《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2019, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (10): 1187-1192.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2019.10.013

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Activation of Multifidus and Erector Spinae Muscles during Upper Limb Flexion and Abduction in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain

ZHENG Yi-li1, HU Hao-yu1, LIU Xiao-chen1, DONG Yu-lin2, ZHANG Juan1, GONG Di1, SONG Ge1, WANG Xue-qiang1,3   

  1. 1.Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China;
    2.Department of Treatment, the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200438, China;
    3.Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopedic Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
  • Published:2019-10-25 Online:2019-10-30
  • Contact: WANG Xue-qiang, E-mail: qiang897@163.com E-mail:qiang897@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Supported by Foundation:National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81501956; No. 81871844), Ministry of Education Fok?Ying-Tong Education Foundation (No. 161092), Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Clinical Special Subject (No. 201840346), the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Development and Protection of Human Athletic Ability (No. 11DZ2261100) and Shanghai Education Committee and Shanghai Education Development Foundation “Shuguang Program” (No. 18SG48)

Abstract: Objective To compare the difference in the onset time of the trunk muscles activity in individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) during upper limb flexion and abduction. Methods From September to December, 2017, 21 patients with NLBP (NLBP group) and 21 volunteers (control group) participated in this study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were recorded from the anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, multifidus and erector spinae muscles during upper limb flexion and abduction in standing position. Relative differences in the onset times between each muscle and the prime mover were calculated. Results During upper limb flexion, the right multifidus muscle, bilateral erector spinae were activated in advance of the agonist muscle (anterior deltoid), while the left multifidus muscle was delayed relative to the agonist muscle in both groups. The onset time of the right erector spinae was significantly delayed in NLBP group than in the control group (t = -2.393, P = 0.019). During upper limb abduction, bilateral multifidus muscle and bilateral erector spinae were activated in advance of the agonist muscle (middle deltoid) in the control group. Additionally, in NLBP group, the left erector spinae was activated in advance of the agonist muscle, bilateral multifidus and right erector spinae were delayed relative to the agonist muscle. There was no significant difference in the relative onset time between both groups (t < 1.393, P > 0.05). Conclusion During upper limb flexion and abduction, the trunk muscles of the lower back are activated in advance for healthy individuals, while individuals with NLBP have a possibly delayed activation of trunk muscles.

Key words: nonspecific low back pain, surface electromyography, core muscles, delayed onset

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