Effects of bridge exercise performed on an unstable surface on lumbar stabilizing muscles according to the knee angle

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of bridge exercise performed on an unstable surface on lumbar stabilizing muscles according to the knee angle. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy adult men were selected for this study. [Methods] The study subjects performed the bridge exercise on an unstable surface and a stable surface, with the knees at different angles (45°, 90°, and 120°). An aero-step device was used as the unstable surface, and the flat ground was used as the stable surface. External oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities were assessed and compared using electromyography. [Results] The study results demonstrated that performing the bridge exercise on an unstable surface with a knee angle of 120° led to a greater increase in the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities than when performed on a stable surface. [Conclusion] The bridge exercise with the knees at a 120° angle was found to be an effective intervention for increasing the external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscle activities.

The effects of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the activation of deep lumbar stabilizing muscles of patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis

“…In addition, some patients complain of recurrent chronic LBP and sagittal decompensation related to posture even after surgical correction of kyphotic spinal deformities 2 , 31 ) . Exercises that help train lumbar stabilizing muscles are typically adopted for conservative treatments of chronic LBP and the correction of kyphotic postures 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 32 ) . Patients with LBP cannot sufficiently activate the deep lumbar stabilizers 13 , 14 , 15 ) , and thus, extensive LM muscle atrophy is a characteristic of LDK patients 33 ) .…”

“…Patients with LBP do not sufficiently activate the deep lumbar stabilizing muscles, such as, the lumbar multifidus (LM), transversus abdominis (TrA), and obliquus internus (OI) muscles, which are essential for lumbar spinal stability 13 , 14 , 15 ) . Therefore, specific exercises for lumbar stabilizing muscles are essential in the rehabilitative strategy for patients with LBP 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ) . However, traditional exercises for deep lumbar stabilizing muscles tend to be laborious and time intensive for therapists and patients.…”

“…Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a form of lumbopelvic stabilizing rehabilitation that is being increasingly used to reinforce muscle strength and prevent muscle atrophy 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) . This technique has also shown promise in training of the deep lumbar stabilizing muscles 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) .…”

Immediate effects of neuromuscular control exercise on neck pain, range of motion, and proprioception in persons with neck pain

“…Although census studies show that approximately onethird of adults experience neck pain or stiffness at least once a week [1], neck related diseases increased by 16.6% in 2015 compared to 2011 according to data released by the Korea Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in 2016 [2]. The main symptoms of persons with neck pain include pain [3], decreased range of motion (ROM) [4], muscle weakness [5], dysfunction [6], and errors in joint position sense [7], and also differences in electromyography results of the neck muscles from that of the general public [8].…”

Effects of performing hip abduction and adduction during bridging exercise on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity in healthy individuals

“…Lumbar stabilization exercises are aimed at control of forces that may cause postural instability and at maintenance of normal spinal posture for maximum conscious or unconscious adaptation in response to external loads [1]. As a closed kinetic chain exercise, bridge exercises are used for the stabilization of the lumbar and the trunk in addition to improving the muscular strength of the pelvic and lower limb muscles, and improving trunk flexor and extensor muscle control [2].…”