Abstract
Objective To analyze the muscle utilization ratio (MUR) of the trunk muscles when walking after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Ten patients with T11 SCI formed the SCI group, and 10 healthy subjects were chosen as controls. The MUR of their pectoralis major, rectus abdominus, obliquus externus abdominis, trapezius, latissimus dorsi and erector spinae muscles were recorded while walking. Two independent sample t-tests were used to compare the MURs of the two groups. The MURs of the trunk muscles in the same group were compared using single-factor analysis of variance. Results The SCI group displayed significantly higher utilization of the pectoralis major, obliquus externus abdominis and erector spinae muscles compared to the control group during the stance phase, and significantly higher utilization of the obliquus externus abdominis and erector spinae during the swing phase. In the SCI group, the MUR of the obliquus externus abdominis was significantly higher than that of other muscles (except the pectoralis major) and the MUR of the pectoralis major was significantly greater than that of the trapezius during the stance phase. However, there were no significant differences in MUR among the different trunk muscles in the healthy group. The SCI patients generated significantly greater activity in the obliquus externus abdominis than in the trapezius during the swing phase. The control group developed significantly greater MUR in the trapezius than in the pectoralis major and more in the latissimus dorsi than in the rectus abdominus during the swing phase. Conclusion T11 complete SCI patients needed to generate higher MUR in the pectoralis major, obliquus externus abdominis and erector spinae during walking. This finding can serve as a reference for improving ambulation training. Key words: Spinal cord injuries; Walking; Trunk; Electromyography
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call