory-independent muscles was seldomly considered regarding possible influences of smells. The Adaptive Force (AF) characterizes the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt to external forces in a holding manner and was suggested to be more vulnerable to possible interfering stimuli due to the underlying complex control processes. The aim of this pilot study was to measure the effects of olfactory inputs on the AF of the hip and elbow flexors, respectively. The AF of 10 subjects was examined manually by experienced testers while smelling at sniffing sticks with neutral, pleasant or disgusting odours. The reaction force and the limb position were recorded by a handheld device. The results show, inter alia, a significantly lower maximal isometric AF and a significantly higher AF at the onset of oscillations by perceiving disgusting odours compared to pleasant or neutral odours (p < 0.001). The adaptive holding capacity seems to reflect the functionality of the neuromuscular control, which can be impaired by disgusting olfactory inputs. An undisturbed functioning neuromuscular system appears to be characterized by a proper length tension control and by an earlier onset of mutual oscillations during an external force increase. This highlights the strong connection of olfaction and motor control also regarding respiratory-independent muscles. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95759-0 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 11 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Aehle, Markus A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Disgusting odours affect the characteristics of the Adaptive Force in contrast to neutral and pleasant odours T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The olfactomotor system is especially investigated by examining the sniffing in reaction to olfactory stimuli. The motor output of respiratory-independent muscles was seldomly considered regarding possible influences of smells. The Adaptive Force (AF) characterizes the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt to external forces in a holding manner and was suggested to be more vulnerable to possible interfering stimuli due to the underlying complex control processes. The aim of this pilot study was to measure the effects of olfactory inputs on the AF of the hip and elbow flexors, respectively. The AF of 10 subjects was examined manually by experienced testers while smelling at sniffing sticks with neutral, pleasant or disgusting odours. The reaction force and the limb position were recorded by a handheld device. The results show, inter alia, a significantly lower maximal isometric AF and a significantly higher AF at the onset of oscillations by perceiving disgusting odours compared to pleasant or neutral odours (p < 0.001). The adaptive holding capacity seems to reflect the functionality of the neuromuscular control, which can be impaired by disgusting olfactory inputs. An undisturbed functioning neuromuscular system appears to be characterized by a proper length tension control and by an earlier onset of mutual oscillations during an external force increase. This highlights the strong connection of olfaction and motor control also regarding respiratory-independent muscles. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 758 Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-548980 SN - 1866-8364 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Universitätsverlag Potsdam CY - Potsdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Paired personal interaction reveals objective differences between pushing and holding isometric muscle action JF - PLOS One N2 - In sports and movement sciences isometric muscle function is usually measured by pushing against a stable resistance. However, subjectively one can hold or push isometrically. Several investigations suggest a distinction of those forms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these two forms of isometric muscle action can be distinguished by objective parameters in an interpersonal setting. 20 subjects were grouped in 10 same sex pairs, in which one partner should perform the pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) and the other partner executed the holding isometric muscle action (HIMA). The partners had contact at the distal forearms via an interface, which included a strain gauge and an acceleration sensor. The mechanical oscillations of the triceps brachii (MMGtri) muscle, its tendon (MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded by a piezoelectric-sensor-based measurement system. Each partner performed three 15s (80% MVIC) and two fatiguing trials (90% MVIC) during PIMA and HIMA, respectively. Parameters to compare PIMA and HIMA were the mean frequency, the normalized mean amplitude, the amplitude variation, the power in the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz, a special power-frequency ratio and the number of task failures during HIMA or PIMA (partner who quit the task). A “HIMA failure” occurred in 85% of trials (p < 0.001). No significant differences between PIMA and HIMA were found for the mean frequency and normalized amplitude. The MMGobl showed significantly higher values of amplitude variation (15s: p = 0.013; fatiguing: p = 0.007) and of power-frequency-ratio (15s: p = 0.040; fatiguing: p = 0.002) during HIMA and a higher power in the range of 8 to 15 Hz during PIMA (15s: p = 0.001; fatiguing: p = 0.011). MMGtri and MTGtri showed no significant differences. Based on the findings it is suggested that a holding and a pushing isometric muscle action can be distinguished objectively, whereby a more complex neural control is assumed for HIMA. KW - neural-control KW - task failure KW - lengthening contractions KW - force KW - oscillations KW - load KW - time KW - synchronization KW - activation KW - principles Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238331 SN - 1932-6203 VL - 16 IS - 5 PB - PLOS CY - San Francisco ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Muscular Pre-Activation Can Boost the Maximal Explosive Eccentric Adaptive Force JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - The improvement of power is an objective in training of athletes. In order to detect effective methods of exercise, basic research is required regarding the mechanisms of muscular activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not a muscular pre-activation prior to an external impulse-like force impact has an effect on the maximal explosive eccentric Adaptive Force (xpAFeccmax). This power capability combines different probable power enhancing mechanisms. To measure the xpAFeccmax an innovative pneumatic device was used. During measuring, the subject tries to hold an isometric position as long as possible. In the moment in which the subjects’ maximal isometric holding strength is exceeded, it merges into eccentric muscle action. This process is very close to motions in sports, where an adaptation of the neuromuscular system is required, e.g., force impacts caused by uneven surfaces during skiing. For investigating the effect of pre-activation on the xpAFeccmax of the quadriceps femoris muscle, n = 20 subjects had to pass three different pre-activation levels in a randomized order (level 1: 0.4 bar, level 2: 0.8 bar, level 3: 1.2 bar). After adjusting the standardized pre-pressure by pushing against the interface, an impulse-like load impacted on the distal tibia of the subject. During this, the xpAFeccmax was detected. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was also measured. The torque values of the xpAFeccmax were compared with regard to the pre-activation levels. The results show a significant positive relation between the pre-activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the xpAFeccmax (male: p = 0.000, η2= 0.683; female: p = 0.000, η2= 0.907). The average percentage increase of torque amounted +28.15 ± 25.4% between MVIC and xpAFeccmax with pre-pressure level 1, +12.09 ± 7.9% for the xpAFeccmax comparing pre-pressure levels 1 vs. 2 and +2.98 ± 4.2% comparing levels 2 and 3. A higher but not maximal muscular activation prior to a fast impacting eccentric load seems to produce an immediate increase of force outcome. Different possible physiological explanatory approaches and the use as a potential training method are discussed. KW - Adaptive Force KW - neuromuscular pre-activation KW - power improvement KW - muscular activity KW - adaptation to external force impact Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00910 SN - 1664-042X VL - 10 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Parkinson patients without tremor show changed patterns of mechanical muscle oscillations during a specific bilateral motor task compared to controls JF - Scientific Reports N2 - The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still not understood. There are investigations which show a changed oscillatory behaviour of brain circuits or changes in variability of, e.g., gait parameters in PD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the motor output differs between PD patients and healthy controls. Thereby, patients without tremor are investigated in the medication off state performing a special bilateral isometric motor task. The force and accelerations (ACC) were recorded as well as the Mechanomyography (MMG) of the biceps brachii, the brachioradialis and of the pectoralis major muscles using piezoelectric-sensors during the bilateral motor task at 60% of the maximal isometric contraction. The frequency, a specific power ratio, the amplitude variation and the slope of amplitudes were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behaviour of motor output in PD patients without tremor deviates from controls: thereby, the 95%-confidence-intervals of power ratio and of amplitude variation of all signals are disjoint between PD and controls and show significant differences in group comparisons (power ratio: p = 0.000–0.004, r = 0.441–0.579; amplitude variation: p = 0.000–0.001, r = 0.37–0.67). The mean frequency shows a significant difference for ACC (p = 0.009, r = 0.43), but not for MMG. It remains open, whether this muscular output reflects changes of brain circuits and whether the results are reproducible and specific for PD. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-57766-5 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 10 PB - Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Are there two forms of isometric muscle action? Results of the experimental study support a distinction between a holding and a pushing isometric muscle function JF - BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation N2 - Background: In isometric muscle function, there are subjectively two different modes of performance: one can either hold isometrically - thus resist an impacting force - or push isometrically -therefore work against a stable resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not two different isometric muscle actions - the holding vs. pushing one (HIMA vs PIMA) - can be distinguished by objective parameters. Methods: Ten subjects performed two different measuring modes at 80% of MVC realized by a special pneumatic system. During HIMA the subject had to resist the defined impacting force of the pneumatic system in an isometric position, whereby the force of the cylinder works in direction of elbow flexion against the subject. During PIMA the subject worked isometrically in direction of elbow extension against a stable position of the system. The signals of pressure, force, acceleration and mechanomyography/-tendography (MMG/MTG) of the elbow extensor (MMGtri/MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded and evaluated concerning the duration of maintaining the force level (force endurance) and the characteristics of MMG-/MTG-signals. Statistical group differences comparing HIMA vs. PIMA were estimated using SPSS. Results: Significant differences between HIMA and PIMA were especially apparent regarding the force endurance: During HIMA the subjects showed a decisively shorter time of stable isometric position (19 +/- 8 s) in comparison with PIMA (41 +/- 24 s; p = .005). In addition, during PIMA the longest isometric plateau amounted to 59.4% of the overall duration time of isometric measuring, during HIMA it lasted 31.6% (p = .000). The frequency of MMG/MTG did not show significant differences. The power in the frequency ranges of 8-15 Hz and 10-29 Hz was significantly higher in the MTGtri performing HIMA compared to PIMA (but not for the MMGs). The amplitude of MMG/MTG did not show any significant difference considering the whole measurement. However, looking only at the last 10% of duration time (exhaustion), the MMGtri showed significantly higher amplitudes during PIMA. Conclusion: The results suggest that under holding isometric conditions muscles exhaust earlier. That means that there are probably two forms of isometric muscle action. We hypothesize two potential reasons for faster yielding during HIMA: (1) earlier metabolic fatigue of the muscle fibers and (2) the complexity of neural control strategies. KW - Two forms of isometric muscle action KW - Holding isometric muscle action KW - Pushing isometric muscle action KW - Mechanomyography KW - Mechanotendography Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-017-0075-z SN - 2052-1847 VL - 9 PB - BioMed Central CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Parkinson patients without tremor show changed patterns of mechanical muscle oscillations during a specific bilateral motor task compared to controls T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still not understood. There are investigations which show a changed oscillatory behaviour of brain circuits or changes in variability of, e.g., gait parameters in PD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the motor output differs between PD patients and healthy controls. Thereby, patients without tremor are investigated in the medication off state performing a special bilateral isometric motor task. The force and accelerations (ACC) were recorded as well as the Mechanomyography (MMG) of the biceps brachii, the brachioradialis and of the pectoralis major muscles using piezoelectric-sensors during the bilateral motor task at 60% of the maximal isometric contraction. The frequency, a specific power ratio, the amplitude variation and the slope of amplitudes were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behaviour of motor output in PD patients without tremor deviates from controls: thereby, the 95%-confidence-intervals of power ratio and of amplitude variation of all signals are disjoint between PD and controls and show significant differences in group comparisons (power ratio: p = 0.000–0.004, r = 0.441–0.579; amplitude variation: p = 0.000–0.001, r = 0.37–0.67). The mean frequency shows a significant difference for ACC (p = 0.009, r = 0.43), but not for MMG. It remains open, whether this muscular output reflects changes of brain circuits and whether the results are reproducible and specific for PD. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 602 Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-445431 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 602 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Mechanotendography BT - description and evaluation of a novel method for investigating the physiological mechanical oscillations of tendons using a piezo-based measurement system JF - European journal of translational myology : European journal ; basic applied myology ; BAM online ; myology reviews N2 - The mechanotendography (MTG) is a method for analyzing the mechanical oscillations of tendons during muscular actions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the technical reliability of a piezo-based measurement system used for MTG. The reliability measurements were performed by using audio samples played by a subwoofer. The thereby generated pressure waves were recorded by a piezo-based measurement system. An audio of 40 Hz sine oscillations and four different formerly in vivo recorded MTG-signals were converted into audio files and were used as test signals. Five trials with each audio were performed and one audio was used for repetition trials on another day. The signals’ correlation was estimated by Spearman (MCC) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1)), Cronbach’s alpha (CA) and by mean distances (MD). All parameters were compared between repetition and randomized matched signals. The repetition trials show high correlations (MCC: 0.86 ± 0.13, ICC: 0.89 ± 0.12, CA: 0.98 ± 0.03), low MD (0.03 ± 0.03V) and differ significantly from the randomized matched signals (MCC: 0.15 ± 0.10, ICC: 0.17 ± 0.09, CA: 0.37 ± 0.16, MD: 0.19 ± 0.01V) (p = 0.001 – 0.043). This speaks for an excellent reliability of the measurement system. Presuming the skin above superficial tendons oscillates adequately, we estimate this tool as valid for the application in musculoskeletal system. KW - mechanotendography KW - tendons KW - mechanical tendinous oscillations KW - piezo-based measurement system Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2021.9553 SN - 2037-7460 IS - 31 PB - Unipress CY - Padova, Italien ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Case Study: Intra- and Interpersonal Coherence of Muscle and Brain Activity of Two Coupled Persons during Pushing and Holding Isometric Muscle Action JF - Brain Sciences N2 - Inter-brain synchronization is primarily investigated during social interactions but had not been examined during coupled muscle action between two persons until now. It was previously shown that mechanical muscle oscillations can develop coherent behavior between two isometrically interacting persons. This case study investigated if inter-brain synchronization appears thereby, and if differences of inter- and intrapersonal muscle and brain coherence exist regarding two different types of isometric muscle action. Electroencephalography (EEG) and mechanomyography/mechanotendography (MMG/MTG) of right elbow extensors were recorded during six fatiguing trials of two coupled isometrically interacting participants (70% MVIC). One partner performed holding and one pushing isometric muscle action (HIMA/PIMA; tasks changed). The wavelet coherence of all signals (EEG, MMG/MTG, force, ACC) were analyzed intra- and interpersonally. The five longest coherence patches in 8–15 Hz and their weighted frequency were compared between real vs. random pairs and between HIMA vs. PIMA. Real vs. random pairs showed significantly higher coherence for intra-muscle, intra-brain, and inter-muscle-brain activity (p < 0.001 to 0.019). Inter-brain coherence was significantly higher for real vs. random pairs for EEG of right and central areas and for sub-regions of EEG left (p = 0.002 to 0.025). Interpersonal muscle-brain synchronization was significantly higher than intrapersonal one, whereby it was significantly higher for HIMA vs. PIMA. These preliminary findings indicate that inter-brain synchronization can arise during muscular interaction. It is hypothesized both partners merge into one oscillating neuromuscular system. The results reinforce the hypothesis that HIMA is characterized by more complex control strategies than PIMA. The pilot study suggests investigating the topic further to verify these results on a larger sample size. Findings could contribute to the basic understanding of motor control and is relevant for functional diagnostics such as the manual muscle test which is applied in several disciplines, e.g., neurology, physiotherapy. KW - interpersonal muscle action KW - wavelet coherence KW - inter-brain synchronization KW - inter-muscle-brain synchronization KW - electroencephalography (EEG) KW - mechanomyography (MMG) KW - holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) KW - pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12060703 SN - 2076-3425 VL - 12 PB - MDPI Open Access Publishing CY - Basel, Schweiz ET - 6 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Muscular Pre-Activation Can Boost the Maximal Explosive Eccentric Adaptive Force T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The improvement of power is an objective in training of athletes. In order to detect effective methods of exercise, basic research is required regarding the mechanisms of muscular activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not a muscular pre-activation prior to an external impulse-like force impact has an effect on the maximal explosive eccentric Adaptive Force (xpAFeccmax). This power capability combines different probable power enhancing mechanisms. To measure the xpAFeccmax an innovative pneumatic device was used. During measuring, the subject tries to hold an isometric position as long as possible. In the moment in which the subjects’ maximal isometric holding strength is exceeded, it merges into eccentric muscle action. This process is very close to motions in sports, where an adaptation of the neuromuscular system is required, e.g., force impacts caused by uneven surfaces during skiing. For investigating the effect of pre-activation on the xpAFeccmax of the quadriceps femoris muscle, n = 20 subjects had to pass three different pre-activation levels in a randomized order (level 1: 0.4 bar, level 2: 0.8 bar, level 3: 1.2 bar). After adjusting the standardized pre-pressure by pushing against the interface, an impulse-like load impacted on the distal tibia of the subject. During this, the xpAFeccmax was detected. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was also measured. The torque values of the xpAFeccmax were compared with regard to the pre-activation levels. The results show a significant positive relation between the pre-activation of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the xpAFeccmax (male: p = 0.000, η2= 0.683; female: p = 0.000, η2= 0.907). The average percentage increase of torque amounted +28.15 ± 25.4% between MVIC and xpAFeccmax with pre-pressure level 1, +12.09 ± 7.9% for the xpAFeccmax comparing pre-pressure levels 1 vs. 2 and +2.98 ± 4.2% comparing levels 2 and 3. A higher but not maximal muscular activation prior to a fast impacting eccentric load seems to produce an immediate increase of force outcome. Different possible physiological explanatory approaches and the use as a potential training method are discussed. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 582 KW - Adaptive Force KW - neuromuscular pre-activation KW - power improvement KW - muscular activity KW - adaptation to external force impact Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-439189 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 582 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Are there two forms of isometric muscle action? BT - Results of the experimental study support a distinction between a holding and a pushing isometric muscle function JF - BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation N2 - Background In isometric muscle function, there are subjectively two different modes of performance: one can either hold isometrically – thus resist an impacting force – or push isometrically – therefore work against a stable resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not two different isometric muscle actions – the holding vs. pushing one (HIMA vs PIMA) – can be distinguished by objective parameters. Methods Ten subjects performed two different measuring modes at 80% of MVC realized by a special pneumatic system. During HIMA the subject had to resist the defined impacting force of the pneumatic system in an isometric position, whereby the force of the cylinder works in direction of elbow flexion against the subject. During PIMA the subject worked isometrically in direction of elbow extension against a stable position of the system. The signals of pressure, force, acceleration and mechanomyography/-tendography (MMG/MTG) of the elbow extensor (MMGtri/MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded and evaluated concerning the duration of maintaining the force level (force endurance) and the characteristics of MMG-/MTG-signals. Statistical group differences comparing HIMA vs. PIMA were estimated using SPSS. Results Significant differences between HIMA and PIMA were especially apparent regarding the force endurance: During HIMA the subjects showed a decisively shorter time of stable isometric position (19 ± 8 s) in comparison with PIMA (41 ± 24 s; p = .005). In addition, during PIMA the longest isometric plateau amounted to 59.4% of the overall duration time of isometric measuring, during HIMA it lasted 31.6% (p = .000). The frequency of MMG/MTG did not show significant differences. The power in the frequency ranges of 8–15 Hz and 10–29 Hz was significantly higher in the MTGtri performing HIMA compared to PIMA (but not for the MMGs). The amplitude of MMG/MTG did not show any significant difference considering the whole measurement. However, looking only at the last 10% of duration time (exhaustion), the MMGtri showed significantly higher amplitudes during PIMA. Conclusion The results suggest that under holding isometric conditions muscles exhaust earlier. That means that there are probably two forms of isometric muscle action. We hypothesize two potential reasons for faster yielding during HIMA: (1) earlier metabolic fatigue of the muscle fibers and (2) the complexity of neural control strategies. KW - Two forms of isometric muscle action KW - Holding isometric muscle action KW - Pushing isometric muscle action KW - Mechanomyography KW - Mechanotendography Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-017-0075-z VL - 9 PB - BioMed Central CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Are there two forms of isometric muscle action? BT - Results of the experimental study support a distinction between a holding and a pushing isometric muscle function N2 - Background In isometric muscle function, there are subjectively two different modes of performance: one can either hold isometrically – thus resist an impacting force – or push isometrically – therefore work against a stable resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether or not two different isometric muscle actions – the holding vs. pushing one (HIMA vs PIMA) – can be distinguished by objective parameters. Methods Ten subjects performed two different measuring modes at 80% of MVC realized by a special pneumatic system. During HIMA the subject had to resist the defined impacting force of the pneumatic system in an isometric position, whereby the force of the cylinder works in direction of elbow flexion against the subject. During PIMA the subject worked isometrically in direction of elbow extension against a stable position of the system. The signals of pressure, force, acceleration and mechanomyography/-tendography (MMG/MTG) of the elbow extensor (MMGtri/MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded and evaluated concerning the duration of maintaining the force level (force endurance) and the characteristics of MMG-/MTG-signals. Statistical group differences comparing HIMA vs. PIMA were estimated using SPSS. Results Significant differences between HIMA and PIMA were especially apparent regarding the force endurance: During HIMA the subjects showed a decisively shorter time of stable isometric position (19 ± 8 s) in comparison with PIMA (41 ± 24 s; p = .005). In addition, during PIMA the longest isometric plateau amounted to 59.4% of the overall duration time of isometric measuring, during HIMA it lasted 31.6% (p = .000). The frequency of MMG/MTG did not show significant differences. The power in the frequency ranges of 8–15 Hz and 10–29 Hz was significantly higher in the MTGtri performing HIMA compared to PIMA (but not for the MMGs). The amplitude of MMG/MTG did not show any significant difference considering the whole measurement. However, looking only at the last 10% of duration time (exhaustion), the MMGtri showed significantly higher amplitudes during PIMA. Conclusion The results suggest that under holding isometric conditions muscles exhaust earlier. That means that there are probably two forms of isometric muscle action. We hypothesize two potential reasons for faster yielding during HIMA: (1) earlier metabolic fatigue of the muscle fibers and (2) the complexity of neural control strategies. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 344 KW - Holding isometric muscle action KW - Mechanomyography KW - Mechanotendography KW - Pushing isometric muscle action KW - Two forms of isometric muscle action Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-402084 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Coherent behavior of neuromuscular oscillations between isometrically interacting subjects BT - experimental study utilizing wavelet coherence analysis of mechanomyographic and mechanotendographic signals T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Previous research has shown that electrical muscle activity is able to synchronize between muscles of one subject. The ability to synchronize the mechanical muscle oscillations measured by Mechanomyography (MMG) is not described sufficiently. Likewise, the behavior of myofascial oscillations was not considered yet during muscular interaction of two human subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the myofascial oscillations intra- and interpersonally. For this the mechanical muscle oscillations of the triceps and the abdominal external oblique muscles were measured by MMG and the triceps tendon was measured by mechanotendography (MTG) during isometric interaction of two subjects (n = 20) performed at 80% of the MVC using their arm extensors. The coherence of MMG/MTG-signals was analyzed with coherence wavelet transform and was compared with randomly matched signal pairs. Each signal pairing shows significant coherent behavior. Averagely, the coherent phases of n = 485 real pairings last over 82 ± 39 % of the total duration time of the isometric interaction. Coherent phases of randomly matched signal pairs take 21 ± 12 % of the total duration time (n = 39). The difference between real vs. randomly matched pairs is significant (U = 113.0, p = 0.000, r = 0.73). The results show that the neuromuscular system seems to be able to synchronize to another neuromuscular system during muscular interaction and generate a coherent behavior of the mechanical muscular oscillations. Potential explanatory approaches are discussed. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 480 KW - motor unit synchronization KW - muscle KW - task KW - contractions KW - humans KW - magnetoencephalography KW - systems KW - power KW - hand KW - time Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-419864 IS - 480 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Coherent behavior of neuromuscular oscillations between isometrically interacting subjects BT - experimental study utilizing wavelet coherence analysis of mechanomyographic and mechanotendographic signals JF - Scientific Reports N2 - Previous research has shown that electrical muscle activity is able to synchronize between muscles of one subject. The ability to synchronize the mechanical muscle oscillations measured by Mechanomyography (MMG) is not described sufficiently. Likewise, the behavior of myofascial oscillations was not considered yet during muscular interaction of two human subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the myofascial oscillations intra- and interpersonally. For this the mechanical muscle oscillations of the triceps and the abdominal external oblique muscles were measured by MMG and the triceps tendon was measured by mechanotendography (MTG) during isometric interaction of two subjects (n = 20) performed at 80% of the MVC using their arm extensors. The coherence of MMG/MTG-signals was analyzed with coherence wavelet transform and was compared with randomly matched signal pairs. Each signal pairing shows significant coherent behavior. Averagely, the coherent phases of n = 485 real pairings last over 82 ± 39 % of the total duration time of the isometric interaction. Coherent phases of randomly matched signal pairs take 21 ± 12 % of the total duration time (n = 39). The difference between real vs. randomly matched pairs is significant (U = 113.0, p = 0.000, r = 0.73). The results show that the neuromuscular system seems to be able to synchronize to another neuromuscular system during muscular interaction and generate a coherent behavior of the mechanical muscular oscillations. Potential explanatory approaches are discussed. KW - motor unit synchronization KW - muscle KW - task KW - contractions KW - humans KW - magnetoencephalography KW - systems KW - power KW - hand KW - time Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-33579-5 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 8 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Macmillan Publishers Limited CY - London ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Case Study: Intra- and Interpersonal Coherence of Muscle and Brain Activity of Two Coupled Persons during Pushing and Holding Isometric Muscle Action T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Inter-brain synchronization is primarily investigated during social interactions but had not been examined during coupled muscle action between two persons until now. It was previously shown that mechanical muscle oscillations can develop coherent behavior between two isometrically interacting persons. This case study investigated if inter-brain synchronization appears thereby, and if differences of inter- and intrapersonal muscle and brain coherence exist regarding two different types of isometric muscle action. Electroencephalography (EEG) and mechanomyography/mechanotendography (MMG/MTG) of right elbow extensors were recorded during six fatiguing trials of two coupled isometrically interacting participants (70% MVIC). One partner performed holding and one pushing isometric muscle action (HIMA/PIMA; tasks changed). The wavelet coherence of all signals (EEG, MMG/MTG, force, ACC) were analyzed intra- and interpersonally. The five longest coherence patches in 8–15 Hz and their weighted frequency were compared between real vs. random pairs and between HIMA vs. PIMA. Real vs. random pairs showed significantly higher coherence for intra-muscle, intra-brain, and inter-muscle-brain activity (p < 0.001 to 0.019). Inter-brain coherence was significantly higher for real vs. random pairs for EEG of right and central areas and for sub-regions of EEG left (p = 0.002 to 0.025). Interpersonal muscle-brain synchronization was significantly higher than intrapersonal one, whereby it was significantly higher for HIMA vs. PIMA. These preliminary findings indicate that inter-brain synchronization can arise during muscular interaction. It is hypothesized both partners merge into one oscillating neuromuscular system. The results reinforce the hypothesis that HIMA is characterized by more complex control strategies than PIMA. The pilot study suggests investigating the topic further to verify these results on a larger sample size. Findings could contribute to the basic understanding of motor control and is relevant for functional diagnostics such as the manual muscle test which is applied in several disciplines, e.g., neurology, physiotherapy. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 782 KW - interpersonal muscle action KW - wavelet coherence KW - inter-brain synchronization KW - inter-muscle-brain synchronization KW - electroencephalography (EEG) KW - mechanomyography (MMG) KW - holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) KW - pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-561942 SN - 1866-8364 SP - 1 EP - 27 PB - Universitätsverlag Potsdam CY - Potsdam ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Paired personal interaction reveals objective differences between pushing and holding isometric muscle action T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - In sports and movement sciences isometric muscle function is usually measured by pushing against a stable resistance. However, subjectively one can hold or push isometrically. Several investigations suggest a distinction of those forms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these two forms of isometric muscle action can be distinguished by objective parameters in an interpersonal setting. 20 subjects were grouped in 10 same sex pairs, in which one partner should perform the pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) and the other partner executed the holding isometric muscle action (HIMA). The partners had contact at the distal forearms via an interface, which included a strain gauge and an acceleration sensor. The mechanical oscillations of the triceps brachii (MMGtri) muscle, its tendon (MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded by a piezoelectric-sensor-based measurement system. Each partner performed three 15s (80% MVIC) and two fatiguing trials (90% MVIC) during PIMA and HIMA, respectively. Parameters to compare PIMA and HIMA were the mean frequency, the normalized mean amplitude, the amplitude variation, the power in the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz, a special power-frequency ratio and the number of task failures during HIMA or PIMA (partner who quit the task). A “HIMA failure” occurred in 85% of trials (p < 0.001). No significant differences between PIMA and HIMA were found for the mean frequency and normalized amplitude. The MMGobl showed significantly higher values of amplitude variation (15s: p = 0.013; fatiguing: p = 0.007) and of power-frequency-ratio (15s: p = 0.040; fatiguing: p = 0.002) during HIMA and a higher power in the range of 8 to 15 Hz during PIMA (15s: p = 0.001; fatiguing: p = 0.011). MMGtri and MTGtri showed no significant differences. Based on the findings it is suggested that a holding and a pushing isometric muscle action can be distinguished objectively, whereby a more complex neural control is assumed for HIMA. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 714 KW - neural-control KW - task failure KW - lengthening contractions KW - force KW - oscillations KW - load KW - time KW - synchronization KW - activation KW - principles Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-519119 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 714 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Mechanotendography: description and evaluation of a novel method for investigating the physiological mechanical oscillations of tendons using a piezo-based measurement system T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The mechanotendography (MTG) is a method for analyzing the mechanical oscillations of tendons during muscular actions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the technical reliability of a piezo-based measurement system used for MTG. The reliability measurements were performed by using audio samples played by a subwoofer. The thereby generated pressure waves were recorded by a piezo-based measurement system. An audio of 40 Hz sine oscillations and four different formerly in vivo recorded MTG-signals were converted into audio files and were used as test signals. Five trials with each audio were performed and one audio was used for repetition trials on another day. The signals’ correlation was estimated by Spearman (MCC) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1)), Cronbach’s alpha (CA) and by mean distances (MD). All parameters were compared between repetition and randomized matched signals. The repetition trials show high correlations (MCC: 0.86 ± 0.13, ICC: 0.89 ± 0.12, CA: 0.98 ± 0.03), low MD (0.03 ± 0.03V) and differ significantly from the randomized matched signals (MCC: 0.15 ± 0.10, ICC: 0.17 ± 0.09, CA: 0.37 ± 0.16, MD: 0.19 ± 0.01V) (p = 0.001 – 0.043). This speaks for an excellent reliability of the measurement system. Presuming the skin above superficial tendons oscillates adequately, we estimate this tool as valid for the application in musculoskeletal system. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 737 KW - mechanotendography KW - tendons KW - mechanical tendinous oscillations KW - piezo-based measurement system Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-536500 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 737 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Universität Potsdam CY - Potsdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Mechanotendography in Achillodynia shows reduced oscillation variability of pre-loaded Achilles tendon BT - a pilot study JF - European Journal of Translational Myology (EJTM) N2 - The present study focuses on an innovative approach in measuring the mechanical oscillations of pre-loaded Achilles tendon by using Mechanotendography (MTG) during application of a short yet powerful mechanical pressure impact. This was applied on the forefoot from the plantar side in direction of dorsiflexion, while the subject stood on the ball of the forefoot on one leg. Participants with Achilles tendinopathy (AT; n = 10) were compared to healthy controls (Con; n = 10). Five trials were performed on each side of the body. For evaluation, two intervals after the impulse began (0-100ms; 30-100ms) were cut from the MTG and pressure raw signals. The intrapersonal variability between the five trials in both intervals were evaluated using the arithmetic mean and coefficient of variation of the mean correlation (Spearman rank correlation) and the normalized averaged mean distances, respectively. The AT-group showed a significantly reduced variability in MTG compared to the Con-group (from p = 0.006 to p = 0.028 for different parameters). The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of MTG results were disjoint, whereas the 95% CIs of the pressure signals were similar (p = 0.192 to p = 0.601). We suggest from this work that the variability of mechanical tendon oscillations could be an indicative parameter of an altered Achilles tendon functionality. KW - Mechanotendography KW - mechanical tendinous oscillations KW - variability KW - impact on pre-activated Achilles tendon Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2020.8983 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 30 IS - 2 SP - 247 EP - 257 PB - Unipress CY - Padova ER - TY - GEN A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Mechanotendography in Achillodynia shows reduced oscillation variability of pre-loaded Achilles tendon BT - a pilot study T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The present study focuses on an innovative approach in measuring the mechanical oscillations of pre-loaded Achilles tendon by using Mechanotendography (MTG) during application of a short yet powerful mechanical pressure impact. This was applied on the forefoot from the plantar side in direction of dorsiflexion, while the subject stood on the ball of the forefoot on one leg. Participants with Achilles tendinopathy (AT; n = 10) were compared to healthy controls (Con; n = 10). Five trials were performed on each side of the body. For evaluation, two intervals after the impulse began (0-100ms; 30-100ms) were cut from the MTG and pressure raw signals. The intrapersonal variability between the five trials in both intervals were evaluated using the arithmetic mean and coefficient of variation of the mean correlation (Spearman rank correlation) and the normalized averaged mean distances, respectively. The AT-group showed a significantly reduced variability in MTG compared to the Con-group (from p = 0.006 to p = 0.028 for different parameters). The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of MTG results were disjoint, whereas the 95% CIs of the pressure signals were similar (p = 0.192 to p = 0.601). We suggest from this work that the variability of mechanical tendon oscillations could be an indicative parameter of an altered Achilles tendon functionality. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 668 KW - Mechanotendography KW - mechanical tendinous oscillations KW - variability KW - impact on pre-activated Achilles tendon Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-483499 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 668 ER - TY - THES A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Synchronisationsphänomene myotendinöser Oszillationen interagierender neuromuskulärer Systeme T1 - Synchronization phenomena of myotendinal oscillations during interaction of neuromuscular systems BT - mit Betrachtung einer Hypothese bezüglich unterschiedlicher Qualitäten isometrischer Muskelaktion BT - considering a hypothesis regarding different qualities of isometric muscle action N2 - Muskeln oszillieren nachgewiesener Weise mit einer Frequenz um 10 Hz. Doch was geschieht mit myofaszialen Oszillationen, wenn zwei neuromuskuläre Systeme interagieren? Die Dissertation widmet sich dieser Fragestellung bei isometrischer Interaktion. Während der Testmessungen ergaben sich Hinweise für das Vorhandensein von möglicherweise zwei verschiedenen Formen der Isometrie. Arbeiten zwei Personen isometrisch gegeneinander, können subjektiv zwei Modi eingenommen werden: man kann entweder isometrisch halten – der Kraft des Partners widerstehen – oder isometrisch drücken – gegen den isometrischen Widerstand des Partners arbeiten. Daher wurde zusätzlich zu den Messungen zur Interaktion zweier Personen an einzelnen Individuen geprüft, ob möglicherweise zwei Formen der Isometrie existieren. Die Promotion besteht demnach aus zwei inhaltlich und methodisch getrennten Teilen: I „Single-Isometrie“ und II „Paar-Isometrie“. Für Teil I wurden mithilfe eines pneumatisch betriebenen Systems die hypothetischen Messmodi Halten und Drücken während isometrischer Aktion untersucht. Bei n = 10 Probanden erfolgte parallel zur Aufzeichnung des Drucksignals während der Messungen die Erfassung der Kraft (DMS) und der Beschleunigung sowie die Aufnahme der mechanischen Muskeloszillationen folgender myotendinöser Strukturen via Mechanomyo- (MMG) bzw. Mechanotendografie (MTG): M. triceps brachii (MMGtri), Trizepssehne (MTGtri), M. obliquus externus abdominis (MMGobl). Pro Proband wurden bei 80 % der MVC sowohl sechs 15-Sekunden-Messungen (jeweils drei im haltenden bzw. drückenden Modus; Pause: 1 Minute) als auch vier Ermüdungsmessungen (jeweils zwei im haltenden bzw. drückenden Modus; Pause: 2 Minuten) durchgeführt. Zum Vergleich der Messmodi Halten und Drücken wurden die Amplituden der myofaszialen Oszillationen sowie die Kraftausdauer herangezogen. Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen dem haltenden und dem drückenden Modus zeigten sich insbesondere im Bereich der Ermüdungscharakteristik. So lassen Probanden im haltenden Modus signifikant früher nach als im drückenden Modus (t(9) = 3,716; p = .005). Im drückenden Modus macht das längste isometrische Plateau durchschnittlich 59,4 % der Gesamtdauer aus, im haltenden sind es 31,6 % (t(19) = 5,265, p = .000). Die Amplituden der Single-Isometrie-Messungen unterscheiden sich nicht signifikant. Allerdings variieren die Amplituden des MMGobl zwischen den Messungen im drückenden Modus signifikant stärker als im haltenden Modus. Aufgrund dieser teils signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Messmodi wurde dieses Setting auch im zweiten Teil „Paar-Isometrie“ berücksichtigt. Dort wurden n = 20 Probanden – eingeteilt in zehn gleichgeschlechtliche Paare – während isometrischer Interaktion untersucht. Die Sensorplatzierung erfolgte analog zu Teil I. Die Oszillationen der erfassten MTG- sowie MMG-Signale wurden u.a. mit Algorithmen der Nichtlinearen Dynamik auf ihre Kohärenz hin untersucht. Durch die Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zeigte sich, dass die Muskeln und die Sehnen beider neuromuskulärer Systeme bei Interaktion im bekannten Frequenzbereich von 10 Hz oszillieren. Außerdem waren sie in der Lage, sich bei Interaktion so aufeinander abzustimmen, dass sich eine signifikante Kohärenz entwickelte, die sich von Zufallspaarungen signifikant unterscheidet (Patchanzahl: t(29) = 3,477; p = .002; Summe der 4 längsten Patches: t(29) = 7,505; p = .000). Es wird der Schluss gezogen, dass neuromuskuläre Komplementärpartner in der Lage sind, sich im Sinne kohärenten Verhaltens zu synchronisieren. Bezüglich der Parameter zur Untersuchung der möglicherweise vorhandenen zwei Formen der Isometrie zeigte sich bei den Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zwischen Halten und Drücken ein signifikanter Unterschied bei der Ermüdungscharakteristik sowie bezüglich der Amplitude der MMGobl. Die Ergebnisse beider Teilstudien bestärken die Hypothese, dass zwei Formen der Isometrie existieren. Fraglich ist, ob man überhaupt von Isometrie sprechen kann, da jede isometrische Muskelaktion aus feinen Oszillationen besteht, die eine per Definition postulierte Isometrie ausschließen. Es wird der Vorschlag unterbreitet, die Isometrie durch den Begriff der Homöometrie auszutauschen. Die Ergebnisse der Paar-Isometrie-Messungen zeigen u.a., dass neuromuskuläre Systeme in der Lage sind, ihre myotendinösen Oszillationen so aufeinander abzustimmen, dass kohärentes Verhalten entsteht. Es wird angenommen, dass hierzu beide neuromuskulären Systeme funktionell intakt sein müssen. Das Verfahren könnte für die Diagnostik funktioneller Störungen relevant werden. N2 - Muscles oscillate with a frequency of about 10 Hz. But what happens with myofascial oscillations if two neuromuscular systems interact? The dissertation is devoted to this question during isometric interaction. The test measurements provide hints for the presence of possibly two different forms of isometric muscle action. When two persons work against each other, each individual can subjectively choose to take up one of two modes: one can either hold isometrically – thus resist the force of the partner – or one can push isometrically – and therefore work against the resistance of the partner. In addition to the measurements to determine the interaction of neuromuscular systems, measurements with single individuals were done to evaluate the question, if probably two forms of isometric muscle action exist. The doctoral thesis consists of two separate parts concerning the content and methodology: I “Single Isometric” and II “Coupled Isometric”. For part I the hypothetical measurement modes - “holding” and “pushing” during isometric muscle action - were examined using a pneumatic system. During the measurements of n = 10 subjects the signal of pressure, force (strain gauge) and acceleration were recorded. Furthermore, the detection of the mechanic muscle oscillations of the following myotendinal structures occurred via Mechanomyo- (MMG) and Mechanotendography (MTG), respectively: triceps brachii muscle (MMGtri), tendon of triceps brachii muscle (MTGtri) and obliquus externus abdominis muscle (MMGobl). Each test person performed at 80 % of MVC six 15-seconds-measurements (three at holding and three at pushing mode, respectively; break: 1 min.) as well as four fatigue measurements (two at holding and two at pushing mode, respectively; break: 2 min.). In order to compare the two measurement modes holding and pushing, the amplitude of the myofascial oscillations as well as the force endurance were used. Significant differences between the holding and the pushing mode appeared especially when looking at the characteristics of fatigue. Subjects in the holding mode yielded earlier than during the pushing one (t(9) = 3.716; p = .005). In the pushing mode the longest isometric plateau amounts 59.4 % of the overall duration of the measurement. During holding it lasted 31.6 % (t(19) = 5.265, p = .000). The amplitudes of the single-isometric-measurements did not differ significantly. But the amplitude of the MMGobl varied significantly stronger during the pushing mode comparing to the holding one. Due to these partly significant differences between both measurement modes, this setting was considered for the second part „Coupled-Isometric“, too. For the coupled-isometric-measurements n = 20 subjects – divided into same-sex couples – were investigated during isometric interaction. The placement of the sensors is analogous to part I. The oscillations of the recorded MMG- and MTG-signals were analyzed regarding their coherence inter alia by algorithms of non-linear dynamics. Through the coupled-isometric-measurements it was shown, that also during isometric interaction the muscles and the tendons of both neuromuscular systems oscillate at the known frequency range of 10 Hz. Moreover, the systems are able to coordinate them in such a manner, that a significant coherence appears. This differed significantly from random pairings (number of patches: t(29) = 3.477; p = .002; Sum of 4 longest patches: t(29) = 7.505; p = .000). Thus it is concluded that neuromuscular complementary partners are able to synchronize themselves in the sense of coherent behavior. Regarding the parameters concerning the possibly existing forms of isometric muscle action, a significant difference at the coupled-isometric-measurements between holding and pushing appeared with respect to the characteristics of fatigue as well as the amplitudes of the MMGobl. The results of both sub studies strengthen the hypothesis that two forms of isometric muscle action exist. It is questionable whether one can talk of isometry at all, since each isometric muscle action consists of fine oscillations. This excludes a by definition postulated isometry. It is proposed to exchange this term with homeometry. The results of the coupled-isometric-measurements show inter alia, that neuromuscular systems are able to coordinate their myotendinal oscillations, so that coherent behavior arises. It is supposed that for this both systems have to be functionally intact. This procedure could become relevant for diagnostics of functional disorders. KW - Mechanomyografie KW - myofasziale Oszillationen KW - Isometrie KW - Interaktion KW - Synchronisation KW - mechanomyography KW - myofascial oscillations KW - isometric muscle action KW - interaction KW - synchronization Y1 - 2014 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-72445 ER - TY - THES A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Oszillation und Adaptation als Mechanismen neuromuskulärer Steuer- und Regelprozesse Y1 - 2021 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hoff, Marko A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. A1 - Heinke, Nancy A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. T1 - Report on adaptive force, a specific neuromuscular function JF - European journal of translational myology KW - Adaptive Force KW - isometric-eccentric force KW - muscle action KW - pneumatic force measuring system Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2015.5183 SN - 2037-7452 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 25 IS - 3 SP - 183 EP - 189 PB - PAGEPress CY - Pavia ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Assessment of the adaptive force of Elbow extensors in healthy subjects quantified by a novel pneumatically driven measurement system with considerations of its quality criteria JF - Diagnostics : open access journal N2 - Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt adequately to external forces with the intention of maintaining a position or motion. One specific approach to assessing AF is to measure force and limb position during a pneumatically applied increasing external force. Through this method, the highest (AFmax), the maximal isometric (AFisomax) and the maximal eccentric Adaptive Force (AFeccmax) can be determined. The main question of the study was whether the AFisomax is a specific and independent parameter of muscle function compared to other maximal forces. In 13 healthy subjects (9 male and 4 female), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (pre- and post-MVIC), the three AF parameters and the MVIC with a prior concentric contraction (MVICpri-con) of the elbow extensors were measured 4 times on two days. Arithmetic mean (M) and maximal (Max) torques of all force types were analyzed. Regarding the reliability of the AF parameters between days, the mean changes were 0.31–1.98 Nm (0.61%–5.47%, p = 0.175–0.552), the standard errors of measurements (SEM) were 1.29–5.68 Nm (2.53%–15.70%) and the ICCs(3,1) = 0.896–0.996. M and Max of AFisomax, AFmax and pre-MVIC correlated highly (r = 0.85–0.98). The M and Max of AFisomax were significantly lower (6.12–14.93 Nm; p ≤ 0.001–0.009) and more variable between trials (coefficient of variation (CVs) ≥ 21.95%) compared to those of pre-MVIC and AFmax (CVs ≤ 5.4%). The results suggest the novel measuring procedure is suitable to reliably quantify the AF, whereby the presented measurement errors should be taken into consideration. The AFisomax seems to reflect its own strength capacity and should be detected separately. It is suggested its normalization to the MVIC or AFmax could serve as an indicator of a neuromuscular function. KW - adaptive force KW - sensorimotor control KW - isometric muscle action KW - eccentric muscle action KW - maximal voluntary contraction KW - adaptive holding capacity KW - reliability KW - validity KW - neuromuscular functionality Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11060923 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 11 IS - 6 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Muscle oxygenation and time to task failure of submaximal holding and pulling isometric muscle actions and influence of intermittent voluntary muscle twitches JF - BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation N2 - Background Isometric muscle actions can be performed either by initiating the action, e.g., pulling on an immovable resistance (PIMA), or by reacting to an external load, e.g., holding a weight (HIMA). In the present study, it was mainly examined if these modalities could be differentiated by oxygenation variables as well as by time to task failure (TTF). Furthermore, it was analyzed if variables are changed by intermittent voluntary muscle twitches during weight holding (Twitch). It was assumed that twitches during a weight holding task change the character of the isometric muscle action from reacting (≙ HIMA) to acting (≙ PIMA). Methods Twelve subjects (two drop outs) randomly performed two tasks (HIMA vs. PIMA or HIMA vs. Twitch, n = 5 each) with the elbow flexors at 60% of maximal torque maintained until muscle failure with each arm. Local capillary venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) were measured by light spectrometry. Results Within subjects, no significant differences were found between tasks regarding the behavior of SvO2 and rHb, the slope and extent of deoxygenation (max. SvO2 decrease), SvO2 level at global rHb minimum, and time to SvO2 steady states. The TTF was significantly longer during Twitch and PIMA (incl. Twitch) compared to HIMA (p = 0.043 and 0.047, respectively). There was no substantial correlation between TTF and maximal deoxygenation independently of the task (r = − 0.13). Conclusions HIMA and PIMA seem to have a similar microvascular oxygen and blood supply. The supply might be sufficient, which is expressed by homeostatic steady states of SvO2 in all trials and increases in rHb in most of the trials. Intermittent voluntary muscle twitches might not serve as a further support but extend the TTF. A changed neuromuscular control is discussed as possible explanation. KW - Oxygen saturation KW - Microvascular blood filling KW - Isometric contraction KW - Isometric muscle action KW - Holding isometric muscle action KW - Pulling isometric muscle action KW - Pushing isometric muscle action KW - Time to task failure KW - Muscle twitch Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00447-9 SN - 1758-2555 VL - 55 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Muscle oxygenation level might trigger the regulation of capillary venous blood filling during fatiguing isometric muscle actions JF - Diagnostics N2 - The regulation of oxygen and blood supply during isometric muscle actions is still unclear. Recently, two behavioral types of oxygen saturation (SvO2) and relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) in venous microvessels were described during a fatiguing holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) (type I: nearly parallel behavior of SvO2 and rHb; type II: partly inverse behavior). The study aimed to ascertain an explanation of these two regulative behaviors. Twelve subjects performed one fatiguing HIMA trial with each arm by weight holding at 60% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in a 90° elbow flexion. Six subjects additionally executed one fatiguing PIMA trial by pulling on an immovable resistance with 60% of the MVIC with each side and same position. Both regulative types mentioned were found during HIMA (I: n = 7, II: n = 17) and PIMA (I: n = 3, II: n = 9). During the fatiguing measurements, rHb decreased initially and started to increase in type II at an average SvO2-level of 58.75 ± 2.14%. In type I, SvO2 never reached that specific value during loading. This might indicate the existence of a threshold around 59% which seems to trigger the increase in rHb and could explain the two behavioral types. An approach is discussed to meet the apparent incompatibility of an increased capillary blood filling (rHb) despite high intramuscular pressures which were found by other research groups during isometric muscle actions. KW - muscle oxygen saturation KW - hemoglobin amount KW - isometric muscle action KW - O2C spectrophotometer KW - capillary recruitment KW - blood flow KW - holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) KW - pulling isometric muscle action (PIMA) Y1 - 2021 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 11 IS - 11 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - GEN A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Behavior of oxygen saturation and blood filling in the venous capillary system of the biceps brachii muscle during a fatiguing isometric action T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe 618 N2 - The objective of the study is to develop a better understanding of the capillary circulation in contracting muscles. Ten subjects were measured during a submaximal fatiguing isometric muscle action by use of the O2C spectrophotometer. In all measurements the capillary-venous oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SvO2) decreases immediately after the start of loading and levels off into a steady state. However, two different patterns (type I and type II) emerged. They differ in the extent of deoxygenation (–10.37 ±2.59 percent points (pp) vs. –33.86 ±17.35 pp, P = .008) and the behavior of the relative hemoglobin amount (rHb). Type I reveals a positive rank correlation of SvO2 and rHb (? = 0.735, P <.001), whereas a negative rank correlation (? = –0.522, P <.001) occurred in type II, since rHb decreases until a reversal point, then increases averagely 13% above the baseline value and levels off into a steady state. The results reveal that a homeostasis of oxygen delivery and consumption during isometric muscle actions is possible. A rough distinction in two types of regulation is suggested. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 618 KW - muscle oxygenation KW - hemoglobin amount KW - isometric muscle action KW - O2C spectrophotometer Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-460166 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 618 SP - 79 EP - 87 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Behavior of oxygen saturation and blood filling in the venous capillary system of the biceps brachii muscle during a fatiguing isometric action JF - European Journal of Translational Myology N2 - The objective of the study is to develop a better understanding of the capillary circulation in contracting muscles. Ten subjects were measured during a submaximal fatiguing isometric muscle action by use of the O2C spectrophotometer. In all measurements the capillary-venous oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SvO2) decreases immediately after the start of loading and levels off into a steady state. However, two different patterns (type I and type II) emerged. They differ in the extent of deoxygenation (–10.37 ±2.59 percent points (pp) vs. –33.86 ±17.35 pp, P = .008) and the behavior of the relative hemoglobin amount (rHb). Type I reveals a positive rank correlation of SvO2 and rHb (? = 0.735, P <.001), whereas a negative rank correlation (? = –0.522, P <.001) occurred in type II, since rHb decreases until a reversal point, then increases averagely 13% above the baseline value and levels off into a steady state. The results reveal that a homeostasis of oxygen delivery and consumption during isometric muscle actions is possible. A rough distinction in two types of regulation is suggested. KW - muscle oxygenation KW - hemoglobin amount KW - isometric muscle action KW - O2C spectrophotometer Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2019.8800 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 30 IS - 1 SP - 79 EP - 87 PB - Unipress CY - Padova ER - TY - GEN A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Assessment of the Adaptive Force of Elbow Extensors in Healthy Subjects Quantified by a Novel Pneumatically Driven Measurement System with Considerations of Its Quality Criteria T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt adequately to external forces with the intention of maintaining a position or motion. One specific approach to assessing AF is to measure force and limb position during a pneumatically applied increasing external force. Through this method, the highest (AFmax), the maximal isometric (AFisomax) and the maximal eccentric Adaptive Force (AFeccmax) can be determined. The main question of the study was whether the AFisomax is a specific and independent parameter of muscle function compared to other maximal forces. In 13 healthy subjects (9 male and 4 female), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (pre- and post-MVIC), the three AF parameters and the MVIC with a prior concentric contraction (MVICpri-con) of the elbow extensors were measured 4 times on two days. Arithmetic mean (M) and maximal (Max) torques of all force types were analyzed. Regarding the reliability of the AF parameters between days, the mean changes were 0.31–1.98 Nm (0.61%–5.47%, p = 0.175–0.552), the standard errors of measurements (SEM) were 1.29–5.68 Nm (2.53%–15.70%) and the ICCs(3,1) = 0.896–0.996. M and Max of AFisomax, AFmax and pre-MVIC correlated highly (r = 0.85–0.98). The M and Max of AFisomax were significantly lower (6.12–14.93 Nm; p ≤ 0.001–0.009) and more variable between trials (coefficient of variation (CVs) ≥ 21.95%) compared to those of pre-MVIC and AFmax (CVs ≤ 5.4%). The results suggest the novel measuring procedure is suitable to reliably quantify the AF, whereby the presented measurement errors should be taken into consideration. The AFisomax seems to reflect its own strength capacity and should be detected separately. It is suggested its normalization to the MVIC or AFmax could serve as an indicator of a neuromuscular function. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 710 KW - adaptive force KW - neuromuscular functionality KW - sensorimotor control KW - isometric muscle action KW - eccentric muscle action KW - maximal voluntary contraction KW - adaptive holding capacity KW - reliability KW - validity Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-510950 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 710 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Muscle oxygenation and time to task failure of submaximal holding and pulling isometric muscle actions and influence of intermittent voluntary muscle twitches T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Background Isometric muscle actions can be performed either by initiating the action, e.g., pulling on an immovable resistance (PIMA), or by reacting to an external load, e.g., holding a weight (HIMA). In the present study, it was mainly examined if these modalities could be differentiated by oxygenation variables as well as by time to task failure (TTF). Furthermore, it was analyzed if variables are changed by intermittent voluntary muscle twitches during weight holding (Twitch). It was assumed that twitches during a weight holding task change the character of the isometric muscle action from reacting (≙ HIMA) to acting (≙ PIMA). Methods Twelve subjects (two drop outs) randomly performed two tasks (HIMA vs. PIMA or HIMA vs. Twitch, n = 5 each) with the elbow flexors at 60% of maximal torque maintained until muscle failure with each arm. Local capillary venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) were measured by light spectrometry. Results Within subjects, no significant differences were found between tasks regarding the behavior of SvO2 and rHb, the slope and extent of deoxygenation (max. SvO2 decrease), SvO2 level at global rHb minimum, and time to SvO2 steady states. The TTF was significantly longer during Twitch and PIMA (incl. Twitch) compared to HIMA (p = 0.043 and 0.047, respectively). There was no substantial correlation between TTF and maximal deoxygenation independently of the task (r = − 0.13). Conclusions HIMA and PIMA seem to have a similar microvascular oxygen and blood supply. The supply might be sufficient, which is expressed by homeostatic steady states of SvO2 in all trials and increases in rHb in most of the trials. Intermittent voluntary muscle twitches might not serve as a further support but extend the TTF. A changed neuromuscular control is discussed as possible explanation. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 798 KW - Oxygen saturation KW - Microvascular blood filling KW - Isometric contraction KW - Isometric muscle action KW - Holding isometric muscle action KW - Pulling isometric muscle action KW - Pushing isometric muscle action KW - Time to task failure KW - Muscle twitch Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-566878 SN - 1866-8364 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Universitätsverlag Potsdam CY - Potsdam ER - TY - GEN A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Muscle oxygenation level might trigger the regulation of capillary venous blood filling during fatiguing isometric muscle actions T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The regulation of oxygen and blood supply during isometric muscle actions is still unclear. Recently, two behavioral types of oxygen saturation (SvO2) and relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) in venous microvessels were described during a fatiguing holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) (type I: nearly parallel behavior of SvO2 and rHb; type II: partly inverse behavior). The study aimed to ascertain an explanation of these two regulative behaviors. Twelve subjects performed one fatiguing HIMA trial with each arm by weight holding at 60% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in a 90° elbow flexion. Six subjects additionally executed one fatiguing PIMA trial by pulling on an immovable resistance with 60% of the MVIC with each side and same position. Both regulative types mentioned were found during HIMA (I: n = 7, II: n = 17) and PIMA (I: n = 3, II: n = 9). During the fatiguing measurements, rHb decreased initially and started to increase in type II at an average SvO2-level of 58.75 ± 2.14%. In type I, SvO2 never reached that specific value during loading. This might indicate the existence of a threshold around 59% which seems to trigger the increase in rHb and could explain the two behavioral types. An approach is discussed to meet the apparent incompatibility of an increased capillary blood filling (rHb) despite high intramuscular pressures which were found by other research groups during isometric muscle actions. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 723 KW - muscle oxygen saturation KW - hemoglobin amount KW - isometric muscle action KW - O2C spectrophotometer KW - capillary recruitment KW - blood flow KW - holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) KW - pulling isometric muscle action (PIMA) Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-524078 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Aehle, Markus A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Manual Muscle Testing—Force Profiles and Their Reproducibility JF - Diagnostics N2 - The manual muscle test (MMT) is a flexible diagnostic tool, which is used in many disciplines, applied in several ways. The main problem is the subjectivity of the test. The MMT in the version of a “break test” depends on the tester’s force rise and the patient’s ability to resist the applied force. As a first step, the investigation of the reproducibility of the testers’ force profile is required for valid application. The study examined the force profiles of n = 29 testers (n = 9 experiences (Exp), n = 8 little experienced (LitExp), n = 12 beginners (Beg)). The testers performed 10 MMTs according to the test of hip flexors, but against a fixed leg to exclude the patient’s reaction. A handheld device recorded the temporal course of the applied force. The results show significant differences between Exp and Beg concerning the starting force (padj = 0.029), the ratio of starting to maximum force (padj = 0.005) and the normalized mean Euclidean distances between the 10 trials (padj = 0.015). The slope is significantly higher in Exp vs. LitExp (p = 0.006) and Beg (p = 0.005). The results also indicate that experienced testers show inter-tester differences and partly even a low intra-tester reproducibility. This highlights the necessity of an objective MMT-assessment. Furthermore, an agreement on a standardized force profile is required. A suggestion for this is given. KW - manual muscle testing KW - neuromuscular diagnostics KW - force profiles KW - reproducibility KW - adaptive force KW - handheld device Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10120996 SN - 2075-4418 VL - 10 IS - 12 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - GEN A1 - Bittmann, Frank N. A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Aehle, Markus A1 - Schaefer, Laura V. T1 - Manual Muscle Testing—Force Profiles and Their Reproducibility T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - The manual muscle test (MMT) is a flexible diagnostic tool, which is used in many disciplines, applied in several ways. The main problem is the subjectivity of the test. The MMT in the version of a “break test” depends on the tester’s force rise and the patient’s ability to resist the applied force. As a first step, the investigation of the reproducibility of the testers’ force profile is required for valid application. The study examined the force profiles of n = 29 testers (n = 9 experiences (Exp), n = 8 little experienced (LitExp), n = 12 beginners (Beg)). The testers performed 10 MMTs according to the test of hip flexors, but against a fixed leg to exclude the patient’s reaction. A handheld device recorded the temporal course of the applied force. The results show significant differences between Exp and Beg concerning the starting force (padj = 0.029), the ratio of starting to maximum force (padj = 0.005) and the normalized mean Euclidean distances between the 10 trials (padj = 0.015). The slope is significantly higher in Exp vs. LitExp (p = 0.006) and Beg (p = 0.005). The results also indicate that experienced testers show inter-tester differences and partly even a low intra-tester reproducibility. This highlights the necessity of an objective MMT-assessment. Furthermore, an agreement on a standardized force profile is required. A suggestion for this is given. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 671 KW - manual muscle testing KW - neuromuscular diagnostics KW - force profiles KW - reproducibility KW - adaptive force KW - handheld device Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-485612 SN - 1866-8364 IS - 671 ER -