Interplay between mechanical behaviour of the spine and skeletal muscle

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The primary long-term goal of this research program is to advance the understanding of the biomechanical relationship between spine and muscle function. Spine muscles demonstrate a unique design, function differently from many other muscles of the body, and have an important role in maintaining the stability of the spine. Specifically, the spine is a highly unstable structure that cannot function in the absence of a strong and coordinated set of muscles. There are a number of naturally occurring states that place high demand on these muscles which, in turn, can necessitate adaptation and subsequently alter their ability to stabilize the spine. Similarly, a change in the stability level of the spine can stimulate adaptation in the surrounding muscles. Spine stability can therefore be viewed as a natural mechanical and physiological interaction between passive and active tissues, which defines the demands on, and structure of, the spine. The short-term focus of this grant is designed to answer questions relating to how the spine and its muscles adapt their functional capabilities to ensure the maintenance of a stable spine. Basic scientific studies will be conducted, in a rat model, to progressively alter (decrease or increase) the level of stability in the spine or the stabilization ability of the muscles. Measurements will be taken of structural and active contractile changes in the muscles at the cellular-level, which determine their force and movement-generating abilities, as well as changes to the mechanical properties of the spine itself. These animal-based studies will be partnered with studies of human volunteers, which will use measurements of muscle electrical activity and spine movement to gain insight into how muscles respond and compensate for alterations in spine stiffness and mobility, and whether this differs between males and females. This will provide novel and impactful information regarding mechanisms that drive muscle and spine adaptation, behaviour and usage patterns. Ultimately this knowledge can contribute to the development of novel strategies to prevent and rehabilitate low back disorders and pain in the Canadian population.