The relationship between balance control and thigh muscle strength and muscle activity in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Objectives: A spinal cord injury (SCI) can compromise the ability to maintain sufficient balance control during activities in an upraised position. The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between balance control and muscle strength and muscle activation in the lower extremities in persons with incomplete SCI (iSCI).

Setting: Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway.

Methods: Thirteen men and two women with iSCI and 15 healthy, matched controls were included. Performance of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) short version (7 items) was used to indicate balance control. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was performed to measure isometric muscle strength in thigh muscles (knee extension/flexion), while surface electromyography (EMG) was measured from M. Vastus Lateralis and M. Biceps Femoris. The relative activation of each muscle during each of the BBS tasks was reported as the percentage of the maximal activation during the MVC (%EMG).

Results: The iSCI participants had a significantly lower BBS sum score and up to 40% lower muscle strength in knee- flexion and extension compared to the matched healthy controls. They also exhibited a significantly higher %EMG, i.e. a higher muscle activation, during most of the balance tests. Univariate regression analysis revealed a significant association between balance control and mean values of %EMGmax in Biceps Femoris, averaged over the seven BBS tests.

Conclusions: The participants with iSCI had poorer balance control, reduced thigh muscle strength and a higher relative muscle activation in their thigh muscles, during balance-demanding activities.