EMG activities of the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae muscles during flexion - Relaxation and other motor tasks

Objective. The aim of this study was to provide new information on the myoelectrical activation of the quadratus lumborum, the deep lateral and the superficial medial lumbar erector spinae, the psoas, and the iliacus muscles in various motor tasks. Design. An intramuscular electromyographic study was performed. Background. The contribution of individual deep trunk muscles to the stability of the lumbar spine is relatively unknown in different tasks, including the flexion-relaxation phenomenon. Methods. Seven healthy subjects participated. Fine-wire electrodes were inserted with a needle guided by ultrasound. Results. The highest activity observed for quadratus lumborum and deep lateral erector spinae occurred in ipsilateral trunk flexion in a side-lying position and for superficial medial erector spinae during bilateral leg lift in a prone position, Quadratus lumborum and deep lateral erector spinae were activated when the flexion-relaxation phenomenon was present for superficial medial erector spinae, i.e. when its activity ceased in the latter part of full forward flexion of the trunk, held relaxed and kyphotic, Conclusions. In general, the activation of the investigated muscles showed a high degree of task specificity, where activation of a certain muscle was not always predictable from its anatomical arrangement and mechanical advantage. Relevance These data on activation levels and interactions between deep and superficial muscles in the lumbar region are of relevance for improving biomechanical models of the lumbar spine, designing tests and training programmes for the trunk musculature in rehabilitation and sports contexts, and evaluating aetiological factors for low back pain. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.