Assessment of posture, spinal mobility and EMG data in patients with spinal stenosis

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the difference in muscle activation, posture and vertebral mobility values between healthy individuals and patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Material and Methods: This study involved 48 lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients of the average age of 55.19 ± 10.41 years and 48 healthy individuals with of the average age of 58.15 ± 8.44 years. Posture and spinal mobility of the participants were measured in the standing position, and the maximum flexion posture with spinal mouse. Muscle activation of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured during the maximum voluntary contraction and gait with a surface electromyography device (sEMG). Results: Maximum trunk flexion, standing segmental posture and mobility were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). On the other hand, a significant difference was found in general mobility scores (p < 0.05), and a statistically significant difference was found in muscle activation parameters (p < 0.05) in both groups. Conclusions: When the LSS and the healthy groups were compared, it was found that segmental posture and spinal mobility were similar in both groups; muscular activity was lower in the healthy group, and total vertebral mobility was lower in the LSS group.

Keywords

• pain
• lower back
• muscle activation
• posture
• lumbar spinal stenosis