Abstract

Background. Conflicting evidence is available on trunk erectors’ bioelectrical activity patterns during loading with symmetrical gravity torques in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. This represents a significant hindrance to utilizing such information in scoliosis therapy. To identify the pattern of bioelectrical activity of trunk extensors during static contractions against symmetrical loading with body mass in subjects with idiopathic single- and double-curve scolioses of different Cobb angles. Material and methods. Biopotential activity was measured in 192 subjects aged 10-16 years with Cobb angles of 12-62°, of whom 59 had double-curve and 133 had single-curve thoracic scoliosis. Results. Biopotentials from dominant and non-dominant sides differed significantly in both tasks in patients with single-curve scoliosis (p<0.001). Muscle contraction patterns in double-curve scoliosis at the level of the primary curvature differed significantly in both tasks (p<0.001). Differences in contraction patterns at the level of the secondary curve were not significant (p<0.05). Conclusions. Significant differences were found in activity patterns of the muscles investigated between patients with singleand double-curve scolioses. The pattern of asymmetry is not directly connected with either severity or location of the curve (p<0.05, non-significant).

Key words:

electromyography, scoliosis, trunk extensors