Neuromuscular response to cyclic lumbar twisting

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of 10 min of cyclic twisting motion on abdominal and back muscle activities. BACKGROUND: Repetitive (cyclic) occupational activity was identified by many epidemiological reports to be a risk factor for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Biomechanical and physiological confirmation, however, is lacking. METHODS: Trunk muscle electromyography (EMG) was recorded while participants performed a continuous 10-min maximum lumbar cyclic twisting to the left, and maximum isometric twist to the left and right sides was measured before and after the exercise. RESULTS: Abdominal muscles contracted symmetrically, independent of twisting direction. The left posterior muscles' integrated EMG (IEMG) decreased during the exercise, whereas the IEMG of the right posterior muscle increased. Simultaneously with increased antagonist coactivity level of the right posterior muscles after the exercise, decrease in maximal isometric left twisting torque was observed. The abdominal muscles did not exhibit any significant changes during the exercise. After the exercise, the right abdominals demonstrated a significant increase in effort, which was independent of the direction of the maximal effort isometric test. CONCLUSIONS: The change in muscle activity is attributed to neuromuscular compensation for the development of laxity and microdamage in the soft tissue (ligaments, discs, facet capsules, etc.) of the lumbar spine. APPLICATION: The results of this study increase understanding of the risk factors associated with low back disorder induced by labor-intensive occupations that involve cyclic lateral twisting.     

The relationship between heart rate and oxygen uptake during non-steady state exercise

In this study the validity of using heart rate (HR) responses to estimate oxygen uptake (VO2) during varying non-steady state activities was investigated. Dynamic and static exercise engaging large and small muscle masses were studied in four different experiments. In the first experiment, 16 subjects performed an interval test on a cycle ergometer, and 12 subjects performed a field test consisting of various dynamic leg exercises. Simultaneous HR and VO2 measurements were made. Linear regression analyses revealed high correlations between HR and VO2 during both the interval test (r = 0.90 +/- 0.07) and the field test (r = 0.94 +/- 0.04). In the second experiment, 14 non-wheelchair-bound subjects performed both an interval wheelchair test on a motor driven treadmill, and a wheelchair field test consisting of dynamic and static arm exercise. Significant relationships were found for all subjects during both the interval test (r = 0.91 +/- 0.06) and the field test (r = 0.86 +/- 0.09). During non-steady state exercise using both arms and legs in a third experiment, contradictory results were found. For 11 of the 15 subjects who performed a field test consisting of various nursing tasks no significant relationship between HR and VO2 was found (r = 0.42 +/- 0.16). All tasks required almost the same physiological strain, which induced a small range in data points. In a fourth experiment, the influence of a small data range on the HR-VO2 relationship was investigated: five subjects performed a field test that involved both low and high physiological strain, non-steady state arm and leg exercise. Significant relationships were found for all subjects (r = 0.86 +/- 0.04). Although the r-values found in this study were less than under steady state conditions, it can be concluded that VO2 may be estimated from individual HR-VO2 regression lines during non-steady state exercise.     

Signal Processing and AI-based Assessment of Rehabilitation Exercises for Diastasis Recti Abdominis

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is the separation of abdominal recti muscles which occurs in women during their pregnancy and postpartum time. This is because of the stretching of the linea alba, a fibrous connective tissue on the abdominal wall. The Linea Alba is elastic and retracts back after the delivery of the baby. When this tissue gets overstretched, it loses its elasticity and the gap in the abdominals may not be closed leading to DRA. The motive of this research is to analyze the postpartum rehabilitation for signals from Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. The conservative treatment for women who are experiencing DRA is given in the form of physiotherapy. These physiotherapy exercises focus on the recti abdominis muscle to bring back the Linea alba together. It will be a difficult process for the physiotherapist to monitor, whether patients did the exercises correctly or not. If the exercises are not correct, they will not be effective in the reduction of inter-recti distance. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of IMU signals in classifying the correct and incorrect exercises. It was inferred that the IMU signals are effective in classifying the correct and incorrect exercises with an accuracy of 92%.     

Physiological responses of fire-fighter instructors during training exercises

Thirteen male instructors were monitored during a total of 44 live fire training exercises (ambient temperature 74+/-42 degrees C). Exposure time during the 'Hot Fire' (HF), 'Fire Behaviour' and 'Fire Attack' exercises was 33.0+/-7.9 min (n=30); 26.3+/-5.5 min (n=6); and 7.3+/-2.6 min (n=8) respectively. At the end of the exercises, mean core temperature (t(core)) was 38.5+/-0.9 degrees C (n=32), however eight instructors had a t(core) above 39 degrees C. The mean maximum temperature under the fire hood was 41.2+/-4.6 degrees C (n=40). Mean maximum heart rate (HR) was 138+/-26 bpm (n=34) however, in five exercises, HR exceeded 90% of the instructors' HR reserve. Mean fluid deficit was 0.62+/-0.6 l (n=30) at the end of the HF exercises, the maximum being 2.54 l. Four instructors doubted their ability to perform a rescue at the end of the exercise. The energy cost of performing simulated rescues of a 50 kg dummy in the cool was investigated in a pilot study. Mean HR during the rescues was 79+/-7% of the instructors' HR reserve and it was estimated that this could increase t(core) by 0.4 to 0.6 degrees C. The physiological responses to the fire-fighting exercises varied considerably and reflected the differences in work performed and external heat load. The results obtained from some individuals give cause for concern, and signs of heat strain were seen in at least two individuals.     

The immediate effect of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique on stature change in seated sedentary workers with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Many studies have measured stature change arising from loads imposed on the spine during sitting. To improve stature recovery, it is important to stabilise the lumbar spine and compensate forces from the upper body. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to mainly activate deep trunk muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activation of deep trunk muscles by the ADIM technique could immediately improve stature recovery during prolonged sitting. Twenty-four patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were randomly allocated into different orders of experimental conditions: control (sitting without ADIM technique) and intervention conditions (sitting with ADIM technique). The latter condition required participants to complete ADIM technique for 1?min and repeat it three times throughout 41?min prolonged sitting time. Stature recovery was improved by 3.292?mm in the intervention condition compared with control condition (p-value = 0.001). Our finding demonstrated that ADIM technique improved stature recovery.

Practitioner Summary: Prolonged sitting seemingly harms sedentary workers’ health, particularly affecting the lower back. Activation of deep trunk muscles using abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique can promote spinal recovery. Clinicians can teach abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique to activate deep trunk muscles in chronic low back pain, thereby promoting self-management of seated stature recovery.

Abbrevations: ADIM: abdominal drawing-in maneuver; RA: rectus abdominis; ICLT: iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis; LM: lumbar multifidus; TrA: transversus abdominis; IO: internal oblique; CLBP: chronic low back pain; LBP: low back pain; RMDQ: Roland Morris disability questionnaire; NRS: numerical rating scale.     

The role of the abdominal musculature in the elevation of the intra-abdominal pressure during specified tasks

Abstract

A series of standardized tasks, isometric trunk flexion and extension and maximal Valsalva manoeuvres, were used to evaluate the role of the abdominal musculature in developing an increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Seven male subjects were measured for IAP, myoelectric activity of rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus and intemus (OE and OI respectively), erector spinae (ES) and isometric trunk torque. IAPs in all experimental conditions were markedly greater than those that occurred while relaxed. In isometric trunk flexion, IAPs were increased with accompanying high levels of activity from the abdominal muscles. In contrast, little activity from the abdominal muscles occurred during isometric trunk extension, although levels of IAP were similar to those found in the isometric flexion condition. With maximal voluntary pressurization (Valsalva manoeuvre) slightly higher levels of IAP than those found in torque conditions were recorded, this pressure being produced with abdominal activities (OE and OI) less than one fourth their recorded maximum. When isometric torque tasks were added to the Valsalva manoeuvre, patterns of muscle activity (RA, OE, OI and ES) were significantly altered. For Valsalva with isometric trunk extension, activity from OE and OI was reduced while IAPs remained fairly constant. These findings indicate that in tasks where an IAP extension moment is warranted, abdominal pressure can be increased without the development of a large counter-moment produced by the dual action of the trunk flexors. Activation of other muscles such as the diaphragm and transversus abdominis is suggested as helping provide control over the level of IAP during controlled trunk tasks.     

The relation between critical power and neuromuscular fatigue as estimated from electromyographic data

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to define the relation between ‘critical power’ (CP) and the onset of fatigue (fatigue threshold or FT) as estimated from electromyographic data taken from representative leg muscles during cycling. The rate of rise in integrated EMG (IEMG) activity as a function of time (IEMG slope) was calculated at each of three or four constant power output ergometer bouts for 11 subjects. The IEMG slopes so obtained were plotted against workload resulting in linear plots (0-88 <R² <0.99( which were extrapolated to zero slope to give an intercept on the power axis which was interpreted as the fatigue threshold (FT). The mean workload at CP was 169-5 +12-8 W compared with 1905 ± 14-0 W at FT (p<O 05) though the two measurements were highly correlated. Power output at anaerobic threshold (AT) was not significantly different from FT at 187-1 + 15-9W. The correlation between these two variables was 0-903. It is suggested that the IEMG estimation of FT may provide an attractive alternative to the measurement of anaerobic threshold.     

A study by EMG stick diagrams of the muscular activities in the trunk flexion and extension movement

The activity of the leg and abdominal muscles in trunk flexion and extension was investigated with reference to the sudden decreases and increases of the erectores spinae activity. The movement was performed under conditions with and without an additional load, and with and without fatigue. Surface EMGs were recorded from the erectores spinae, the gluteus maximus, the semitendinosus, the rectus abdominis and the external oblique. The pattern of activity was analysed using EMG stick diagrams. Under the condition without fatigue, the semitendinosus activity increased during the sudden changes of the erectores spinae activity, but the abdominal muscles were not activated during the movement. However, the rectus abdominis was activated whenever the semitendinosus activity did not increase during the changes of the erectores spinae activity. Under the condition of fatigue, the leg muscle was vigorously active during the movement, and the abdominal muscles were activated before and after the erectores spinae activity changed suddenly. The results suggest that the leg muscle plays some important part during the sudden changes of the erectores spinae activity.     

Effect of wearing personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus on heart rate,temperature and oxygen consumption during stepping exercise and live fire training exercises

Fire fighter breathing apparatus instructors (BAIs) must possess the ability to respond to both the extrinsic stress of a high temperature environment and the intrinsic stress from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), repeatedly and regularly, whilst training recruits in live fire training exercises (LFTEs). There are few previous investigations on BAIs in hot environments such as LFTEs, since the main research focus has been on regular fire fighters undertaking exercises in temperate or fire conditions at a moderate to high exercise intensity. In this study, the intrinsic cardiovascular stress effects of wearing PPE + SCBA were first investigated using a step test whilst wearing gym kit (control), weighted gym kit (a rucksack weighted to the equivalent of PPE + SCBA) and full PPE + SCBA (weight plus the effects of protective clothing). The extrinsic effects of the very hot environment were investigated in BIAs in LFTEs compared to mock fire training exercises (MFTEs), where the fire was not ignited. There was an increase in heart rate due to the modest workload imposed on the BAIs through carrying out the MFTEs (25.0 (18.7)%) compared to resting. However, when exposed to fire during the LFTEs, heat storage appears to be significant as the heart rate increased by up to 39.8 (±20.1)% over that of the mock LFTEs at temperate conditions. Thus, being able to dissipate heat from the PPE is particularly important in reducing the cardiovascular responses for BAIs during LFTEs.     

The role of the abdominal musculature in the elevation of the intra-abdominal pressure during specified tasks

A series of standardized tasks, isometric trunk flexion and extension and maximal Valsalva manoeuvres, were used to evaluate the role of the abdominal musculature in developing an increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Seven male subjects were measured for IAP, myoelectric activity of rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus and internus (OE and OI respectively), erector spinae (ES) and isometric trunk torque. IAPs in all experimental conditions were markedly greater than those that occurred while relaxed. In isometric trunk flexion, IAPs were increased with accompanying high levels of activity from the abdominal muscles. In contrast, little activity from the abdominal muscles occurred during isometric trunk extension, although levels of IAP were similar to those found in the isometric flexion condition. With maximal voluntary pressurization (Valsalva manoeuvre) slightly higher levels of IAP than those found in torque conditions were recorded, this pressure being produced with abdominal activities (OE and OI) less than one fourth their recorded maximum. When isometric torque tasks were added to the Valsalva manoeuvre, patterns of muscle activity (RA, OE, OI and ES) were significantly altered. For Valsalva with isometric trunk extension, activity from OE and OI was reduced while IAPs remained fairly constant. These findings indicate that in tasks where an IAP extension moment is warranted, abdominal pressure can be increased without the development of a large counter-moment produced by the dual action of the trunk flexors. Activation of other muscles such as the diaphragm and transversus abdominis is suggested as helping provide control over the level of IAP during controlled trunk tasks.     

The effect of stance width on trunk kinematics and trunk kinetics during sagitally symmetric lifting

Lifting technique can have a significant impact on spine loading during lifting. The sports biomechanics literature has documented changes in trunk and lower extremity kinematics and muscle coactivation patterns as a function of stance width during high force dead lift and squat exercises. The focus of the current study was to explore whether these lifting stance width effects might translate into the occupational setting under more moderate load level conditions. Twelve subjects performed repetitions of a sagittally symmetric lifting and lowering task (10 kg load) under three stance width conditions: narrow (feet together), moderate (feet shoulder width) and wide (feet 150% of shoulder width). As they performed these exertions, trunk kinematics were captured using the lumbar motion monitor while the activity of the trunk muscles (erector spinae, rectus abdominis) and lower extremity muscles (gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis) were evaluated using normalized electromyography. The results showed that both the range of motion and peak acceleration in the sagittal plane were significantly affected by the stance width. The muscle activation levels, however, were not significantly affected by the stance width. These results collectively would indicate that the stance width effects seen in power lifting activities do not translate well into the occupational environment where more moderate loads are typically lifted.

Relevance to industry

Exploring alternative lifting strategies may provide an opportunity to reduce the incidence of low back disorders. Lifting stance width is one variable that has not been explored in the ergonomics literature.     

Effect of wearing personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus on heart rate, temperature and oxygen consumption during stepping exercise and live fire training exercises

Fire fighter breathing apparatus instructors (BAIs) must possess the ability to respond to both the extrinsic stress of a high temperature environment and the intrinsic stress from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), repeatedly and regularly, whilst training recruits in live fire training exercises (LFTEs). There are few previous investigations on BAIs in hot environments such as LFTEs, since the main research focus has been on regular fire fighters undertaking exercises in temperate or fire conditions at a moderate to high exercise intensity. In this study, the intrinsic cardiovascular stress effects of wearing PPE + SCBA were first investigated using a step test whilst wearing gym kit (control), weighted gym kit (a rucksack weighted to the equivalent of PPE + SCBA) and full PPE + SCBA (weight plus the effects of protective clothing). The extrinsic effects of the very hot environment were investigated in BIAs in LFTEs compared to mock fire training exercises (MFTEs), where the fire was not ignited. There was an increase in heart rate due to the modest workload imposed on the BAIs through carrying out the MFTEs (25.0 (18.7)%) compared to resting. However, when exposed to fire during the LFTEs, heat storage appears to be significant as the heart rate increased by up to 39.8 (+/-20.1)% over that of the mock LFTEs at temperate conditions. Thus, being able to dissipate heat from the PPE is particularly important in reducing the cardiovascular responses for BAIs during LFTEs.     

Relationship between limb movement speed and associated contraction of the trunk muscles

Rapid shoulder movement is preceded by contraction of the abdominal muscles to prepare the body for the expected disturbance to postural equilibrium and spinal stability provoked by the reactive forces resulting from the movement. The magnitude of the reactive forces is proportional to the inertia of the limb. The aim of the study was to investigate if changes in the reaction time latency of the abdominal muscles was associated with variation in the magnitude of the reactive forces resulting from variation in limb speed. Fifteen participants performed shoulder flexion at three different speeds (fast, natural and slow). The onset of EMG of the abdominal muscles, erector spinae and anterior deltoid (AD) was recorded using a combination of fine-wire and surface electrodes. Mean and peak velocity was recorded for each limb movement speed for five participants. The onset of transversus abdominis (TrA) EMG preceded the onset of AD in only the fast movement condition. No significant difference in reaction time latency was recorded between the fast and natural speed conditions for all muscles. The reaction time of each of the abdominal muscles relative to AD was significantly delayed with the slow movement compared to the other two speeds. The results indicate that the reaction time latency of the trunk muscles is influenced by limb inertia only with limb movement below a threshold velocity.     

Changes in stature following plyometric drop-jump and pendulum exercises

The aim of this study was to compare the changes in stature following the performance of plyometric exercises using drop-jumps and a pendulum swing. Eight male participants aged 21.7 ± 1.8 years with experience of plyometric training gave their informed consent to act as participants. Participants undertook two exercise regimens and a 15-min standing test in a random order. The exercises entailed the performance of 50 drop-jumps from a height of 0.28 m or 50 pendulum rebounds. Participants were instructed to perform maximal jumps or rebounds using a ‘bounce’ style. Measurements of stature were performed after a 20-min period of standing (pre-exercise), 2-min after exercise (post-exercise) and after a 20-min standing recovery (recovery). Back pain and muscle soreness were assessed using an analogue-visual scale, at each of the above times and also 24 and 36 h after the test. Peak torque during isokinetic knee extension at 1.04 rads^?1 was measured immediately before and after the exercise bouts, to assess the degree of muscular fatigue. Ground/wall reaction force data were recorded using a Kistler force platform mounted in the floor for drop-jumps and vertically on the rebound wall for pendulum exercises. Drop-jumps resulted in the greatest (p<0.05) change in stature (-2.71±0.8 mm), compared to pendulum exercises (-1.77±0.7 mm) and standing (-0.39±0.2 mm). Both exercise regimens resulted in a significant (p<0.01) decrease in stature when compared to the standing condition. Dropjumps resulted in significantly greater peak impact forces (p<0.05) than pendulum exercises (drop-jumps = 3.2±0.5 × body weight, pendulum = 2.6±0.5×body weight). The two exercise conditions both invoked a small degree of muscle soreness but there were no significant differences between conditions. Both exercise regimens resulted in a non-significant decrease in peak torque indicating a similar degree of muscular fatigue. Based on the lower shrinkage resulted and lower peak forces, it can be concluded that pendulum exercises pose a lower injury potential to the lower back than drop-jumps performed from a height of 28 cm.     

Trunk muscle activity in different modes of carrying schoolbags

The daily load of carrying schoolbags is influenced by the mode of carriage. Electromyographic (EMG) activity from rectus abdominis and erector spinae was recorded bilaterally in five static conditions: no bag; shoulder bag; backpack; front pack; double pack. Nineteen students carried a load of 15% of their body weight. A double pack, with the load equally distributed in a front and a backpack, showed no significant differences in EMG activity compared with unloaded standing. The activity levels of erector spinae significantly decreased while carrying a backpack and increased with a shoulder bag and a front pack. Rectus abdominis revealed significantly higher EMG levels in the backpack trial. Asymmetrical activity between the right and the left part of the back muscles was clearly observed while carrying a shoulder bag with the weight at the right side of the body. The abdominal muscles revealed a slightly significant asymmetry for the shoulder bag and, surprisingly, also for the backpack. These findings suggest that the physical stresses associated with carrying book bags can be minimized by the design of a double pack. Asymmetry in muscle activity may indicate a failure of trunk stabilization and contribute to the development back pain.     

Trunk muscle activity in different modes of carrying schoolbags

The daily load of carrying schoolbags is influenced by the mode of carriage. Electromyographic (EMG) activity from rectus abdominis and erector spinae was recorded bilaterally in five static conditions: no bag; shoulder bag; backpack; front pack; double pack. Nineteen students carried a load of 15% of their body weight. A double pack, with the load equally distributed in a front and a backpack, showed no significant differences in EMG activity compared with unloaded standing. The activity levels of erector spinae significantly decreased while carrying a backpack and increased with a shoulder bag and a front pack. Rectus abdominis revealed significantly higher EMG levels in the backpack trial. Asymmetrical activity between the right and the left part of the back muscles was clearly observed while carrying a shoulder bag with the weight at the right side of the body. The abdominal muscles revealed a slightly significant asymmetry for the shoulder bag and, surprisingly, also for the backpack. These findings suggest that the physical stresses associated with carrying book bags can be minimized by the design of a double pack. Asymmetry in muscle activity may indicate a failure of trunk stabilization and contribute to the development back pain.     

ERGONOMICS INTERNATIONAL

The effects of seven weeks of eccentric or concentric muscle conditioning on muscle tension and. integrated electrical activity (IEMG) were investigated on human subjects by using a special electrical dynamometer as a testing and training apparatus. The eccentric conditioning caused, on the average, a greater improvement in muscle tension than did the concentric conditioning. In early conditioning those in the eccentric group experienced soreness in their exercised muscles. This caused a concomitant drop in maximum strength. After the disappearance of pain symptoms, ability to develop tension increased in a linear fashion. Neither method was able to cause statistically significant changes in the maximum IEMG associated with any type of muscle contraction. The regression lino expressing the relationship between IEMG ( μ.v. per sec.) and isometric tension (in percent of maximal voluntary contraction) was parabolic. In this relationship muscle conditioning failed to cause any significant changes in IEMG per unit of tension. Although the IEMG changes due to conditioning were somewhat different in the two experimental groups, it could not be established that either type of conditioning caused increase in the desynchronized firing of motor units.     

Multi-loop control of liquid cooling garment systems

In this study the effects of multi-loop control of liquid cooling garments (LCGs) under exercise heat stress conditions were investigated by experiments and theoretical analysis. A triple-loop LCG, by which the torso, arms and legs could be independently cooled, was used in the two series of experiments carried out in a hot environment (35 degrees C/40% RH). The experiment consisted of rest, exercise on an ergometer at 70 W and exercise at 110 W. In the first experiment, each water inlet temperature (TWI) was adjusted according to the local thermal sensation. In the second experiment, TWI for the torso including arms and TWI for the legs were regulated by a skin temperature controller with set-point adjustment via heart rate. The experiments showed that a multi-loop LCG is more effective than a single-loop LCG in providing thermal sensation and comfort adjusted to the requirements of the different parts of the body, and that a skin temperature controller could be applied to a multi-loop system. The theoretical analysis was carried out using a mathematical model of thermoregulation. The results showed that a strong cooling of the surface over the working muscles (legs) provided the greatest thermoregulatory advantage during low body exercise, because most of the heat generated within the working muscles can be removed directly by heat conduction to the skin. Optimization of a human/LCG system could be attained by an optimal configuration and control. However, an optimal configuration always depends on the application purpose of an LCG system.     

Cocontraction changes in muscular fatigue at different levels of isometric contraction

Ten normal subjects participated in a study designed to contrast results obtained in pre- and post-fatigue states. The measures contrasted were the IEMG ratios of agonist/antagonist pairs of muscles. The experimental task was an 8 s ramp isometric elbow flexion ranging from 0 to 100% of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). IEMG ratios were obtained at levels of 20, 40, 60 and 80% MVC. Records from the following muscles were obtained with surface electrodes: biceps brachii (BB), brachioradialis (BR), triceps brachii (TB) and anconeus (SU). The torque at the elbow joint was measured by a Cybex II dynamometer. Fatigue was induced using a 60% MVC of elbow flexion maintained during 5 minutes. The data were collected on-line at a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The results indicated that the IEMG ratios (BB/TB and BR/SU) presented a tendency, across subjects, toward a decrease at the levels of 40%, 60% and 80% MVC at the post- relative to the pre-fatigue state. The BB/BR ratios remained stable. These changes in the post-fatigue ratios disclose a tendency toward a saturation of the agonist occurring concomitantly with an increased level of contraction of the antagonists.     

Implementation of various control algorithms for hand rehabilitation exercise using wearable robotic hand

In this paper, the control algorithms for strength exercise using wearable robotic hand are reviewed and the experimental results are analyzed and discussed. The SNU Exo-Glove is a soft exoskeleton that actuates motor function in disabled hands. This new type of device comprises a jointless simple mechanical structure and is actuated with wires. The strength exercise algorithms include isotonic, isokinetic, and impedance control exercises. An electromyography (EMG) regulation algorithm is proposed to limit the maximum level of activation of the muscles to prevent injury of the muscles and joints. The tension of the wire and the sEMG signal are analyzed to validate the effectiveness of rehabilitation with SNU Exo-Glove.