Effectiveness of Maximum Voluntary Contraction Using Surface Electromyography on Erector Spinae and Tensor Fascia Latae Muscle Along With Muscle Energy Technique in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) one of the major health issues over the world. It affects quality of life and work absentness leads to disability. Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) does not have specified problem. In this type, muscle imbalance, distributed muscle strength, endurance, movement co-ordination impairment, poor posture might enhance the nociceptor stimuli.
Muscle energy technique (MET) is an active manual technique focused over muscle stretching, strengthening, relaxing. Aims to restore normal joint mobility and reduce pain.
Aim: To determine the effect of muscle energy technique in chronic non-specific low back pain.
To study the effectiveness of muscle energy technique in subjects with chronic non-specific low back pain on pain, functional disability and Surface electromyography (SEMG) measures.
Material and Method: A total of 40 subjects were included in the study. 20 subjects with CNSLBP were allocated in a group A. whereas group B was allocated with Core Muscle Strengthening exercises (CMSE) for three weeks. All the participants were clearly explained about the procedure and informed consent attained.
In group A, MET was applied over four muscle groups namely quadratus
Lumborum (QL), erector spinae (ES), iliopsoas, tensor fascia latae (TFL). SEMG study was done over the two muscles, ES and TFL. At rest period measurement was done after their maximum voluntary contraction was recorded.
Results: Pre-post-test comparison was analysed by Wilcoxon’s matched pair test. Between group analysis done by Mann Whitney U test, the experimental groups exhibit VAS, ODI, SEMG-ES (Rt and Lt), TFL (t and Lt) shown significance at p value = 0.001.
Conclusion: MET was effectively reducing functional disability, decreases pain, muscle strength improved in ES and TFL muscles of both sides evaluated through SEMG.