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

Joaquín Calatayud, Adrian Escriche-Escuder, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Lars L Andersen, Sofía Pérez-Alenda, Ramón Aiguadé, José Casaña, Joaquín Calatayud, Adrian Escriche-Escuder, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Lars L Andersen, Sofía Pérez-Alenda, Ramón Aiguadé, José Casaña

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.

Keywords: bridging; electromyography; plank; squat; trunk.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Exercises performed: (1) Torso-twist, (2) Squat, (3) Bird-dog, (4) Modified curl-up, (5) Front plank/front plank with brace, (6) Supine plank, (7) Lateral knee plank and (8) Lateral plank.
Figure 2
Figure 2
EMG during 8 of the 9 exercises (i.e., the lateral plank was not included due to its general non-tolerability). Circles show individual data. Numbers between parentheses denote statistical differences between the exercises (e.g., number 1 means different from the exercise number 1, which is the torso-twist).
Figure 3
Figure 3
The tolerability of each exercise.

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Source: PubMed

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