Dynamic electromyographic response following acupuncture: possible influence on synergistic coordination

Int J Neurosci. 1998 Jul;95(1-2):51-61. doi: 10.3109/00207459809000649.

Abstract

Thirty healthy subject's left and right lumber paraspinal (LP) EMG activity was recorded during a trunk flexion-return movement and the maximum integrated EMG amplitude (absolute EMG) during this movement in each side was compared. Twenty subjects showed less than 20% difference between the left and right side (symmetrical subjects-SS) and 10 subjects showed more than a 20% difference (asymmetrical subjects AS). As were administered acupuncture stimulation on LP muscles. Significant reduction in lumbar EMG asymmetry was observed after acupuncture stimulation (exact p=.049). No specific pattern of response in absolute EMG values was observed in the stimulate side. On the nonstimulated side, there was a significant reduction in absolute EMG values when the baseline value for that side was high (p=.037) and a significant increase when it was low (p=.0185). The results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for decreasing functional muscular distortion and improving synergistic coordination.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / therapy*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*