Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-9-2019
Abstract
Objective
To examine how insertion and presence of intramuscular fine‐wire electromyography electrodes (IFWE) in lumbar multifidus affect paraspinal muscle strength, endurance, and activation in persons with and without recurrent lower back pain (RLBP) during activities that require high levels of muscle contraction.
Design
Case‐control with randomization of conditions.
Setting
Clinical Research Laboratory.
Participants
Forty participants age 18‐40 were recruited (18 female; mean age = 25.5 yr); 20 with a history of RLBP were compared to a matching control group of 20 without RLBP.
Interventions
Each participant was tested under three conditions over three sessions. On Session 1, the baseline condition, we assessed muscle performance without IFWE insertion. On Sessions 2 and 3, participants were randomly alternated between two experimental conditions: a) wire‐in, in which the IFWE was inserted and remained within the muscle during testing, and b) wire‐out, in which the IFWE was inserted and immediately removed.
Main Outcome Measures
Lumbar spinal extensor peak strength, endurance, and normalized EMG amplitude during the endurance test.
Results
Individuals with RLBP showed a significant decrease in peak strength during conditions that involved IFWE insertion and tend to experience more pain during muscle testing. Both groups exhibited similar levels of performance and muscle activation during the endurance test.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that individuals with RLBP exhibited reduced lumbar extensor strength in response to IFWE insertion to the deep paraspinal muscles. This behavior is different from those without RLBP. Researchers should carefully consider the use of IFWE electromyography in individuals with RLBP during high exertion activities.
Recommended Citation
Lee S-P, Dinglasan V, Duong A, Totten R, Smith JA. Individuals with recurrent low back pain exhibit significant changes in paraspinal muscle strength after intramuscular fine wire electrode insertion. PM&R. 2020;12(8):775-782. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12284
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Wiley
Included in
Musculoskeletal System Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Physical Therapy Commons
Comments
This is the accepted version of the following article:
Lee S-P, Dinglasan V, Duong A, Totten R, Smith JA. Individuals with recurrent low back pain exhibit significant changes in paraspinal muscle strength after intramuscular fine wire electrode insertion. PM&R. 2020;12(8):775-782.
which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12284. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.