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Paraspinal muscle activity during gait: Interactions between height, sex, and BMI - a pilot analysis

anatomy-and-physiology
environmental-health
biomechanics
rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Modern lifestyle influences neuromuscular control of trunk stability, potentially affecting muscle activation patterns and contributing to dysfunctions. Understanding how factors such as sex and body morphology affect paraspinal muscle activation during walking is essential for prevention and rehabilitation. This study aims to explore these relationships in young, physically active adults.

Materials & Methods: 31 participants (20 women, 11 men) were enrolled in the study, which employed surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess postural muscle activity during walking at varying speeds (1, 3, 5, and 6 km/h). The study further examined the interactions between percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC), height, sex, and BMI.

Results: The study identified significant sex-related differences in paraspinal muscle activation during walking, with women exhibiting higher activity levels than men. Height was negatively correlated with muscle activation, suggesting lower relative muscle activity in taller individuals. Moreover, potential moderating effects of sex and BMI on the relationship between height and muscle activation were observed, indicating that these factors may influence neuromuscular patterns in a complex manner.

Conclusions: Significant sex differences and the influence of height on muscle activation levels expressed as %MVIC were confirmed. Potential moderations by sex and BMI suggest that these variables may interact to shape muscle activation patterns. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual anthropometric and demographic factors in the design of personalized rehabilitation and training programs aimed at improving neuromuscular control and reducing musculoskeletal risks.

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