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Cardiovascular tests during a self-paced maximal exercise protocol (SPV) continually scored high ratings of VO2 max when compared to more traditional procedures. Jenkins et. al sought to understand the underlying causes of this increase in VO2 max by testing SPV versus the more regimented RAMP method. They sought to explore the results through extensive physiological measurement, as well as testing difference in older and younger age groups, while participants completed physical experiments.

The SPV protocol was completed on an air-braked cycle ergometer, which allowed participants to continually vary their Power Output (PO) throughout the test. An electro-magnetically braked cycle ergometer was used for the RAMP protocol, so that PO was fixed for each stage of the incremental RAMP protocol.

VO2 Max is essentially the maximum amount of oxygen utilized during a workout. Forty-four (44) male and female participants completed the experiment, half aged between 18- 30 and half between 50-75. The participants completed each test over a multi-day period. The tests were exhaustive, requiring subjects to cycle in place until they couldn’t any longer.

Jenkins et. al recorded various physiological signals including NIRS, breathing/expired gases, cardiac output/ stroke volume, blood lactate, and electromyography (EMG). BIOPAC’s BioNomadix research acquisition system wirelessly transmitted EMG data using two electrodes placed on participants’ right leg while they completed physical tasks.

Researchers were able find differences in the interaction effects of EMG between the two test protocols in the older group. The results complied with previous research, in that SPV allowed a higher VO2 max compared RAMP. Through monitoring physiological measurement, the study results suggested increased oxygen delivery as to an increase in oxygen-muscle extraction. The researchers found that there wasn’t a significance difference between the two testing protocols with the older population, though it’s unclear why. Overall, the experiment provides greater understanding of what causes differences in VO2 max between the two experimental procedures.

Facial electromyography (FEMG) was compared to the more commonly used EMG in an experimental context to indentify if there is a more accurate approach that can be taken by neurological researchers in the field of advertising. Authors Lajante et al. identified that there are short comings when utilizing EMG to provide insight on the emotional reactions of individuals to advertising content and that other methodological approaches could be beneficial. FEMG represents a closer analysis on subtle facial movements, through which there is the potential of signaling positive and negative emotions in very subtle facial motions or changes. Comfortably seated in a laboratory setting, participants were fitted with electrodes and warned not to make unnecessary movements. EMG and FEMG were then concurrently monitored while advertisements by eight distinct brands were displayed on a flat screen TV in front of them. After being exposed to the advertisements, participants completed a 9-point self-assessment survey. BIOPAC’s wearable BioNomadix 2ch EMG transmitter was utilized for the purpose of collecting the FEMG signals. These signals were measured through observing specific, responsive muscle movements. Upward movements at the corners of the mouth indicated the Zygomaticus major, responsible for smiling or positive emotional response. Negative emotions were similarly identified through a frowning gesture indicated by eyebrow contractions. The researchers concluded that while facial EMG provides benefits as a form of measurement, there are extenuating complications with recording. Though it does effectively measure the emotional valence of a participant, there are doubts in the confidence of reliability and validity of the data. Lajante et al. addressed the importance of abiding strictly by the technological and methodological guidelines if considering this new and relatively unexplored area of research. Ultimately this study represents baby steps in exploring an exciting new avenue of research. Facial EMG has the potential of being a more emotionally sensitive approach when further researching and understanding people.

Focal hand dystonia, also known as “musician’s cramp,” is a movement disorder that causes involuntary flexing in the fingers, or finger cramps, when playing a musical instrument. This disorder poses a huge problem for professional musicians and in some cases can even threaten their careers. Many methods have been attempted to try and alleviate the ailment, but the most effective training method has been the “slow-down exercise” (SDE). This exercise, based on the fact that symptoms disappear when playing at a slow tempo, involves selecting a short passage that triggers the cramps then slowing the tempo down to where the musician can play without involuntary finger flexing. The same passage is then repeated over and over, gradually increasing the speed over time. While this method has helped improve symptoms, it was unclear what aspects of motor skills improved through SDE training.

Michiko Yoshie, Naotaka Sakai, Tatsuyuki Ohtsuki and Kazutoshi Kudo investigated how SDE affected motor performance, muscular activity, and somatosensation in a dystonic pianist. The study entitled “Slow-Down Exercise Reverses Sensorimotor Reorganization in Focal Hand Dystonia: A Case Study of a Pianist” tested a musician over a 12 month period as she underwent SDE training for 30 minutes a day, playing a specific passage that evoked the finger cramps most substantially. During the motor task, the musician’s surface EMG was recorded using EMG amplifiers and a BIOPAC MP Data Acquisition System. Throughout the rehabilitation process the musician improved her speed of key strokes and actually helped recover her normal motor and somatosensory functions. The researchers even found evidence that showed the brain had the capacity to reverse sensorimotor reorganization that was induced by the focal hand dystonia. The findings objectively show that SDE training not only improves effected people’s key strokes but helps to completely recover from the neurological disorder.