1
|
Zhang T, Firouzabadi A, Yang D, Liu S, Schmidt H. Age-dependent flexion relaxation phenomenon in chronic low back pain patients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1388229. [PMID: 39295844 PMCID: PMC11408191 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1388229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is characterized by suddenly reduced paraspinal muscle activity during full flexion. Previous studies showed significant differences in FRP and flexion angles in chronic low back pain (cLBP) patients compared to individuals without back pain (no-BP). However, the relationship between FRP and flexion angles remains insufficiently understood in older populations. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between FRP and flexion angles concerning to the age and presence of cLBP. Methods Forty no-BP subjects (20m/20f; mean age 41.5 years) and thirty-eight cLBP patients (19m/19f; mean age 43.52 years) performed maximum full upper body flexion task. Electromyographic (EMG) measurements were conducted to assess the activity of lumbar erector spinae (ESL), thoracic erector spinae (EST), and multifidus (MF). Lumbar, thoracic, and pelvic angles at the onset (OnsetL/T/P) and offset of the FRP (OffsetL/T/P) and maximum trunk inclination (MaxL/T/P) were calculated. The FRP was evaluated using a flexion relaxation ratio (FRR). Results cLBP patients showed smaller FRR in MF and right ESL compared to no-BP individuals (p < 0.05), while no differences were found in flexion angles between two groups. Subjects over 40 showed smaller FRR in MF and ESL, and smaller flexion angles on OffsetL and MaxL (p < 0.05). Age-related analysis in the cLBP group revealed that patients over 40, compared to younger ones, had smaller FRR in MF and ESL, and smaller values in all thoracic and lumbar flexion angles (p < 0.05). While in no-BP group, significant larger flexion angles in OnsetL and OffsetT (p < 0.05) were observed in participants over 40. Pain-related analysis in the older group revealed that the cLBP patients, compared to no-BP individuals, had smaller FRR in right MF and right ESL, and smaller values in all lumbar and thoracic flexion angles (p < 0.05), while in younger group, there were no significant pain-related differences in FRR, with larger values in all lumbar flexion angles (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicate a reduction or absence of FRP in cLBP patients compared to no-BP individuals, with age being a significant factor as those over 40 showed smaller FRP and flexion angles compared to younger individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Zhang
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ali Firouzabadi
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daishui Yang
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sihai Liu
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schmidt
- Julius Wolff Institute, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hemming R, du Rose A, Sheeran L, van Deursen R, Sparkes V. Relationships between trunk muscle activation and thoraco-lumbar kinematics in non-specific chronic low back pain subgroups during a forward bending task. Gait Posture 2024; 107:96-103. [PMID: 37797443 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trunk muscle activity and thoraco-lumbar kinematics can discriminate between non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) subgroups and healthy controls. However, research commonly focuses on lumbar kinematics, with limited understanding of relationships between kinematics and muscle activity across clinical subgroups. Similarly, the thoracic spine, whilst intuitively associated with NSCLBP, has received less attention and potential relationships between spinal regions and muscle activity requires exploration. RESEARCH QUESTION Is there a relationship between trunk muscle activation and regional thoracic and lumbar kinematics in NSCLBP subgroups during a forward bending task? METHODS Observational, case-control study. Fifty subgrouped NSCLBP motor control impairment participants (27 Flexion Pattern (FP-MCI), 23 Active Extension Pattern (AEP-MCI)) and 28 pain-free controls were evaluated using 3D motion analysis (Vicon™) and surface electromyography during a forward bending and return to upright task. Mean sagittal angles for the upper-thoracic (UTx), lower-thoracic (LTx), upper-lumbar (ULx) and lower-lumbar (LLx) regions were compared with normalised (% sub-maximal voluntary contraction) mean amplitude electromyography of bilateral transversus abdominis/internal oblique, external oblique, superficial lumbar multifidus and erector spinae (longissimus thoracis) muscles between groups. Pearson correlations were computed to assess relationships (significance p < 0.01). RESULTS AEP-MCI individuals demonstrated statistically significant relationships between superficial lumbar multifidus and ULx and LLx kinematics (-.812 to.659). FP-MCI individuals exhibited statistically significant relationships between erector spinae and superficial lumbar multifidus and LLx and LTx kinematics (-.686 to.664) in both task phases, and between external oblique and LTx during forward bending) (-.459 to.572). Correlations were moderate to strong for all significant relationships (-.812 to .664). SIGNIFICANCE Relationships between muscle activity and regional spinal kinematics varied between NSCLBP subgroups, suggesting that those with flexion- or extension-related LBP adopt different motor control strategies when performing a bending task. As effectively mechanical biomarkers, these findings may inform treatment by improving understanding of varied motor strategies in subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hemming
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 0AB, Wales, UK.
| | | | - Liba Sheeran
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 0AB, Wales, UK.
| | - Robert van Deursen
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 0AB, Wales, UK.
| | - Valerie Sparkes
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 0AB, Wales, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haupt S, Cornaz F, Falkowski AL, Farshad M, Widmer J. The biomechanical consequence of posterior interventions at the thoracolumbar spine on the passively stabilized flexed posture. J Biomech 2023; 153:111599. [PMID: 37137272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the flexed end-of-range position (e.g., during slumped sitting), the trunk is passively stabilized. Little is known about the biomechanical consequence of posterior approaches on passive stabilization. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of posterior surgical interventions on local and distant spinal regions. While being fixed at the pelvis, five human torsos were passively flexed. The change in spinal angulation at Th4, Th12, L4 and S1 was measured after level-wise longitudinal incisions of the thoracolumbar fascia, the paraspinal muscles, horizontal incisions of the inter- & supraspinous ligaments (ISL/SSL) and horizontal incision of the thoracolumbar fascia and the paraspinal muscles. Lumbar angulation (Th12-S1) was increased by 0.3° for fascia, 0.5° for muscle and 0.8° for ISL/SSL-incisions per lumbar level. The effect of level-wise incisions at the lumbar spine was 1.4, 3.5 and 2.6 times greater compared to thoracic interventions for fascia, muscle and ISL/SSL respectively. The combined midline interventions at the lumbar spine were associated with 2.2° extension of the thoracic spine. Horizontal incision of the fascia increased spinal angulation by 0.3°, while horizontal muscle incision resulted in a collapse of 4/5 specimens. The thoracolumbar fascia, the paraspinal muscle and the ISL/SSL are important passive stabilizers for the trunk in the flexed end-of-range position. Lumbar interventions needed for approaches to the spine have a larger effect on spinal posture than thoracic interventions and the increase of spinal angulation at the level of the intervention is partially compensated at the neighboring spinal regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Haupt
- University Spine Center Zürich, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Frédéric Cornaz
- University Spine Center Zürich, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Spine Biomechanics, Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna L Falkowski
- Radiology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mazda Farshad
- University Spine Center Zürich, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Widmer
- Spine Biomechanics, Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin F, Zhou X, Zhang B, Shan B, Niu Y, Sun Y. Utility of Flexion-Extension Radiographs with Brackets and Magnetic Resonance Facet Fluid for the Assessment of Lumbar Instability in Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis. World Neurosurg 2022; 167:e940-e947. [PMID: 36055619 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.08.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To propose a new standardized technique for evaluating lumbar stability in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis using lumbar lateral flexion-extension radiographs with brackets and magnetic resonance facet fluid. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 57 patients diagnosed with lumbar (L4-5) spondylolisthesis was performed. We analyzed lateral flexion-extension radiographs obtained with a bracket (LFEB) and without a bracket (LFE). Sagittal translation, segmental angulation, posterior opening, lumbar instability, and changes in lumbar lordosis were compared using functional radiographs. The mean width and maximum width of the facet fluid, mean facet joint length, and facet fluid index (FFI) of the 2 groups were compared using sagittal translation. RESULTS The average value of sagittal translation was 1.68 ± 0.96 mm in LFE and 3.07 ± 1.29 mm in LFEB, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Segmental angulation, posterior opening, and changes in lumbar lordosis were significantly greater in LFEB than in LFE. The instability detection rate was 14.0% in LFE and 35.1% in LFEB. The FFI, maximum width, and mean width were significantly increased in the unstable lumbar spondylolisthesis group compared with the stable group in LFEB. The FFI and maximum width of the facet fluid were significantly increased in the unstable lumbar spondylolisthesis group compared with the stable group in LFE. CONCLUSIONS Lumbar lateral flexion-extension radiographs with brackets can standardize the operation process and provide sufficient hyperflexion and hyperextension images. The width of the facet fluid and FFI are significant factors in the evaluation of lumbar stability in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanguo Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingchen Shan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanping Niu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongming Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seyedhoseinpoor T, Taghipour M, Dadgoo M, Ebrahimi Takamjani I, Sanjari MA, Kazemnejad A, Elliott JM, Hides J. Relationship between the morphology and composition of the lumbar paraspinal and psoas muscles and lumbar intervertebral motion in people with chronic low back pain. Clin Anat 2022; 35:762-772. [PMID: 35445452 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Muscles of the lumbar spine play an important role in controlling segmental intervertebral motion. This study aimed to evaluate the association between lumbar intervertebral motion and changes in lumbar morphology/composition in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). A sample of 183 patients with CLBP participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent lumbar flexion-extension X-Rays to determine vertebral motion (translational and/or rotational motion) of lumbar levels (L1-L2 to L5-S1) and lumbar spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to quantify total and functional cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and asymmetry of the multifidus, lumbar erector spinae and psoas muscles. The relationship between morphology/composition of the muscles and lumbar intervertebral motion was investigated. Smaller total and functional CSAs of the multifidus and greater CSAs of the lumbar erector spinae muscle were observed in participants with greater intervertebral motion. Muscle asymmetry was observed at different lumbar vertebral levels. The greatest amount of translational intervertebral motion was observed at the L3-L4 level, while the greatest amount of rotational translation occurred at the L4-5 level. Associations were observed between the morphology of the paraspinal muscles at the vertebral levels adjacent to the L3-L4 level and the increased intervertebral motion at this level. Relationships between measures of muscle morphology/composition and increased segmental vertebral motion were observed. The results may provide a plausible biological reason for the effectiveness of rehabilitating deficient paraspinal muscles in a subset of people with CLBP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahere Seyedhoseinpoor
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Mobility impairment research center, Health institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghipour
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Mobility impairment research center, Health institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dadgoo
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ismail Ebrahimi Takamjani
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Sanjari
- Biomechanics Lab, Rehabilitation Research Center and Department of Basic Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anoshirvan Kazemnejad
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - James M Elliott
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Kolling Research Institute, The University of Sydney, the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Hides
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Romão CIG, Mercê CIA, Cordeiro JFC, Brito AMVVD, Branco MAC. THE EFFECT OF PILATES EXERCISES ON MUSCLE ELECTRICAL ACTIVATION IN ADULTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. COLUNA/COLUMNA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1808-185120222103262482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Low back pain is one of the most prevalent orthopedic conditions, affecting around 70% to 80% of the world’s population at least once during their life times. Surface electromyography is an important tool for assessing the muscle function of the lumbar stabilizers. One of the best treatment options for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is physical exercise, particular lyaerobic exercise and Pilates, as these can reduce short-term pain and disability, and improve balance. This review aims to identify the state of art regarding the benefits of pilates on the population with CLBP, evaluating changes in the muscular activation of the muscles of the lumbar region. Searches were conducted on the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebsco and Scielo; including gray literature: Google Scholar, Grey Literature, Pro Quest Dissertations & Theses. The inclusion criteria were adults with low back pain for three months or more, with or without referred pain in the lower limbs; studies that used electromyographic variables; studies with a pain assessment measure at two different times; studies with physical exercise performed only using the Pilates method. Applying these criteria, the searches retrieved 439 abstracts. Of these, 44 articles were evaluated for eligibility, and three fulfilled the qualitative and quantitative synthesis criteria. The average methodological quality score on the Downs and Black checklist was 15 out of 28. It was therefore concluded that Pilates is an excellent option for the treatment of non-specific low back pain, promoting health and helping prevent low back pain among asymptomatic individuals. Level of evidence II; Systematic Review of Level II or Level I Studies with Discrepant Results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristiana Isabel André Mercê
- Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, CIPER, Portugal
| | | | | | - Marco António Colaço Branco
- Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior, Portugal; Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana, CIPER, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Surgical treatment of facet syndrome in segmental instability of the lumbar spine. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2021-6.3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
8
|
Novel assessment of the variation in cervical inter-vertebral motor control in a healthy pain-free population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10769. [PMID: 34031512 PMCID: PMC8144187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal control at intervertebral levels is dependent on interactions between the active, passive and neural control elements. However, this has never been quantifiable, and has therefore been outside the reach of clinical assessments and research. This study used fluoroscopy during repeated unconstrained flexion and return neck movements to calculate intersegmental motor control (MC), defined as the difference and variation in repeated continuous angular motion from its average path. The study aimed to determine control values for MC at individual levels and its variability. Twenty male volunteers aged 19–29 received fluoroscopic screening of their cervical spines during 4 repetitions of neutral to full flexion and return motion. Moving vertebral images from C0–C1 to C6–C7 were tracked using cross-correlation codes written in Matlab. MC for each level was defined as the mean of the absolute differences between each repetition’s angular path and their mean and its variability as represented by the SD. 1-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons were used to identify significant contrasts between levels. The mean MC differences and SDs were highest at C1-2, suggesting that this level has the least control and the most variability. Results at this level alone were highly significant (F-ratio 10.88 and 9.79 P < 0.0001). Significant contrasts were only found between C1-C2 and all other levels. The mean MC difference for summed C1-6 levels was 3.4° (0.7–6.1). This study is the first to quantify intervertebral MC in the cervical spine in asymptomatic people. Studies of neck pain patients are now merited.
Collapse
|
9
|
Novak J, Busch A, Kolar P, Kobesova A. Postural and respiratory function of the abdominal muscles: A pilot study to measure abdominal wall activity using belt sensors. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-203212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The abdominal muscles play an important respiratory and stabilization role, and in coordination with other muscles regulate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to stabilize the spine. OBJECTIVE: To examine a new, non-invasive method to measure activation of the abdominal wall and compare changes in muscle activation during respiration while breathing under a load, and during instructed breathing. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy individuals completed this observational crossover study. Two capacitive force sensors registered the abdominal wall force during resting breathing stereotype, instructed breathing stereotype and under a load. RESULTS: Mean abdominal wall force increased significantly on both sensors when holding the load compared to resting breathing (Upper Sensor: P< 0.0005, d=-0.46, Lower Sensor: P< 0.0005, d=-0.56). The pressure on both sensors also significantly increased during instructed breathing compared to resting breathing (US: P< 0.0005, d=-0.76, LS: P< 0.0005, d=-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: The use of capacitive force-sensors represent a new, non-invasive method to measure abdominal wall activity. Clinically, belts with capacitive force sensors can be used as a feedback tool to train abdominal wall activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Novak
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew Busch
- Department of Health and Human Kinetics, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, USA
| | - Pavel Kolar
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kobesova
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Effects of Different Sling Settings on Electromyographic Activities of Selected Trunk Muscles: A Preliminary Research. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2945952. [PMID: 31998786 PMCID: PMC6970500 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2945952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The supine and prone sling exercise may facilitate activation of the local trunk muscles. Does the side-lying sling exercise activate trunk muscles more easily than the supine and prone training with sling settings? Clinical work has shown that the side-lying sling exercise could reduce pain in patients with unilateral low back pain (LBP), but the mechanism behind it is unclear. The fundamental purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the electromyography (EMG) characteristics of trunk muscles during different sling lumbar settings on sixteen healthy adults. Methods Amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) of EMG signals were recorded from the transversus abdominis (TA), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (Gmax), and gluteus medius (Gmed) muscles while the subjects performed the supine lumbar setting (SLS), prone lumbar setting (PLS), left side-lying lumbar setting (LSLS), and right side-lying lumbar setting (RSLS). Results During SLS and PLS, TA and MF showed significantly higher activity than RA and ES on the same side, respectively. The EMG activities of ES, TA, MF, Gmax, and Gmed had significant differences between the different sides during LSLS and RSLS, and the dominant-side muscles showed higher activity than the other side. There was no significant difference in core trunk muscles between different sling lumbar settings-only that the SLS of the MF/ES ratio was significantly higher than LSLS and RSLS. Conclusions Sling exercises can be an effective measure to enhance MF and TA EMG activity, and the side-lying position can increase dominant-side Gmax and Gmed activity. Side-lying sling training does not activate more core muscles than the supine and prone training. Supine and prone exercise should be preferred over SLT to stabilize the lumbar region because of its high local/global muscle ratio.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ciszkiewicz A, Milewski G. Structural and Material Optimization for Automatic Synthesis of Spine-Segment Mechanisms for Humanoid Robots with Custom Stiffness Profiles. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12121982. [PMID: 31226749 PMCID: PMC6631274 DOI: 10.3390/ma12121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Typical artificial joints for humanoid robots use actual human body joints only as an inspiration. The load responses of these structures rarely match those of the corresponding joints, which is important when applying the robots in environments tailored to humans. In this study, we proposed a novel, automated method for designing substitutes for a human intervertebral joint. The substitutes were considered as two platforms, connected by a set of flexible links. Their structural and material parameters were obtained through optimization with a structured Genetic Algorithm, based on the reference angular stiffnesses. The proposed approach was tested in three numerical scenarios. In the first test, a mechanism with angular stiffnesses corresponded to the actual L4–L5 intervertebral joint. Scenarios 2 and 3 featured mechanisms with geometry and structure comparable to the joint, but with custom stiffness profiles. The obtained results proved the effectiveness of the proposed method. It could be employed in the design of artificial joints for humanoid robots and orthotic structures for the human spine. As the approach is general, it could also be extended to different body joints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ciszkiewicz
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Milewski
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|