Using sEMG to investigate muscle activation during a graded exercise test while sustaining SRC
Sport-related concussions (SRCs) are common injuries among athletes, often resulting in cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that can extend beyond the acute phase of injury. While SRCs are known to disrupt neuromuscular function and increase the risk of lower extremity (LE) injuries, limited research has explored the impact of SRCs on muscle activation patterns during exercise. This study aimed to investigate differences in normalized LE muscle activity in collegiate athletes with SRC during the acute phase of injury compared to their symptom-free state. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was integrated with the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) to assess muscle activation under controlled exercise conditions. A repeated-measures design was employed, with participants completing sEMG assessments during BCTT at two time points: within 48 hours of injury and after being symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Statistical analyses examined changes in LE muscle activity across conditions. Preliminary findings suggest that SRC alters neuromuscular control of the erector spinae. This muscle had significantly less muscle activation throughout the BCTT than the LE muscles, but higher gradual changes from the first minute to the last minute of the BCTT completed, potentially contributing to impaired postural stability and increased injury risk. These results underscore the importance of incorporating neuromuscular assessments into SRC rehabilitation protocols. This study provides novel insights into the physiological effects of SRC on muscle activation and highlights the potential utility of sEMG as a diagnostic and rehabilitation tool. Future research should explore larger samples and investigate how targeted interventions can mitigate neuromuscular deficits and reduce recovery time for athletes with SRC.
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