Impacto del Uso de Cuatro Diferentes Superficies de Apoyo en la Activación del Área Cervical en Pacientes con Parálisis Cerebral Infantil Mediante la Evaluación Electromiográfica

Introduction: Electrophysiological alterations in patients with cerebral palsy affect the motor control of different muscle groups, leading to involuntary movements, limb rigidity, and changes in posture, among other effects. The characteristics of electromyographic signals associated with cerebral palsy provide valuable muscular information; however, the influence of posture on signal recording requires further exploration. Objective: To quantify and compare the level of muscle activations in children with cerebral palsy by performing a cervical flexion-extension exercise using four different support surfaces. Methods: Electromyographic recording was obtained in a cohort of seven children with cerebral palsy during two separate recording sessions with a five-week interval, and four different support surfaces were used in each session. The energy value of the signals was studied through numerical analysis in the time and frequency domains. Results: The energy results for all patients, using the same support surface, were different: 0.17 (0.08 - 0.77) using a roller, 0.19 (0.08 - 0.64) using a wedge, 0.21 (0.14 - 0.44) using a ball, and 0.32 (0.12 - 1.43) without a support surface. In each group, a p-value < 0.05 was found. When comparing results by patient, it was found that the support surface generated greater variability in results, with a p-value > 0.05 in 19 out of 28 measurements performed. Conclusions: The support surface affects electromyographic recordings and could contribute to a misinterpretation of muscle activation results.