Wireless EMG-Based Monitoring of Paraspinal Muscle Activation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Wireless Embedded Surface EMG (sEMG) Measurement System: A custom-developed, low-power, wireless, non-invasive surface EMG system consisting of skin-surface electrodes, an analog front-end (AFE) for signal conditioning and digitization, and a microcontroller-based wireless communication module. Electrodes are placed bilaterally on the paraspinal muscles at the apical vertebra level, approximately 3 cm lateral to the spinous process. EMG signals are sampled at ≥1000 Hz using a differential (bipolar) configuration and analyzed for root mean square (RMS), mean absolute value (MAV), and frequency-domain (FFT) parameters to quantify muscle activation asymmetry between the convex and concave sides of the spinal curve.

Study summary

This study aims to develop and evaluate a wireless, non-invasive, embedded electromyography (EMG) system for monitoring paraspinal muscle activation asymmetries in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Surface EMG electrodes will be placed bilaterally around the apical vertebra of the spinal curve to record muscle activity during static (seated) and dynamic (trunk extension) tasks. Measurements will be taken longitudinally over the course of physiotherapy treatment to evaluate whether the recorded muscle activity patterns can serve as an objective, non-invasive indicator of treatment response, potentially reducing reliance on repeated radiographic (X-ray) follow-up.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Paraspinal Muscle Activation Asymmetry Index — Baseline and through study completion, an average of 1 year
  An asymmetry index will be calculated from bilateral surface EMG RMS (root mean square) values recorded at the apical vertebra level during static and dynamic tasks, comparing convex- and concave-side paraspinal muscle activation. Change in this index over the course of treatment will be evaluated.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition