Electromyographic Amplitude and Frequency Changes in the Iliocostalis Lumborum and Multifidus Muscles During a Trunk Holding Test

Abstract

This study shows that monitoring frequency changes of the EMG signals may enable therapists to quantify the fatigue changes of individual muscles during the trunk holding test. The higher fatigue rate shown in the multifidus muscle compared with the iliocostalis lumborum muscle may be due to the higher activity level of the multifidus muscle during te trunk holding contraction. This greater activity of the multifidus muscle during the contraction might be explained by the functional differences between these two muscles.