Electromyographic Analysis of Gluteus Medius Activity in People with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Compared to Healthy Controls

Background and Objectives: The functioning of the hip and trunk muscles has an effect on low backregion. Gluteus medius (Gmed) being the primary hip abductor plays a significant role in maintaining thestability of the pelvis. Despite the significance, this muscle activity is least addressed and is also thoughtto be one among the major causes of pain in the low back. The aim of the study was to compare theactivity of Gmed in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and healthy individuals using SurfaceElectromyography (SEMG).Methods: 506 subjects were screened, of which 200 subjects were selected. Group A: NSCLBP (n=100)and GROUP B: Healthy controls (n=100). Both groups were instructed to perform maximum voluntarycontractions. The mean root mean square (RMS) value of Gmed muscle activity for the exercise task wasrecorded and analyzed using SEMG.Results: The results demonstrated that the mean RMS value of the right Gmed muscle activity for GROUPA was lesser (53.00 ± 24.81) than GROUP B (87.9 ± 37.47). The mean RMS value of the left Gmed activitywas also lesser for GROUP A (55.99 ± 27.21) compared to GROUP B (89.72 ± 39.83). The difference inmeans between the two groups showed highly significant outcome (P<0.001).Conclusion: The study concluded that the muscle activity of Gmed between the groups was lesser in GroupA compared to Group B indicating differential activation of the muscle in people with NSCLBP. However,there was no significant difference in mean RMS value of the right and left Gmed muscle activity whencompared within the groups respectively.