The History of Muscle Dysfunction and SEMG

Jeffrey R. Cram, PhD and Maya Durie, MEd, CMT

Abstract

The history of muscle pain and dysfunction is viewed through the lens of a four factor theory of histologic (tissue related) issues, psychologic (emotional) issues, sensory motor (movement) issues and biomechanical (postural) issues. The historical antecedents of both bodywork and surface electromyography are reviewed.

Key words: Surface EMG, SEMG, bodywork, trigger points, posture, emotions, movement.

Note: Parts of this article have appeared in The History of SEMG, Jour App Psychophys and Biof, In Press.

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Is There a Neurofeedback Tsunami? (It is Synchrony.)

I think so and its name is Synchrony. Synchrony training is of great interest to many Neurofeedback practitioners. However, there seems to be a number of opinions about what synchrony means. We hope to add to the confusion by explaining our views. We will also explain why we feel synchrony training is an important part of Neurofeedback’s present and an even more important part of its future.

As multiple channel Neurofeedback systems come into fashion synchrony strategies will become critically important to this field. Stroebel, Fehmi, Green and others came to the view that there was a special relationship between EEG Synchrony and quality of some mind states in the early 70’s.

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Less Stress for the Holidays

The start of the holiday season is upon us. This should be a wonderful time to look forward to and yet many people experience this as one of the most stressful times of the year. What makes it stressful? The crowds and expense of shopping, the traffic, spending time with people who get on your nerves – shall I go on? I’m sure you could easily add to my list.

What can you do to make it less stressful?

Give thanks. The season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday. Take some time to actually give thanks for all of the things that you are blessed with. All of us kind find at least a few things to be thankful for. Here is a list of things you can pick through to find something that applies to you:

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Attention Or Sleep, Problems with Sleep related to ADHD

You wouldn’t want to have to make that choice for children. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are prescribed medications to help with the symptoms. Some popular medications in use are Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. These medications are helping some people. The drug companies themselves are listing sleep problems as a possible side effect.

According to a November 23, 2015 online article in Pediatrics, research analysis led by Katherine Kidwell of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that children given stimulants tended to have sleep problems more often. One of the studies compared the sleep of children given methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) with children given a placebo. The children who took the generic Ritalin slept an average of 20 minutes less per night. They also found that taking a stimulant medication more often during the day caused a child to take longer to fall asleep at night.

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