An Electromyographic Analysis To Find Out The Effectiveness Of Dry Needling Therapy With Core Muscle Strengthening Exercises For Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a predominant condition often associated with issues in the deep spinal stabilizing muscles, particularly the multifidus and erector spinae. While conventional therapy are common treatments, combining dry needling (DN) with core strengthening exercises may yield enhanced therapeutic benefits. Electromyographic (EMG) analysis enables an objective evaluation of muscle activity during these interventions.

 OBJECTIVE:  The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling and core muscle strengthening exercises in terms of pain, disability, and muscle activation in individuals with NSLBP. 

METHODS:  A convenient sampling involved 64 participants diagnosed with NSLBP, who were randomly allotted to two groups: the Experimental Group (n=32) received dry needling and a structured core strengthening program, while the Control Group (n=32) received interferential therapy (IFT). The conclusion measures included the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale for functional disability and surface EMG to assess the muscle activation of the erector spinae before and after the intervention. 

 RESULTS:  The experimental group displayed a significant improvement in functional outcomes and greater EMG activation of the erector spinae compared to the control group (p <0.0001). This indicates better neuromuscular reactivation and a decrease in disability for the experimental group.

CONCLUSION:  Dry needling therapy with core strengthening exercises is more effective than conventional therapy in improving function and neuromuscular control in patients with non-specific low back pain. EMG findings confirm its role in reactivating key spinal stabilizers, which may lower the risk of recurrence.