Surface EMG and motor control of the upper extremity in muscular dystrophy: a pilot study

The specific aims of the study were to determine the level of EMG signals of selected arm muscles of a person with MD and identify muscular synergism. A series of tests were designed to record EMG during maximal isometric force application and muscular activity during isotonic arm motion. A test-bed was constructed where the subjects were seated next to a table and were asked to apply maximum radial force with their elbow flexed at 30°. A hovering air bearing was used to support the arm so as to minimize friction. Four subjects were selected to participate in the preliminary study: two healthy individuals, one with Becker´s type MD and one with Duchenne´s type MD