One of the strongest predictors of sustaining a low back injury

One of the strongest predictors of sustaining a low back injury (LBI) is a previous history of enduring the same injury. This suggests that our screening processes upon discharge may not be sensitive enough to detect more subtle dysfunctional movement patterns that may render an individual more vulnerable to re-injury. The aim of the current study was to determine whether neuromuscular patterns remained altered amongst a group of participants who had experienced a LBI and were subsequently deemed ‘recovered.’ 

EMG data was obtained via surface electrotrodes positioned over specific abdominal and back extensor sites amongst 33 LBI individuals and compared to that of 54 asymptomatic controls. All subjects performed a symmetrical lift and replace task in two reaches. The LBI group demonstrated higher activation amplitudes in all muscles examined (except for the posterior external oblique), along with greater co-activation between abdominal and back extensor sites compared to controls. Furthermore, the LBI group exhibited altered responses within local abdominal and back extensor sites during increased physical demands. 

These findings support the hypothesis that residual alterations in neuromuscular patterning persist despite conventional outcomes indicating recovery > Butler et al,; J Electromyogr Kinesiol (2012) article in press. All rights reserved to Elsevier Ltd.