An Evaluation of an Innovative Exercise to Relieve Chronic Low Back Pain in Sedentary Workers

Abstract

Objective The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel supported dynamic lumbar extension with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) technique on stature change, deep abdominal muscle activity, trunk muscle fatigue, and pain intensity during prolonged sitting in chronic low back pain (CLBP) participants. Background Prolonged sitting can cause trunk muscle fatigue from continuous contraction of deep trunk muscles in seated postures. Deficiency of activity of deep muscles can reduce muscular support of the spine, causing stress on spinal structures, which could result in pain. Method Thirty participants with CLBP were randomly allocated: (a) control—sitting without exercise, and (b) intervention—supported dynamic lumbar extension with the ADIM technique. Results Compared to the intervention condition, the control condition demonstrated significantly greater deterioration in stature change, increased levels of deep trunk muscle fatigue, and an increase in pain during prolonged sitting. Conclusion The supported dynamic lumbar extension with the ADIM technique appears to provide a protective effect on detrimental stature change and deep trunk muscle fatigue. In addition, it prevented an increase in pain intensity during prolonged sitting in people with CLBP. Application Sedentary behavior harms health, particularly affecting the lower back. Clinicians can use the intervention to induce dynamic lumbar movement, and this exercise can maintain deep trunk muscle activity during prolonged sitting, thereby helping to prevent low back pain (LBP) problems.

Effect of Time of Day on the Magnitude of Stature Change Response Variability in Participants with Chronic Low Back Pain on Consecutive 2 Days

“…Stature change response has been used to reflect the influence of daily routine work; through measurement at certain times of day on the same day [23,33,34], and between consecutive days [24,35,36]. However, it is difficult to interpret whether the stature change response recorded is truly due to the function of previous loading history or to the natural fluctuation of stature change response between days.…”

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise with the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver Technique on Stature Change during Prolonged Sitting in Sedentary Workers with Chronic Low Back Pain

“…Increased activity of the deep trunk muscle is thought to raise intra-abdominal pressure [59], resulting in decreased spinal loading [60,61]. This suggests that the CSE with the ADIM technique can increase deep trunk muscle activity in CLBP participants by reducing compression forces on the spine during prolonged sitting [8], leading to improved stature recovery.…”

“…Deep trunk muscle fatigue may arise from continuous contraction of the trunk muscles during prolonged sitting [8][9][10]. This fatigue reduces muscular support to the spine and increases stress on ligaments and intervertebral discs [9,10]; consequently, it reduces intervertebral disc height [11,12].…”

Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise Programs on Changes in Erector Spinae Contractile Properties and Isokinetic Muscle Function of Adult Females with a Sedentary Lifestyle

“…Low-back pain is strongly associated with a sedentary lifestyle [7]; specifically, a more sedentary lifestyle is an independent risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders [8]. Further, a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for low-back pain since it can cause muscle fatigue, due to continued core muscle contractions, increased intradiscal loads, and the weakening of the posterior lumbar structure [9,10]. Kett et al [8,11] reported increased lumbar muscle stiffness, as measured by an indentometer, after 4.5 h of sedentary work.…”