Biomechanical analysis of breastfeeding positions and their effects on lumbopelvic curvatures and lumbar muscle responses.

This study aimed to analyze the position of the lumbopelvic region and lumbar muscle activity in the most common breastfeeding positions. We recorded the curvatures of the lumbar spine and pelvis by means of an electrogoniometer, and the muscle activation levels of the erector spinae with electromyography, in 34 women in erect standing and breastfeeding their children in several positions. Both side lying and clutch-hold positions showed a greater degree of lumbar spine flexion compared to standing.

Where do archers hurt? Epidemiology of injuries during archery practice.

Background: The risk of injury in archery is supposedly low. However, relations between pain, shooting phases and types of bow have not been studied.

Objective: Understanding the biomechanical mechanisms of archery-related injuries.

Validation of the patients-specific functional scale in patients with haemophilia.

Introduction: A complete functional assessment is essential to measure health status and treatment effects in patients with haemophilia. The Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) is a reliable, valid, simple and quick scale that measures physical function in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. However, the reliability and validity of the PSFS have not been evaluated in patients with haemophilia.

Determining the optimal maximal and submaximal voluntary contraction tests for normalizing the erector spinae muscles.

Background: This study aimed to identify which maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and sub-MVIC tests produce the highest activation of the erector spinae muscles and the greatest reduction in inter-individual variability, to put them forward as reference normalization maneuvers for future studies.

Methods: Erector spinae EMG activity was recorded in 38 healthy women during five submaximal and three maximal exercises.

Results: None of the three MVIC tests generated the maximal activation level in all the participants.

Effects of myofascial release in erector spinae myoelectric activity and lumbar spine kinematics in non-specific chronic low back pain: Randomized controlled trial.

Background: Flexion-relaxation response of the lumbar erector spinae has been previously studied after different interventions such as exercise programs or spinal manipulation, in subjects with chronic low back pain. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of an isolated myofascial release protocol on erector spinae myoelectric activity and lumbar spine kinematics in chronic low back pain.

Methods: Thirty-six participants, with nonspecific chronic low back pain, were randomized to myofascial release group (n = 18) receiving four sessions of myofascial treatment, each lasting 40 min, and to control group (n = 18) receiving a sham myofascial release.