Objective electromyographic evidence for use and effects of lift therapy

Thirty nine subjects with chronic low back complaints which were unresponsive to other conservative therapies were tested by postural loading electromyography (EMG) to assess their possible response to lift therapy. Of the 35 subjects included in the study, seven (20%) showed no alteration of their muscular asymmetry during stance with either heel of ischial supports placed unilaterally; 18 (51%) of the remaining 28 subjects demonstrated a balancing of the paraspinal activity as a result of the use of heel lifts, while all 28 (80%) were balanced by an ischial support. It was concluded that lift placement by EMG criteria is more accurate than customary radiographic methods of assessing pelvic tilt and/or sacral unleveling. Further study of EMG lift placement, as well as other possible applications, is warranted.