Effects of Push-ups Plus Sling Exercise on Muscle Activation and
Cross-sectional Area of the Multifidus Muscle in Patients with Low Back
Pain |
| |
Authors: | Gye-Yeop Kim Se-Hun Kim |
| |
Institution: | 1) Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Dongshin University, Republic of Korea;2) Department of Physical Therapy, Dongshin University Oriental Hospital, Republic of Korea |
| |
Abstract: | Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of lumbar stability exercises on
chronic low back pain by using sling exercise and push-ups. Subjects] Thirty adult
subjects with chronic back pain participated, with 10 adults being assigned to each of 3
exercise groups: general physical therapy (PT), lumbar stability using sling exercises
(Sling Ex), and sling exercise plus push-ups (Sling Ex+PU). Each group trained for 30
minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), surface
electromyographic (sEMG) activity of the lumbar muscles, and cross-sectional area of the
multifidus muscle on computed tomography (CT) were evaluated before and at 2, 4, and 6
weeks of therapy. Results] A significant decrease in ODI was seen in all therapy groups,
and this change was greater in the Sling Ex and Sling Ex+PU groups than in the PT group.
No changes in sEMG activity were noted in the PT group, whereas significant increases in
the sEMG activities of all lumbar muscles were found in the other 2 groups. The increases
in the sEMG activities of the rectus abdominis and internal and external oblique muscles
of the abdomen were greater in the Sling Ex+PU group than in the other 2 groups.
Conclusion] These findings demonstrate that Sling Ex+PU, similar to normal lumbar
stabilization exercise, is effective in activating and improving the function of the
lumbar muscles. These results suggest that Sling Ex+PU has a positive impact on
stabilization of the lumbar region.Key words: Chronic low back pain, Push-up plus, Multifidus muscle |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|