Symmetric-Electromyographic Analysis in the Evaluation of Scoliosis Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, characterized by a lateral shift that affects body posture. The Pilates Method (PM) promotes alterations in the biomechanics and neuromuscular activation pattern. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze electromyography (EMG) and symmetrography (SMTG) technologies applied in the evaluation of neuromuscular and postural effects on right convex thoracolumbar scoliosis (RCTS) after applying a PM therapeutic protocol. Methods: This is an exploratory study of 5 male and female adolescents, with an average age of 14.4 years. The subjects underwent postural asymmetry assessments through SMTG and neuromuscular assessment through surface EMG of the trapezius (TRAP), erector spinae (ERE), oblique (OBLI) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. The electromyographic signals were processed in the temporal (EMGAmp) and spectral (EMGFmed) domains. The therapeutic protocol consisted of 24 sessions of Pilates floor exercises held twice a week with a duration of 45 minutes. Results: There was an improvement in scoliosis and asymmetric shoulders in one subject (20%) and in three other subjects with hip asymmetry. There was an improvement in one subject (33.33%), as demonstrated by SMTG. EMGAmp measurements demonstrated a significant difference between before and after (p≈0) and among the muscles (p≈0). EMGFmed measurements demonstrated that there was only a difference between before and after (p≈0). It was verified that the most noteworthy muscles in terms of EMGAmp were TRAP and ERE, emphasizing the existence of an increase in the mean EMGAmp for ERE. Muscle behavior for measurements in EMGFmed demonstrated a higher mean increase for RA and OBLI muscles. Conclusion: It is concluded that the EMG and SMTG technologies are important tests for monitoring the progress of scoliosis and in treatment decisions. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating diagnostic tests.