title: Characteristics of diffuse muscular coactivation (DMC) in persons with fibromyalgia -- part 2.
abstract: This study examined the electrical characteristics (Root Mean Square -- RMS and median frequency) of Diffuse Muscular Coactivation (DMC) associated with the tender points of fibromyalgia. DMC is defined as an increase from resting levels (tonus) in the electrical activity of any muscle during a movement which does not involve that muscle and is not part of the agonist -- antagonist unit. The results show an increase in RMS in fibromyalgia sufferers as compared to controls. Coactivation was stronger proximal to the neck and decreased in intensity as the area recorded moved distally. Median frequency changed over time but not significantly between groups. Possible neurological mechanisms are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Myosymmetries, #300, 290 Midpark Way S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 1P1, Canada. myo@cadvision.com
authors.forename: C C S
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: MacInnis
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Snelling
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Sella
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Mueller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index