The effect of Lycra compression on upper limb muscle activity during a reaching task

Morris, Gary, Dando, Stephen, Bevan, Anna, Green, Charlotte, Harris, Alana and Lewis, Hayley 2019. The effect of Lycra compression on upper limb muscle activity during a reaching task. Presented at: Physiotherapy UK National Conference, Birmingham, 10-11th November 2017.

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Abstract

Introduction: Impairment of the upper limb is common in many neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy. Lycra compression garments have been used in rehabilitation as a treatment adjunct however the evidence base remains limited. The physiological effect of these garments is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing a Lycra garment on upper limb muscle activity during a reaching task. Method: A same subject crossover design was used. 21 healthy participants were randomised to a ‘Lycra’ or ‘no Lycra’ (control) condition. The Lycra garment comprised an arm sleeve and hand/finger gauntlet. Surface electromyography (EMG) was applied to the anterior and middle deltoid, wrist extensors and finger flexors. Participants undertook three repetitions of a loaded (2.5Kg) reaching task. Following a rest interval participants repeated the task in the alternate condition for comparison. Results: When wearing Lycra there was a significant 7.5% reduction in middle deltoid activity (p<0.001) and a 32% increase in wrist extensor activity (p<0.001). No significant changes were seen in anterior deltoid or finger flexors. Discussion/conclusion: Results indicated that changes in activity may been seen in some muscles when wearing Lycra during an upper limb functional task. It is possible that changes may only be seen in muscles which are more active during tasks. The decrease in middle deltoid activity may have been a result of increased activity more proximally around the shoulder girdle which was not investigated. Further investigation of shoulder girdle muscles and varying tasks are indicated to expand the evidence base for this adjunctive treatment.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Last Modified:	22 Mar 2024 07:24
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/113699

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