Comparison of gait before and after superficial trunk muscle exercise and deep trunk muscle exercise

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of superficial trunk muscle and deep trunk muscle exercise on gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 45 young adults who voluntarily consented to participate. The subjects were divided into a control group, a superficial muscle exercise group, and a deep muscle exercise group with 15 participants in each group. [Methods] Each group performed the exercises 5 times a week for 4 weeks. A Gait Analyzer was used to measure the subjects’ gait. A one-way ANOVA was conducted for analysis between each group. [Results] After 4 weeks, the values from right heel contact to foot flat, left foot flat to heel off, right foot flat to heel off, and left heel off to toe off significantly differed among the groups. [Conclusion] The superficial trunk muscle exercise improved stability, such as the period of mid stance during gait. The deep trunk muscle exercise improved mobility, such as heel contact to foot flat and heel off to toe off during gait.

Analyzing muscle thickness changes in lateral abdominal muscles while exercising using virtual reality

“…Electromyography (EMG) has shown that reaching exercises performed in a seated position activate the erector spinae and abdominal muscles 5 ) . Furthermore, stability during walking relies on the coordinated activation of the trunk muscles 6 ) , and there is a positive correlation between trunk muscle thickness and walking speed 7 , 8 ) . The transversus abdominis (TrA) is a lateral abdominal muscle that plays a vital role in trunk control 9 ) .…”