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Anatomy of Back Muscles

  The muscles of the back can be divided into three groups – superficial, intermediate and deep: Superficial  – associated with movements of the shoulder. Intermediate  – associated with movements of the thoracic cage. Deep  – associated with movements of the vertebral column. The deep muscles develop embryologically in the back, and are thus described as  intrinsic  muscles. The superficial and intermediate muscles do not develop in the back, and are classified as  extrinsic  muscles. This article is about the anatomy of the superficial back muscles – their attachments, innervations and functions. The superficial back muscles are situated underneath the skin and superficial fascia. They originate from the vertebral column and attach to the bones of the shoulder – the clavicle, scapula and humerus. All these muscles are therefore associated with movements of the upper limb. The muscles in this group are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and the rhomboids. The trapezius
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6 Minute Walk Test for Covid

The entire country is battling with the second wave of coronavirus pandemic.

Thus, it's best to stay home and do not move out until absolutely necessary. Getting vaccinated is also important to keep yourself safe from catching the coronavirus infection. 

While we all are taking our vitamins, eating healthy and exercising to keep our immunity up, we still need to be careful and watch out for symptoms and get ourselves tested, if needed. 

In these tough times, the government is advising citizens to check the functioning of their lungs by taking a simple six-minute test. The Maharashtra government has directed the administration to create awareness about the 6-minute test that can be performed at home with people suffering from the symptoms of COVID-19. 

As per the doctors, people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus must check their oxygen levels using an oximeter at home. People can also take a six-minute walk test while putting an oximeter on their finger.


Tips to perform the 6-minute test

- Wear clothes and shoes that are light and comfortable

- You can use your walking aid like a cane, stick or a walker

- Have a light meal before performing the test

- You can take your usual medicines

- Do not exercise within two hours of testing

How to take the test

Wear the oximeter in your index finger or middle finger, now walk for 6 minutes without taking a pause on an even surface. After six minutes, if the oxygen levels do not go down, the individual is considered healthy.

There is nothing to worry about if the oxygen levels dip by 1 per cent or 2 per cent. In this case, the person should do the exercise once or twice a day to keep an eye, say experts. If the oxygen levels go below 93 per cent or dip by more than 3 per cent and the individual suffers from breathlessness, the person should immediately seek medical help. 

The test is not advised for people suffering from asthma. Also, people over the age of 60, can take the walking test for three minutes instead of six. 

The test can help detect the oxygen deficiency in an individual and get them admitted to the hospital on time.

How often should you check your o2 levels if you are COVID positive?

One must check their oxygen levels at least once in six hours if they test COVID positive. If the saturation level is 95 or 94, one must check it even more often.


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