| Abstract: | [Purpose] This study was performed to assess the influence of applying dual pressurebiofeedback units (DPBUs) on the angle of pelvic rotation and abdominal muscle activityduring the active straight leg raise (ASLR). [Subjects] Seventeen patients with low-backpain (LBP) participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects were asked to perform anactive straight leg raise (ASLR) without a PBU, with a single PBU, and with DPBUs. Theangles of pelvic rotation were measured using a three-dimensional motion-analysis system,and the muscle activity of the bilateral internal oblique abdominis (IO), external obliqueabdominis (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) was recorded using surface electromyography(EMG). One-way repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to determine the rotation angles andmuscle activity under the three conditions. [Results] The EMG activity of the ipsilateralIO, contralateral EO, and bilateral RA was greater and pelvic rotation was lower with theDPBUs than with no PBU or a single PBU. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggestthat applying DPBUs during ASLR is effective in decreasing unwanted pelvic rotation andincreasing abdominal muscle activity in women with chronic low back pain.Key words: Active straight leg raise, Pelvic rotation, Pressure biofeedback unit |
