Abstract
Background
Active therapeutic exercises during unstable and unilateral conditions using body weight for resistance are often used in the rehabilitation of low back pain (LBP). In LBP patient's unilateral atrophy of the spinal muscles is reported. To address these deficits understanding side to side muscle activity using surface Electromyography (SEMG) can help clinicians design exercises that specifically address these deficits. Aim: To identify the effects of unilateral and unstable bridging exercises on trunk muscle activity.
Methods
Using a repeated measures design, SEMG side to side measurements of lumbar Multifidus (MF), Iliocostalis Thoracis (ICT), Rectus Abdominis (RA) and External Oblique (EO) were conducted on 20 healthy subjects (16 female, age 25.45±3.57 years, height 166±0.8 cm, weight 63.35±12.70 kg. Mean Body Mass Index 23) during 8 supine bridging exercises with stable, unstable and unilateral conditions.
Results
Muscle activity was significantly influenced by unilateral and unstable conditions. Highest SEMG activity was found in MF and ICT, lowest in RA and EO in all exercises. Highest SEMG activity of all investigated muscles was found during all unstable or unilateral conditions and lowest activity during standard bridging exercises. Unilateral exercises increased ipsilateral EMG activity on the unsupported side of all investigated muscles.
Conclusion
The results suggest that unilateral atrophied muscles can be specifically trained by using unilateral bridging exercises. The intensity of the exercises can be adapted to subjects' ability by including various unstable or unilateral conditions within the bridging exercise, since individual muscle activity ranges from low to high activity between the exercises.
Conflicts of Interest
None
Source of Funding
None
I confirm that this abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.
