Electromyographic studies of the lumbar trunk musculature during the development of axial torques

The myoelectric activity of selected trunk muscles at the L3 level was studied during the development of a controlled isometric axial torque. Muscle activity was recorded with surface electrodes bilaterally over the erector spinae muscles, the rectus abdominus, the obliques externus, and the obliques internus. Subjects applied graded isometric axial torque efforts with the addition of a Valsalva. The largest myoelectric activities were recorded over the obliques externus and internus. The side of the muscle developing the torque did show the greatest myoelectric activity, but considerable antagonistic activity was also present. Neither the rectus abdominus nor the internal oblique muscles showed any difference from side to side. The calculated forces in the rectus abdominus and the erectores spinae were high, suggesting that a considerable amount of the muscle contraction was used to control the posture. A Valsalva did not decrease myoelectric activity, but did increase the torque developed.