Recording notes & source
per Criswell 2011, site „Low-Back (Erector Spinae) at L-3“, p. 342
- Placement type
- Quasi-specific site Neighbouring muscles contribute noticeably to the signal — allow for crosstalk.
- Signal check
- Forward flexion of the torso and return to midline.
- Crosstalk from
- iliocostalis and longissimus lie over the multifidus — surface recording does not separate them · quadratus lumborum · latissimus dorsi
- Artefacts
- Skin distortion during flexion/extension → electrodes may slip or pop; ECG common on the left side.
The position above follows SENIAM; the crosstalk and artefact notes apply to surface recording of this muscle in general.
Print as a session sheet · A4 with landmarks, signal check and MVC testHermens HJ, Freriks B, Disselhorst-Klug C, Rau G. Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000;10(5):361-74.
Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · SENIAM reference table · How electrodes are placed (guide) · Glossary
Anatomy & Function
The M. Multifidus (Multifidus) is a muscle of the trunk posterior region. It is responsible for segmental stabilization of the spine, extension and rotation of individual vertebral segments. This muscle is one of 26 with official SENIAM-recommended surface EMG electrode placement. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).
Innervation after Perotto AO, Anatomical Guide for the Electromyographer, 5th ed. 2011 — an anatomical reference, not an electrode placement recommendation.
Clinical applications (SENIAM)
- Chronic low back pain therapy
- Postural correction for scoliosis
- Deadlift and squat biomechanics
Test Movement
Trunk extension from prone position with slight rotation against resistance
MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)
- Position
- Prone on a bench, trunk extension (upper body lifted against resistance).
- Fixation
- Legs and pelvis fixed on the bench.
- Resistance
- Manual resistance or belt across the upper back, extension against it.
- Control exercise
- Isolated back extension at a machine as the check exercise.
Konrad: a very productive position — the whole posterior chain is facilitated, so gluteus and hamstring maxima may appear here as well.
Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 32. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC
Measure M. Multifidus activity live
The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.
In therapy, this muscle is usually about tone regulation and consciously relaxing below a threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Multifidus?
On the line from the caudal tip of the posterior superior iliac spine to the L1/L2 interspace, at the level of the L5 spinous process - about 2-3 cm from the midline. Orientation: In the direction of that line; inter-electrode distance max. 20 mm, electrode size max. 10 mm along the fibres. Based on the official SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000).
Which test movement activates the M. Multifidus?
Trunk extension from prone position with slight rotation against resistance. This movement is part of the SENIAM protocol for standardized contraction verification.
Is the M. Multifidus a SENIAM-recommended muscle?
Yes. The M. Multifidus is one of 26 muscles for which the SENIAM project has published official surface EMG electrode placement recommendations.
