PNF技术对脑卒中患者躯干控制的疗效观察及躯干屈伸肌群表面肌电指标分析

目的：观察本体感觉神经肌肉促进技术（PNF）对脑卒中患者躯干控制的疗效及躯干屈伸肌群表面肌电信号的变化。方法：将30例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为观察组和对照组各15例,对照组给予常规康复干预,观察组在此基础上给予PNF躯干模式训练。在治疗前及治疗4周后,采用躯干控制能力测试(TCT)、Berg平衡功能量表(BBS)、Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表(FMA)以及表面肌电均方根值(RMS)对患者进行评定。结果：治疗4周后,2组患者TCT、BBS及FMA评分较治疗前均明显提高（均P＜0.05）,且观察组各项评分较对照组均明显提高（均P＜0.05）。治疗前,2组患者患侧腹直肌及竖脊肌RMS组内比较均小于健侧（均P＜0.05）;治疗4周后,2组患者患侧腹直肌及竖脊肌RMS较治疗前均明显提高（均P＜0.05）,且观察组健侧腹直肌及竖脊肌RMS较治疗前均明显提高（均P＜0.05）;观察组患者健患侧腹直肌及竖脊肌RMS较对照组均明显提高（均P＜0.05）。结论：PNF躯干训练技术可以明显增强脑卒中偏瘫患者躯干肌群力量,提高躯干控制能力,改善平衡功能,从而促进患者运动功能恢复。     

八段锦联合物理疗法治疗慢性腰痛的疗效观察

目的：观察八段锦联合物理疗法治疗慢性腰痛的临床疗效及对竖脊肌表面肌电信号的影响。方法：将84例慢性腰痛患者随机分为观察组和对照组各42例。对照组采用常规物理治疗，观察组在对照组基础上行八段锦训练，共治疗4周。分别于治疗前、治疗后和随访6个月时记录2组患者疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI），表面肌电仪分别采集腰部前屈、后伸及最大屈曲状态下竖脊肌平均肌电值信号并计算屈曲-放松比（FRR）。结果：治疗4周后，2组患者VAS评分及ODI值均较治疗前显著降低（均P<0.01），屈曲与后伸过程中平均肌电值（FLEXAEMG、EXEAEMG）及相应FRR值均显著升高（均P<0.01），最大屈曲状态肌电值（MVFAEMG）显著降低（P<0.01），且观察组优于对照组（P<0.05）；随访6个月时，对照组VAS评分及ODI值较治疗后均升高（均P<0.05），FLEXAEMG、EXEAEMG、FRR降低（P<0.05），MVFAEMG升高（P<0.05）；观察组VAS评分及ODI值与治疗后比较无显著性差异，FLEXAEMG、EXEAEMG、FRR降低（均P<0.05），MVFAEMG升高（P<0.05），组间比较，观察组均优于对照组（均P<0.05）。结论：八段锦训练能够有效缓解慢性腰痛的临床症状且远期疗效更佳，这可能与八段锦训练提高竖脊肌收缩和放松能力并增强腰椎稳定性有关。     

基于表面肌电分析的核心稳定性训练治疗腰椎间盘突出症的康复疗效分析

目的 观察腰椎间盘突出症患者核心稳定性训练治疗前、后的疗效及核心肌群表面肌电信号的变化。 方法 选取符合入选标准的腰椎间盘突出症患者60例,按照随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组30例。2组患者均接受常规物理治疗,观察组在此基础上增加核心稳定性训练,共治疗8周。所有患者均在治疗前、治疗后4周和8周分别进行数字疼痛分级法（NRS）、日本骨科协会(JOA)下背痛评定量表、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）和表面肌电图（sEMG）的检测。 结果 治疗前,2组患者NRS、JOA、ODI功能评分,患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值间比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。2组患者治疗4周及8周的NRS、JOA、ODI功能评分和患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值均较组内治疗前改善（P<0.05）。观察组治疗8周时NRS、JOA、ODI功能评分和患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值较组内治疗4周时改善（P<0.05）,对照组治疗8周时NRS、JOA、ODI功能评分和患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值与组内治疗4周时比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组治疗4周时NRS、JOA、ODI功能评分和患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值与对照组治疗4周时比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组治疗8周时NRS［(1.35±1.27)分］、JOA［(25.90±3.65)分］、ODI［(6.95±8.27)%］功能评分和患侧腹直肌、腹外斜肌、竖脊肌、多裂肌和臀中肌的iEMG、RMG、MF值显著优于对照组治疗8周时,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论 腰椎间盘突出症患者核心稳定性训练在短期内与常规物理治疗的改善效果相近,但延长训练时间可持续提高核心肌群的募集能力和耐疲劳性,同时改善腰痛症状及功能障碍,效果优于常规物理治疗。     

脑卒中偏瘫患者在坐位躯干旋转时躯干肌群表面肌电信号特征研究

目的:比较正常人及脑卒中偏瘫患者在躯干向左(瘫痪侧)及向右(非瘫痪侧)旋转过程中躯干浅表肌群的表面肌电信号特征。方法:选取17例脑卒中偏瘫患者及16例健康志愿者,采集2组受试者在躯干左旋(向瘫痪侧旋转)45°、右旋(向非瘫痪侧旋转)45°时腹直肌、腹外斜肌、胸段竖脊肌、腰段竖脊肌、背阔肌的表面肌电图均方根振幅(RMS)。结果:正常人在躯干向一侧旋转时对侧腹外斜肌RMS值大于转向侧(P0.01),转向侧胸段竖脊肌、背阔肌的RMS值大于对侧(P0.01);向左(瘫痪侧)旋转时脑卒中患者偏瘫侧腹外斜肌、胸段竖脊肌和背阔肌的RMS值低于正常组左侧(P0.01),非瘫痪侧腹外斜肌的RMS值低于正常组右侧(P0.01);向右(非瘫痪侧)旋转时脑卒中患者偏瘫侧腹外斜肌、胸段竖脊肌的RMS值小于正常组左侧(P0.01),偏瘫侧腰段竖脊肌的RMS值小于正常组左侧(P0.05),非瘫痪侧腹外斜肌、腰段竖脊肌和胸段竖脊肌的RMS值小于正常组右侧(P0.01)。结论:正常人在躯干旋转时胸段竖脊肌、背阔肌、腹外斜肌呈现明显的交叉性,转向侧的胸段竖脊肌、背阔肌的肌电活动明显增加,对侧的腹外斜肌肌电活动明显增加;而脑卒中患者则没有这种交叉性。     

表面肌电生物反馈指导下的康复训练治疗慢性非特异性下背痛的疗效观察

目的 探讨表面肌电生物反馈指导下的康复训练治疗慢性非特异性下背痛（CNLBP）患者的疗效。 方法 采用随机数字表法将50例CNLBP患者分为实验组（25例）及对照组（25例）。2组患者均给予常规康复治疗,实验组患者在此基础上给予表面肌电生物反馈指导下的康复训练。于治疗前、治疗3周后分别采集患者两侧竖脊肌和多裂肌肌电信号,分析其时域指标均方根值（RMS）及频域指标中位频率（MF）;本研究同时于上述时间点采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）及日本骨科学会（JOA）下背痛评分系统对2组患者进行疗效评定。 结果 治疗前2组患者竖脊肌、多裂肌RMS及MF痛侧与对侧间差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;2组患者疼痛VAS评分及JOA评分组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗3周后发现2组患者痛侧竖脊肌、多裂肌RMS较治疗前明显增高,MF较治疗前明显下降（P<0.05）;组间比较发现实验组痛侧竖脊肌、多裂肌RMS［分别为（33.65±6.43）μV、（28.46±4.54）μV］均较对照组增高,MF［分别为（77.45±13.08）Hz、（68.30±8.61）Hz］均较对照组降低,组间差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗后2组患者疼痛VAS评分［分别为（2.64±0.81）分、（2.04±0.61）分］及JOA评分［分别为（23.40±1.58）分、（25.76±1.20）分］均较治疗前明显改善（P<0.05）;并且实验组患者疼痛VAS评分、JOA评分均显著优于对照组水平（均P<0.05）。 结论 在常规康复干预基础上辅以表面肌电生物反馈指导下的康复训练,能进一步改善CNLBP患者疼痛程度,增强腰部核心肌群控制能力,提高脊柱稳定性,该疗法值得临床推广、应用。     

冲击波穴位疗法联合悬吊运动训练治疗慢性非特异性下背痛的疗效观察

目的 观察冲击波穴位疗法联合悬吊运动训练(SET)治疗慢性非特异性下背痛（CNLBP）的临床疗效。 方法 采用随机数字表法将110例CNLBP患者分为观察组及对照组,每组55例。对照组患者给予SET训练,观察组患者在此基础上辅以冲击波穴位疗法。于入组时、治疗4周后分别采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）及焦虑自评量表（SAS）对2组患者进行评定,同时对2组患者腰肌动、静态耐力进行测试。 结果 治疗后2组患者疼痛VAS评分、ODI评分、SAS评分及腰肌动、静态耐力测试结果均较治疗前有不同程度改善(P＜0.05);并且观察组疼痛VAS评分［（1.9±0.6）分］、ODI评分［（15.2±2.9）分］、SAS评分［（38.7±4.0）分］、腰肌动态耐力测试结果［（23.1±5.5）次］及静态耐力测试结果［（61.7±11.9）s］均显著优于对照组水平(P＜0.05)。 结论 冲击波穴位疗法联合SET训练能进一步缓解CNLBP患者下背部疼痛,改善腰椎功能及焦虑情绪,增强腰肌耐力,该联合疗法值得临床推广、应用。     

悬吊运动疗法治疗慢性非特异性下腰痛后站立位腰屈伸运动表面肌电信号的变化

目的研究慢性非特异性下腰痛患者(CNLBP)悬吊运动疗法(SET)治疗前后站立位腰屈伸运动时竖脊肌、多裂肌表面肌电信号的变化特征。方法 30例CNLBP患者接受SET治疗,每周3次,持续4周。分别在治疗前后采集患者在站立位做腰屈伸运动时双侧竖脊肌(L1/2水平)和多裂肌(L4/5水平)在站立位、前屈运动、最大屈曲及回到直立位的表面肌电信号,分析平均肌电值(AEMG),计算屈伸比(FRR)。结果治疗前患侧竖脊肌和多裂肌FRR均小于对侧(P0.05);治疗后双侧竖脊肌和多裂肌FRR无显著性差异(P0.05)。结论 SET治疗后,CNLBP患者患侧竖脊肌、多裂肌的主动活动机能得到改善,屈曲-放松现象部分恢复。     

腰椎核心稳定性训练结合电针治疗慢性非特异性腰痛的疗效观察

目的：观察腰椎核心稳定性训练结合电针治疗慢性非特异性腰痛（CNLBP）的临床疗效。方法：CNLBP患者64例随机分为2组各32例,对照组给予电针治疗,观察组在此基础上增加腰椎核心稳定性训练。治疗前后采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和视觉模拟评分法(VAS)对2组疼痛程度和功能水平进行评价。结果：治疗1个月后,2组ODI及VAS评分均较治疗前明显下降（P<0.05）;随访1个月后,观察组ODI及VAS评分与治疗1个月后比较差异无统计学意义,对照组ODI及VAS评分与治疗1个月后比较明显升高（P<0.05）;观察组治疗后各时间点ODI及VAS评分均更低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：腰椎核心稳定性训练结合电针治疗慢性非特异性腰痛疗效优于单纯电针治疗,且短期内不易复发。     

核心肌群训练联合经皮神经电刺激治疗产后非特异性下背痛的疗效观察

目的：探讨核心肌群训练联合经皮神经电刺激(TENS)治疗产后非特异性下背痛（NLBP）的有效性。方法：选取2021年10月至2022年9月在首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院女性盆底功能障碍诊治中心就诊的产后NLBP患者共50例。采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各25例。对照组给予针对下背部肌筋膜触发点的TENS治疗,观察组在此基础上联合核心肌群训练。在治疗前、治疗后和随访4周后,分别采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）以及爱丁堡产后抑郁量表 (EPDS)进行疗效评价。结果：治疗后2组VAS评分、ODI指数均明显低于治疗前（P＜0.05）,且观察组明显低于对照组（P＜0.05）。随访4周,对照组VAS评分、ODI指数明显高于治疗后（P＜0.05）,观察组VAS评分、ODI指数与治疗后比较无统计学差异。对照组治疗后EPDS评分与治疗前无统计学差异,而观察组治疗后及随访4周EPDS评分均显著低于治疗前（P＜0.05）。结论：核心肌群训练联合TNES可有效改善产后NLBP患者的疼痛、功能障碍以及抑郁情绪状态,减少NLBP的复发。     

助力电刺激训练对脑性瘫痪患儿核心稳定性的影响

目的:观察助力电刺激训练对脑性瘫痪(脑瘫)患儿核心稳定的疗效。方法:从2011年11月—2012年9月在上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院康复医学科就诊的脑瘫患儿中选择19例痉挛型脑瘫患儿,按就诊顺序分为2组,观察组10例接受包括助力电刺激在内的康复治疗,对照组9例接受常规康复治疗。患儿入组后分别于治疗前、治疗3个月后采用粗大运动功能量表(gross motor function measure,GMFM88)和表面肌电图仪对患儿进行评估,分析脑瘫患儿治疗前后粗大运动功能量表中B区(坐位)、D区(站立位)、E区(行走、跑和跳)及腹直肌、竖脊肌表面肌电信号均方根值(RMS)的变化。结果:观察组、对照组患儿粗大运动功能(GMFM88、B、D、E区)及腹直肌RMS值、竖脊肌RMS值治疗前差异无显著性意义(P0.05)。康复治疗3个月后,观察组GMFM88、B、D、E区粗大运动评分、腹直肌RMS值、竖脊肌RMS值显著高于治疗前(P0.01),对照组GMFM88、B、D、E区粗大运动评分、腹直肌RMS值、竖脊肌RMS值高于治疗前(P0.05)。观察组治疗后GMFM88、B、D、E区粗大运动评分、腹直肌RMS值、竖脊肌RMS高于对照组,差异有显著性意义(P0.05)。结论:助力电刺激训练有助于改善脑瘫患儿的核心稳定性。     

脊髓损伤患者与健康人步行时躯干肌肌肉利用率的对照研究

目的观察和比较脊髓损伤患者与健康人步行时躯干肌的肌肉利用率（MUR）。 方法选取20例T11完全性脊髓损伤患者（病例组）及健康志愿者（对照组）,每组10例,采用表面电极和同步摄像技术对2组受试者步行时躯干肌表面肌群（胸大肌、腹直肌、腹外斜肌、斜方肌、背阔肌、竖脊肌）的肌电活动情况进行测试和分析,以最大用力收缩的百分比表示MUR。用独立样本t检验分析比较组间MUR的差异,用单因素方差分析比较组内MUR的差异。 结果①站立相时,病例组胸大肌、腹外斜肌和竖脊肌的MUR分别为（24.93±17.22）%、（30.38±13.92）%和（15.54±5.02）%,均大于对照组［(7.54±3.84)%、(10.48±6.02)%及(10.85±4.61)%］,且组间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。迈步相时,病例组腹外斜肌和竖脊肌的MUR［（29.11±24.62）%和（19.57±11.15）%］大于对照组［（8.20±4.23）%和（8.54±3.95）%］,组间差异亦有统计学意义（P<0.05）。②站立相时,病例组组内比较,腹外斜肌的MUR大于其它肌肉（胸大肌除外）,而胸大肌的MUR［（24.93±17.22）%］大于斜方肌［（10.88±9.28）%］,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;对照组组内比较,各肌肉的MUR差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。迈步相时,病例组内比较,腹外斜肌的MUR大于斜方肌（P<0.05）;对照组内斜方肌的MUR［（13.09±9.17）%］大于胸大肌［（7.90±4.06）%］和腹直肌［（5.76±4.21）%］,背阔肌的MUR［（11.06±6.52）%］大于腹直肌［（5.76±4.21）%］,且差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论T11完全性脊髓损伤患者步行时胸大肌、腹外斜肌及竖脊肌的肌肉利用率高于健康人,可为优化步行训练方案提供参考。     

Comparative analysis of trunk muscle activities in climbing of during upright climbing at different inclination angles

[Purpose] This study was performed to provide evidence for the therapeutic exercise approach through a compative analysis of muscle activities according to climbing wall inclination. [Subjects and Methods] Twentyfour healthy adult subjects without climbing experience performed static exercises at a therapeutic climbing at with various inclination angles (0°, 10°, 20°), and the activities of the trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, obliquus externus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis, erector spinae) were measured using surface electromyography (EMG) for 7 seconds. [Results] Significant differences were found between the inclination angles of 10° and 0°, as well as 20° in the rectus abdominis, obliquus internus abdominis, right obliquus externus abdominis, and right erector spinae. [Conclusion] Based on measurements of trunk muscle activity in a static climbing standing position at different angles, significant changes in muscle activity appear to be induced at 10 degrees. Therefore, the results appear to provide clinically relevant evidence.Key words: Climbing, Trunk muscle activity     

体外冲击波联合核心稳定性训练对产后骶髂关节疼痛的临床研究

目的:本研究通过观察体外冲击波疗法联合核心稳定性训练治疗产后骶髂关节疼痛的临床疗效,评估该康复方案的有效性和可行性。方法:选取产后骶髂关节疼痛的患者91例,随机分为3组：基础组(31例)、观察组A和观察组B各30例。基础组采取常规康复治疗,观察组A在基础组基础上采用体外冲击波疗法,观察组B在基础组基础上采用体外冲击波疗法联合核心稳定性训练。比较3组治疗前、治疗4周后的视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表(ODI)、SF-36简明健康调查简表(SF-36)、MRI腰5-骶1椎间盘水平竖脊肌横截面积。结果:治疗前,3组VAS评分、ODI评分、SF-36评分、MRI腰5-骶1椎间盘水平竖脊肌横截面积比较差异无统计学意义。治疗4周后,3组VAS评分、ODI评分均较治疗前降低(均P<0.05),观察组A、观察组B的VAS评分、ODI评分均低于基础组(P<0.05),且观察组B较观察组A明显降低(P<0.05)。治疗4周后,3组SF-36评分较治疗前均提高(均P<0.05),观察组A、观察组B的SF-36评分高于基础组(均P<0.05),且观...     

肌肉能量技术联合核心稳定性训练对产后女性骶髂关节功能障碍的影响

目的:本研究通过观察肌肉能量技术联合核心稳定性训练治疗产后女性骶髂关节功能障碍的临床疗效,探索骶髂关节功能障碍对产后女性的特殊发病机理及物理治疗策略。方法:选取产后骶髂关节功能障碍患者60例,随机分为3组各20例,对照组采用干扰电疗法及抗阻训练等常规治疗;观察A组在对照组治疗基础上加用肌肉能量技术(MET)治疗和观察B组在对照组基础上采用MET联合核心稳定性训练(CSE)治疗。比较3组治疗前、治疗3周及6周的视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)及竖脊肌、臀大肌和股二头肌表面肌电均方根值(RMS)的变化。结果:对照组各项指标治疗前后各时间点比较差异无统计学意义。治疗3周后,观察A组和观察B组竖脊肌RMS评分高于治疗前及对照组(P<0.05),且2组间比较差异无统计学意义;2组臀大肌和股二头肌RMS评分较治疗前及组间比较均无统计学意义;2组VAS评分和ODI评分均较治疗前及对照组降低(均P<0.05)。治疗6周后,观察A组竖脊肌RMS评分较治疗3周降低(P<0.05),且与对照组和治疗前比较差异无统计学意义,观察B组竖脊肌、臀大肌、股二头肌RMS...     

Electromyography activity of selected trunk muscles during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background

Understanding trunk muscle activity during chest compression may improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training strategies of CPR or prevent low back pain. This study investigates the trunk muscle activity pattern of chest compression in health care providers to determine the pattern alternation during chest compression.

Methods

Thirty-one experienced health care providers performed CPR for 5 minutes at a frequency of 100 compressions per minute. An electromyography (EMG) system was used to record muscle activity in the first minute, the third minute, and the fifth minute. Electrodes were placed bilaterally over the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, and gluteus maximus. We calculated the root mean square (RMS) value and maximal amplitude of the EMG activity, median frequency, and delivered force.

Results

The maximal amplitude of EMG of the pectoralis major, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis showed large muscle activity above 45% of maximal voluntary contraction under chest compression. There were no significant differences in the RMS value of one chest compression cycle (RMS_100%) and median frequency for all muscles at the first, third, and fifth minutes. Only gluteus maximus showed significant imbalance. The EMG ratios (erector spinae/rectus abdominis; erector spinae/gluteus maximus) increased significantly over time. The delivered force, compression depth, and number of correct depth decreased significantly over time.

Conclusion

We suggest that the muscle power training for the pectoralis major, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis could be helpful for health care providers. Keeping muscle activity balance of bilateral gluteus maximus and maintaining the same level of EMG ratios might be the keys to prevent low back pain while performing CPR.     

The nature of the effects of stroke on trunk flexor and extensor muscles during work and at rest

Purpose: To investigate the nature of stroke induced functional disturbances of rectus abdominis and erector spinae in their postural and dynamic roles and compare the performances of stroke and neurologically unimpaired groups. Methods: EMG activity was recorded from rectus abdominis and erector spinae during five rest/work cycles in forward and backward of vertical positions and during reaching and shoe donning. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare within and between group EMG activity to determine the significance of differences between paretic and non-paretic muscles of the stroke group and matched muscles of the control group in the two postures and dynamic tasks. Results: In the stroke group rectus abdominis responded normally in most instances, demonstrating weakness only during shoe donning. This weakness was particularly noticeable on the paretic side. Erector spinae activity of the stroke group was significantly higher than the controls during all postural and dynamic work and at rest after most tasks particularly on the paretic side. Conclusion: Findings indicated that stroke appears to induce increased activity in erector spinae on both sides during postural and dynamic roles and at subsequent rest. By contrast, rectus abdominis performed reasonably normally after stroke with weakness noted only during dynamic postural support of shoe donning. Explanations for these differences might depend on the extent to which cortical influences to muscles are disrupted by stroke. Generous contributions from the intact hemisphere might enable more normal activity in rectus abdominis, whereas, the abnormal responses of erector spinae might reflect a more severe disruption of cortical influences on motor unit activity.     

The nature of the effects of stroke on trunk flexor and extensor muscles during work and at rest

Purpose: To investigate the nature of stroke induced functional disturbances of rectus abdominis and erector spinae in their postural and dynamic roles and compare the performances of stroke and neurologically unimpaired groups.

Methods: EMG activity was recorded from rectus abdominis and erector spinae during five rest/work cycles in forward and backward of vertical positions and during reaching and shoe donning. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare within and between group EMG activity to determine the significance of differences between paretic and non-paretic muscles of the stroke group and matched muscles of the control group in the two postures and dynamic tasks.

Results: In the stroke group rectus abdominis responded normally in most instances, demonstrating weakness only during shoe donning. This weakness was particularly noticeable on the paretic side. Erector spinae activity of the stroke group was significantly higher than the controls during all postural and dynamic work and at rest after most tasks particularly on the paretic side.

Conclusion: Findings indicated that stroke appears to induce increased activity in erector spinae on both sides during postural and dynamic roles and at subsequent rest. By contrast, rectus abdominis performed reasonably normally after stroke with weakness noted only during dynamic postural support of shoe donning. Explanations for these differences might depend on the extent to which cortical influences to muscles are disrupted by stroke. Generous contributions from the intact hemisphere might enable more normal activity in rectus abdominis, whereas, the abnormal responses of erector spinae might reflect a more severe disruption of cortical influences on motor unit activity.