Effect of disc degeneration on the muscle recruitment pattern in upright posture: a computational analysis

Based on the sensor driving control mechanism model, the effect of disc degeneration on the trunk muscle recruitment (TMR) pattern was analysed in erect standing posture. A previously developed computational model was used for this analysis, with modifications incorporating the T12-L1 motion segment and additional muscle fascicles. To generate disc degeneration at three different levels (L3–L4, L4–L5, or L5–S1), the material properties of the ground matrix of the annulus and bulk modulus of the nucleus were reduced. The finite element method combined with an optimization technique was applied to calculate the muscle forces. Minimization of deviations in the averaged tensile stress in the annulus fibres at the outermost layer in the five discs was selected for muscle force calculations. The results indicated that the disc degeneration noticeably increased the activation of the superficial muscle (IT and R) even though there was no clear change in the longissimus thoracis. Unlike some of the superficial muscles, activation in the deep muscles (multifidus (ML, MS, MT), LL and Q) was decreased. The change in TMR pattern generated an intervertebral disc angle difference and nucleus pressure increased in the upper level. These differences are expected to be functional in that they reduce the stress at the degenerated disc by changing the muscle activation, which slows down the progress of disc degeneration.