Effects Of Unilateral Vibration On Contralateral Forearm Muscle Activity

Overview

This study hypothesize that radius subjecting to mechanical loading may affect excitability of alpha motor neuron innervating muscle, based on its bone mineral density or bone mineral content. A total of 80 voluntaries are planned to include in this study. Vibration will be applied the right forearm. Muscle electrical activity will be measured on ipsilateral and contralateral flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle at rest as EMGrms by surface electromyography (EMG). The rest-EMGrms will be measured at before and during vibration. An increase in muscle electrical activity at rest indicates an increase in motor neuron pool activation. The right distal radius bone mineral content (BMC) and density will be measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The right radius bone mineral density (BMD) and BMC will be evaluated by bone densitometer (GE-LUNAR DPX PRO). Motor unit potentials will be measured by electromyography at left flexor carpi radialis. Neurotrac ETS device will be used.

A functional cooperation exists between bones and skeletal muscles. Bones work together with muscles as a simple mechanical lever system to produce body movement. One of the important functions of bones is to exert resistance against gravity in order to carry the body. In order to carry out their mechanical functions, bones need to have considerable resistance to deformation under load. It is well-known that muscle activity (i.e., exercises) improves the resistance of bone to mechanical loading, and that it is also important for treating and preventing osteoporosis. Resistance and impact training have been shown to induce bone formation and/or prevent bone resorption. Skeletal muscles have positive effects on bone structure and function. Can bones have an effect on muscle activity? There is only one study about the effect of bones on muscles. In this study, it was shown that bones may affect muscle strength gain in healthy young adult males. Vibration has a strong osteogenic effect. Vibration-induced bone formation is neuronally regulated. Vibration can also effectively enhance muscle strength and power. Previous studies have shown that vibration increases muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity. But, it has not been reported whether bone has an effect on the increase in muscle EMG activity caused by vibration or not. The aim of this study was to determine whether radius bone exposed to cyclic mechanical loading affects muscle electrical activity of contralateral untrained m. flexor carpi radialis in healthy adult volunteers.