Effect of experimental and clinical pain on the spatial distribution of muscle activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Musculoskeletal dysfunctions can significantly impair quality of life due to persistent pain and neuromuscular adaptations. While regional activation patterns in healthy muscles are well-documented, the effects of clinical and experimental pain on these patterns remain inconsistent. Accordingly, this study systematically evaluates the scientific evidence on alterations in the spatial distribution of muscle activity, quantified by shifts in the center of activity of high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) signals, under experimental and clinical pain conditions.

Methods

A comprehensive database search was conducted from inception to June 6, 2025. The review included studies that evaluated the spatial distribution of muscle activity with HD-sEMG, analyzing

SUBMITTER: Mendez-Rebolledo G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12287016 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature