Tensiomyography Evaluation of Calf Muscles in Adults with Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy A Study of Muscle Function Differences Between Affected and Unaffected Legs

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the neuromuscular characteristics of the gastrocnemius muscles in adults with chronic lumbar radiculopathy, a condition caused by nerve root compression in the lower spine. This condition can lead to pain, muscle weakness, altered reflexes, and difficulty controlling muscles in the legs, impacting walking, running, and balance. The study uses tensiomyography (TMG), a non-invasive tool, to measure muscle contraction properties and understand how these changes may contribute to functional limitations and neuromuscular dysfunction in affected individuals. The study focuses on comparing the contractile properties of the gastrocnemius muscles in the affected leg versus the unaffected leg, which serves as a control. TMG assesses parameters such as muscle contraction time, displacement, and relaxation time by measuring muscle belly response to electrical stimuli. The research aims to capture differences in muscle function that result from nerve root damage. This cross-sectional study involves a single session of muscle testing to evaluate these neuromuscular features. Participants will undergo assessments including TMG measurements of both legs to observe differences in muscle contraction times and other parameters. Researchers will analyze these results to identify specific muscle function deficits linked to lumbar radiculopathy. The study measures muscle contraction time as the primary outcome and excludes individuals with recent acute symptoms, other neurological disorders, or conditions that may affect muscle function. The total participation involves one session of evaluation.

Tensiomyography of Gastrocnemius in Lumbar Radiculopathy