• Aimee Moore, Jamie Mannion, and Robert W Moran.
• Department of Osteopathy, Unitec Institute of Technology, Carrington Road, Private Bag 92025, Auckland, New Zealand.
• J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Jan 1; 19 (1): 8-16.

AbstractIndividuals with low back pain (LBP) commonly present with an impaired flexion-relaxation (FR) response, characterised as continued lumbar muscle activation at maximal voluntary flexion. The aim of the present investigation was to explore the effectiveness of a surface electromyographic assisted stretching (SEMGAS) programme in improving FR. Nine volunteers with chronic LBP and an impaired FR took part in weekly biofeedback SEMGAS sessions and performed a home-based stretching programme, for 5 weeks. FR, Oswestry Disability Index, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Sit and Reach were recorded pre and post-intervention as well as at a 4-6-week follow-up. Of the nine participants included, three improved FR to statistically significant levels. These three participants also achieved a clinically important change in pain intensity scores. The results suggest that SEMGAS may provide benefits to some individuals with chronic LBP and impaired FR, although larger scale investigation of SEMGAS alone is indicated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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