Changes in the bioelectrical activity of the erector spinae muscles of the lumbar spine after deep massage of the hamstrings

Background: Low back pain is a significant medical and socioeconomic problem. The pain is often caused by abnormal work and increased tension of the erector spinae muscle. Effective pain management has become very popular in recent years. Physiotherapists are increasingly using a holistic concept of human cognition in their therapies, which involves the interdependence and coordination of the entire body. Methods: The study involved 36 students, each of whom underwent a single session of deep tissue massage of the hamstrings muscles. The Thomayer test was used to assess the flexibility of these muscles, while changes in the bioelectrical activity of the erector spinae muscles were evaluated using the NORAXON EMG device, which took into account the protocol developed for this purpose. Results: A single session of deep tissue massage of the hamstrings muscles showed statistically significant changes in the results of the Thomayer test. The average bioelectrical activity of the erector spinae muscle in the resting standing position decreased both in the treated and untreated side showing statistically significant changes. During flexion on the treated side, a statistically significant decrease in muscle activity was observed, which was not observed during extension. Conclusions: Deep tissue massage of the hamstring muscles positively influenced the ability to reach the floor with fingers with straightened knees, which could have resulted from the increased flexibility of the hamstring muscles. This therapy may be an effective complementary form of treatment for trigger points in the hypertonicity of the erector spinae muscle. Researchers who intend to explore this topic are recommended to include control groups in their studies and to implement a series of therapeutic sessions.