Paraspinal Muscle Activity Research Articles

Paraspinal Muscle Activity during Unstable Superman and Bodyweight Squat Exercises

The purpose of this study was to investigate the recruitment of the paraspinal muscles longissimus and iliocostalis during dynamic contractions of superman exercises on stable and unstable surfaces, and during unloaded bodyweight squats. Surface electromyography (EMG) was measured from these two muscles bilaterally while participants performed the exercises. Participants (n = 17, age 24 ± 3.1 years, body mass 78.5 ± 8.2 kg, height 1.81 ± 7.4 m) performed two sets of 10 repetitions for each exercise in a random order. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relation between both sides of the participants (longissimus pairs: r = 0.945; and iliocostalis pairs: r = 0.855), demonstrating a symmetric muscle recruitment in all exercises. However, there were no significant differences between the exercises for both muscles in a multiple comparison analysis (longissimus pairs: p = 0.496; and iliocostalis pairs: p = 0.296). The bodyweight squat produces similar muscle activity of the longissimus and iliocostalis compared with superman exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. Considering the dynamic nature of the bodyweight squat, and its implications on functional daily living activities and sports conditions, it seems a more reasonable choice for targeting paraspinal muscles if compared to superman exercises or unstable superman exercises.

Pisa syndrome in Parkinson's disease: electromyographic quantification of paraspinal and non-paraspinal muscle activity.

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Pisa syndrome (PS) may present tonic dystonic or compensatory (i.e. acting against gravity) hyperactivity in the paraspinal and non-paraspinal muscles. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured in nine patients with PD and PS, three with PD without PS, and five healthy controls. Fine-wire intramuscular electrodes were inserted bilaterally into the iliocostalis lumborum (ICL), iliocostalis thoracis (ICT), gluteus medius (GM), and external oblique (EO) muscles. The root mean square (RMS) of the EMG signal was calculated and normalized for each muscle. In stance condition, side-to-side muscle activity comparisons showed a higher RMS only for the contralateral ICL in PD patients with PS (p=0.028). Moreover, with increasing degrees of lateral flexion, the activity of the EO and the ICL muscles progressively increased and decreased, respectively. The present data suggest that contralateral paraspinal muscle activity plays a crucial compensatory role and can be dysfunctional in PD patients with PS.

The effect of bridge exercise method on the strength of rectus abdominis muscle and the muscle activity of paraspinal muscles while doing treadmill walking with high heels.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of the method of bridge exercise on the change of rectus abdominis muscle and the muscle activity of paraspinal muscles while doing treadmill walking with high heels. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this research are healthy female students consisting of 10 persons performing bridge exercises in a supine group, 10 persons performing bridge exercises in a prone group, and 10 persons in a control group while in S university in Busan. Bridge exercise in supine position is performed in hook lying position. Bridge exercise in prone position is plank exercise in prostrate position. To measure the strength of rectus abdominis muscle, maintaining times of the posture was used. To measure the muscle activity of paraspinal muscles, EMG (4D-MT & EMD-11, Relive, Korea) was used. [Results] The strength of rectus abdominis muscle of both bridge exercises in the supine group and bridge exercises in the prone group increases significantly after exercise. The muscle activity of paraspinal muscle such as thoracic parts and lumbar parts in bridge exercises in the prone group decreases statistically while walking on a treadmill with high heels. Muscle activity of thoracic parts paraspinal muscle and bridge exercises in the supine group decreased significantly. [Conclusion] According to this study, we noticed that bridge exercise in a prone position is desirable for women who prefer wearing high heels as a back pain prevention exercise method.

Adaptations of lumbar biomechanics after four weeks of running training with minimalist footwear and technique guidance: Implications for running-related lower back pain

ObjectivesTo investigate the changes in lumbar kinematic and paraspinal muscle activation before, during, and after a 4-week minimalist running training. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingUniversity research laboratory. ParticipantsSeventeen habitually shod recreational runners who run 10–50 km per week. Main outcome measuresDuring stance phases of running, sagittal lumbar kinematics was recorded using an electrogoniometer, and activities of the lumbar paraspinal muscles were assessed by electromyography. Runners were asked to run at a prescribed speed (3.1 m/s) and a self-selected speed. ResultsFor the 3.1 m/s running speed, significant differences were found in the calculated mean lumbar posture (p = 0.001) during the stance phase, including a more extended lumbar posture after minimalist running training. A significant reduction in the contralateral lumbar paraspinal muscle activation was also observed (p = 0.039). For the preferred running speed, similar findings of a more extended lumbar posture (p = 0.002) and a reduction in contralateral lumbar paraspinal muscle activation (p = 0.047) were observed. ConclusionA 4-week minimalist running training program produced significant changes in lumbar biomechanics during running. Specifically, runners adopted a more extended lumbar posture and reduced lumbar paraspinal muscle activation. These findings may have clinical implications for treating individuals with running-related lower back pain.

Changes in Electromyographic Activity of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles According to Type of Inverted-Spinal-Traction

We analyzed changes in electromyographic (EMG) activity in the lumbar paraspinal muscles according to Inverted-Spinal-Traction (IST) protocols, and based on the results, identified how the various protocols affected the relaxation of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Sixty healthy adult males participated in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups according to different traction protocols: 30°---30°, 30°---60°, and 60°---60°. IST was performed for 6 min in two phases, with each phase lasting 3 min. The root mean square (RMS) of EMG signals from the left and right lumbar paraspinal muscles was measured during IST, and changes in EMG activity were analyzed by examining the differences between the phases. The greatest difference in the RMS of EMG signals from the left and right lumbar paraspinal muscles during IST occurred between the phases in the 30°---60° group. The RMS of EMG signals from the right L2 and left L4 paraspinal muscles exhibited statistically significant differences between the phases. Although the RMS of EMG signals from the left L2 and right L4 paraspinal muscles did not show statistically significant differences between phases, they did exhibit similar patterns. In this study, the progressive 30°---60° IST protocol was the most effective for relaxing lumbar paraspinal muscles.

Altered Multifidus Recruitment During Walking in Young Asymptomatic Individuals With a History of Low Back Pain.

Study Design Controlled laboratory study, with a case-control, cross-sectional design. Background Individuals with low back pain have impaired activation of the multifidus during postural adjustments and increased activity of the erector spinae musculature during walking. However, it is unclear whether these alterations in muscle activity are evident during locomotion in individuals with a history of low back pain when they are between symptomatic episodes. Objectives To compare paraspinal muscle activity in young, healthy individuals and young individuals with a history of low back pain during walking turns. Methods Fourteen asymptomatic individuals with a history of low back pain and 14 controls performed 90° walking turns at both a self-selected speed and a fast speed. The duration and amplitude of activity in the deep fibers of the multifidus and the lumbar and thoracic longissimus were quantified using intramuscular electromyography. Results There was a significant speed-by-group interaction for the duration of multifidus activity (P = .013). Duration of activity increased from the self-selected speed to the fast locomotor speed in the controls, but decreased in the individuals with a history of low back pain (P = .003). Self-selected speed was the same in both groups (P = .719). There was a trend toward a significant association between group and the direction of change in the duration of deep multifidus activity (χ(2) = 0.058). Duration of thoracic longissimus activity and amplitude of multifidus and thoracic longissimus activity increased similarly in both groups from the self-selected to the faster speed. Conclusion Even between symptomatic episodes, young individuals with a history of low back pain demonstrated altered recruitment of the deep fibers of the lumbar multifidus in response to changing locomotor speed during walking turns. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):365-374. Epub 21 Mar 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6230.

15. Comparison of EMG activity during stable and unstable standing and sitting in patients with primary orthostatic tremor

Background Primary orthostatic tremor (OT) is characterised by 14–16 Hz leg and truncal tremor when standing, accompanied by an intense sense of unsteadiness. Both are relieved by sitting or walking. Methods To evaluate whether OT pathogenesis is related to stance or isometric muscle contraction, and whether normal subjects develop OT when feeling unsteady, we recorded electromyographic (EMG) activity in leg and paraspinal muscles of 9 OT and 8 controls during 5 conditions: quiet standing; unsteady standing; supported standing; supported sitting; and unsupported sitting. A handheld potentiometer was used to indicate levels of subjective unsteadiness. Spectral analysis was used to quantify OTP (OT Power, mean EMG power between 13–18 Hz) and OTPR (ratio between OT power and mean EMG between 2–25 Hz). Results OTP was significantly higher in patients compared with controls during quiet and unsteady standing. In patients, OTP was attentuated during supported standing without significant changes in OTPR. During unsupported sitting, 33% of patients developed typical OT EMG activity, 22% demonstrated poorly formed OT bursting and in the remaining 45% there was not tremor. No controls developed OT. Comparing supported standing with unsupported sitting in patients, OTP was similar during both, but OPTR was significantly higher during supported standing versus unsupported sitting, suggesting a disproportionate increase in mean non-tremor locked EMG during unsupported sitting. Conclusion OT is primarily elicited by standing rather than isometric contraction. OTPR remains similar when the requirement of balance maintenance was alleviated. OT was seen in only some patients during non-standing posture maintenance requiring isometric contraction. Only one control developed poorly formed OT isolated to the leg muscles during Unsteady Standing, arguing against OT being a physiological response to unsteadiness.

Relationships between Paraspinal Muscle Activity and Lumbar Inter-Vertebral Range of Motion.

Control of the lumbar spine requires contributions from both the active and passive sub-systems. Identifying interactions between these systems may provide insight into the mechanisms of low back pain. However, as a first step it is important to investigate what is normal. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between the lumbar inter-vertebral range of motion and paraspinal muscle activity during weight-bearing flexion in healthy controls using quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) and surface electromyography (sEMG). Contemporaneous lumbar sEMG and QF motion sequences were recorded during controlled active flexion of 60° using electrodes placed over Longissimus thoracis pars thoracis (TES), Longissimus thoracis pars lumborum (LES), and Multifidus (LMU). Normalised root mean square (RMS) sEMG amplitude data were averaged over five epochs, and the change in amplitude between epochs was calculated. The sEMG ratios of LMU/LES LMU/TES and LES/TES were also determined. QF was used to measure the maximum inter-vertebral range of motion from L2-S1, and correlation coefficients were calculated between sEMG amplitude variables and these measurements. Intra- and inter-session sEMG amplitude repeatability was also assessed for all three paraspinal muscles. The sEMG amplitude measurements were highly repeatable, and sEMG amplitude changes correlated significantly with L4-5 and L5-S1 IV-RoMmax (r = −0.47 to 0.59). The sEMG amplitude ratio of LES/TES also correlated with L4-L5 IV-RoMmax (r = −0.53). The relationships found may be important when considering rehabilitation for low back pain.

Effect of the different ages and visual display terminal use on repositioning and lumbar muscle activity during continuous sitting.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different ages and visual display terminal (VDT) use on repositioning and lumbar muscle activity during continuous sitting. [Subjects] Thirteen males two groups: 7 males in their 20s, 6 males in their 40s participated in this study. [Methods] The two groups watched a lecture in a seated position under different conditions. L4 paraspinal muscle activity was recorded using a surface electromyography system. Repositioning was assessed using a video camera and Tekscan system. [Results] The repositioning times decreased significantly in the order to without a VDT in males in their 20s and 40s > with a VDT in males in their 20s > with a VDT in males in their 40s. The L4 paraspinal muscle activity significantly increased in order to without a VDT in males in their 20s and 40s < with a VDT in males in their 20s < with a VDT in males in their 40s. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that the number of repositioning movements during continuous sitting could affect lumbar muscle activity and could be an important factor for prevention of low back pain.

Reliability of measurements of the extension-flexion ratio with surface EMG.

The surface electromyography (sEMG), by evaluating the paraspinal muscle activity, may be used for diagnosis and evaluation of rehabilitation effectiveness patients with low back pain. The purpose of the study was to determine the intra- and inter-session reliability of the measurement of the activity of the lumbar erector spinae (LES) activity (extension-flexion ratio). The study included 21 asymptomatic subjects, aged 14 to 27 years, mean 23.7 ± 2.9. The LES muscle activity was assessed with using of the sEMG during forward trunk flexion and extension by two examiners. Based on the quotient of the LES muscle activity obtained during four concentric and eccentric tasks the extension-flexion ratio was calculated. The measurements displayed excellent or fair-to-good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.90 to 0.68). The typical error and coefficient of variations, ranged from 0.34 to 0.58, and from 13.7 to 21.9, respectively. The measurement of the extension-flexion ratio performed with the use of sEMG shows high level of intra- and inter-session reliability, suggesting that this parameter is a reliable tool in evaluation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles activity. However, the level of typical error should be taken into account.

Neuromechanical Responses After Biofeedback Training in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain: An Experimental Cohort Study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate changes in neuromechanical responses and clinical outcomes in chronic low back pain participants after 4 sessions of biofeedback training. MethodsTwenty-one participants took part in an electromyography biofeedback 4-session training program aimed at reducing lumbar paraspinal muscle activity during full trunk flexion. The sessions consisted of ~46 trunk flexion-extension divided into 5 blocks. The effects of training blocks and sessions on lumbar flexion-relaxation ratio and lumbopelvic ranges of motion were assessed. Changes in disability (Oswestry Disability Index), pain intensity (numerical rating scale), and fear of movement (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) were also evaluated. ResultsAnalyses of variance revealed a significant block effect for which an increase in the flexion-relaxation ratio and the lumbar range of motion between block 1 and the other blocks for sessions 1 and 2 (P < .0001) was observed. However, no significant session or interaction effect was observed. Among clinical outcomes, only fear of movement significantly decreased between the baseline (mean [SD], 33.05 [7.18]) and the fourth session (29.80 [9.88]) (P = .02). There was no significant correlation between clinical outcomes and neuromechanical variables. ConclusionBiofeedback training led to decreases in lumbar paraspinal muscle activity in full trunk flexion and increases in lumbopelvic range of motion in participants with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Although the neuromechanical changes were mostly observed at the early stage of the program, the presence of a decrease in the fear of movement suggests that the participants' initially limited ROMs may have been modulated by fear avoidance behaviors.

Traditional posterior load carriage: effects of load mass and size on torso kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity and movement stability

Traditional posterior load carriage (PLC), done without the use of an assistive device (e.g. backpack), has been associated with low back pain (LBP) development. This study evaluated the effects of important task demands, related to load mass and size, on potential mechanisms linking traditional PLC with LBP. Nine healthy participants completed PLC tasks with three load masses (20%, 35% and 50% of individual body mass) and three load sizes (small, medium and large). Torso kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity and slip risk were evaluated during PLC on a walkway, and torso movement stability was quantified during PLC on a treadmill. Increasing load mass caused increased torso flexion, L5/S1 flexion moment, abdominal muscle activity and torso movement stability in the frontal plane. Increasing load size also caused higher torso flexion, peak torso angular velocity and acceleration, and abdominal muscle activity. Complex interactive effects of load mass and size were found on paraspinal muscle activity and slip risk. Specific task demands, related to load mass and size, may thus influence the risk of LBP during PLC.

Does Using a Chair Backrest or Reducing Seated Hip Flexion Influence Trunk Muscle Activity and Discomfort? A Systematic Review.

This paper systematically reviews the effect of chair backrests and reducing seated hip flexion on low back discomfort (LBD) and trunk muscle activation. Prolonged sitting commonly exacerbates low back pain (LBP). Several modifications to seated posture and chair design have been recommended, including using chairs with backrests and chairs that reduce hip flexion. Electronic databases were searched by two independent assessors. Part 1 of this review includes 26 studies comparing the effect of sitting with at least two different hip angles. In Part 2, seven studies that compared the effect of sitting with and without a backrest were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Significant confounding variables and a relatively small number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving people with LBP complicates analysis of the results. There was moderate evidence that chair backrests reduce paraspinal muscle activation, and limited evidence that chair backrests reduce LBD. There was no evidence that chairs involving less hip flexion reduce LBP or LBD, or consistently alter trunk muscle activation. However, participants in several studies subjectively preferred the modified chairs involving less hip flexion. The limited evidence to support the use of chairs involving less seated hip flexion, or the effect of a backrest, is consistent with the limited evidence that other isolated chair design features can reduce LBP. LBP management is likely to require consideration of several factors in addition to sitting position. Larger RCTs involving people with LBP are required.

Predictive factors for progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a 1-year study

The cause of scoliosis remains unknown in 80–85% of adolescent patients. Treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains a complex challenge. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of different factors [age, initial Risser’s score and initial Cobb’s angle, surface electromyography (SEMG), activity of both paraspinal muscles at the apex of the curve] in the progression of AIS. This study included 30 patients with AIS. Full history taking and spinal and neurological examinations were carried out. Initial Cobb’s angle and Risser’s staging were determined, together with SEMG of paraspinal muscles at the curve’s apex. Reassessment of Cobb’s angle and Risser’s score was done 1 year later. Analysis of data was carried out with an IBM computer using statistical program for social science (version 18) software and services. Quantitative data were presented as mean, SD, minimum and maximum values, and range. Qualitative data were presented as number and percentage, analyzed with the χ2-test. Analytic statistics were calculated using Student’s t-test to compare two independent means. A receiver-operating character curve was constructed using Medcalc program 3.5. Twenty-six girls and four boys with dorsal and dorsolumbar scoliosis were included in this study. There was significant increase in Cobb’s angle and Risser’s score. Age, Risser’s score, and SEMG results on the convex side were significantly correlated with progression of the curve. Cobb’s angle was the most sensitive predictor, followed by SEMG, whereas age, initial Risser’s score, and SEMG had the highest specificity as predictors. Cobb’s angle, Risser’s score, and SEMG are specific, sensitive, and positive predictors for progression of AIS.

The adaptive changes in muscle coordination following lumbar spinal fusion

Limited back motion and damage of paraspinal muscles after spinal fusion surgery may lead to abnormal compensatory movements of the body. Whether neuromuscular control changes after surgery remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to identify the muscle activation patterns employed before and after lumbar spinal fusion. Nineteen patients having low back pain and undergoing minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion were evaluated at 1day before and 1month after fusion surgery. Nineteen matched healthy participants were recruited as controls. Patients’ pain severity and daily activity functioning were recorded. All participants were instructed to perform forward reaching, and the muscle activities were monitored using surface electromyography (EMG) with sensors placed on both sides of their trunk and lower limbs. The muscle activation patterns were identified using the principal component analysis (PCA). All patients had significant improvements in pain intensity and daily activity functioning after surgery, but exhibited an adaptive muscle activation pattern during forward reaching movement compared with the controls. Significant loading coefficients in the dominant movement pattern (reflected in the first principal component) were observed in back muscles for controls whereas in leg muscles for patients, both pre- and postoperatively. Despite substantial improvements in pain intensity and daily activity functioning after surgery, the patients exhibited decreased paraspinal muscle activities and adaptive muscle coordination patterns during forward reaching. They appeared to rely mainly on their leg muscles to compensate for their insufficient paraspinal muscle function. Early intervention focusing on training paraspinal muscles should be considered after spinal fusion surgery.

Biomechanical analysis of knee and trunk in badminton players with and without knee pain during backhand diagonal lunges

The contribution of core neuromuscular control to the dynamic stability of badminton players with and without knee pain during backhand lunges has not been investigated. Accordingly, this study compared the kinematics of the lower extremity, the trunk movement, the muscle activation and the balance performance of knee-injured and knee-uninjured badminton players when performing backhand stroke diagonal lunges. Seventeen participants with chronic knee pain (injured group) and 17 healthy participants (control group) randomly performed two diagonal backhand lunges in the forward and backward directions, respectively. This study showed that the injured group had lower frontal and horizontal motions of the knee joint, a smaller hip–shoulder separation angle and a reduced trunk tilt angle. In addition, the injured group exhibited a greater left paraspinal muscle activity, while the control group demonstrated a greater activation of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and medial gastrocnemius muscle groups. Finally, the injured group showed a smaller distance between centre of mass (COM) and centre of pressure, and a lower peak COM velocity when performing the backhand backward lunge tasks. In conclusion, the injured group used reduced knee and trunk motions to complete the backhand lunge tasks. Furthermore, the paraspinal muscles contributed to the lunge performance of the individuals with knee pain, whereas the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexor played a greater role for those without knee pain.

Comparison of selective electromyographic activity of the superficial lumbar multifidus between prone trunk extension and four-point kneeling arm and leg lift exercises.

[Purpose] This study examined the selective electromyographic activity of the lumbar paraspinal muscles in healthy male and female subjects in the prone trunk extension (PTE) and four-point kneeling arm and leg lift (FPKAL) exercises to determine the most beneficial exercise for selective activation of the lumbar multifidus (LM). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male and female subjects participated in this study. Surface electromyographic data were collected from the left-side lumbar erector spinae (LES) and LM muscles during PTE and FPKAL exercises. [Results] The LM/LES ratio related to selective activation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles during the FPKAL exercise was higher than that during PTE. [Conclusion] FPKAL exercise is safe and effective for the selective activation of the LM muscle.

Muscle activation of paraspinal muscles in different types of high heels during standing.

[Purpose] This study researched the effects of different types of high heels on the muscles surrounding the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine by analyzing muscle activation of the paraspinal muscles during standing while wearing high heels. The high heels were all of the same height: 8 cm. [Subjects and Methods] The 28 subjects in this experiment were females in their 20s with a foot size of 225–230 mm and a normal gait pattern. To measure the muscle activation of the paraspinal muscles, EMG electrodes were attached on the paraspinal muscles around C6, T7, and L5. The muscle activation during standing while wearing 8-cm-high wedge heels, setback heels, and French heels was then measured. The measurements were performed 3 times each, and the mean value was used for analysis. [Results] The levels of muscle activation of the paraspinal muscles induced by standing on wedge heels, setback heels, and French heels in the cervical and lumbar areas were significantly higher than those induced by standing on bare feet. But there was no significant difference according to the heel types. [Conclusion] The height of the heels presented a greater variable than the width of the heels on the muscle activation of paraspinal muscles. Therefore, wearing high heels is not recommended for those who have pain or functional problems in the cervical and/or lumbar spine.

The effects of Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi motions of taekwondo on muscle activation of paraspinal muscles.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi motions on muscle activation of the paraspinal muscles. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 20 healthy male students who listened to an explanation of the study methods and the purpose of the experiment, and agreed to participate in the study. [Methods] Muscle activation measurements of the paraspinal muscles at C3, T7, and L3 were taken while standing still and while performing Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi movements. The Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi motions were performed 3 times, and its mean value was used for analysis. [Results] The right and left muscle activation of paraspinal muscles induced by Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi motions in C3 and T7 were significantly higher than those induced by just standing. Muscle activation of paraspinal muscles induced by Juchumseo Jireugi motions in C3, T7, and L3 were significantly higher than those induced by Juchumseogi alone. The right and left muscle activation of paraspinal muscles induced by Juchumseo Jireugi motion in C3, T7, and L3 were significantly higher than those induced by standing and Juchumseogi alone. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that Juchumseogi and Juchumseo Jireugi motions of Taekwondo could increase muscle activation of paraspinal muscles, and Juchumseo Jireugi motions were more effective for enhancing muscle activation of paraspinal muscles.

Evaluation of Myoelectric Activity of Paraspinal Muscles in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis during Habitual Standing and Sitting.

There is a number of research work in the literature that have applied sEMG biofeedback as an instrument for muscle rehabilitation. Therefore, sEMG is a good tool for this research work and is used to record the myoelectric activity in the paraspinal muscles of those with AIS during habitual standing and sitting. After the sEMG evaluation, the root-mean-square (RMS) sEMG values of the paraspinal muscles in the habitual postures reflect the spinal curvature situation of the PUMC Type Ia and IIc subjects. Both groups have a stronger average RMS sEMG value on the convex side of the affected muscle regions. Correction to posture as instructed by the physiotherapist has helped the subjects to achieve a more balanced RMS sEMG ratio in the trapezius and latissimus dorsi regions; the erector spinae in the thoracic region and/or erector spinae in the lumbar region. It is, therefore, considered that with regular practice of the suggested positions, those with AIS can use motor learning to achieve a more balanced posture. Consequently, the findings can be used in less intrusive early orthotic intervention and provision of care to those with AIS.