Correlations of back muscle electromyography and gait analysis data as a basis for exercise prescription in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

IntroductionThe principles and practice of physical rehabilitation in patients with lumbar disc herniation still remain controversial. The objective of the study was to reveal the correlations of gait pattern changes and muscle (spinal and leg muscles) electromyographic recordings in patients with lumbar disc herniationMethodsA motion capture system was used to analyse gait parameters, including angular measurements of hip, knee, and ankle joints, foot support time, pace rate, and speed. A targeted exercise program with exercises in a shortened position of muscles without exceeding the internal range of contraction was applied to level the values of goniometric data and pace parameters obtained by motion capture.ResultsThe gait restored owing to the reconditioning of spine and leg muscles, confirmed by the recorded changes in electromyographic data, ensures the irreversible nature of gait improvement. The changes in H-reflex expression and muscle baseline electromyography of spine and leg muscles make up a proper tool that provides a system for periodic evaluation of gait recovery.ConclusionsTargeting the weak muscles helped to identify the causes of gait deviations, revealing an expressed positive (negative) correlation between the targeted muscle strengthening and gait restoration. This confirms the importance of selective targeting and strengthening of the muscles to restore the deviated angles and other gait parameters.