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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-03-2019 | Back Pain | Original Article

Exercise-induced muscle damage on the contractile properties of the lumbar paraspinal muscles: a laser displacement mechanomyographic approach

Authors: Christian Than, Llion Roberts, Brooke K. Coombes, Danijel Tosovic, J. Mark Brown

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated whether laser displacement mechanomyography (MMG) could detect acute injury of low back muscles following strenuous eccentric exercise.

Methods

Sixteen healthy adults (10 females, 6 males, mean ± standard deviation, age 21 ± 2.90 years, BMI 21.63 ± 1.99 kg/m²), without low back pain or low back resistance training, were recruited. Strength [maximum voluntary isometric contraction force (MVC)], pain intensity [visual analogue scale (VAS)], biological markers of muscle injury (serum myoglobin and creatine kinase levels), and MMG-derived muscle contractile properties were measured at seven different time points. Pre-exercise ‘control’ measures were taken prior to a strenuous eccentric exercise task, followed by an immediate post-exercise measurement and further four consecutive daily measurements. A final post-exercise measurement was completed on day 12 post-exercise.

Results

Compared to pre-exercise control, MVC was lower immediately post-exercise (day 1) and on days 2–3. VAS scores were higher post-exercise (day 1) and from days 2–5. Myoglobin was significantly higher on day 4, whilst creatine kinase was significantly higher on days 4–5. MMG-derived maximum muscle displacement (D_max) was significantly diminished post-exercise (day 1) at all vertebral segments (L1-MT), while contraction velocity (V_c) was significantly slower at all segments except sacral multifidus. V_c recovered rapidly (by day 2), while mid-lumbar D_max resolved on day 12. D_max had moderate correlations with MVC (R = 0.61) and VAS (R = − 0.50), and low correlations with myoglobin (R = − 0.36).

Conclusion

MMG appears capable of detecting changes in muscle contractile properties associated with an acute bout of low back pain.

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Title: Exercise-induced muscle damage on the contractile properties of the lumbar paraspinal muscles: a laser displacement mechanomyographic approach
Authors: Christian Than
Llion Roberts
Brooke K. Coombes
Danijel Tosovic
J. Mark Brown
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Back Pain
Back Pain
Laser
Back Pain
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-04067-5

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Exercise-induced muscle damage on the contractile properties of the lumbar paraspinal muscles: a laser displacement mechanomyographic approach

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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