Laboratory for the evaluation of neuromuscular functions of the trunk

Description

  • Research interests:
    • Development of objective measures (validity and fidelity studies) to quantify neuromuscular impairments associated with chronic low back pain: (1) back muscle weakness and fatigability, (2) abdominal and deep back muscle atrophy and control, (3) lumbar proprioception, (4) anticipatory postural adjustments, and (5) trunk muscle reflex responses, (6) trunk postural balance, (7) inter-segmental and muscular coordination, and (8) lumbar stiffness.
    • Evaluation of interventions to reduce lumbar instability. The first is an active intervention, i.e., a lumbar stabilization exercise program. The second is passive, involving the use of a lumbar belt. The interventions are evaluated with primary (pain intensity, disability) and secondary (neuromuscular deficits) outcome measures while taking into account variables that may potentially modify these effects (psychological variables associated with pain, treatment adherence, etc.).
    • Quantitative methodologies including these measures:
      • Objective measures: surface electromyography, dynamometry, 3D kinematics, ultrasonograph
      • Subjective measures: questionnaires related to pain, perceived disabilities, psychological variables associated with pain (kinesiophobia, dramatization, etc.) or adherence to treatment.

 

key-words

(1) adult workers with subacute or chronic low back pain, (2) neuromuscular impairments, (3) rehabilitation, (4) trunk muscles, (5) exercise programs, (6) biomechanics, (7) motor control, (8) lumbar instability, (9) lumbosacral orthoses 

Axis and research theme

AXIS 1 – Sensory, Motor and Cognitive Functions and Activities
THEME 1 – The person, their entourage and the community

Research Team

christian larivière, Ph.D.

Contact information

Laboratory for the evaluation of neuromuscular functions of the trunk
CRIR–Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM)
CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Gingras Pavilion
6300, Darlington Avenue
Montréal QC H3S 2J4

Phone: (514) 288-1551 #217
Email: christian.lariviere@irsst.qc.ca Ce lien s’ouvrira dans une nouvelle fenêtre