Analysis of electromyographic activity in spastic biceps brachii muscle following neural mobilization.
BACKGROUND
Hypertonia is prevalent in anti-gravity muscles, such as the biceps brachii. Neural mobilization is one of the techniques currently used to reduce spasticity.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess electromyographic (EMG) activity in spastic biceps brachii muscles before and after neural mobilization of the upper limb contralateral to the hemiplegia.


METHODS
Repeated pre-test and post-test EMG measurements were performed on six stroke victims with grade 1 or 2 spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale). The Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULNT1) was the mobilization technique employed.


RESULTS
After neural mobilization contralateral to the lesion, electromyographic activity in the biceps brachii decreased by 17% and 11% for 90° flexion and complete extension of the elbow, respectively. However, the results were not statistically significant (p gt; 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
When performed using contralateral techniques, neural mobilization alters the electrical signal of spastic muscles.
Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Brazil.
Jéssica
J
Castilho
Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Brazil.
Luiz Alfredo Braun
LAB
Ferreira
Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Brazil.
Wagner Menna
WM
Pereira
Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Brazil.
Hugo Pasini
HP
Neto
Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Brazil.
José Geraldo da Silva
JGDS
Morelli
Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Brazil.
Danielle
D
Brandalize
Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Brazil.
Ivo Ilvan
II
Kerppers
Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Brazil. Electronic address: csantos@uninove.br.
Claudia Santos
CS
Oliveira
D001132:Arm; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications