Changes in the Activities of the Trunk Muscles in Different Kinds of Bridging Exercises

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different types of bridging exercises on the activities of the trunk muscles. [Methods] Twenty-four students participated in this experiment. The activities of the internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), rectus abdominis (RA), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured in four different bridging exercises. [Results] There were significant differences in the IO, EO, RA, and ES among the four kinds of bridging exercise. The activities of IO, EO and RA were the highest in prone bridging (exercise 4), followed by unilateral bridging (exercise 3), and supine bridging on balance pads (exercise 2). In conventional bridging (exercise 1), the activities of IO, EO, and RA were the lowest. The activity of ES was the highest in exercise 3 followed by exercises 2 and 1. The activity of ES was the lowest than in exercise 1. [Conclusions] Bridging exercise in the prone position may be a more effective method of enhancing trunk muscle activities exercises in other positions.

Changes in the activity of trunk and hip extensor muscles during bridge exercises with variations in unilateral knee joint angle

“…According to previous studies, changes in bilateral knee joint angles during bridge exercises affect muscle activity; however, only trunk muscles were examined. In addition, few studies have examined the effect of bridge exercises on hip extensor activity6, 12, 13 ) . There is limited evidence for the use of one-sided muscular training for hemiplegic patients or patients with one-sided musculoskeletal disorders.…”

“…Bridge exercises make patients feel more comfortable by reducing pain and retraining the global and local muscles to ensure they are coordinated in an appropriate manner6 ) . These are useful for increasing hip extensor strength and motor control of the pelvis and lumbar region7 ) .…”

The Effects of Performing a One-legged Bridge with Hip Abduction and Unstable Surface on Trunk and Gluteal Muscle Activation in Healthy Adults

“…[8][9][10] And similar results of increased muscle activity are being shown with bridge exercises being performed on an unstable surface compared to the general bridge performance. 11 A significant increases in multifidus (MF) and erector spinae muscle activity has been reported when performing a bridge exercise with the lower extremity placed in a sling compared to placing it on a ball or on the floor. 12 Training with the use of lower extremity elevation is being reported in many studies.…”

“…12 Training with the use of lower extremity elevation is being reported in many studies. 11,[13][14][15] Most studies state that ipsilateral trunk muscle activity is increased when performing a bridge exercise including lower extremity elevation compared to performing a general bridge. 13,14 Park et al 16 has reported that an increase in internal oblique (IO) and MF muscle activity was exhibited when subjects performed bridge exercises with lower extremity movements (adduction, abduction) compared to the general bridge exercise.…”

Comparison of the Activity and Proprioception of Trunk Muscles According to Different Types of Bridge Exercises in Subjects with and without Chronic Low Back Pain

“…Kong et al 33 reported that PBEs increased muscle activity due to somatologic demands in the process of overcoming instability resulting from the decreased base of support by bearing the body weight with the elbow and toe in distal regions. The results of the present study, which indicated that PBEs performed by healthy subjects to improve trunk stability were more useful than conventional bridge exercises in reducing the muscle activity of the erector spinae while increasing the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique, are consistent with those of an earlier study.…”