• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.19 no.5
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Leg-crossing sitting is very common for men and woman. No solid evidence exists for either a beneficial or a detrimental effect of this posture. This study investigated the change of activities of trunk muscles between the normal group and the low back pain group during various leg-crossing positions. Methods: The subjects were consisted of 10 subjects who don't have low back pain and 10 subjects who have low back pain. In this study, we used electromyography(EMG) to evaluate the activities of both the trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and multifidus) during various leg-crossing positions (up-right, leg-crossing, tailor-crossing, and ankle-crossing). We analyzed the data by using repeated one way ANOVA. Results: In normal group, there were increased in EMG activities of trunk muscles, but no significant differences during leg-crossing positions. In back pain group, there were increased in EMG activities of right external oblique, left. internal oblique, and both multifidus muscles in leg-crossing and tailor-crossing position, but no significant differences during leg-crossing positions. There was no significant difference of muscle activity of trunk muscles between the back pain group and the normal group. Conclusion: We suggest that low back pain people who have weak muscles of rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique are often experienced in leg-crossing posture than normal. To compensate this unstability of trunk, leg-crossing posture is substituted passive structure for activities of active muscle.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.61-69
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) activities of the lumbar extensor muscles during motion of trunk flexion-extension and compare range of motion (ROM) with a 3-dimensional motion analysis system of the lumbar region between subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy subjects during the trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and trunk lateral flexion cycle. Thirty CLBP subjects and thirty healthy subjects were included. We measured the root mean square (RMS) value of the lumbar extensor muscles from resting, standing, lumbar flexion and return position. The RMS ratio was normalized from maximal EMG activity of the lumbar extensor muscles during trunk motion. The results of this study showed that the RMS ratio of the lumbar extensor was significantly higher in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during all of trunk motion (p<.05). The ratio of the highest RMS value during flexion and extension was higher in CLBP subjects than in healthy subjects (p<.05). The ROM of the lumbar region was significantly lower in CLBP subjects than healthy subjects during trunk flexion-extension, trunk rotation and lateral flexion cycle. The relationship between the RMS ratio for full lumbar flexion and the ROM of lumbar flexion was not correlated significantly. CLBP subjects have both decreased ROM of the lumbar region and higher muscle activities of the lumbar extensor muscle than healthy subjects.

• International Journal of Contents
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.72-77
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of general sling-bridge exercise (GSE) and sling-bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique (SER) on trunk muscle endurance and flexibility in adolescents with low back pain (LBP). 30 adolescents who had complaints of LBP were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: the GSE group (n=15) and SER group (n=15). Subjects performed each exercise programs for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk muscle stability; GSE group trained general bridge exercise with sling, SER group trained rhythmic stabilization bridge exercise with sling. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and flexibility were measured before and at the end of the exercise program. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance were significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group showed significant difference from the GSE group after the exercise (p<.05). The trunk muscle flexibility was significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group were significantly different from GSE group post-exercise (p<.05). The results of this study showed that sling bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique may be appropriate for improving trunk muscle stability in adolescents with LBP.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.35-43
• /
• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to measure the change of strength of trunk flexion and extension on abdominal and back muscles. Methods : Each taping group 1(n=14), taping group 2(n=14), taping group 3(n=14) and control group(n=15) were measured a muscle strength by Biodex at first test, second test, third test and forth test in 3 days. Results : The strength of trunk flexion and extension was significantly different among the experimental groups (p<.05). It also shows that significant increasing of muscle strength at 48 hours after application of taping (p<.05). Conclusion : In conclusion, we were found that taping technique base on taping type show immediately assistance of muscle strength and enduring effect for 48 hours.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.103-109
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the strategical lifting postures able to alleviate imbalanced EMG amplitude leading to an increase in low back muscle fatigue while lifting asymmetric load dynamically. Eleven male subjects are required to lift symmetrically an external load with 15.8kg and load center of gravity (LCG) deviated 10cm to the right from the floor to the waist height at the speed of about 25cm/sec. The EMG amplitudes on bilateral low back muscles (Longissimus, Iliocostalis, and Multifidus) are recorded during 2sec and analyzed. Independent variables are trunk postures (No bending vs. Bending to the LCG) and feet placements (Parallel vs. Right foot in front of the other vs. Right foot behind the other). Dependent variables are EMG amplitude average on six muscles and the EMG amplitude difference between right and left muscle group. Results indicate the phenomenon showing an amplitude increase in the left muscle group is equal to an decrease in the right one is observed in dynamic as well as static lifts, bending the trunk to the LCG increases amplitude discrepancy more than no trunk bending, and the amplitude discrepancy in one foot ipsilateral to LCG in front of the other foot is lowest among other foot postures. As bilateral EMG amplitude discrepancy increases total low back muscle fatigue, the strategical combination of no trunk bending and one foot close to LCG in front of the other is recommended for preventing elevated incidence of low back pain (LBP).

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.5 no.3
• /
• pp.63-71
• /
• 1998

Trunk holding test (Sorensen test) appear to have more value than strength test in prediction the occurrence of low back pain. Electromyographic activity of trunk extensor muscles during these test may provide clues to the etiology of neuromuscular-based low back pain. This study investigated the difference in back muscle endurance between healthy adult men and women using surface electromyographic (EMG) power spectral analysis. Thirty hea1thy subjects (15 men and 15 women) performed an unsupported trunk holding test for 60 seconds. Recording surface electrodes were placed over the erector spinae medially and laterally at vertebral levels of $L_1$ and $L_5$. Slope of total frequency was evaluated using the MP100WSW Fast Fourier Transform spectrum analysis program. The slopes of all indices of back muscle fatigue, except right $L_5$, were significantly steeper in men than in women (p<0.05). Our results indicated that the trunk holding test using EMG power spectral analysis of erector spinae muscles is useful for the evaluation of fatigue rate of these muscles. Our results also showed a higher muscle endurance in healthy adult women than in men.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.177-184
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study was to present the IMU sensor based trunk stabilization exercise and to evaluate the changes in the muscle activity and thickness with non-specific low back pain patients (N=30). They were classified into two groups; lumbar stabilization exercise using IMU sensor (ILS), (n₁=20) and general lumbar stabilization exercise (GLS), (n₂=10). By comparing the difference between pre and post intervention via trunk muscle activity and muscle thickness, the significant differences were identified. Muscle activity was measured on external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and multifidus (MF) by using surface electromyography (sEMG). Muslce thickness was measured on external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis (TrA), and multifidus (MF) by using ultrasonography. sEMG activity was recorded at right side-bridge position. Each group performed the proposed lumbar stabilization exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Trunk muscle activity was observed with a significant increase in the IO of ILS (p<.05) and a decrease in the MF of GLS (p<.05). Trunk muscle thickness was significantly increased in left EO and both IO of GLS (p<.05), and also significant increased right EO, both IO, both TrA, and both MF of the ILS (p<.05). In the future, a convergence approach of rehabilitation and engineering is needed to select a sensor suitable for rehabilitation purposes, study the validity and reliability of data, and produce appropriate rehabilitation contents.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.57-63
• /
• 2009

Purpose: We determined the recruitment pattern of lumbar elector spinalis, gluteus maxims, inner and outer hamstring muscle during trunk flexion and extension. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects(male; 15, female; 15) without low back pain and other problems in lower extremities participated in this study. To measure the recruitment pattern, the onset times of electromyographic activity of the muscles were recorded during trunk flexion and return(extension) to standing position. Results: The medial and lateral hamstring muscle was activated first, next elector spinalis, the last, gluteus maximus in trunk flexion. In trunk extension to standing position, the order of recruitment was similar to trunk flexion although the frequency is different. There were different between male and female in flexion and extension movement. Conclusion: The recruitment order of lumbar extensor and hip extensors in trunk flexion and extension will provide database in evaluation and intervention of lower back pain and lumbo.pelvic rhythm disorder.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.263-269
• /
• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects lumbar stabilization exercise with kinesio taping on pain, muscle strength, and oswestry disability index (ODI) in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Two groups pre-post randomized controlled design Methods: Thirty-two subjects were randomly divided in two groups; 1) lumbar stabilization exercise with kinesio taping group (Experimental group, n=16), 2) lumbar stabilization exercise with sham kinesio taping group (Control group, n=16). The intervention was conducted in each group for thirty minutes a day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. Both group did 30 minutes of lumbar stabilization application. Evaluations were performed before the commencement of training and again 4 weeks after training was initiated. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain level of patients with chronic low back pain. Distal muscle test was used to evaluate muscle strength of trunk extension. In addition, ODI was used to evaluate activity daily life of low back pain. Results: After training, the VAS, muscle strength of trunk extension and ODI were significantly more improvement in Experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: We confirmed that the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise with kinesio taping group on pain, muscle strength, and ODI in patients with chronic low back pain.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.91-94
• /
• 2017

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of trunk muscle activity with power grasping during one leg stance. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups, one that performed power grasping, and another that did not. An investigator measured the activities of a subject's trunk muscle such as internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), erector spinae (ES), and gluteus medius (GM) while a subject was doing one leg stance. Results: An independent t-test was used to analyze trunk muscle activities with power grasping during one leg stance between the experimental group and the control group. Only the EO activity differed significantly between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that one leg stance with power grasping affected trunk muscle activity. Therefore, this is a useful method for providing lumbar spine stability.