Comparison of Thoracic and Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscle Activation Before and After a Golf Practice Session

in Journal of Applied Biomechanics
Graeme G. Sorbie*,1,2, Fergal M. Grace*,1,2, Yaodong Gu*,3, Julien S. Baker*,1,3, and Ukadike C. Ugbolue*,1,4
View More View Less
  • 1 University of the West of Scotland
  • | 2 Abertay University
  • | 3 Federation University Australia
  • | 4 Ningbo University
  • | 5 University of Strathclyde
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2016-0209
Keywords:
muscle fatigue; EMG; performance
First Published Online:
01 Aug 2017
In Print:
Volume 33: Issue 4
Page Range:
288–293
Restricted access

Purchase article

USD  $24.95

Student 1 year online subscription

USD  $90.00

1 year online subscription

USD  $120.00

Student 2 year online subscription

USD  $172.00

2 year online subscription

USD  $229.00
Subscribe to this Journal

  • Purchase article

    USD  $24.95

  • Student 1 year online subscription

    USD  $90.00

  • 1 year online subscription

    USD  $120.00

  • Student 2 year online subscription

    USD  $172.00

  • 2 year online subscription

    USD  $229.00

Lower back pain is commonly associated with golfers. The study aimed: to determine whether thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle display signs of muscular fatigue after completing a golf practice session, and to examine the effect of the completed practice session on club head speed, ball speed and absolute carry distance performance variables. Fourteen right-handed male golfers participated in the laboratory-based-study. Surface electromyography (EMG) data was collected from the lead and trail sides of the thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle. Normalized root mean squared (RMS) EMG activation levels and performance variables for the golf swings were compared before and after the session. Fatigue was assessed using median frequency (MDF) and RMS during the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) performed before and after the session. No significant differences were observed in RMS thoracic- and lumbar-erector-spinae muscle activation levels during the five phases of the golf swing and performance variables before and after the session (p > .05). Significant changes were displayed in MDF and RMS when comparing the MVC performed before and after the session (p < .05). Fatigue was evident in the trail side of the erector-spinae muscle after the session.

Sorbie is with School of Science and Sport, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom; and Division of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, United Kingdom. Grace is with School of Science and Sport, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom; and Faculty of Health, Human Movement & Sport Sciences, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Gu is with Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China. Baker is with School of Science and Sport, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom; and Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China. Ugbolue is with School of Science and Sport, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom; and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Address author correspondence to Ukadike C. Ugbolue at u.ugbolue@uws.ac.uk.

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

Cover Journal of Applied Biomechanics
  • 1.

    Norali A, Som M. Surface electromyography signal processing and application: a review. Proceedings of the International Conference on Man-Machine Systems (ICoMMS); 2009.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Dickerson CR, Martin BJ, Chaffin DB. Predictors of perceived effort in the shoulder during load transfer tasks. Ergonomics. 2007;50(7):1004–1016. PubMed doi: 10.1080

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Horton J, Lindsay D, Macintosh B. Abdominal muscle activation of elite male golfers with chronic low back pain. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 33, 2001;(29):1647–1654. PubMed doi: 10.1097

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Troiano A, Naddeo F, Sosso E, Camarota G, Merletti R, Mesin L. Assessment of force and fatigue in isometric contractions of the upper trapezius muscle by surface EMG signal and perceived exertion scale. Gait Posture. 2008;28(2):179–186. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2008.04.002

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Koumantakis GA, Arnall F, Cooper RG, Oldham JA. Paraspinal muscle EMG fatigue testing with two methods in healthy volunteers. Reliability in the context of clinical applications. Clin Biomech. 2001;16:263–266. PubMed doi: 10.1016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Farber AJ, Smith JS, Kvitne RS, Mohr KJ, Shin SS. Electromyographic analysis of forearm muscles in professional and amateur golfers. Am J Sports Med. 2009;37(2):396–401. PubMed doi: 10.1177

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Sorbie GG, Hunter HS, Fergal FM, Gu Y, Baker JS, Ugbolue UC. An electromyographic study of the effect of hand grip sizes on forearm muscle activity and golf performance. Res Sport Med. 2016;24(3):207–218. PubMed doi: 10.1080/15438627.2016.1191492

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Watkins R, Uppal G, Perry J, Pink M, Dinsay J. Dynamic electromyographic analysis of trunk musculature in professional golfers. Am J Sports Med. 1996;24(4):535–538. PubMed doi: 10.1177

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Marta S, Silva L, Vaz J, Bruno P, Pezarat-Correia P. Electromyographic analysis of trunk muscles during the golf swing performed with two different llubs. Int J Sports Sci Coach. 2013;8(4):779–788. 10.1260/1747-9541.8.4.779

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Marta S, Silva L, Vaz JR, Castro MA, Reinaldo G, Pezarat-Correia P. Electromyographic analysis of lower limb muscles during the golf swing performed with three different clubs. J Sports Sci. 2015 34(8):713–720. PubMed doi: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1069376

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Kao J, Pink M, Jobe FW, Perry J. Electromyographic analysis of the scapular muscles during a golf swing. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23(1):19–23. PubMed doi: 10.1177

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Bechler J, Jobe F, Pink M, Perry J. Electromyographic analysis of the hip and knee during the golf swing. Clin J Sport Med. 1995;5(3):162–166. PubMed doi: 10.1097

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Cole MH, Grimshaw PN. Electromyography of the trunk and abdominal muscles in golfers with and without low back pain. J Sci Med Sport. 2008;11(2):174–181. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2007.02.006

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Glazebrook MA, Curwin S, Mohammad N, Kozey J, William D. Medial epicondylitis. Am J Sports Med. 1994;22(5):674–679. PubMed doi: 10.1177

  • 15.

    Lindsay D, Horton J. Comparison of spine motion in elite golfers with and without low back pain. J Sports Sci. 2002;20(8):599–605. PubMed doi: 10.1080

  • 16.

    Pink M, Perry J, Jobe FW. Electromyographic analysis of the trunk in golfers. Am J Sports Med. 1993;21(3):385–388. PubMed doi: 10.1177

  • 17.

    Tortora G, Derrickson B. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc; 2011.

  • 18.

    Vera-Garcia FJ, Ruiz-Pérez I, Barbado D, Juan-Recio C, Mcgill SM. Trunk and shoulder EMG and lumbar kinematics of medicine-ball side throw and side catch and throw. Eur J Hum Mov. 2014;33:93–109.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Park K, Oh J, An D, et al. Difference in selective muscle activity of thoracic erector spinae during prone trunk extension exercise in subjects with slouched thoracic posture. PM&R. 2015;7(5):479–484. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.10.004

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Tsuboi H, Nishimura Y, Sakata T, Nakamura T, Umezu Y, Tajima F. Age-related sex differences in erector spinae muscle endurance using surface electromyographic power spectral analysis in healthy humans. Spine J. 2013;13(12):1928–1933. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.06.060

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Lariviere C, Arsenault AB, Gravel D, Gagnon D, Loisel P. Evaluation of measurement strategies to increase the reliability of EMG indices to assess back muscle fatigue and recovery. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2002;12:91–102. PubMed doi: 10.1016

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Roy SH, De Luca CJ, Casavant DA. Lumbar muscle fatigue and chronic lower back pain. Spine J. 1989;14(9):992–1001. PubMed doi: 10.1097

  • 23.

    McHardy A, Pollard H. Lower back pain in golfers: a review of the literature. J Chiropr Med. 2005;4(3):135–143. PubMed doi: 10.1016

  • 24.

    Fradkin A, Cameron PA, Gabbe BJ. Golf injuries common and potentially avoidable. J Sci Med Sport. 2005;8:163–170. PubMed doi: 10.1016

  • 25.

    Lindsay D, Vandervoort A. Golf-related low back pain: a review of causative factors and prevention strategies. Asian J Sports Med. 2014;5(4):OR0–8. PubMed doi: 10.5812/asjsm.24289

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Schultz A, Anderson G, Haderspeck K, Ortengren R, Nordin M, Bjork R. Analysis and measuremnt of lumbar trunk loads in tasks involving bends and twists. J Biomech. 1982;15(9):669–675. PubMed doi: 10.1016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Caldwell JS, Mcnair PJ, Williams M. The effects of repetitive motion on lumbar flexion and erector spinae muscle activity in rowers. Clin Biomech. 2003;18(8):704–711. PubMed doi: 10.1016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Hermens HJ, Freriks B, Merletti R, et al. European recommendations for surface electroMyoGraphy. Seniam. 1999:8–11.

  • 29.

    Grimshaw PN, Burden AM. Case report: reduction of low back pain in a professional golfer. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;32(10):1667–1673. PubMed doi: 10.1097

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Silva L, Vaz JR, Castro MA, Serranho P, Cabri J, Pezarat-Correia P. Recurrence quantification analysis and support vector machines for golf handicap and low back pain EMG classification. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2015;25(4):637–647. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.04.008

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Higdon NR, Finch WH, Leib D, Dugan EL. Effects of fatigue on golf performance. Sport Biomech. 2012;11(2):190–196. PubMed doi: 10.1080/14763141.2011.638386

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Marta S, Silva L, António M, Pezarat-Correia P, Cabri J. Electromyography variables during the golf swing : a literature review. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012;22:803–813. PubMed doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.04.002

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    Dedering A, Nemeth G, Harms-Ringdahl K. Correlation between electromyographic spectral changes and subjective assessment of lumbar muscle fatigue in subjects without pain from the lower back. Clin Biomech. 1999;14:103–111. PubMed doi: 10.1016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    McCormick MC, Watson H, Simpson A, Kilgore L, Baker JS. Surface electromyographic activities of upper body muscles during high-intensity cycle ergometry. Res Sport Med. 2014;22:124–135. PubMed doi: 10.1080/15438627.2014.881817

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35.

    Enoka RM, Stuart DG. Neurobiology of muscle fatigue. J Appl Physiol. 1992;72(5):1631–1648. PubMed

  • 36.

    Merletti R, Knaflitz M, De Luca CJ. Myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in voluntary and electrically elicited contractions. J Appl Physiol. 1990;69:1810–1820. PubMed

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 37.

    De Luca C. The use of surface electromyograhy in biomechanics. J Appl Biomech. 1997;13(2):135–163. 10.1123/jab.13.2.135

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1379 532 18
Full Text Views 30 22 0
PDF Downloads 30 24 0