EMG Analysis of Lumbar Muscle Activations During Resisted and Unresisted Core Strength Exercises

Abstract

Non-specific low back pain is the result of improper loading of the spine, requiring patient specific treatment of low-back muscles. 20 healthy subjects performed selective core strength exercises and surface electromyogram (EMG) signals were acquired from Erecter spinae and Multifidus muscles. Root Mean Square (RMS) EMG normalized with Maximum Voluntary Contraction (%MVC) indicated bilateral symmetry in muscles showing no compensations during exercises. T-tests results showed no significant difference in RMS between exercises performed with and without resistance (p>0.05) suggestive of EMG as a prominent resource in evaluating unresisted muscle strength. Muscle activation during Trunk extension exercise were nominal (80%) and maximum (100%) for the superman Boat exercise suggesting hyperextension. Quadruped exercises were activated submaximally (60%) and can be suggested for core strength training of low back pain patients as preliminary exercise followed by trunk extension during rehabilitative treatment. The Superman Boat exercise can be suggested for sports persons to build their core strength.