Relation between Mechanical Load and Emg-Activity of Selected Muscles of the Trunk Under Isometric Conditions

Abstract

A mechanical analysis of muscle and skeletal forces in the human body often requires the use of a model. As also described by Andersson, Schultz and others (1,2), elements of such a model include: the anatomical description of the body segments and the making of a number of assumptions concerning ligamental forces and the simultaneous action of flexor and extensor muscles. In this paper an alternative technique is described in which the isometric activity of selected muscles of the trunk is quantified and compared to the net moment of force in the lumbar section around vertebra L5. Results from such an analysis may then be used to verify the assumptions or to find an additional input for the model.