Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi
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The lumbar paraspinal muscles were examined by surface electromyography (EMG) in 22 patients with low back pain and 22 healthy volunteers. Surface electrodes were placed bilaterally on the lumbar multifidus and longissimus muscles at the level of the spinous process of the third lumbar vertebra. Kinesiologic EMG was recorded, in standing resting position, during the following trunk motions: trunk forward flexion and extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. ⋯ In the low back pain group, there was no such time lag. Paraspinal muscle activities restricted lumbar range of motion, and protect from injury for movement. This suggests their role as stabilizers.