We found conflicting data regarding the validity of methods used to examine back muscle fatigue .
The Biering-Sorensen test  , performed in conjunction with surface electromyography spectral analysis , turned out to be the most widely used and comparatively , the most optimal modality currently available to assess objective back muscle fatigue in daily clinical practise , even though critical limitations are discussed .
Implication s for Rehabilitation Despite its limitations , the Biering-Sorensen test is currently the most used , convenient and easily available fatiguing test for lumbar muscles .
Pooled mean frequency and half-width of the spectrum are currently the most valid electromyographic parameters to assess fatigue in chronic non-specific low back pain .
PURPOSE This systematic literature review aim ed at examining the validity and applicability in everyday clinical rehabilitation practise of methods for the assessment of back muscle fatiguability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain ( CNSLBP ) .
Development of new protocols and analysis procedures for the assessment of LBP by surface EMG techniques.
Spectral parameters of the surface electromyographic ( EMG ) signal from lumbar back muscles assessed during a fatiguing isometric contraction can be used to classify different categories of low back pain ( LBP ) subjects and control subjects without LBP . In the test protocol currently used at the NeuroMuscular Research Center at Boston University , subjects contract their back muscles at 80 % of their maximal voluntary contraction ( MVC ) force . This fatigue-based protocol has been successfully applied to persons with subacute or chronic LBP ; those in acute pain , however , have not been included because of their inability to perform a maximal exertion . In this paper we will examine the force sensitivity of the currently used EMG parameters and also give an overview of some of our efforts to develop new test procedures . Our goal is to develop force-insensitive surface EMG parameters that can be used for classification purpose s in population s of subjects who develop low trunk extension forces . In addition , the development of a model to predict MVC from anthropometrical measurements will be presented
We found conflicting data regarding the validity of methods used to examine back muscle fatigue .
The Biering-Sorensen test  , performed in conjunction with surface electromyography spectral analysis , turned out to be the most widely used and comparatively , the most optimal modality currently available to assess objective back muscle fatigue in daily clinical practise , even though critical limitations are discussed .
Implication s for Rehabilitation Despite its limitations , the Biering-Sorensen test is currently the most used , convenient and easily available fatiguing test for lumbar muscles .
Pooled mean frequency and half-width of the spectrum are currently the most valid electromyographic parameters to assess fatigue in chronic non-specific low back pain .
PURPOSE This systematic literature review aim ed at examining the validity and applicability in everyday clinical rehabilitation practise of methods for the assessment of back muscle fatiguability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain ( CNSLBP ) .