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

Author

Listed:
  • Joaquín Calatayud

    (Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
    Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Adrian Escriche-Escuder

    (Department of Physiotherapy, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain)

  • Carlos Cruz-Montecinos

    (Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile)

  • Lars L. Andersen

    (National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
    Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Sofía Pérez-Alenda

    (Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
    Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Universitary and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain)

  • Ramón Aiguadé

    (Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, 25003 Lleida, Spain)

  • José Casaña

    (Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Joaquín Calatayud & Adrian Escriche-Escuder & Carlos Cruz-Montecinos & Lars L. Andersen & Sofía Pérez-Alenda & Ramón Aiguadé & José Casaña, 2019. "Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-11, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:19:p:3509-:d:269220
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lars L Andersen & Thomas Clausen & Hermann Burr & Andreas Holtermann, 2012. "Threshold of Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity for Increased Risk of Long-Term Sickness Absence among Female Healthcare Workers in Eldercare," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    1. Diego Miñambres-Martín & Patricia Martín-Casas & Ibai López-de-Uralde-Villanueva & César Fernández-de-las-Peñas & Juan Antonio Valera-Calero & Gustavo Plaza-Manzano, 2022. "Physical Function in Amateur Athletes with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-9, March.
    2. Dana Badau & Adela Badau & Gabriel Manolache & Mircea Ion Ene & Adriana Neofit & Vlad Teodor Grosu & Virgil Tudor & Radu Sasu & Raluca Moraru & Liviu Moraru, 2021. "The Motor Impact of the Static Balance in the Up Plank Position on Three Different Balls in Physical Activities of Physical Education Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.

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