A Cross-Sectional Study on Bilateral Asymmetry of Respiratory Muscle Activity During Breathing in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Surface Electromyography Analysis
A Cross-Sectional Study on Bilateral Asymmetry of Respiratory Muscle Activity During Breathing in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Surface Electromyography Analysis
This observational cross-sectional study investigates the bilateral asymmetry of respiratory muscle activity during breathing in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often exhibit structural deformities, which may lead to impaired chest mobility and asymmetric respiratory function. The primary objective is to objectively evaluate the imbalance in the activation of bilateral respiratory muscles (intercostal, external oblique, and sternocleidomastoid) using non-invasive surface electromyography (sEMG). Muscle activity will be measured during resting breathing and active breathing tasks. The findings aim to provide clinical evidence for developing selective respiratory muscle training programs for this population.
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jemin9957@naver.com+82 9936-9957
Children with spastic cerebral palsy frequently experience abnormal muscle tone and motor control issues, leading to structural deformities like scoliosis and pelvic asymmetry. These structural changes can restrict chest wall mobility and cause inefficient, asymmetrical breathing patterns. While ultrasound is often used to assess diaphragm function, it has limitations in evaluating functional respiratory pressure differences based on gross motor function levels and requires high cognitive cooperation. Therefore, this study utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) to quantify the muscle activation (Root Mean Square, RMS) of respiratory and accessory muscles. The study involves children aged 4 to 12 years with spastic CP. Measurements are conducted in a seated position under two main conditions: 30 seconds of resting breathing and an active breathing task involving blowing a pinwheel or bubbles. An Asymmetry Index (AI) will be calculated to compare the degree of bilateral muscle activation imbalance across the different breathing conditions.
jemin9957@naver.com+82 9936-9957