Changes in Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Balance Ability on Plank Exercises with Various Surfaces

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects on muscle thickness and balance ability after performing plank exercise on various surface types. Methods: In this study, there were thirty healthy participants. Participants were randomly distributed into three groups, a control group (n= 10), sling group (n= 10), and ball group (n= 10). All participants performed plank exercises three times a week for four weeks. Plank exercises consisted of five sets of 30 seconds each with a one minute break between each set. Muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) was measured using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and balance was measured using I-balance. Results: Evaluation of muscle thickness revealed that the IO and EO muscle of the ball group changed significantly relative to the control group (p< 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in balance. Conclusion: The results revealed that performing plank exercise on a ball is more effective among various types of surfaces.

The Effect of Plank Exercises with Hip Abduction Using Sling on Trunk Muscle Activation in Healthy Adults

“…5 In recent years, various studies have been reported on posture to maximize the effects of plank exercise performance. 6 Many studies on effective exercise methods have been reported on not only the general plank position, but also on the use of a sling, Swiss ball, Togu, etc using an unstable support surface, 7,8 as well as arm angles and changes in various lower extremity conditions etc. 9,10 Slings exercises are composed of multifaceted exercises performed in multiple planes and joints through the use of the effects of gravity placed on the body weight, and are difficult to adapt to and maintain balance due to changes in inclination.…”

Effect of Kinesio Tape for Fascia on Trunk Muscle Activity during Plank

“…코어(Core)란 척추 기둥에 안정성을 제공하는 골반과 몸통 주위의 근육 구조물로 설명되고, 13,14 코어 안정화는 척추의 바른자세와 균형 을 유지하는데 중요하다. 15 2,13,15,18,19 이에 플랭크 운동의 효과를 증대 시키기 위한 다양한 연구가 시도되어 오고 있다.…”

“…코어(Core)란 척추 기둥에 안정성을 제공하는 골반과 몸통 주위의 근육 구조물로 설명되고, 13,14 코어 안정화는 척추의 바른자세와 균형 을 유지하는데 중요하다. 15 2,13,15,18,19 이에 플랭크 운동의 효과를 증대 시키기 위한 다양한 연구가 시도되어 오고 있다. 13,15,16,[19][20][21] 최근 몇 년간 근막(fascia)에 대한 연구는 기초과학, 스포츠재활, 임 상재활 영역에서 더욱 더 활발해지고 있다.…”