Article

Lumbar stabilization exercises are effective for the treatment of
patients with low back pain. However, personalized exercise programs are required
to facilitate more efficient treatment, as each individual exhibits the different
characteristics of the trunk muscles and pain.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the
effects of graded lumbar stabilization exercises on the trunk muscles in healthy
individuals, using surface electromyography.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional
prospective study. SETTING: Outpatient pain clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Ten healthy
male participants without low back pain were recruited on a volunteer basis.
METHODS: Four common lumbar stabilization exercises were selected, including the
curl up, dead bug, Superman, and bird dog exercises. Each exercise was divided
into 5 intensity levels, with participants performing all exercises at each
intensity level, to a total of 20 exercises. Electromyographic changes in the
trunk muscles according to intensity level were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASUREMENTS: Using superficial electromyography, the peak amplitude and area
under the curve for each of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique abdominis
(EO), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured. RESULTS: In
general, as the level of intensity increased, the activity of the related lumbar
stabilizing muscles also increased significantly (P < .05). Specifically, the
peak amplitudes of the RA (P = .008) and EO (P < .001) were increased during the
curl up exercise, whereas the peak amplitudes of the MF (P < .001) and ES (P =
.002) were increased during the bird dog exercise. The prolonged exercise
duration of the Superman exercise increased the mean area under the curve of MF,
ES, and RA (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Using a graded exercise program, an
appropriate level of exercise intensity can be prescribed and modulated according
to patient tolerance and physical ability. Therefore, a graded lumbar
stabilization exercise program may represent an effective way to strengthen the
lumbar stabilizing muscles in patients with low back pain.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS