Triphasic Patterns In Above-Elbow Amputees

In normally limbed humans, voluntaty fast elbow movements produce triphasic myoelectric activity patterns in the biceps and triceps muscles. The first phase, or burst, occurs in the agonist muscle (AG1) and represents the angular acceleration of the lower aim The second bunt occurs in the antagonist muscle (ANTI) and represents the angular deceleration of the lower arm. The third burst occurs again in the agonnt muscle (AG2), and is believed to represent a correction mechanism that moderates the braking forces and redirects movement back to the target position. Triphasic patterns have, for the most part, been found to be preprogrammed and generated by the central nervous system. This central preprogramming suggests that phasic patterns might still be observed after amputation, even though the mecharucal function of the remnant muscles is lost.