Dynamic Electromyographic Response Following Acupuncture: Possible Influence on Synergistic Coordination

Abstract

Thirty healthy subject's left and right lumber paraspinal (LP) EMG activity was recorded during a trunk flexion-return movement and the maximum integrated EMG amplitude (absolute EMG) during this movement in each side was compared. Twenty subjects showed less than 20% difference between the left and right side (symmetrical subjects-SS) and 10 subjects showed more than a 20% difference (asymmetrical subjects AS). As were administered acupuncture stimulation on LP muscles. Significant reduction in lumbar EMG asymmetry was observed after acupuncture stimulation (exact p-. 049). No specific pattern of response in absolute EMG values was observed in the stimulate side. On the nonstimulated side, there was a significant reduction in absolute EMG values when the baseline value for that side was high (p-. 037) and a significant increase when it was low (p-. 0185). The results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for decreasing functional muscular distortion and improving synergistic coordination.

Key Words:

• Acupuncture
• electromyographic activity
• lumbar paraspinal
• synergistic coordination
• muscle function