Rocking in a rocking chair activates trunk muscles in children with spinal cord injury and impaired trunk control

PurposeRocking in a rocking chair may facilitate trunk muscle activation in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). To assess this, children with SCI and typically developing (TD) children were evaluated for increases in trunk muscle activation, muscle activation patterns, and correlation of trunk muscle activation with trunk control during rocking.MethodsEleven children with SCI and 10 TD children aged 1-12 years rocked while surface electromyography activity in arm, leg, and trunk muscles was captured. Mean muscle activity during rocking and at baseline were compared for each muscle. Temporal activation patterns of SCI and TD groups were compared using cluster analysis. Correlation of trunk control and trunk muscle activation was assessed.ResultsSignificantly higher muscle activity was found during rocking versus quiet sitting for each muscle (p < 0.05). Cluster analysis of temporal muscle activation patterns revealed two disparate SCI groups; one SCI group's muscle activation timing was similar to the TD group. Correlation analysis indicated greater trunk muscle activation in lower trunk muscles for participants with better trunk control.ConclusionRocking activates the neuromuscular system and is feasible for children with trunk impairment due to SCI, suggesting its potential as a home-based activity for extending practice beyond the clinic.