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ObjectiveTo explore the imbalance of paravertebral muscle group for patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. MethodsFrom January, 2022 to January, 2023, 30 patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (observation group) and 30 healthy people matching in general data (control group) were measured the tension and stiffness of multifidus and erector spinae with MyotonPRO, while the observation group was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the time of disease was also recorded. ResultsThe mean of bilateral tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae was more in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 5.407, P < 0.001), and the tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were more than those of the unaffected side in the observation group (|t| > 11.219, P < 0.001). The tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were positively correlated with VAS score (r > 0.942, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with JOA score (|r| > 0.886, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side increase after unilateral lumbar disc herniation, resulting in asymmetry.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupotomy on the fat infiltration degree of lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) in patients with lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED).@*METHODS@#A total of 104 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PTED were randomly divided into an observation group (52 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Patients of both groups received rehabilitation training of two weeks 48 h after PTED treatment. The observation group was treated with acupotomy (L3-L5 Jiaji [EX-B 2]) once within 24 h after PTED. In the two groups, the fat infiltration cross sectional area (CSA) of LMM was compared before and 6 months after PTED, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were observed before and 1, 6 months after PTED. The correlation between fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS score was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Six months after PTED, the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L4/L5 and the total L3-S1 segments of the observation group was lower than that before PTED (P<0.05), and the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L4/L5 of the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.01). One month after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Six months after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED and 1 month after PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in the total L3-S1 segments and VAS scores in the two groups before PTED (r = 0.64, P<0.01). Six months after PTED, there was no correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS scores in the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupotomy can improve the fat infiltration degree of LMM, pain symptoms and activities of daily living in patients with lumbar disc herniation after PTED.
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Humans , Intervertebral Disc Displacement , Activities of Daily Living , Paraspinal Muscles , Treatment Outcome , Lumbar Vertebrae , Retrospective Studies , Endoscopy , Diskectomy , Acupuncture TherapyABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Degenerative spondylolisthesis burdens the future economy. Elderly individuals with this condition suffer from back pain, limb paralysis, reduced activity, and diminished quality of life. Surgery offers relief but is risky and expensive. As healthcare improves, the aging population grows, and spondylolisthesis incidence rises. Early detection and risk factor management are vital for prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation of the risk factors for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods: A retrospective observational study was done in Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya from January 2018 to December 2019. Forty-five subjects with degenerative spondylolisthesis diagnosed by MR Imaging enrolled in this study. Intervertebral disc, facet joint, multifidus muscle, and ligamentum flavum at level L1 until level L5 were examined using MR imaging. Correlation analysis was measured using the Spearman correlation test and risk factor analysis was measured using the logistic regression test. Results: There are significant correlations between intervertebral disc degeneration, facet joint osteoarthritis, multifidus muscle fatty infiltration, and thickening of ligamentum flavum with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The risk factors at levels L3-4 and L5-S1 are intervertebral disc degeneration and L4-5 is multifidus muscle fatty infiltration and facet joint osteoarthritis. Conclusion: This study confirmed the risk factors that correlated with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.
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Objective:To explore the repeatability of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) in evaluating the Young′s modulus (E) of the lumbar multifidus (LM) and the difference in E of the bilateral LM, and to analyze the E′s change ratio of LM and its impact factors at upright and 90° forward bend positions.Methods:A total of 60 healthy volunteers, selected from interns, standardized training residents and refresher doctors in department of diagnostic ultrasound of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July to December in 2020, were examined twice by SWE to estimate the E value of LM at prone, upright and 90° flexion positions, respectively. Firstly, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied to test the reliability between the two repeated measurements.Secondly, the differences in E of the bilateral LM were discussed. The discrepancies in the E value of male and female volunteers at prone, upright and 90° flexion positions and the change ratio of the E value at upright and 90° forward bend positions were also discussed, respectively. Finally, Spearman correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the correlations of E and its change ratio with gender, age, BMI and activity level at upright and 90° forward bend positions, respectively.Results:The ICC value in LM measured by SWE was in the range of 0.691 to 0.951. No obvious change in bilateral E values of the same posture was observed for an individual(all P>0.05). The change ratios of E at upright and 90° flexion positions were approximate to 2 and 7, respectively. Moreover, at prone position, the E value exhibited negative correlation with age and activity level of self-assessment ( rs=-0.300, P=0.020; rs=-0.383, P=0.002). The E in female was higher compared with that in male. At active states the change ratio in E was positively correlated with age and activity level ( rs=0.278, P=0.031; rs=0.495, P<0.001), and the E′s change ratio in male was higher than that in female. Conclusions:SWE possesses excellent repeatability in evaluating the E value of LM with no significant difference in E of bilateral LM. The E′s change ratio in LM varies with different contraction strategies and changes with age, sex and self-reported activity level.
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BACKGROUND: Lumbar percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy can decompress nerve root compression caused by herniated lumbar disc. Postoperative rehabilitation not only includes the recovery of surgical trauma, but also the recovery of lumbar muscle damage accompanied by lumbar disc herniation and the recovery of pelvic-leg function imbalance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of staged rehabilitation program of lumbar motor chain based on McKenzie’s technique after lumbar percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. METHODS: Totally sixty-two patients with lumbar disc herniation who were treated in the Beijing Bo’ai Hospital of China Rehabilitation Research Center from January 2012 to December 2018 underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. The patients were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 31 cases in each group. The experimental group performed remote staged rehabilitation guidance based on McKenzie’s technology according to pre-set rehabilitation program for postoperative rehabilitation of lumbar motion chain: 2-6 weeks after operation as the first stage, 7-12 weeks as the second stage and 13-24 weeks as the third stage. Control group received regular postoperative rehabilitation. Visual analogue scale score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Oswestry Disability Index, and SF-36 score were assessed in both groups pre-rehabilitation and 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-rehabilitation. Cross sectional area of the multifidus of the lumbar spine was detected under MRI 12 weeks post-rehabilitation. Gait analysis was conducted 24 weeks post-rehabilitation by using three-dimensional motion acquisition and analysis system. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Bo’ai Hospital of China Rehabilitation Research Center (approval No. 2019-011-1). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After rehabilitation, visual analogue scale score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Oswestry Disability Index, and SF-36 score were improved to different degrees in both groups compared with those before rehabilitation. Visual analogue scale score and Oswestry Disability Index were lower in the experimental group than those in the control group at 6 and 12 weeks (P 0.05). (3) Gait analysis exhibited that the ratio of left to right in the supporting phase of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 24 weeks (P < 0.05). (4) Results suggest that the staged rehabilitation program after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation is in line with the characteristics of postoperative recovery of lumbar disc herniation, and has good effectiveness and feasibility.
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BACKGROUND: Posterior lumbar spine surgery is currently the main surgical approach for many surgical operations such as discectomy and spinal canal decompression. However, 10%-40% of patients with posterior lumbar spine surgery can have low back pain and related dysfunctions soon after surgery, which is related to excessive stretching or blunt injury to the paraspinal muscles such as the multifidus muscle during the operation. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of “Lumbar Three Needles” on the expression of oxidative stress factors, including malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and phosphorylated protein kinase B, in rats with multifidus muscles injury. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and “Lumbar Three Needles” group, with 8 rats in each group. An animal model of multifidus muscles injury was made by intramuscular injection of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride in the model and treatment groups in control and “Lumbar Three Needles” group, while normal saline was injected in the control group. No acupuncture intervention was given in the control group and model group, while Dachangshu, Shenshu and Weizhong acupoints were electroacupunctured in the “Lumbar Three Needles” group. Needles were then stimulated electrically using a Han's Acupoint Nerve Stimulator with density wave, frequency of 2 Hz/10 Hz and continuous current of 1 mA for 20 minutes, once daily for 7 days in total. The multifidus muscle was stained with hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe morphological changes, and kits were used to observe the expression of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, while western blot was applied to observe the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B. The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital with an approval No. 048617. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hematoxylin-eosin staining results indicated that the muscle fibers were partially fixed in the model group and there were still a lot of macrophages after 7 days of intervention. Compared with the model group, more newborn muscle fibers and fewer macrophages could be seen in the “Lumbar Three Needles” group. After intervention, the cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscles in the “Lumbar Three Needles” group was significantly bigger than that in the model group (P < 0.01). The expression levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in the model group were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.01) and “Lumbar Three Needles” group (P < 0.01). The expression of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and phosphorylated protein kinase B in the “Lumbar Three Needles” group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Therefore, “Lumbar Three Needles” can significantly decrease the oxidative stress level after multifidus muscle injury, which may be related to the improvement of phosphorylated protein kinase B.
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OBJECTIVE@#To compare the degeneration of lumbosacral multifidus muscle in patients with lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five healthy volunteers and 35 patients with unilateral L lumbar disc herniation from December 2015 to September 2017 were recruited. There were 20 males and 15 females in each group, aged from 25 to 55 years old. In healthy volunteers group, the mean age was (35.66±8.73) years old and the BMI was (21.85±1.94) kg /m. In patients with lumbar disc herniation, the mean age was (36.09±7.70) years old, the BMI was (21.50±1.78) kg /m, the VAS score was 4.40±0.88, the course of disease was (11.20±7.14) months. Surface electromyography analysis was performed on the multifidus muscle of the two groups. The average myoelectric amplitude of the multifidus muscle in the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The average myoelectric amplitude of the multifidus muscle of healthy volunteers was (48.84±7.77) µV on the left and (49.13±7.86) µV on the right. There was no significant difference between the two sides (>0.05). The average myoelectric amplitude of multifidus muscle in patients with lumbar disc herniation was(48.82±8.14) µV on the healthy side and (42.81±7.00) µV on the affected side, and the difference was statistically significant between two sides(0.05). There was significant difference in the average myoelectric amplitude of multifidus muscle between the affected side of lumbar disc herniation and on the left of healthy volunteers, and also between the affected side of lumbar disc herniation and on the right of healthy volunteers(<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with chronic lumbar disc herniation have an imbalance in myoelectric activity, and the muscle strength of the multifidus muscle on the affected side is significantly reduced.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Electromyography , Intervertebral Disc Degeneration , Diagnostic Imaging , Intervertebral Disc Displacement , Lumbar Vertebrae , Paraspinal MusclesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To compare the degeneration of lumbosacral multifidus muscle in patients with lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy was performed on the multifidus muscle of 35 healthy volunteers and 35 patients with unilateral L lumbar disc herniation. There were 20 males and 15 females in each group, aged from 25 to 55 years old. In healthy volunteers, the mean age was (35.66±8.73) years old and the BMI was (21.85±1.94) kg/m; in the patients, the mean age was (36.09±7.70) years old, the BMI was (21.50±1.78) kg/m, the VAS score was (4.40±0.88) points, the course of disease was (11.2±7.14) months. The proportion of fat in the L lumbosacral multifidus muscle and the proportion of fat-suppressed cross-sectional area were observed by MRI, the differences of the observation indexes of the two groups were compared through data analysis.@*RESULTS@#In healthy volunteers, the proportion of fat on the left side of the multifidus muscle was (0.169± 0.035)%, the proportion of fat removal cross-sectional area on the left side of the multifidus muscle was (0.699±0.070)%, the proportion of fat on the right side of the multifidus muscle was (0.168±0.031)%, and the proportion of fat removal cross-sectional area on the right side of the multifidus muscle was (0.712±0.056)%, there was no significant difference between the two sides (>0.05). In patients, the proportion of fat on the healthy side of multifidus muscles was (0.173±0.021)%, the proportion of fat removal cross-sectional area on the healthy side of multifidus muscles was (0.695±0.054)%, the proportion of fat on the affected side of the multifidus muscle was (0.228±0.027)%, and the proportion of fat removal cross-sectional area on the affected side of the multifidus muscle was (0.629±0.048)%, the differences of the above indexes on both sides were statistically significant (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#There is degeneration of lumbosacral multifidus muscle on the affected side of patients with unilateral L intervertebral disc herniation, featuring multifidus muscular atrophy and fat infiltration.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Weizhong" (BL40) on histopathological changes and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) component Collagen Ⅰ， matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2), MyoD and Pax7 proteins of lumbar muscle tissues in rats with lumbar multifidus muscle injury (LMMI), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving muscular injury. METHODS: A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into blank control, model and EA groups. The LMMI model was established by injection of 0.5% Bupivacaine (100 µL/ point) into bilateral multifidus muscles of lumbar 4 and 5 (4 points). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1－2 mA) was applied to BL40 for 20 min, once a day for 3 days. The morphological changes of the left lumbar multifidus muscle were observed under microscope after H．E. and Masson staining, and the expression of Collagen Ⅰ， MMP2, MyoD and Pax7 of the right lumbar multifidus muscle was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: H．E. staining showed large areas of degeneration and necrosis of muscle fibers, and vacuolar structure formed by degradation of muscle fibers in the model group, and newborn juvenile muscle fibers with different diameters in the EA group. Masson staining showed a large number of morphologically damaged muscle fibers and blue stained collagen fibers in the model group, and significantly reduced collagen fibers as well as new muscle fibers with uneven diameters in the EA group. The expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ， MMP2 and MyoD proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of Pax7 was considerably down-regulated in the model group relative to the control group (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), and those of MMP2, MyoD and Pax7 proteins were obviously or further obviously up-regulated in the EA group compared with the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at BL40 can reduce the degree of skeletal muscle fibrosis to promote the regeneration of the injured multifidus at the early phase, which may be related to its effect in regulating the expression of Collagen Ⅰ and MMP2 proteins.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI) following posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective case-control study was conducted in 2904 patients undergoing posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion from 2011 to 2016. Forty-three patients with SSI within 30 days after the operation served as the case group, and 334 randomly selected patients without infection served as the control group. Age, gender, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), albumin level, multilevel procedures, subcutaneous fat thickness, surgery duration and the percentage of lumbar multifidus muscle fat infiltration were analyzed, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of SSI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Multivariate logical regression analysis identified a female gender, subcutaneous fat thickness, multilevel surgery, and lumbar multifidus muscle fat infiltration as significant risk factors for SSI ( < 0.05). BMI was not correlated with fat infiltration in the lumbar multifidus muscle ( > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A female gender, multilevel surgery, subcutaneous fat thickness and fat infiltration in the multifidus muscle are related to SSI following posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion. Fat infiltration in the multifidus muscle was a spine-specific risk factor for SSI independent of BMI.</p>
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Objectives To investigate the relationship between the degeneration of lumbar multifidus mus-cles and facet joint osteoarthritis(FJOA)by MRI. Methods This retrospective study included 248 patients with low back and leg pain,aged from 55 to 70.MRI was used to measure TCSA,FCSA,fCSA and FI% of the L4~5and L5~S1segments on the both sides of their multifidus muscle in the cross section in T2weighted image.All the cases were divided into three grades:grade 0~1,grade 2 and grade 3 according to their FJOA grades. The relationship between the FJOA grades at the same level and TCSA,FCSA and FI% of both sides was analyzed retrospectively. Results There were significant differences of the FI% of the multifidus muscle between both sides of the two seg-ments(P < 0.05);The TCSA,FCSA and fCSA of the left and right multifidus muscle all showed an increasing trend from L4~5to L5~S1segment and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the FI% of two sides of multifidus muscle was negatively correlated with the right FJOA grade at L5~S1segment(P<0.05).There was a re-lationship between females and right FJOA grade at L5~S1segment(all P < 0.05). Whereas,no significant differ-ence was found in other parameters(all P>0.05).Conclusions There is no relationship between the cross-sec-tional area of the multifidus muscle and the FJOA grade. The higher FI% degree of multifidus muscle in the L5~S1 segment is accompanied with a lower grade of FJOA.The degeneration of multifidus muscle occurs earlier than the degeneration of articular process joints,so the earlier exercise of lumbar muscle is recommended.
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PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of sling exercise therapy on vertebral alignment, VAS, muscle activity, and multifidus of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Simple random sampling was used to divide the patients (n=116) into the sling exercise therapy group (SETG) and conservative physical therapy group (CPTG), with each group provided a intervention program in 3 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), lumbar intervertebral disc angle (LIVDA) for vertebral alignment, lumbar muscle activity, and multifidus atrophy were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: SETG showed significant changes in LLA, LIVDA of rate of change (delta score), and in relieving pain. The right-left balance gap for the lumbar dynamic muscle activity decreased after the intervention. The SETG showed significant changes in the grade of lumbar multifidus atrophy. CONCLUSION: The sling exercise therapy program is an effective exercise therapy method on vertebral alignment, muscle activity, recovery from multifidus atrophy, and pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.
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Animals , Humans , Atrophy , Exercise Therapy , Intervertebral Disc , Lordosis , Low Back Pain , Methods , Paraspinal MusclesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Weizhong" (BL 40) on morphology and expression of creatine kinase (CK) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in rats with bupivacaine-induced multifidus muscle injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a Weizhong group and a Shenshu group, 8 rats in each one. The rats in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were treated with intramuscular injection of 0.5% bupivacaine to establish the model of multifidus muscle injury; the rats in the control group were injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The rats in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were treated with EA (2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, 1~2 mA in intensity) at "Weizhong" (BL 40) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), 20 min per treatment. No treatment was given in the control group and model group. After 14-day treatment of EA, the inflammatory cell count, scar tissues area and muscle fiber cross sectional area of multifidus muscle were observed with HE and Masson staining method. The activity of CK and serum content of IL-17 were test with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method; the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle was measured with immunohistochcmical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After intervention, the inflammatory cell count and scar tissues area in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were higher than those in the control group (all<0.01), but the muscle fiber cross sectional area was significantly reduced (all<0.01); the inflammatory cell count and scar tissues area in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were lower than those in the model group (all<0.01), and the muscle fiber cross sectional area was significantly increased (<0.01,<0.05). After intervention, the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle, serum content of IL-7 and activity of CK in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were higher than those in the control group (all<0.01); the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle, serum content of IL-7 and activity of CK in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were lower than those in the model group (<0.01,<0.05); compared with the Shenshu group, the down-regulation of IL-17 was more obvisous in the Weizhong group (<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA at "Weizhong" (BL 40) can down-regulate the overexpression of serum CK and IL-17, alleviate inflammation reaction and improve the repair of multifidus muscle.</p>
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Objective To explore the neurovascular distribution around multifidus muscles in the low back and its clinical significance via regional dissection.Methods Five cadavers were dissected in the low back.The anatomical relationships between the longissimus thoracis,iliocostalis and the start-stop,direction and position of multifidus muscles were observed.Branches,distribution and the characteristics of the erector spinae muscle,the lateral branches of spinal nerves and blood vessels were examined.Then measured the distances from the emerging point of the lateral cutaneous branches of spinal nerves to the spinous processes.Results After removed the deep fascia,the longissimus thoracis was found medially and the iliocostalis was found laterally.The muhifidus muscles located deeply to the longissimus and the iliocostalis muscles.The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar blood vessels run in the multifidus muscle gaps.Conclusion The multifidus muscle gaps contain plenty of neurovascular bundles.Surgery involving the low back often takes the advantage of the gaps between multifidus muscles.Therefore,surgeons should take caution to avoid damaging the lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar vessels during low back surgery.
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Objective This work aimed to observe averaged electromyogram(AEMG)changes in surface electromyography(sEMG)of thigh muscles and lumbar multifidus muscles in different states of squat training. Then,to find out which is the most effective for squat training. Methods A total of 46 healthy volunteers were selected and divided into two groups,namely,with and without leaning against the wall.sEMG was used to record vastus lateralis muscle,vastus medialis muscle,biceps femoris muscle,and lumbar multifidus muscles at differ-ent knee flexion angles(30°,45°,60°,and 75°). AEMG was analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of vari-ance. Results Different knee flexion angles exerted significant effects on AEMG of all tested muscles(P <0.001).Whether leaning against the wall to squat had a significant impact on AEMG of biceps femoris muscle,but not on vastus lateralis muscle,vastus medialis muscle and lumbar multifidus muscles. Significant difference was detected in interactions of knee flexion angle,and the same to the factor of with and without leaning against the wall on examined AEMG of the thigh muscle,but not for lumbar multifidus muscles. Multiple comparisons showed,the AEMG level of the tested muscles was significantly increased when the knee flexion angles was 75°. Conclusions With increased knee flexion angle,muscle activation has enheanced for vastus lateralis muscle, vastus medialis muscle,biceps femoris muscle and lumbar multifidus muscles. Squatting without leaning against the wall exerts a more marked influence on activation of biceps femoris muscle,but no activation for vastus lateralis muscle,vastus medialis muscle and lumbar multifidus muscles.
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STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study (retrospective comparative study). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) and density of the erector spinae muscle (ESM) and isolated multifidus muscle (IMM) on computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with a chief complaint other than LBP. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Most previous studies have focused on radiographic data from patients with a chief complaint of LBP, rather than on radiographic data from patients with a chief complaint other than LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 475 patients who underwent CT scans between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. The CSA and density of the ESM, IMM, and the psoas muscle (PM) were obtained. All measurements were calculated as the ratio of each muscle. The relationships between the CSA of each muscle and both types of LBP were analyzed. RESULTS: The ESM-to-PM ratio in terms of density was 1.227±0.797 in the LBP group and 0.645±0.732 in the non-LBP group (p=0.174). The IMM-to-PM ratio in terms of density was 0.664±0.515 in the LBP group and 0.806±0.518 in the non-LBP group (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The IMM was more relevant to LBP than the ESM of the back, and density was more relevant to LBP than the CSA of regular muscles. The IMM was more useful than the ESM for analyzing LBP.
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Humans , Case-Control Studies , Low Back Pain , Muscles , Paraspinal Muscles , Psoas Muscles , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study effects of strengthening exercise with strong tendon on the lumbosacral multifidus muscle.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among 30 healthy volunteers, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of(31.30±6.48) years old(ranged, 25 to 55 years old). The mean BMI was (21.70±1.95) kg/m²(ranged, 18.1 to 24.9 kg/m²). The ultrasonic image was used to analyze the thickness of lumbosacral multifidus(LM) under the follow conditions: supine position, and supine position with leg lifting 30°, 60°, 90°; seat and hip flexion, flexion to limit position, front to limit position with both hands climbing and strengthening the kidneys and the waist.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average lumbosacral multifidus thickness was (16.867±2.460) mm, (19.010±2.510) mm, (22.477±2.220) mm, and(27.593±2.370) mm respectively in supine position with leg lifting 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°. There were statistical differences(=423.619,<0.05). The average lumbosacral multifidus thickness was (25.810±2.440) mm, (15.677±2.130) mm, and (15.533±2.110) mm respectively in seat and hip flexion, flexion to limit, front to limit positions with both hands climbing and strengthening the kidneys and the waist. There were statistical differences(=597.789,<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>When healthy volunteers in Shi's Orthopedics strengthen muscle exercises training, multifidus thickness is increased with the increasing of leg degree, reduced with the increasing of the flexion degree. It can change the stretching state of multifidus muscle by a specific training, so as to achieve the purpose of training the multifidus muscle.</p>
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STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PURPOSE: To contrast the efficacy of two exercise programs-multifidus retraining program (MRP) and traditional back exercises (TBE)-on pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Mechanical low back pain does not involve nerve roots. Stability of the spine is provided by the ligaments and muscles of the lower back and abdomen. Although weakness of the superficial trunk and abdominal muscles are the primary risk factors, recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of weakness and lack of control of the deep trunk muscles, especially the multifidus and transverse abdominis muscles. Therefore, exercises to restore optimal lumbar multifidus function are important in rehabilitation strategies. METHODS: Thirty individuals were randomly assigned to receive TBE, where exercises focused on the superficial muscles of abdomen and low back (control, group A) and MRP, where exercises focused on the deep multifidus muscles fibers (experimental, group B). Groups were examined to find the effect of these exercises on visual analog scale rated pain (visual analogical scale) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry disability questionnaire. The exercise program lasted for 6 weeks on alternate days, with 20 repetitions of each exercise, with each move held for 5-8 seconds. Subjects were evaluated at the start of the study and after completion of the 6-week exercise program. RESULTS: As compared to baseline, both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving disability (p<0.001). The MRP group had significant gains for pain and functional disability when compared to the TBE group (both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques lessen pain and reduce disability. MRP is superior to TBE in reducing pain and improving function.
Subject(s)
Abdomen , Abdominal Muscles , Exercise , Ligaments , Low Back Pain , Muscles , Paraspinal Muscles , Rehabilitation , Risk Factors , Spine , Visual Analog ScaleABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PURPOSE: To contrast the efficacy of two exercise programs-multifidus retraining program (MRP) and traditional back exercises (TBE)-on pain and functional disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Mechanical low back pain does not involve nerve roots. Stability of the spine is provided by the ligaments and muscles of the lower back and abdomen. Although weakness of the superficial trunk and abdominal muscles are the primary risk factors, recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of weakness and lack of control of the deep trunk muscles, especially the multifidus and transverse abdominis muscles. Therefore, exercises to restore optimal lumbar multifidus function are important in rehabilitation strategies. METHODS: Thirty individuals were randomly assigned to receive TBE, where exercises focused on the superficial muscles of abdomen and low back (control, group A) and MRP, where exercises focused on the deep multifidus muscles fibers (experimental, group B). Groups were examined to find the effect of these exercises on visual analog scale rated pain (visual analogical scale) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry disability questionnaire. The exercise program lasted for 6 weeks on alternate days, with 20 repetitions of each exercise, with each move held for 5-8 seconds. Subjects were evaluated at the start of the study and after completion of the 6-week exercise program. RESULTS: As compared to baseline, both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving disability (p<0.001). The MRP group had significant gains for pain and functional disability when compared to the TBE group (both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques lessen pain and reduce disability. MRP is superior to TBE in reducing pain and improving function.
Subject(s)
Abdomen , Abdominal Muscles , Exercise , Ligaments , Low Back Pain , Muscles , Paraspinal Muscles , Rehabilitation , Risk Factors , Spine , Visual Analog ScaleABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the inter-session reliability of new software to measure the diameters of the cervical multifidus muscle (CMM), both at rest and during isometric contractions of the shoulder abductors in subjects with neck pain and in healthy individuals.METHOD: In the present study, the reliability of measuring the diameters of the CMM with the Sonosynch software was evaluated by using 24 participants, including 12 subjects with chronic neck pain and 12 healthy individuals. The anterior-posterior diameter (APD) and the lateral diameter (LD) of the CMM were measured in a resting state and then repeated during isometric contraction of the shoulder abductors. Measurements were taken on separate occasions 3 to 7 days apart in order to determine inter-session reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were used to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability, respectively.RESULTS: The Sonosynch software has shown to be highly reliable in measuring the diameters of the CMM both in healthy subjects and in those with neck pain. The ICCs 95% CI for APD ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.86 to 0.94 in healthy subjects. For LD, the ICC 95% CI ranged from 0.64 to 0.95 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.82 to 0.92 in healthy subjects.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurement of the diameters of the CMM using Sonosynch has proved to be reliable especially for APD in healthy subjects as well as subjects with neck pain.