Biomedical subjects

K Erler

Publications and source records attributed to K Erler.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1977

[Physico-mechanical and structural changes in the hard dental tissues after physiological abrasion].

The authors studied the specific hardness, micromorphology, electric resistance and penetration by 22Na ions in teeth extracted from juvenile subjects with beginning abrasion of the enamel differentiating between tooth parts affected with attrition and tooth parts not affected. The structural or physicomechanical properties of the enamel and dentine were quantitatively evaluated with regard to their relation to caries disposition.

Dental Caries Susceptibility↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[EMG mapping--applications and results in assessment of muscle coordination disorders in patients with a knee endoprosthesis (knee TEP)].

QUESTION: Disorders of coordination, strength and proprioception are frequently described after surgery of the knee joint. These muscular coordination disorders have not yet been studied sufficiently. The purpose of this study was the objective-quantitative characterization of muscular coordination disorders of the M. quadriceps femoris by means of EMG mapping in the arthrotic knee joint and their progress after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty and after in-patient rehabilitation. METHODS: The extent and pattern of activation (EMG mapping) of the M. quadriceps femoris were investigated by means of a 16-channel EMG technique in 38 patients before and after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (type LCS). RESULTS: EMG mapping permitted an objective-quantitative characterization of the extent and pattern of activation in the M. quadriceps femoris before and after the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty and therefore the objectivation of muscular coordination disorders. Muscular coordination disorders were present already before surgery and were also caused by the implantation of a total knee arthroplasty. These coordination disorders can be improved by an inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The development of exercise programs adequate for everyday life is necessary to remove quickly and actually the demonstrated coordination disorders.

Action Potentials↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Objective assessment of results of special hydrotherapy in inpatient rehabilitation following knee prosthesis implantation].

AIM: Based on our own previous surface EMG investigations (EMG mapping), it has been shown that disturbances in coordination, proprioception and strength measured before and after implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be treated successfully with standard physical therapy during in-patient rehabilitation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a special type of hydrotherapy. METHOD: 25 patients with TKA were treated for 3 weeks with a standardized hydrotherapy training during in-patient rehabilitation. Several diagnostic methods (EMG mapping, Isokinetics, Ultrasound) were applied to objectify and quantify changes in muscular coordination and strength at 4, 7, and 26 weeks postoperative. These results were compared with the results of 38 TKA patients treated with a "standard rehabilitation program" and with the results of 20 healthy persons. RESULTS: EMG mapping as well as isokinetics and ultrasound permitted an objective characterization of the results. Patients treated with the special hydrotherapy showed greater improvements in the investigated items of coordination and strength than patients treated with the "standard rehabilitation program". For example, in the hydrotherapy group a significantly better contraction capacity of the M. vastus intermedius was measured. The intensive hydrotherapy was tolerated by all patients and reached good acceptance. CONCLUSION: The investigated hydrotherapy technique leads to better muscular coordination and strength, which can provoke a better stabilization of the knee joint. Therefore, the early and intensive application of hydrotherapy for improving coordination and strength in the rehabilitation of patients with total knee arthroplasty is advisable.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[5-year follow-up study of total knee arthroplasty by means of EMG mapping].

AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the long-term functional results after implantation of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) objectively and quantitatively. METHOD: Functional parameters (muscular coordination, strength and range of motion) and the subjective satisfaction of the patients were measured by means of EMG mapping, isokinetics, ultrasound and a questionnaire in 21 patients with TKA 5.1 years after implantation of the TKA. RESULTS: 81 % of the investigated patients were subjectively satisfied. The isokinetic results showed a significant improvement of the extensor strength and of the relation between flexors and extensors. Patients who had been more physically active over these 5 years reached significantly better results. The results of EMG mapping showed good overall retention of the satisfactory coordination levels resulting from the initial in-patient rehabilitation. But the coordination patterns demonstrated clear changes showing highly activated areas in the region of the M. vastus medialis. The range of motion and the contraction capacity showed no further improvement compared with the results 26 weeks after implantation of the TKA. CONCLUSION: Long-term results after implantation of a TKA showed a good muscular coordination, strength and range of motion. A higher physical activity level led to better functional results and greater overall satisfaction of TKA patients 5 years after implantation.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biocybernetic investigations of pursuit and posture motor control--a strategy for a detailed characterization of movement disorders in brain-damaged children.

By means of a biocybernetic approach the pursuit and posture motor control of brain-damaged children with spastic hemiparesis and disturbed motor coordination of mild extent were investigated. The postural motor control system was loaded by pseudostochastic binary torque sequences applied to the wrist. The dynamics of this system were characterized on the basis of the parameters forearm displacement as well as surface-EMG of M. Biceps and Triceps (calculations of weight functions). The pursuit motor control was analyzed by a pursuit tracking method. By this way the motor capacity for fine and rough motor coordination, motor rhythm, motor adaptation, the maximal speed of movements and motor reaction time could be tested. Considering these results a characterization of movement control on different levels of motor regulation was possible (dynamics of muscular, spinal, and supraspinal components of motor control).

Brain Damage, Chronic↗