Electromyographic Analysis of Gluteus Medius Activity in People with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Compared to Healthy Controls.

R., Pruthviraj.; Lalrinkimi, Baby; P., Archana.; Shyamprasad, Sneha Banavara

Background and Objectives: The functioning of the hip and trunk muscles has an effect on low back region. Gluteus medius (Gmed) being the primary hip abductor plays a significant role in maintaining the stability of the pelvis. Despite the significance, this muscle activity is least addressed and is also thought to be one among the major causes of pain in the low back. The aim of the study was to compare the activity of Gmed in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and healthy individuals using Surface Electromyography (SEMG). Methods: 506 subjects were screened, of which 200 subjects were selected. Group A: NSCLBP (n=100) and GROUP B: Healthy controls (n=100). Both groups were instructed to perform maximum voluntary contractions. The mean root mean square (RMS) value of Gmed muscle activity for the exercise task was recorded and analyzed using SEMG. Results: The results demonstrated that the mean RMS value of the right Gmed muscle activity for GROUP A was lesser (53.00 ± 24.81) than GROUP B (87.9 ± 37.47). The mean RMS value of the left Gmed activity was also lesser for GROUP A (55.99 ± 27.21) compared to GROUP B (89.72 ± 39.83). The difference in means between the two groups showed highly significant outcome (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that the muscle activity of Gmed between the groups was lesser in Group A compared to Group B indicating differential activation of the muscle in people with NSCLBP. However, there was no significant difference in mean RMS value of the right and left Gmed muscle activity when compared within the groups respectively.

SKELETAL muscle physiology; CHRONIC pain; LUMBAR pain; T-test (Statistics); GLUTEAL muscles; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; ELECTROMYOGRAPHY; DATA analysis software

Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, 2021, Vol 15, Issue 3, p90

0973-5674

Academic Journal

10.37506/ijpot.v15i3.16167