Back muscle activation imbalances difficult to assess in low back pain patients

[Guest guest]

Back muscle activation imbalances difficult to assess in low back

pain patients

19 May 2005 Medical News Today

This study tests the use of electromyographic (EMG) contralateral

imbalances (differences in left and right back muscle use) to measure

back muscle impairment.

EMG activation of four pairs of back muscles was measured in healthy

and chronic low back pain volunteers during static extension

exercises.

The results showed that EMG contralateral imbalances were generally

not affected by a lack of asymmetric body control, but this does not

apply for all low back pain volunteers.

Investigators state that it is imperative to control factors that

could be related to pain behaviors or lower-limb impairments that may

cause asymmetric postures and efforts.

VA Research Communications Service

http://www.vard.org