1.Brain and muscle activation under mirror neuron-based training strategies: a near-infrared spectroscopy and surface electromyography study
Yao CUI ; Fang CONG ; Fubiao HUANG ; Ming ZENG ; Ruxiu YAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2023;29(7):782-790
ObjectiveTo explore the neuromuscular control mechanism of training strategies based on mirror neuron system (MNS): action observation (AO), action execution (AE) and action imitation (AO+AE) using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and surface electromyography (sEMG). MethodsFrom July, 2022 to February, 2023, 64 healthy adults were asked to finish four tasks: watching landscape video (control), watching landscape video and acting right wrist and hand extension (AE), watching right wrist and hand extension video (AO), and watching right wrist and hand extension video and acting right wrist and hand extension (AO+AE). A block design was adopted, five times a task in a block, eight cycles, random orders in videos and tasks. The activation of each channel and regions of interest (ROI, namely BA40, BA44, BA45, BA46, BA6 and BA7) in left MNS regions was detected with fNIRS synchronously, as well as the average electromyography (AEMG) of extensor digitorum and extensor carpi radialis with sEMG. ResultsCompared with the control condition, MNS activated in AO, AE and AO+AE conditions, and the intensities mildly increased in turn. Compared with the control condition, 15 channels activated in AO condition, 15 channels activated in AE condition, and all 20 channels activated in AO+AE condition; and the activation intensities of most channels were AO+AE > AE > AO. Four ROI, BA40, BA46, BA6 and BA7, activated in AO condition, all the six ROI activated in AE and AO+AE conditions, and the activation intensities of most ROI were AO+AE > AE > AO. The standardized AEMG of extensor digitorum and extensor carpi radialis were higher in AO+AE condition than in AE condition (|t| > 4.24, P < 0.001). ConclusionMNS has been activated during action observation, execution and imitation, and the ranges and intensities of activation increase in turn. The target muscles activate more during imitation than during execution. Synchronous application of fNIRS and sEMG is feasible in the study of neural mechanism of rehabilitation strategies based on mirror neuron theory.
2.Pathogenesis and Treatment of Sick Sinus Syndrome from the Perspective of "Kidney-Heart-Meridians"
Yongyuan CAI ; Zhaoqi YAN ; Zhiming LIU ; Ruxiu LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1450-1455
From the perspective of "kidney-heart-meridians", this paper explores the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for sick sinus syndrome (SSS). The author proposes that the root cause lies in kidney essence deficiency and failure of source qi generation. The key pathogenic mechanisms include qi sinking with cold generation and constrained heart yang. The chronic progression is attributed to impaired transformation of body fluids and blood, leading to stagnation and obstruction of the meridians. Phlegm retention and blood stasis obstructing the heart meridians are considered major factors in disease aggravation. Accordingly, the core treatment principles are to nourish the kidneys and restore source qi, tonify the heart and regulate the meridians. Supplementing qi, lifting sinking, soothing constraint, and promoting yang are employed to halt disease progression, while warming and enriching body fluids and blood aim to harmonize and unblock the meridians to improve prognosis. Strategies such as resolving phlegm, relieving obstruction, activating blood, and dispersing nodules are applied to prevent deterioration. This provides a reference framework for the clinical management of SSS.