Authors : Shilpa Chandran K.; Premkumar Mariarathinam

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2nt8ckd8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/j9pn2p7a

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar040

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Abstract : Background: Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) remains one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions worldwide and is a leading cause of functional limitation in adults. Emerging evidence suggests that altered neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic region, particularly changes in gluteus maximus activation, may contribute to symptom persistence during the subacute stage.  Aim: To examine gluteus maximus activation patterns in individuals with subacute mechanical low back pain using surface electromyography (sEMG).  Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 participants aged 20–45 years. Twenty individuals diagnosed with subacute mechanical low back pain (duration 6–12 weeks) were compared with 20 age-matched healthy controls. Surface electromyography was used to assess gluteus maximus activation during prone hip extension and sit-tostand activities. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests and Pearson correlation, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.  Results: Participants with mechanical low back pain demonstrated significantly reduced peak gluteus maximus activation and delayed muscle onset compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). A moderate negative correlation was observed between EMG amplitude and ODI scores (r = -0.48), indicating that lower muscle activation was associated with higher disability levels.  Conclusion: Subacute mechanical low back pain is associated with measurable alterations in gluteus maximus activation. These findings highlight the importance of early gluteal strengthening and neuromuscular retraining in rehabilitation programs.

Keywords : Mechanical Low Back Pain, Gluteus Maximus, Surface Electromyography, Lumbopelvic Stability, Muscle Activation.

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