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Biomedical subjects

T Graven-Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to T Graven-Nielsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Muscle pain induces task-dependent changes in cervical agonist/antagonist activity.

This study examined the effect of experimental neck muscle pain on the EMG-force relationship of cervical agonist and antagonist muscles. Surface EMG signals were detected from the sternomastoid, splenius capitis, and upper trapezius muscles bilaterally from 14 healthy subjects during cervical flexion and extension contractions of linearly increasing force from 0 to 60% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Measurements were performed before and after injection of 0.5 ml hypertonic and isotonic saline into either the sternomastoid or splenius capitis in two experimental sessions. EMG average rectified value (ARV) of the sternomastoid, splenius capitis, and upper trapezius muscles and the muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) of the sternomastoid muscle were estimated at 5% MVC force increments. During cervical flexion with injection of hypertonic saline in sternomastoid, ARV of sternomastoid was lower on the side of pain in the force range 25-60% MVC (P < 0.05) and was associated with a bilateral reduction of splenius capitis and upper trapezius ARV (P < 0.01). During cervical extension, injection of hypertonic saline in splenius capitis resulted in lower estimates of splenius capitis ARV on the painful side from 45 to 60% MVC (P < 0.05), which was associated with a bilateral increase in upper trapezius ARV estimates from 50 to 60% MVC (P < 0.001). However, no significant change was identified for estimates of sternomastoid ARV. Experimentally induced neck muscle pain resulted in task-dependent changes in cervical agonist/antagonist activity without modifications in muscle fiber CV.

Adult↗

Spatial dependency of trapezius muscle activity during repetitive shoulder flexion.

The purpose of this study was to explore changes in spatial muscle activation within the three divisions of the trapezius muscle during a dynamic, cyclic task of the upper limb. Surface EMG signals were detected from thirteen healthy subjects from the upper, middle and lower divisions of the trapezius muscle at multiple electrode sites in the cephalad-caudal direction during a repetitive shoulder flexion task. Initial values and rate of change of average rectified value (ARV) and of instantaneous mean power spectral frequency (iMNF) were estimated at 45 degrees , 90 degrees and 120 degrees of shoulder flexion throughout the 5-min task. The location of the electrodes had a significant effect on initial EMG ARV for both the upper and middle division of the trapezius muscle (P<0.05). Both the rate of change and normalized rate of change of ARV were greatest for the most cranial muscle fibers of the upper division (P<0.05). Initial values and rates of change of iMNF were also affected by electrode location for the upper and lower divisions of the trapezius muscle (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that muscle activity and its changes over time depend on position within the three divisions of the trapezius muscle during a dynamic, cyclic task of the upper limb. This suggests non-uniform muscle fiber distribution and/or recruitment. The results also highlight the importance of multiple recording sites when investigating trapezius muscle function in dynamic tasks.

Adult↗

Experimental skin pain and muscle pain induce distinct changes in human trigeminal motoneuronal excitability.

Seeking information on the physiological properties of the trigeminal motoneuronal pool we investigated changes in the excitability of trigeminal motor system induced by two types of experimental pain (muscle and skin). In one session, we studied the effect of muscle pain induced by hypertonic saline infusion into the masseter muscle on the recovery cycle of the heteronymous H-reflex in the temporalis muscle and the homonymous silent period (SP) in the masseter muscle, both elicited by stimulation of the masseteric nerve in ten-healthy subjects. In another session, we studied the effect of laser stimuli applied to the perioral region, at conditioning intervals from 20 to 160 ms, on the temporalis H-reflex and masseter SP in nine healthy subjects. Whereas laser-induced skin pain significantly inhibited the temporalis H-reflex and facilitated the masseter SP (P < 0.01), muscle pain left the time course of the temporalis H-reflex and masseter SP unchanged (P > 0.05). The timing of temporalis H-reflex suppression and masseter-SP enhancement induced by laser stimuli indicates that facial skin nociceptors inhibit trigeminal motoneurones via multysynaptic reflex pathways. Hypertonic saline, a stimulus that predominantly activates group III and IV afferents, left both variables reflecting trigeminal motoneuron excitability unchanged. Due to the differences between the two experimental models, we cannot conclude that such inhibitory reflex pathway does not exist from muscle nociceptors to trigeminal motoneurones.

Adult↗

Patterns of experimentally induced pain in pericranial muscles.

Nociceptive mechanisms in the craniofacial muscle tissue are poorly understood. The pain pattern in individual pericranial muscles has not been described before. Experimental muscle pain was induced by standardized infusions of 0.2 ml 1 m hypertonic saline into six craniofacial muscles (masseter, anterior temporalis, posterior temporalis, trapezius, splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoid) in 20 healthy subjects. The pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were determined before and after infusions. The subjects continuously reported intensity of saline-induced pain on an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS) and the perceived area of pain was drawn on anatomical maps. The pain areas were measured and the localization determined by a new centre-of-gravity method. The PPTs were lowest on the sternocleidomastoid muscle (anova: P<0.001), but the saline-evoked VAS pain scored highest following injection into the masseter muscle (anova: P<0.05). The centre-of-gravity measures demonstrated significantly different localization of the pain areas (anova: P<0.001). The trigeminally vs. the cervically innervated muscles had significantly different patterns of spread and referral of pain according to trigeminally vs. cervically innervated dermatomes (P<0.005). In conclusion, there appear to be characteristic pain patterns and pain sensitivity in different craniofacial muscles in healthy volunteers, which may be of importance for further research on different craniofacial pain conditions.

Face↗

Activity patterns of wrist extensor muscles during wrist extensions and deviations.

Wrist extensor muscles are prone to certain focal musculoskeletal disorders for which the activation pattern of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and ulnaris (ECU) muscles may be important risk factors. Surface and intramuscular EMG of these muscles were recorded during isometric low-force wrist extension in semipronation and pronation as well as for ulnar/radial deviation, and were analyzed using root mean square (RMS) and decomposition methods. Despite shorter ECR length at semipronation, higher amplitudes of intramuscular EMG and of motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) were found in pronation than in semipronation. However, these changes were not detectable in the surface EMG. Higher ECR activity levels were also found during wrist extension compared to ulnar/radial deviation, and differences in the motor unit (MU) properties were found during ulnar deviation compared to radial deviation and extension. Remarkably, the MUAPs of ECR were almost twice as large as those of the ECU. Overall, the ECR muscle did not respond as predicted from biomechanical considerations, and in general activity level was higher than expected. This may partly explain why the tendon of the ECR often is associated with lateral epicondylitis.

Adult↗

Experimental muscle pain increases trapezius muscle activity during sustained isometric contractions of arm muscles.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the influence of experimental muscle pain on muscle co-ordination and fatigue development during sustained isometric elbow flexion was investigated. METHODS: Conventional surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, deltoideus and trapezius muscle during isometric elbow flexion at 40% maximum force. Single motor unit (MU) conduction velocity in the biceps brachii was assessed using a high spatial resolution surface EMG technique. Measurements were performed on 15 healthy subjects before, during and after (1) injection of hypertonic (pain condition) and (2) isotonic saline (control) into the biceps brachii. The pain intensity was assessed on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The experimental results showed in both experimental sessions a fatigue-related increase of the root mean square value of EMG (222+/-164% of the baseline), and a decrease of the median frequency (118+/-16% of the baseline) in all investigated muscles. A maximum pain level of in average 3.2 cm on the visual analogue scale was reached after injection of hypertonic saline during contraction. Differences between painful and control condition were seen in an increased trapezius activity (230+/-141%) during pain. The global EMG activity of the brachioradialis and biceps brachii was unaffected by experimental muscle pain in line with unaffected single MU conduction velocity in the biceps brachii. Differences in endurance time (mean 89.3 and 102.3 s, pain and control, respectively) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that upper extremity pain could be a possible source for overloading the trapezius muscle and as such is an important factor in occupational settings.

Adult↗

Effects of experimental muscle pain on mechanical properties of single motor units in human masseter.

OBJECTIVE: Muscle pain is known to influence muscle activity but the details of its effects on the mechanical properties of single motor units (SMU) have not been described. We have recently reported a decreased firing rate of SMU in the human masseter muscle during painful contractions with a constant force output. Force output can be modulated by the SMU discharge rate in relation to the contractile properties of SMU. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to measure the mechanical properties of SMU in the masseter to clarify the mechanism which underlies the decrease in SMU firing rate during jaw-muscle pain. METHODS: A spike-triggered averaging (STA) technique was used to determine the mechanical properties of low-threshold SMU in the masseter muscle recorded with fine wire electrodes during a voluntary isometric contraction. The twitch amplitude, contraction time, and half-relaxation time were determined from the averaged force records before and during experimental jaw-muscle pain induced by injection of 0.2 ml (100 microg/ml) capsaicin in 8 healthy subjects. Injections of 0.2 ml isotonic saline served as a non-painful control in 11 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The twitch amplitude was significantly increased during capsaicin-evoked muscle pain (P<0.001) without significant changes of half-relaxation time and contraction time. No significant changes in SMU twitch properties were observed during the control injections. CONCLUSIONS: Potentiation of twitch force could be a possible compensatory mechanism to maintain a constant force output during painful isometric contractions when SMU firing decreases. This finding therefore provides new information on the adaptation of motor function by muscle pain.

Adult↗

Surface EMG crosstalk evaluated from experimental recordings and simulated signals. Reflections on crosstalk interpretation, quantification and reduction.

OBJECTIVES: Surface EMG crosstalk is the EMG signal detected over a non-active muscle and generated by a nearby muscle. The aim of this study was to analyze the sources of crosstalk signals in surface EMG recordings and to discuss methods proposed in the literature for crosstalk quantification and reduction. METHODS: The study is based on both simulated and experimental signals. The simulated signals are generated by a structure based surface EMG signal model. Signals were recorded with both intramuscular and surface electrodes and single motor unit surface potentials were extracted with the spike triggered averaging approach. Moreover, surface EMG signals were recorded from electrically stimulated muscles. RESULTS: From the simulation and experimental analysis it was clear that the main determinants of crosstalk are non-propagating signal components, generated by the extinction of the intracellular action potentials at the tendons. Thus, crosstalk signals have a different shape with respect to the signals detected over the active muscle and contain high frequency components. CONCLUSIONS: Since crosstalk has signal components different from those dominant in case of detection from near sources, commonly used methods to quantify and reduce crosstalk, such as the cross-correlation coefficient and high-pass temporal filtering, are not reliable. Selectivity of detection systems must be discussed separately as selectivity with respect to propagating and non-propagating signal components. The knowledge about the origin of crosstalk signal constitutes the basis for crosstalk interpretation, quantification, and reduction.

Action Potentials↗

[Assessment of muscle pain and hyperalgesia. Experimental and clinical findings].

AIM: It is evident that muscle hyperalgesia and referred pain have an important role in chronic musculoskeletal pain. More knowledge of the basic mechanisms involved and better methods of assessing muscle pain in clinical practice are needed so that treatment regimens can be revised and improved. METHODS: Methods of quantitative sensory testing of muscle pain and associated phenomena are described. These methods make it possible to evaluate manifestations of muscle pain in a standardised way both in patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain and in healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Elevated muscle sensitivity becomes manifest as (1) pain evoked by a normally non-noxious stimulus (allodynia), (2) abnormally intense pain evoked by noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia), or (3) unusually large areas of referred pain with associated somatosensory changes. These changes can occur as increased somatosensory sensitivity of deep somatic tissues or of the skin in areas of pain referral. Some manifestations of sensitisation in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients, such as expansion of the areas of referred muscle pain, can be explained by the extra segmental spread of central sensitisation seen in animal experiments. CONCLUSIONS: An important part of the manifestations of pain in chronic musculoskeletal disorders may be due to peripheral and central sensitisation processes, which are also involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Knowledge of these processes has expanded enormously in recent years; it should be utilised when new intervention strategies are designed.

Humans↗

Pharmacological modulation of experimental phasic and tonic muscle pain by morphine, alfentanil and ketamine in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Muscle pain is a major clinical problem but the underlying mechanisms and its pharmacological modulation need further investigation. This study on 15 volunteers evaluates if two experimental muscle pain models are sensitive to micro -receptor agonists and to an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist. METHODS: In the left tibialis anterior, intramuscular electrical (IMES) pain thresholds were determined for single (SPTmuscle) and five (RPTmuscle) repeated stimuli. Also pain to suprathreshold stimulation at 150% of RPTmuscle, 10 s, was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) as AUCimes (area under the VAS curve). In the right TA muscle, pain intensity on infusion of 0.5 ml of hypertonic saline, 5% (AUCsaline) and pain distribution indicated as local and referred were evaluated. Pain variables were assessed before, during and after intravenous infusions of morphine (10 microg x kg-1 min-1, 10 min), alfentanil (target-controlled infusion, plasma concentration; 60 ng ml-1, 60 min) and ketamine (10 microg x kg-1 min-1, 60 min). All data were normalized to baseline pain values (before drug infusions were initiated) and compared with placebo (midazolam, 2 microg x kg-1 min-1, 10 min). RESULTS: SPTmuscle increased (log mean values +/- SD, mA) with morphine (0.11 +/- 0.17, P < 0.05), alfentanil (0.28 +/- 0.24, P < 0.001) and ketamine (0.19 +/- 0.18, P < 0.01) as compared with placebo (-0.03 +/- 0.12). Alfentanil and ketamine also increased RPTmuscle (0.25 +/- 0.21, P < 0.01 and 0.21 +/- 0.19, P < 0.05, respectively) as compared with placebo (0.00 +/- 0.17). Pain to IMES (AUCimes) was reduced (median values [25th-75th percentiles], cm x s) by alfentanil and ketamine (-19.7 [-14.6 - -29.6] and-12.8 [-8.3 - -27.8], P < 0.05, respectively) vs. placebo (-0.8 [1.6 - -12.3]). Similar drug effects were seen when pain to infusion of hypertonic saline (AUCsaline) was assessed (alfentanil:-388 [-99 - -677] and ketamine:-326 [-227 - -573], P < 0.05 compared with placebo: 150 [449--240]). Ketamine also reduced the size of the local pain area (-58.4 [-21.2 - -176.1], < 0.05) as compared with placebo (-0.4 [70.6 - -13.4]). The frequency of referred pain was also lower when ketamine was given (3/13, P < 0.05) vs. placebo (9/14). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that experimental muscle pain induced in humans by electrical stimulation and infusion of hypertonic saline is sensitive to pharmacological modulation similar to preclinical animal tests and clinical trials. The data suggest that these models can be valuable tools in analgesic drug development.

Adult↗

Lumbar epidural fentanyl: segmental spread and effect on temporal summation and muscle pain.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive use, different aspects of the pharmacological action of epidural fentanyl have not been clarified. We applied a multi-modal sensory test procedure to investigate the effect of epidural fentanyl on segmental spread, temporal summation (as a measure for short-lasting central hyperexcitability) and muscle pain. METHODS: Thirty patients received either placebo, 50 or 100 micro g single dose of fentanyl epidurally (L2-3), in a randomized, double-blind fashion. Heat pain tolerance thresholds at eight dermatomes from S1 to fifth cranial nerve (assessment of segmental spread), pain threshold to transcutaneous repeated electrical stimulation of the sural nerve (assessment of temporal summation) and pain intensity after injection of hypertonic saline into the tibialis anterior muscle (assessment of muscle pain) were recorded. RESULTS: Fentanyl 100 micro g, but not 50 micro g, produced analgesia to heat stimulation only at L2. Surprisingly, no effect at S1 was detected. Both fentanyl doses significantly increased temporal summation threshold and decreased muscle pain intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a single lumbar epidural dose of fentanyl should be injected at the spinal interspace corresponding to the dermatomal site of pain. Increased effect on L2 compared with S1 suggests that drug effect on spinal nerve roots and binding to opioid receptors on the dorsal root ganglia may be more important than traditionally believed for the segmental effect of epidurally injected fentanyl. Epidural fentanyl increases temporal summation threshold and could therefore contribute to prevention and treatment of central hypersensitivity states. I.M. injection of hypertonic saline is a sensitive technique for detecting the analgesic action of epidural opioids.

Adult↗

Temporal summation of pain from skin, muscle and joint following nociceptive ultrasonic stimulation in humans.

This study investigated the phenomenon of temporal summation in response to repetitive focused ultrasound stimulation of skin, muscle and joint in human volunteers. Stimulation was carried out using a custom-designed, focused ultrasonic stimulator with a resonant frequency of 1.66 MHz. A series of stand-off attachments were used to ensure that the focal region of the ultrasound beam projected either cutaneously, within the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger, or within the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Stimulation was carried out using single pulses and trains of five pulses of different pulse durations (25 ms, 50 ms, 75 ms, 100 ms), and using single pulses and trains of five pulses (50 ms duration) at different frequencies (0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, 4 Hz, 5 Hz). Tactile perception thresholds, pain thresholds and summation pain thresholds were recorded. Temporal summation of pain could be elicited by stimulation of both skin, joint and muscle, although the influence of temporal summation appeared to be more pronounced for muscle stimulation. Muscle stimulation also required greater ultrasound intensity compared with joint and skin stimulation. Temporal summation could not be elicited by tactile, low-intensity stimulation. Focused ultrasound is a potent, noninvasive technique with which to investigate temporal summation from somatic structures. A number of factors may account for the higher intensities required to elicit pain in muscle and the increased rate of temporal summation. It is clear, however, that if temporal summation is more pronounced in muscle than other tissues then this may be an important factor contributing to pain in musculoskeletal syndromes.

Adult↗

Thermosensitivity of muscle: high-intensity thermal stimulation of muscle tissue induces muscle pain in humans.

Small-calibre afferent units responding to thermal stimuli have previously been reported to exist in muscle. The question as to whether these receptors in humans mediate subjective thermal sensations from muscle remains unresolved. The aims of the present study were to determine in humans whether intramuscular injection of warm and cold isotonic saline elicits temperature sensations, muscle pain or any other sensations. In 15 subjects, no thermal sensations assessed on a temperature visual analogue scale (VAS) could be detected with intramuscular injections of isotonic saline (1.5 ml) into the anterior tibial muscle at temperatures ranging from 8 to 48 degrees C. The same subjects recorded strongly increasing scores on a temperature VAS when thermal stimuli in the same intensity range were applied to the skin overlying the muscle by a contact thermode. However, I.M. isotonic saline of 48 degrees C induced muscle pain with peak scores of 3.2 +/- 0.8 cm on a VAS scale ranging from 0 to 10 cm. Using the the McGill pain questionnaire a subgroup, of subjects qualitatively described the pain using the 'thermal hot' and 'dullness' word groups. Temperature measurements within the muscle during the stimulating injections showed that the time course of the pain sensation elicited by saline at 48 degrees C paralleled that of the intramuscular temperature and far outlasted the injection time. The present data show that high-intensity thermal stimulation of muscle is associated with muscle pain. High-threshold warm-sensitive receptors may mediate the pain following activation by temperatures of 48 degrees C or more. Taken together, the data indicate that thermosensation from a given volume of muscle is less potent than nociception.

Adult↗

Topographic effects of tonic cutaneous nociceptive stimulation on human electroencephalograph.

To examine the specific effects of cutaneous pain on electroencephalographic (EEG) activities, tonic painful and non-painful sensations in left forearm were induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin 100 microg/20microl and the same volume of vehicle, respectively, in 15 healthy males. The EEG data acquired in five experimental conditions: (i) baseline A; (ii) non-painful vehicle injection; (iii) baseline B; (iv) painful capsaicin injection and (v) waning pain, were analyzed and compared with analysis of variance. Only the painful capsaicin injection evoked significant decreases of theta, alpha-1 and alpha-2 powers over the centro-parieto-occipital regions compared with baseline B. No significant difference in EEG activation between the non-painful vehicle injection and painful capsaicin injection was found. This implicates that the observed topographic EEG activation is not specific for pain but probably related to the cutaneous stimulation.

Adult↗

Conditioning of heteronymous H reflex in human temporalis muscle by stimulation of perioral afferents.

A heteronymous H reflex in the temporalis muscle can be elicited by selective stimulation of the masseteric nerve. The present study aimed at defining the optimal amplitude of the H reflex to detect inhibitory changes induced by stimulation of the perioral afferents and at providing new information on the control of masticatory muscles. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. A conditioning stimulus (CS) to the perioral skin was applied at various delays before an ipsilateral selective masseteric nerve stimulation (test stimulus: TS) while the subject was clenching the teeth at 25% of the maximal voluntary contraction. Two intensities of CS and TS were employed, high and low. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the H reflex (TS) and the root-mean-square value of the preceding electromyography were measured and the data analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's posthoc tests. For both intensities used the heteronymous H reflex in the temporalis muscle was significantly decreased by prior activation of perioral afferents for delays from 5 to 60 ms. With a delay of 5 and 35 ms the preceding EMG level was not changed, while it was reduced at 20 and 60 ms delay. The intensities used to elicit the heteronymous H reflex of the temporalis muscle were appropriate to detect a reduction in motoneuron excitability. The reduction in the H reflex without a change in the preceding EMG at 5 and 35 ms delays could be due to presynaptic inhibition of the masseteric afferents exerted by the ipsilateral perioral afferents.

Adult↗

Different EEG topographic effects of painful and non-painful intramuscular stimulation in man.

To clarify the specific effects of muscle pain on electroencephalogram (EEG) activation in man, painful and non-painful sensations were produced by intramuscular injections of capsaicin and vehicle solution in the left brachioradialis muscle, with identical procedures in 15 male volunteers. Thirty-one channel EEG data acquired before, during and after the two injections were analysed and compared in respect of topography and power spectrum. Although the painful and non-painful muscular stimulations evoked similar EEG topographic patterns, statistics demonstrated that distinct EEG activation over different areas of the head were induced by the painful and non-painful stimulation compared with the baselines. The decreases in theta and alpha-1 (8-10.5 Hz) activity in central and posterior parietal parts were evoked by non-painful stimulation, but the decreases in alpha-1 and alpha-2 (11-13.5 Hz) activities in the posterior part of the head were induced by painful stimulation. The alpha-2 activity augmented during the waning pain following a decrease in the overt pain. Comparing the EEG changes between baseline, non-painful and painful stimulations as well as waning pain, we found that the increase in beta-2 activity during muscle pain was significant over the extensive areas of the head, whereas a significant increase in alpha-2 activity took place at the posterior part of the head during waning pain following a marked decrease in overt pain. These results may imply that the painful and non-painful muscular stimulations evoke distinct EEG activation in different neural networks of the human brain and the intensity of nociceptive input from muscle may encode the variety of topographic EEG changes.

Adult↗

An investigation of how acute muscle pain modulates performance during computer work with digitizer and puck.

The purpose was to investigate the influence of muscle pain on work performance during computer work with digitizer and puck. Muscle pain was induced by infusion of hypertonic saline in the trapezius and the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles on two separate days. Twelve healthy subjects participated. A computer task was performed in three 6 min sessions: baseline, pain, after pain. The computer task comprised production of drawings at maximal work pace. One drawing was defined as a work cycle. Work cycle time, number of puck button clicks, and screen pixels the cursor had moved per cycle were assessed. Shoulder pain did not influence these variables. Cycle time decreased from 13.8 (SD 2.2) to 13.0 s (SD 1.9) compared to baseline (p < 0.05) during ECU muscle pain. The increased or unchanged performance suggests that acute moderate muscle pain has minor influence on performance during computer work with digitizer and puck.

Adult↗