Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain

Abstract

Most of the studies evaluating core muscle activity during exercises have been conducted with healthy participants. The objective of this study was to compare core muscle activity and tolerability of a variety of dynamic and isometric exercises in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). 13 outpatients (average age 52 years; all with standing or walking work in their current or latest job) performed 3 consecutive repetitions at 15-repetition maximum during different exercises in random order. Surface electromyography was recorded for the rectus abdominis; external oblique and lumbar erector spinae. Patients rated tolerability of each exercise on a 5-point scale. The front plank with brace; front plank and modified curl-up can be considered the most effective exercises in activating the rectus abdominis; with a median normalized EMG (nEMG) value of 48% (34–61%), 46% (26–61%) and 50% (28–65%), respectively. The front plank with brace can be considered the most effective exercise in activating the external oblique; with a nEMG of 77% (60–97%). The squat and bird-dog exercises are especially effective in activing the lumbar erector spinae; with nEMG of 40% (24–87%) and 29% (27–46%), respectively. All the exercises were well tolerated; except for the lateral plank that was mostly non-tolerated. In conclusion; the present study provides a variety of dynamic and isometric exercises; where muscle activity values and tolerability can be used as guide to design evidence-based exercise programs for outpatients with NSCLBP.

The Motor Impact of the Static Balance in the Up Plank Position on Three Different Balls in Physical Activities of Physical Education Students

“…Consistent with the results of our study, previous studies have highlighted the influence of exercises performed on different fitness materials in order to improve static and dynamic balance [5,[53][54][55]. The results of our study complete the research on the study of the up plank position, which were numerous and especially highlighted the anatomical, biomechanical and physical benefits of different categories of subjects actively involved in physical and sports activities [56][57][58][59], in the practice of fitness [55,[60][61][62][63] and in prophylaxis [64][65][66][67][68].…”

Physical Function in Amateur Athletes with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study

“…In contrast to the conclusions made by Pitcher et al [ 40 ], where the Biering–Sorensen test is not conclusive enough to differentiate between controls and subjects with varying degrees of mild back disability based on the Oswestry classification, we found significant differences between amateur athletes with mild disability and asymptomatic athletes. However, these tests are highly demanding, and better-tolerated alternatives (i.e., isometric and dynamic exercises such as squat or bird-dog exercises) should be considered during rehabilitative exercise programs [ 41 ].…”

Effectiveness of Negative Pulsed-Pressure Myofascial Vacuum Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Conversely, the non-specific nature of this condition indicates that pain is not attributable to fractures, trauma or any other specific recognizable pathology (such as infectious, vascular or oncological conditions) [ 1 , 3 ]. Additionally, chronicity shows that symptoms have persisted for more than 12 weeks, as established by clinical practice guidelines for low back pain or lumbago [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”