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Dynamic Electromyographic Response Following Acupuncture:
The Possible Influence on Synergistic Coordination
Tim Hideaki Tanaka, Ph.D., Gerald Leisman, MD, Ph.D., Kazushi Nishijo, Ph.D.
The Pacific Wellness Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(Published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 95, 51-61, 1998)
Summary:
Thirty healthy subject’s left and right lumbar 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=0.049). No specific pattern of response in absolute EMG values was observed in the stimulated side. On the non-stimulated side, there was a significant reduction in absolute EMG values when the baseline value for that side was high (p=0.037) and a significant increase when it was low (p=0.0185). The results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for decreasing functional muscular distortion and improving synergistic coordination.
Clinical Implementation: Always more than one muscle is involved when we move the joint. Many musculoskeletal disorders are related to the improper use of muscles during movement (insufficient use of one muscle and excessive use of other muscles, etc.) Proper muscle coordination is extremely important for workers and athletes to avoid physical injury and to achieve optimal performance.
In the biofeedback field, lumbar paraspinal muscle-symmetry training is a well-established treatment method for lower back pain. This was one of the first studies to show that acupuncture is not only good for pain but may generate a significant positive effect on the function of the muscles resulting in better coordination during movements. (Jan. 2002)
For more information or to speak with the author, Dr. Tim Tanaka, contact him at the Pacific Wellness Institute in Toronto.
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