A. Bottin

Bio: A. Bottin is an academic researcher from Polytechnic University of Turin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Motor unit & Electromyography. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 14 publications receiving 411 citations.

Surface EMG of jaw elevator muscles: effect of electrode location and inter‐electrode distance

Abstract: This study addresses methodological issues on surface electromyographic (EMG) signal recording from jaw elevator muscles. The aims were (i) to investigate the sensitivity to electrode displacements of amplitude and spectral surface EMG variables, (ii) to analyse if this sensitivity is affected by the inter-electrode distance of the bipolar recording, and (iii) to investigate the effect of inter-electrode distance on the estimated amplitude and spectral EMG variables. The superficial masseter and anterior temporalis muscles of 13 subjects were investigated by means of a linear electrode array. The percentage difference in EMG variable estimates from signals detected at different locations over the muscle was larger than 100% of the estimated value. Increasing the inter-electrode distance resulted in a significant reduction of the estimation variability because of electrode displacement. A criterion for electrode placement selection is suggested, with which the sensitivity of EMG variables to small electrode displacements was of the order of 2% for spectral and 6% for amplitude variables. Finally, spectral and, in particular, amplitude EMG variables were very sensitive to inter-electrode distance, which thus should be fixed when subjects or muscles are compared in the same or different experimental conditions.

Multichannel Surface EMG for the Non-Invasive Assessment of the Anal Sphincter Muscle

Abstract: Background/Aims: This work focuses on recording, processing and interpretation of multichannel surface EMG detected from the external anal sphincter muscle. The aim is to describe t

Innervation zones of the external anal sphincter in healthy male and female subjects. Preliminary results.

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this work was to investigate the distribution of the innervation zones of the motor units that make up the external anal sphincter (EAS) in healthy male

Non-invasive assessment of motor unit anatomy in jaw-elevator muscles.

Abstract: The estimation of fibre length in jaw-elevator muscles is important for modelling studies and clinical applications The objective of this study was to identify, from multi-channel surface EMG recordings, the main innervation zone(s) of the superficial masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, and to estimate the fibre length of these muscles Surface EMG signals were collected from 13 subjects with a 16-electrode linear array The innervation zones of the masseter and anterior temporalis were identified and their variability intra- and inter-subject outlined More than one main innervation zone location was identified in the masseter of all subjects and in the temporalis anterior of 12 subjects Average estimated fibre lengths, for the right (left) side, were (mean+/-SD) 273+/-24 mm (270+/-17 mm) and 259+/-23 mm (266+/-16 mm), for the superficial masseter and temporalis anterior muscle, respectively The range of innervation zone locations was up to approximately 50% of the fibre length, both within and between subjects Fibre length estimates well matched with published data on cadavers It was concluded that multi-channel surface EMG provides important and reliable information on the anatomy of single motor units in jaw-elevator muscles

Forced, Not Voluntary, Exercise Improves Motor Function in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Abstract: Background. Animal studies indicate forced exercise (FE) improves overall motor function in Parkinsonian rodents. Global improvements in motor function following voluntary exercise (VE) are not widely reported in human Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of VE and FE on PD symptoms, motor function, and bimanual dexterity. Methods. Ten patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to complete 8 weeks of FE or VE. With the assistance of a trainer, patients in the FE group pedaled at a rate 30% greater than their preferred voluntary rate, whereas patients in the VE group pedaled at their preferred rate. Aerobic intensity for both groups was identical, 60% to 80% of their individualized training heart rate. Results. Aerobic fitness improved for both groups. Following FE, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores improved 35%, whereas patients completing VE did not exhibit any improvement. The control and coordination of grasping forces during the performance of a functional bimanual dexterity task improved significantly for patients in the FE group, whereas no changes in motor performance were observed following VE. Improvements in clinical measures of rigidity and bradykinesia and biomechanical measures of bimanual dexterity were maintained 4 weeks after FE cessation. Conclusions. Aerobic fitness can be improved in PD patients following both VE and FE interventions. However, only FE results in significant improvements in motor function and bimanual dexterity. Biomechanical data indicate that FE leads to a shift in motor control strategy, from feedback to a greater reliance on feedforward processes, which suggests FE may be altering central motor control processes.