Difference in erector spinae fatigability between hemodialysis patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls

Abstract

Muscle weakness and wasting have been observed in patients with chronic kidney disease and those on hemodialysis ‹HD›. Although many reports on muscle fiber composition in HD patients are available, the status of muscle fatigability in these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to determine erector spinae strength and fatigability in HD patients using surface electromyography ‹EMG› power spectrum analysis.　 We enrolled 23 patients in the HD group, and 27 healthy participants in the control group. In all participants, grip and isometric trunk extension strength was measured, and an unsupported trunk holding test was performed, during which surface EMG signals were recorded from the erector spinae at the L1 level. The slope of median frequency ‹MF›was calculated from recorded electromyography and compared between the two groups. The MF slope in female HD patients was significantly greater than that in healthy females ‹p = 0.007›. There was no significant difference between male HD patients and healthy males ‹p > 0.05›. The results demonstrated that the fatigue resistance of the erector spinae in female HD patients was lower than that in healthy female participants. Interventions to prevent fatigability and loss of muscle strength in HD patients are recommended.