Assessing the Influence of Intermittent Ischemic Compression of Latent Trigger Points on Changes in Range of Lumbar Spine Mobility and Myoelectric Changes in the Erector Spinae Muscle

Abstract

Introduction: Pain in the lumbar spine (L) is a very serious health problem. The appearance of pain in the area of the back muscles with palpable small, sensitive points, may indicate the presence of myofascial trigger points. There are many techniques used in the therapy of trigger points, including ischemic compression, which gives a therapeutic effect in the form of biomechanical normalisation of muscle tissue, restoring the normal functional state of a given muscle.Research aim: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of intermittent ischemic compression of latent trigger points on changes in range of motion of the L spine and on myoelectric changes in the erector spinae muscle.Research material and methods: The study included 32 students who were subjected to a single session using the technique of intermittent ischemic compression according to Chaitow. The participants of the study performed the Thomayer test before and after the therapy to assess the range of spinal mobility. The myoelectric changes in the erector spinae muscle were assessed using NORAXON's EMG before and after the treatments, following a protocol specifically developed for this purpose. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the Statistica 13 program.Results: One-time ischemic intermittent compression of the erector spinae muscle statistically significantly increased range of motion in the spine. The mean value for tension of the erector spinae muscle during rest following the therapeutic session - was reduced, showing statistically significant changes. The myoelectric changes in the erector spinae muscle during flexion were not statistically significant.Conclusions: The obtained results allowed to indicate effectiveness of the ischemic intermittent compression technique in increasing the range of spinal mobility after treatment carried out on the erector spinae muscle. Intermittent ischemic compression leads to a decrease in resting tension of the erector spinae, without causing any significant changes during the flexion movement.

Keywords

• trigger points
• active myoelectric
• Thomayer test
• ischemic compression