Journal article
Electromyographic Analysis of Muscle Activation Patterns During Bovine Transrectal Palpation and the Development of the Bovine Pregnancy Diagnosis Improvement Exercise Program
Journal of veterinary medical education, Vol.48(6), pp.686-697
2021
PMID: 33657330
Abstract
The unusual and tiring physical activity of bovine transrectal palpation (TRP) requires a novel approach to improve students’ TRP and pregnancy diagnosis (PD) skills. It has been shown that students who participated in an exercise program and students who had a grip strength (GS) of more than 30 kilograms performed better in bovine PDs. Participation in the exercise program increased students’ sensitivity (ability to identify pregnant cows) but did not increase total arm muscle strength. To identify which muscles are used during TRPs and to improve the exercise program, an electromyographic (EMG) analysis was used to identify muscle activation patterns and muscle activity levels during bovine TRPs. Eight subject matter experts (SMEs) each palpated two live cows and one Breed’n Betsy® rectal examination simulator while an EMG Triggered Stimulator recorded muscle activity. Muscle activation was higher for forearm muscles compared with all other examined muscle groups (p < .001); was higher during retraction of the uterus and palpation of left and right uterine horn, compared with palpation of cervix, uterine body, left ovary, and right ovary (p < .001); and showed an endurance pattern. Findings have been used to modify the previously developed exercise program in effort to improve students’ TRP and PD skills. The Bovine PD Improvement Exercise Program is available to students through an online application (http://icarus.up.ac.za/vetmlp/) and aims to not only improve GS and TRP accuracy but also stamina and well-being while adding fun to busy study schedules.
Details
- Title
- Electromyographic Analysis of Muscle Activation Patterns During Bovine Transrectal Palpation and the Development of the Bovine Pregnancy Diagnosis Improvement Exercise Program
- Authors/Creators
- Annett Annandale - University of PretoriaGeoffrey T. Fosgate - University of PretoriaCarina A. Eksteen - Supreme Council Of HealthWim D. J. Kremer - College Station Medical CenterHarold G. J. Bok - College Station Medical CenterDietmar E. Holm - University of Pretoria
- Publication Details
- Journal of veterinary medical education, Vol.48(6), pp.686-697
- Publisher
- Univ Toronto Press Inc
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) research grant University of Pretoria's Research Development -Programme (RDP) grant
- Identifiers
- 991005600058707891
- Copyright
- © 2021 AAVMC
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.232 Veterinary Sciences
- 3.232.1375 Human-Animal Bond
- Web Of Science research areas
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- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science