Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training in elite rowers: A pilot study

Robin Schäfer, Hendrik Schäfer, Petra Platen, Robin Schäfer, Hendrik Schäfer, Petra Platen

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is a major health issue in elite rowers. High training volume, frequent flexion movements of the lower spine and rotational movement in sweep rowing contribute to increased spinal strain and neuropathological patterns. Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training (PTT) may be effective to treat neuromuscular deficits and low back pain.

Methods: All boat classes (8+, 4+/-, 2-) of the male German national sweep rowing team participated in this non-randomized parallel group study. We included 26 athletes (PTT: n = 12, control group: n = 14) in our analysis. Physical and Sports therapists conducted 16 individualized PTT sessions á 30-40 minutes in 10 weeks, while the control group kept the usual routines. We collected data before and after intervention on back pain intensity and disability, maximum isometric trunk extension and flexion, jump height and postural sway of single-leg stance.

Results: We found less disability (5.3 points, 95% CI [0.4, 10.1], g = 0.42) for PTT compared to control. Pain intensity decreased similar in both groups (-14.4 and -15.4 points), yielding an inconclusive between-group effect (95% CI [-16.3, 14.3]). Postural sway, strength and jump height tend to have no between- and within-group effects.

Conclusion: Perturbation-based trunk stabilization training is possibly effective to improve the physical function of the lower back in elite rowers.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig 1. CONSORT flow diagram.
Fig 1. CONSORT flow diagram.
Fig 2. Progression of the basic exercises…
Fig 2. Progression of the basic exercises squat (upper line) and rowing (lower line).
Fig 3. Pain and disability outcomes.
Fig 3. Pain and disability outcomes.
Top plots show change scores in violin-scatter-plots accompanied by adjusted 95% CI obtained by marginal means of ANCOVA; bottom plots show adjusted between-group effects on both the whole experimental group (black) and the LBP subgroup (red)–positive values represent beneficial effects towards PTT (perturbation-based trunk stabilization training) over CG (control group); grey shaded: Null ± MIC (minimal important change) for group and individual changes; 1,2: data left out in leave-one-out-analysis; CPI: characteristic pain intensity, DS: disability score, LOO: leave-one-out analysis.
Fig 4. Functional outcomes.
Fig 4. Functional outcomes.
Plots show adjusted between-group effects of ANCOVA (95% CI); negative values in strength and jumps and positive values in balance represent beneficial effects towards PTT (perturbation-based trunk stabilization training) over CG (control group); grey shaded: Null ± MIC (minimal important change); MVC: maximal voluntary contraction, CMJ: counter movement jump.

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