Browsing by Subject "Upper Extremity"

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    Differential processing of nociceptive input within upper limb muscles
    (Public Library of Science, 2018-04-25) Eckert, Nathanial R.; Poston, Brach; Riley, Zachary A.; Kinesiology, School of Physical Education and Tourism Management
    The cutaneous silent period is an inhibitory evoked response that demonstrates a wide variety of responses in muscles of the human upper limb. Classically, the cutaneous silent period results in a characteristic muscle pattern of extensor inhibition and flexor facilitation within the upper limb, in the presence of nociceptive input. The aims of the current study were: 1) to primarily investigate the presence and characteristics of the cutaneous silent period response across multiple extensor and flexor muscles of the upper limb, and 2) to secondarily investigate the influence of stimulation site on this nociceptive reflex response. It was hypothesized that the cutaneous silent period would be present in all muscles, regardless of role (flexion/extension) or the stimulation site. Twenty-two healthy, university-age adults (14 males; 8 females; 23 ± 5 yrs) participated in the study. Testing consisted of three different stimulation sites (Digit II, V, and II+III nociceptive stimulation) during a low intensity, sustained muscle contraction, in which, 7 upper limb muscles were monitored via surface EMG recording electrodes. Distal muscles of the upper limb presented with the earliest reflex onset times, longest reflex duration, and lowest level of EMG suppression when compared to the more proximal muscles, regardless of extensor/flexor role. Additionally, the greatest overall inhibitory influence was expressed within the distal muscles. In conclusion, the present study provides a new level of refinement within the current understanding of the spinal organization associated with nociceptive input processing and the associated motor control of the upper limb. Subsequently, these results have further implications on the impact of nociception on supraspinal processing.
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    Skills on Wheels: Development and Benefits of an Upper Extremity Home Exercise Program
    (2023-05-01) Hoseinpour, Niki; Albright, Megan; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Albright, Megan
    Participants of the Skills on Wheels Program are manual wheelchair users who are part of pediatric population and have underlying diagnoses that has impacted their functional mobility skills, such as manual wheelchair propulsion. In some cases, this has impacted their overall upper extremity functioning as well. To have adequate manual wheelchair skills, it is essential to have strong upper extremity functioning. Research suggests that providing upper extremity home exercise programs (HEPs) can have a positive impact manual wheelchair users’ upper extremity functioning, such as their range of motion (ROM) and hand strength. Other studies have suggested that manual wheelchair users will experience chronic pain from overuse injuries due to consistent manual wheelchair propulsion in their everyday life. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to determine the effectiveness of implementing a client centered upper extremity HEP to the Skills on Wheels program. The capstone student prepared for this by gaining clinical practice skills in the relevant focus area and conducting literature reviews. With the skills gained through preparation, the capstone student created an upper extremity HEP that was client friendly and specific. Participants of Skills on Wheels were provided with either a client centered HEP, a general HEP, or no exercises. Various outcomes were identified by the student with this implementation of an upper extremity HEP. The results suggested that although there are benefits to implementing an upper extremity HEP, there may also be implications of overuse of the upper extremity that is decreasing the participants’ overall upper extremity functioning.