Changes in the Activity of the Erector Spinae and Gluteus Medius Muscles with the Presence of Simulated Lower Limb Dysmetria

Abstract

(1) Background: Leg length discrepancy (LLD), regardless of its origin, is a very common pathology that can contribute to low back pain. Various authors have pointed out its relationship with the lack of activation of both the gluteus medius (GM) and the ipsilateral erector spinae (ES). The purpose of this study was to identify the activation of the ES and GM with different simulated LLDs, correlating this activation with LBP. In turn, we evaluated whether ES and GM activity has an effect on jumping ability using a CMJ test. (2) Method: A sample of healthy subjects was selected to whom an artificial LLD was applied using 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm insoles. These three heights were measured using EMG while the subjects walked and performed a counter movement jump (CMJ). The measurements of the insole heights were carried out in random order using a Latin square. Muscle activation patterns were recorded for 30 s at each of the insole heights while the patients walked at 5.7 km/h and they were compared with the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), both on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. These muscles were then measured under the same circumstances during the performance of the CMJ. (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences in the flight heights in both the CMJ and DJ. In the comparison, significant differences were found in the flight heights of the CMJ and the DJ using the 5 mm insoles, and in the case of the DJ, also without insoles, with respect to the MVC. We found statistically significant differences in the activation of the GM with the differences in insoles, but not in the activation of the Es in relation to the different insole heights. (4) Conclusions: Insoles of different heights caused activation differences in the medius on the side where the insoles were placed. We can relate this difference in activation to LBP. In relation to the ES, no significant differences were found in the activation of the ipsilateral side of the insole.

Keywords

• leg length discrepancy
• low back pain
• gluteus medius
• erector spinae
• CMJ
• electromyography