Electromyography of the paravertebral muscles in idiopathic scoliosis: Measurements of amplitude and spectral changes under load

Abstract

The myoelectric activity of the paraspinal muscles was recorded in girls with idiopathic scoliosis and in healthy controls. The muscles of the back were loaded isometrically and the signals recorded at the T8 and L3 levels were analysed as regards amplitude and frequency. A comparatively higher signal amplitude was found on the convex side of the scoliosis curve. This was found to be due to a lower amplitude on the concave side when the scoliosis group was compared to the controls. The amplitude difference was correlated to the degree of scoliosis. A shift in the myoelectric spectrum toward lower frequencies occurred during the loading period. There were no differences in this respect between the sides of the scoliosis, nor were there differences between the scoliosis patients and the controls.

Secondary adaptation to the higher load demand by the muscles on the convex side in scoliosis is the most probable explanation for our observations.