Reflex activation of gluteal muscles in walking. An approach to restoration of muscle function for patients with low-back pain

Gluteal activation and pelvic stability often are decreased in chronic low-back pain sufferers, but the importance of motor control and programming in treatment has not been fully evaluated. This study investigated whether gluteal muscles could be activated more effectively by stimulating the propri...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inSpine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Vol. 18; no. 6; p. 704
Main Authors Bullock-Saxton, J E, Janda, V, Bullock, M I
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1993
Subjects
Adult
Buttocks
Electromyography
Female
Gait - physiology
Humans
Low Back Pain - rehabilitation
Male
Muscle Contraction - physiology
Muscles - physiology
Proprioception - physiology
Reflex - physiology
Shoes
Time Factors
Walking - physiology
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Gluteal activation and pelvic stability often are decreased in chronic low-back pain sufferers, but the importance of motor control and programming in treatment has not been fully evaluated. This study investigated whether gluteal muscles could be activated more effectively by stimulating the proprioceptive mechanism during walking. Labile support, through wearing "balance shoes," offered facilitation of cerebellovestibular circuits. Electromyographic recordings of gluteus maximus and medius in 15 healthy subjects were made during barefoot and balance shoes walking before and after 1 week of facilitation. Significant increases (P < 0.0002) in gluteal activity and significant decreases (P < 0.01) in time to 75% maximum contraction, demonstrated the value of sensorimotor elicitation of subconscious and automatic responses in muscles often weakened in back pain sufferers.
ISSN:0362-2436
DOI:10.1097/00007632-199305000-00005