5 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The gluteus medius (Gmed) and gluteus maximus (Gmax) muscles are important components in the treatment of many lower limb injuries. Recent studies have evaluated a myriad of exercises which activate the Gmed and Gmax, but limited research remains on exercises involving resistance and the role of the TFL. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Gmed, Gmax, and TFL percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and perceived exertion in healthy and low back pain patients while performing exercises with and without resistance. Methods: A convenience sample of healthy subjects and patients diagnosed with non-radicular low back pain will be recruited. Exclusionary criteria will include: current low back or lower extremity injury (healthy group), pregnancy, history of hip surgery, and radicular symptoms. Surface electromyography will be used to quantify the activity level of the gluteal muscles and TFL while performing a series of 8 exercises with and without Thera-Band® Resistance Tubing and Stability Trainer. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) will be established for each muscle group and the order of exercises performed will be randomized to minimize the effect of fatigue. Following the completion of each exercise, the patient will rate their perceived exertion level on the Thera-Band® Resistance Intensity Scale for Exercise (RISE). The EMG signals will be smoothed and rectified and analyzed using a root-mean-square algorithm. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study will allow clinicians to better prescribe exercises, proven to activate the gluteal muscles and limit the TFL involvement, in the treatment of low back pain.
The purpose of this study is to objectively assess the effects of hip bump manipulation (HBM) on a healthy population aged 18-45 years. We hypothesize that the HBM will improve hip internal rotation passive range of motion, improve the strength of the hip external rotators, decrease compensatory motions in hip flexion during active range of motion, and improve bipodal landing mechanics. Human participants will be analyzed to determine whether the manipulation produces the intended clinical outcomes. While clinicians commonly use this technique, its effectiveness has yet to be substantiated through research. This technique is a high velocity low amplitude thrust to the greater trochanter which theorizes the quick stretch of the external rotator muscles and may improve a malpositioned femoral head within the acetabulum. These improvements may positively affect functional movements such as bipodal landing.
The purpose of this study is to develop and test if upper limb task practice and muscle activity training improve upper limb function in stroke survivors. Participants will be asked to come to the laboratory 23 times (approximately 3 times a week) over 2.5 months to receive upper limb task practice, muscle activity training, and/or upper extremity functional assessments.
Evaluation of a new EMG controlled game to improve hand function in chronic stroke survivors.
Cervical pain is a condition that affects 14.6% of all adults annually. Of this annual prevalence, 37.3% experience persistent neck pain with periodic recurring episodes. The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activation patterns of the cervical musculature during exercises with elastic versus manual resistance in a neck pain and asymptomatic populations. Methods: A convenience sample of 15 healthy, physically active participants and 15 current patients diagnosed with non-radicular cervical pain will be recruited. Exclusionary criteria will include: current cervical or upper extremity injury (healthy group), history of neck surgery, corticosteroid treatment within the last two weeks, and radicular signs or symptoms. Surface electromyography will be used to quantify the activity level of the bilateral SCM, AS, Cervical Paraspinal (CP), and the Upper Trapezius (UT) muscles while performing a series of 6 exercises with elastic resistance using Thera-Band® Resistance Bands and manual resistance. The area will be prepped and surface electrodes placed on the corresponding muscles. The movement will be standardized by using the peak activation (PA) of each muscle during full flexion-extension movement to create a percentage of peak activation (%PA). The testing battery will consist of 6 exercises with elastic resistance and manual resistance, totaling 12 different trials. Each trial will involve 5 repetitions, each held for 5 seconds. The exercises will include cervical: extension, flexion, left rotation, right rotation, left side bending, and right side bending. The men will use the green and women will use the red Thera-Band® Resistance Band. The order of exercises will be randomized in to two parts to minimize the effect of fatigue. First, cervical flexion and extension with manual and elastic resistance will be randomized. Secondly, the remaining 8 exercises will be randomized. Following each exercise, the patient will rate their perceived level of exertion on the Thera-band® Resistance Intensity Scale for Exercise (RISE).