title: Surface electromyography studies in standing position confirm that ankle strategy remains disturbed even following successful treatment of patients with a history of sciatica.
abstract: [Purpose] It is hypothesized that ankle strategy can be changed in patients with a history of sciatica. The aim of this study was to detect residual disturbances following successful treatment. [Subjects and Methods] In patients with a history of sciatica (N=11) and pseudo-sciatica (N=9), differences in muscle activity were recorded with bilateral surface polyelectromyography and stability measurements (center of foot pressure sway and center of spectrum) in normal standing and tandem positions. Results were compared with recordings in healthy people (N=9) to identify abnormalities in electromyographic and postural studies. [Results] Increased amplitude of electromyographic recordings from the gastrocnemius and extensor digiti muscles on the affected side was detected more in patients with a history of sciatica than pseudo-sciatica syndromes in tandem position. Fewer amplitude fluctuations were observed in both positions preferably in patients following sciatica. Changes in center of foot pressure sway and center of spectrum during balance platform studies were detected in normal standing position in this group of patients. No similar abnormalities in electromyographic and postural studies were detected in healthy people. [Conclusion] Sciatica and pseudo-sciatica evoke persistent disturbances in activity of muscles responsible for ankle strategy. Electromyography differentiates the two groups of patients better than postural studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, Poland.
authors.forename: Juliusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lisiński
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Jagoda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ciesielska
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, Poland.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kulczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, Poland.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lipiec
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bandosz
keywords: Postural control; Sciatica and pseudo-sciatica; Surface electromyography