All issues > Volume 19(11); 1976

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1976;19(11):859-866. Published online November 30, 1976.

EMG Study of Muscle Tonus in Neonates (in various postures)

Sang Hyeup Kim¹, Ho Sung Lee¹

¹Department of Pediatrics,Seoul National University Hospital

Abstract

In order to study the developmental aspects and changes in various posture of muscle tonus in neonates, EMG records were taken with portable E&M physiograph DMP-4A Surfacee electrode were attached on the back muscle of neck and abdominal wall, beneath the umbilicus. The following results were obtained. 1.Abdominal wall muscle revealed slightly higher amplitude in supine position rather than prone position whereas posterior neck muscle revealed mildly higher amplitude in prone position rather than supine position. 2.Phasic discharge pattern are seen through neonatal period. Pattern similar to tonic discharge are seen in some cases while neonate moves the legs and neck or crying. Authors assume above EMG study suggest that muscle tonus in neonates is not static condition but dynamic neural mechanism ie antigravity meckanism plays a role.

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