A workday significantly increased erector spinae RMS electromyographic activity and sympathetic nervous system predominance in caregivers with low back pain.
Cross-Sectional (n=24)
Does a workday alter electromyographic activity, strength, and heart rate variability in caregivers of bedridden patients with low back pain?
A workday increases neuromuscular demand and sympathetic nervous system predominance in caregivers of bedridden patients with low back pain.
This study aims to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) signal and strength of the erector spinae muscles and heart rate variability (HRV) of caregivers before and after a workday. Twenty-four caregivers with low back pain were selected. EMG data (RMS (Root Mean Square) and F50) and erector spinae strength were collected from three maximal voluntary isometric contractions and recorded using an electromyograph (EMG System of Brazil 830C). HRV was collected using the POLAR H10 strap. For data analysis, GraphPad Prism (version 8.4; GraphPad Software, Inc.) was used, and the significance level was set at 5%. RMS significantly increased after a workday, but no significant drop was observed in the values of F50 and strength. Regarding HRV, a predominance of the sympathetic nervous system was observed to the detriment of the parasympathetic nervous system. The results suggest increased neuromuscular demand and autonomic alterations consistent with higher physiological stress at the end of the day.
Silva et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Low back pain in caregivers of bedridden patients (n=24). Workday vs. Before workday was evaluated on Electromyographic signal (RMS and F50), erector spinae strength, and heart rate variability. A workday significantly increased erector spinae RMS electromyographic activity and sympathetic nervous system predominance in caregivers with low back pain.