Comparison of Electromyographic Activity Patterns of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Tensor Fasciae Latae During Treadmill Walking in Individuals with Piriformis Syndrome
Keywords:
Piriformis syndrome, surface electromyography, muscle activation, gaitAbstract
Piriformis syndrome is a common neuromuscular disorder characterized by gluteal pain and sciatic nerve irritation, which may alter gait patterns and lower-limb muscle activation. Understanding these alterations can help identify compensatory mechanisms and guide effective rehabilitation strategies. This study aimed to compare the electromyographic activity patterns of the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and tensor fasciae latae during treadmill walking in individuals with piriformis syndrome versus healthy controls. In this case-control study, 14 male participants (7 with piriformis syndrome and 7 healthy controls), aged 20–40 years with normal BMI, were recruited. Surface electromyography was recorded from the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and tensor fasciae latae of both lower limbs using the ME6000 system during treadmill walking at each participant's preferred speed. Signal processing included band-pass filtering (20–450 Hz), notch filtering at 50 Hz, full-wave rectification, and RMS envelope extraction. Activation onset, activation offset, minimum amplitude, and maximum amplitude were determined from three consecutive gait cycles. Independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of p < 0.05. The piriformis syndrome group showed delayed onset and earlier offset across all three muscles. The gluteus maximus demonstrated significantly higher minimum amplitude and lower maximum amplitude in both limbs (p < 0.05). The biceps femoris showed significant temporal alterations in both limbs, with reduced maximum amplitude only in the left limb (p = 0.018). The tensor fasciae latae demonstrated significant temporal alterations in both limbs, with increased minimum amplitude only in the right limb (p = 0.019). The findings suggest that individuals with piriformis syndrome demonstrate altered muscle activation timing and amplitude during gait. However, due to the cross-sectional case-control design, causal relationships and underlying neuromuscular mechanisms cannot be definitively established. Rehabilitation should incorporate neuromuscular control exercises to restore proper activation timing and coordination.
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