Effect of exhalation exercise on trunk muscle activity and oswestry disability index of patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of exhalation exercises on trunk muscle activity and Oswestry Disability Index by inducing trunk muscle activity through increasing intra-abdominal pressure and activating muscles, contributing to spinal stability. [Subjects and Methods] This intervention program included 20 male patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 10 subjects each were randomly assigned to an exhalation exercise group as the experimental group and a spinal stabilization exercise group as the control group. [Results] There were significant differences in the activities of the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, external oblique abdominal, and erector spinae muscles as well as in the Oswestry Disability Index within the experimental group. There were meaningful differences in the activities of the rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominal, and erector spinae muscles and in the Oswestry Disability Index within the control group. In addition, there was a meaningful intergroup difference in transverse abdominis muscle activity alone and in the Oswestry Disability Index. [Conclusion] The breathing exercise effectively increased muscle activity by training gross and fine motor muscles in the trunk. Moreover, it was verified as a very important element for strengthening body stability because it both released and prevented low back pain.

Effect of lumbar stabilization exercise on disc herniation index, sacral angle, and functional improvement in patients with lumbar disc herniation

“…The reason for this is that a decreasing sacral angle increases stability while decreasing mobility but improves stability and mobility at the same time through the pelvic movement. This result improves the stability of the sacroiliac joint and the physiological effects of the areas surrounding the lumbar disc 20 ) since it results in functional improvement of the back by reducing stress on the spine and sacroiliac joint 16 ) . Thus, this study demonstrated that the balance center stabilization resistance exercise, which increases sacroiliac joint stability by controlling balance through pelvic movements, can be clinically effective in patients with lumbar disc herniation causing postural and spinal imbalances.…”

“…The reliability of the Korean version of the back pain disability index is high (r=0.92). The back pain disability index is evaluated as maximum 45 points; the higher the total score, the greater the degree of disability and the lower the functional performance 15 , 16 ) .…”

Core Stability and Hip Exercises Improve Physical Function and Activity in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…With the lower back and pelvis aligned, a pressure biofeedback device (Stabilizer™, Pressure Biofeedback Unit, USA) is placed on the lower back, and the pressure is set to 40 mmHg. The participant forcefully contracts his/her abdominal muscles to increase the pressure to 70 mmHg and holds the contraction (Kang et al 2016, Lee et al 2018a).…”

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Health of the Surgeon

“…83,84 This method of breathing allows for the relaxation of lumbar muscles and an improvement in pelvic mobility, and may effectively relieve and prevent back pain. 85 When trained properly, the surgeon should feel empowered to practice all these exercises routinely to improve mobility, enhance flexibility, and, ultimately, decrease pain.…”