Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the angle of spinal curvature and the SEMG frequency of the erector spinae in young school-children. 251 children aged 7-8 participated in the study. The analysis involved 103 (41%) children with scoliosis, 141 (56.17%) children with scoliotic posture and 7 (3.0%) with correct body posture. The Diers formetric III 4D optoelectronic method was used to evaluate body posture. Analysis of the SEMG frequency of the erector spinae was performed with the Noraxon TeleMyo DTS. Significant differences were only found in the boys’ group regarding the frequency of SEMG of the erector spinae between groups with scoliosis, scoliotic posture and those within the norm regarding the test: prone position, trunk up, thoracic segment, right side. The most important predictor for body posture and the frequency of the erector spinae in the scoliosis group were the variables: prone position, trunk up, thoracic segment, left side; standing position, lumbar section, right side; prone position, thoracic segment, left side; standing position, thoracic segment, right side. In the group with scoliotic posture, the most important model predictor was: prone position, trunk up, thoracic segment, right side.

A significant relationship was found between the angle of spinal curvature and the SEMG frequency of the erector spinae. An important model predictor for the variables: SEMG frequency of the erector spinae and the angle of curvature in the scoliosis group, turned out to be the test: prone position, lumbar section, left side. In the scoliotic posture group, an important predictor of the model was: prone position, lumbar section, right side. The asymmetrical activity of the erector spinae visible in the SEMG frequency record is associated with an increase in the angle of spinal curvature. The largest generalised SEMG frequency of the erector spinae in girls was found in the case of scoliotic posture, while in boys, in the scoliosis group.

Keywords: Scoliosis, Scoliotic posture, Surface electromyography, Diers formetric III 4D