CHANGES IN THE TRUNK AND LOWER LIMB MUSCLES FUNCTION IN GRADE II AND III IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the function of the trunk and lower limb muscles in grade II and III idiopathic scoliosis. Material and Мethods. Ten healthy volunteers and 50 patients with grade II–III idiopathic scoliosis with Cand S-shaped spinal curvatures were examined. Computer electromyographic testing allowed receiving EMG-pattern of muscles of the trunk and lower limbs and the quantitative indices of muscle work during walking. Results. The following changes in EMG parameters during walking were detected in idiopathic scoliosis patients: many muscles on the convex side of the trunk increase their electrical activity, while on the concave side – decrease. Electrical activity of lower limb muscles has an opposite character (muscle activity increases in the leg at the concave side, and decreases in the leg at the convex side). The quantitative disturbances in EMG-pattern of muscles were accompanied by qualitative ones: reduction of activity peaks in amplitude and their prolongation to adjacent phases of the locomotor cycle. Conclusion. The observed disturbances of the innervation structure of walking are sharply increased from grade II to grade III scoliosis and are more evident in C-shaped curvature of the spine. Most symptoms of muscle activity changes are related to a weakening of trunk muscles’ function with increasing of deformity degree and with compensatory body response to stability loss during walking.