Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback on Quadriceps Neuromuscular Function in Patients With Quadriceps Inhibition
Stopped early · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Knee Injuries
In brief
Muscle inhibition prevents optimal contraction of the quadriceps muscle due to changes in the nervous system after knee joint injury. Current treatments for muscle inhibition at this time include knee joint cryotherapy and electric stimulation prior to exercise. These treatments, in addition to strengthening exercises, have shown improvements in the quality and strength of muscle contractions however, they have a short window of effectiveness. Electromyographic Biofeedback is proven to be useful in improving quadriceps strength but the mechanism of action remains somewhat unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to compare the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback supplemented exercise when compared to traditional exercise on quadriceps muscle function in individuals with a history of knee injury and current evidence of quadriceps inhibition. We hypothesize that 14 days of electromyographic biofeedback supplemented exercise will lead to larger gains in quadriceps activation when compared to traditional exercise. Thirty 18-40 year old participants with a history of knee injury and current evidence of quadriceps muscle inhibition will be enrolled in this single blind randomized controlled trial. Participants will provide written consent prior to all study procedures. Following enrollment, participants will be asked complete questionnaires related to knee related function, current levels of pain, and current activity level followed by completion of baseline measurements. 1. We will use the superimposed burst technique to quadriceps muscle activation. 2. We will measure the Hoffmann reflex response of the quadriceps with surface electromyography. We will measure this signal with surface electromyography electrodes that record the activity of the quadriceps muscle through the skin. Participants in both groups will be instructed on a 14 day home exercise protocol on the day of enrollment. The protocol is comprised of 4 exercises focused on both non-weight bearing and weight bearing quadriceps strengthening. Compliance will be monitored via a daily exercise diary which will be collected at the end of the study protocol. Quadriceps central activation ratio, active motor threshold and Hoffmann reflex will be reported descriptively. Pre-intervention and post 14 day intervention quadriceps central activation ratio and Hoffmann reflex will be compared between traditional exercise and Biofeedback supplemented exercise
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT02095223
- Run by
- University of Miami
- People needed
- 4
- Starts
- 2013-12-01
- Expected to finish
- 2015-08-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2017-02-01
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- History of primary and uncomplicated knee injury or knee surgery.
- Aged 18-40
- Quadriceps Central Activation Ratio is less than 90%
You may not qualify if…
- Currently seeking physical therapy
- Complex knee injury
- Surgical revisions to original procedure
- Pain greater than 4 out of 10 on a visual analog scale at enrollment.
- Active infection
- Current pregnancy
- Cognitive impairment
- Psychiatric disorder requiring daily medication
- Chronic or acute neuropathy
- Known muscular abnormalities
- History of neurological disorders
- History or family history of seizures and/or epilepsy and/or on medications that lower seizure threshold
Where it is running
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami — Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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