• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.21-27
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• 2007

The purposes of this study were to compare core muscle activities with and without the use of Pilates resistive equipment during bridging exercises and to investigate the efficacy of a Pilates device. Fourteen healthy individuals (6 males, 8 females) between 20 to 26 years of age were examined. They were engaged in a bridging exercise with and without a magic circle. Three consecutive repetitions of each exercise were performed. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure the electrical activities of the right side internal oblique, the adductor longus, the multifidus, and the gluteus maximus muscles. Normalized EMG activities were compared using a paired t-test and the level of significance was set at =.05. The results showed that the EMG activities of the internal oblique (p=.0078), the adductor longus (p=.0007), and the gluteus maximus (p=.0001) muscles were significantly higher when using the magic circle during the Pilates bridging exercise. Also, statistically significant change existed in the multifidus muscle (p=.0106). The bridging exercise, combined with hip adduction using the magic circle, may enhance core stabilization. Therefore, using a magic circle during hip adduction combined with bridging exercise may be recommended usefully for individuals wanting to strength the core muscles. Further research is needed to access the nature of motor control of the Pilates mat exercises and to deliver exercise intervention for lower back pain patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.210-214
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• 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the muscle architectural parameters of abdominal muscles in healthy individuals by rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) and to investigate their changes after bridging exercise in various environments. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 40 healthy participants (19 men, 21 women). Subjects were randomly allocated to a stable surface group (SG, n=20) or an unstable surface group (UG, n=20). The participants assumed three positions in rest, bridging exercise with knee flexion $60^{\circ}$, and bridging exercise with knee flexion $90^{\circ}$ for the measurement of abdominal muscle thickness by RUSI. For the resting position, the participants held the head neutral in a hook-lying position and the dominant side was measured. For contraction, the participants performed the bridging exercise with the knee joint in $60^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ of flexion for 10 seconds each. Results: For transversus abdominis, external oblique muscle thickness, within the stable surface group and the unstable surface group, no significant contraction difference was observed in both the $60^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ bridge exercise conditions. Contraction difference of internal oblique muscle was significantly larger at $90^{\circ}$ than at $60^{\circ}$ within the SG (p<0.05). But within the UG, no significant contraction difference was shown. There was no significant contraction difference between the surface group and the unstable SG at $60^{\circ}$ condition and at $90^{\circ}$ condition in all measured muscles. Conclusions: The contraction difference is different for each muscle during bridge exercise with knee flexion $60^{\circ}$ and bridging exercise with knee flexion $90^{\circ}$. Muscle contraction difference is generally large when exercised on an unstable surface than a stable surface, but these are not statistically significant when bridging exercise is performed using dynamic air cushion for unstable surface.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.16-22
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trunk and lower extremity muscle activity induced by three different intensity conditions (intensity 1, 3, 5) of whole body vibration (WBV) during bridging exercise. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure trunk and lower extremity muscles activity. Eleven healthy young subjects (6 males, 5 females) were recruited from university students. The collected EMG data were normalized using reference contraction (no vibration during bridging) and expressed as a percentage of reference voluntary contraction. To analyze the differences in EMG data, the repeated one-way analysis of variance was used. A Bonferroni's correction was used for multiple comparisons. The study showed that EMG activity of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, erector spinae and rectus femoris muscles was not significantly different among three intensity conditions of WBV during bridging exercise (p>.05). However, there were significantly increased EMG activity of the medial hamstring muscle (p=.001) and medial gastrocnemius muscle (p=.027) in the intensity 3 condition compared with the intensity 1 condition. This result can be interpreted that vibration was absorbed through the distal muscles, plantar flexor and knee flexor.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.2229-2236
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• 2020

Background: Few comparative studies have been conducted on strengthening the anterior and posterior muscles of the trunk via lumbar stabilization exercises. Objectives: To compare the effects of forward leaning exercise and supine bridging exercise in stability exercise. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blind). Methods: Thirty subjects with spondylolisthesis were participated in this study. Fifteen subjects performed the bridging exercises and fifteen subjects performed the forward leaning exercises. Each exercise was held for ten seconds per repetition, and four repetitions were considered one sub-session. A total of four sub-sessions were performed in one full exercise session. The full exercise session required thirty minutes, including rest time. Trunk strength and range of motion and Oswestry disability index were measured. Results: Two weeks later, trunk flexion strength and trunk extension range of motion were significantly increased in the forward leaning exercise group than in the supine bridging group, trunk extension strength were significantly increased in the supine bridging exercise group than in the forward leaning group. After two weeks, the pain score was significantly lower in the forward leaning exercise group than in the supine bridging group. Conclusion: This study has shown that stabilization exercises are effective in increasing range of motion and strength in spondylolisthesis subjects. It was especially confirmed that the method of strengthening the anterior muscles of the trunk is more effective than the standard stabilization exercise method.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the lower extremity muscle activity on bridging exercise according to the knee joint angle. Methods : Twenty-five healthy adults volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were required to complete following four bridging exercises; knee joint flexion $120^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$. Surface electromyography from selected lower extremity muscles was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Muscle activity was measured by QEMG-4 system (LXM 3204, Laxtha Korea). A repeated measures of one-way ANOVA was used to determine the influence of bridging exercise on muscle activity for each muscle and descriptive statistics was used to determine muscle ratio. Results : The biceps femoris of all bridging exercises showed significantly(p<.05). The vastus medialis and lateralis of all bridging exercises showed significant excepted $120^{\circ}$(p<.05). The rectus femoris of all bridging exercises showed no significant. Median of vastus medialis/rectus femoris ratio of $120^{\circ}$ was 2.03, $90^{\circ}$ was 2.16, $60^{\circ}$ was 2.67, $45^{\circ}$ was 4.10. Median of vastus lateralis/rectus femoris ratio of $120^{\circ}$ was 1.70, $90^{\circ}$ was 1.70, $60^{\circ}$ was 2.08, $45^{\circ}$ was 2.58. Median of vastus medialis/vastus lateralis ratio of $120^{\circ}$ was 1.26, $90^{\circ}$ was 1.50, $60^{\circ}$ was 1.52, $45^{\circ}$ was 1.47. Conclusion : Angular motion decreasing with knee joint flexion made increase biceps femoris and vastus medialis activation. This result will be use knee joint stabilizing exercises during bridging or unstable surface training and biceps femoris strength training.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.405-412
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the trunk muscle activity on bridging exercise according to the knee joint angle. Methods : Twenty-five healthy adults volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were required to complete following four bridging exercises; knee joint flexion $120^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$. Surface electromyography from selected trunk muscles was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Muscle activity was measured by QEMG-4 system(LXM 3204, Laxtha Korea). A repeated measures of one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni's correction was used to determine the influence of bridging exercise on muscle activity for each muscle and descriptive statistics was used to determine local/global muscle ratio. Results : The internal oblique of bridging exercises $120^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$ showed significantly(p<.05). The erctor spinae of all bridging exercises showed significant excepted between $60^{\circ}$ and $45^{\circ}$(p<.05). Median of internal oblique/rectus abdominis ratio of $120^{\circ}$ was 4.41, $90^{\circ}$ was 3.94, $60^{\circ}$ was 3.58, $45^{\circ}$ was 3.39. Median of internal oblique/external oblique ratio of $120^{\circ}$ was 2.66, $90^{\circ}$ was 2.43, $60^{\circ}$ was 2.87, $45^{\circ}$ was 2.64. Conclusion : Angular motion decreasing with knee joint flexion made erector spinae activation increase. on the other hand, as decreasing abdomen muscle activation, the more performing motor learning is required for abdomen muscle strength and co-contraction for the trunk stabilization.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of bridging stabilization exercises on trunk muscles activity on and off a Swiss ball. 20 healthy university students volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were required to complete following four exercises: exercise 1, single bridging exercise; exercise 2, feet on ball bridging exercise; exercise 3, calf on ball bridging exercise; exercise 4, back on ball bridging exercise. Surface electromyography from selected trunk muscles was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. A repeated measures of ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni's correction was used to determine the influence of exercise type on muscle activity for each muscle and descriptive statistics was used to determine local/global muscle ratios. The rectus abdominis of exercise 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than rectus abdominis of exercise 1, 2, 3 (p<.05). The external oblique of exercise 2, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than external oblique of exercise 1 (p<.05). The internal oblique of exercise 2, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than internal oblique of exercise 1 (p<.05). The erector spinae of exercise 2, 3, 4 showed significantly higher muscle activity than erector spinae of exercise 1 (p<.05). Median of internal oblique/rectus abdominis ratio of exercise 1 was 1.16, exercise 2 was 2.43, exercise 3 was 2.45, exercise and 4 was 1.27. Median of internal oblique/external oblique ratio of exercise 1 was 1.01, exercise 2 was .91, exercise 3 was .99, and exercise 4 was .93. Muscle activity can be influenced by addition of a Swiss ball in bridging exercises. It is recommend to use a Swiss ball for trunk stabilization exercise.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.87-92
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• 2020

Background: Bridging exercises are used to enhance the functional stability of the lumbopelvic region in clinical settings. Although most of the studies on bridging exercises have compared the complete activation of the trunk muscles, some recent studies have examined the functional stability of the trunk and the lumbopelvic region and assessed the appropriate recruitment of the local and global muscles during different task levels. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in muscle thickness in the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles during a common bridging exercise on an unstable surface and to determine whether these changes differ based on the surface used. Methods: Twenty-five healthy young adults (8 males, 17 females) were recruited. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the exercise progression with a sling bridge group or the ball bridging exercise progression group, each with three stages of increasing difficulty. Each position was measured three times with an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system, and the mean values were recorded for analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed between the TrA, IO, or EO muscle thickness ratios between the sling and ball exercise groups (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in the EO muscle thickness ratios between the tasks irrespective of whether the sling or ball was used. However, the TrA and IO thickness ratios in both groups were significantly greater during stages 2 and 3 compared to stage 1. Conclusion: The results suggest that the use of slings and balls during bridging exercises is effective in activating the deep abdominal muscles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.199-203
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• 2012

Purpose : Bridging exercise was used most frequently of lumbar stabilization exercise. There has been no reserch regarding the bridging exercise according to hip abductor activation or hip adductor activation. The purpose of this study is to determine correlation of hip abductor, adductor and abdominal muscles, lower limb muscle. Methods : Participants who met the criteria for this study (n=45). Participants performs bridging exercise on three types (normal bridging exercise, bridging exercise with hip abductor contraction, bridging exercise with hip adductor contraction) for evaluate correlation of each muscles. Results : There was a significant negative correlation between adductor magnus and gluteus medius, adductor magnus and rectus femoris. And there was a positive correlation between gluteus medius and rectus femoris on normal bridging exercise (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between adductor magnus and gluteus medius, transverse abdominis, and between gulteus medius and transverse abdominis on bridging exercise with adductor magnus activation (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between adductor magnus and gluteus medius, rectus femoris, and between gulteus medius and rectus femoris on bridging exercise with gluteus medius activation (p<0.05). Conclusion : When we perform bridging exercise for transverse abdominis activation and increase pressure in the abdmen, bridging exercise with hip adductor contraction is more effective than normal bridging exercise and bridging exercise with hip abductor contraction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.125-132
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the optimal knee joint angle and hip joint angle for minimizing the cervical muscle tension and maximizing the muscle activity of the trunk during the bridging exercise for trunk stabilization. METHODS: The bridging exercise in this study included seven forms of exercise: having a knee joint flexion angle of $120^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$ and hip joint abduction angle of $15^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$. The posture of the bridging exercise was as follows. To prevent the increase of hyper lumbar lordosis during the bridging exercise, the exercise was practiced after maintaining the lumbar neutral position through the pelvic posterior tilting exercise. RESULTS: The abduction angles did not result in statistically significant effects on the cervical erector, external oblique, rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscles. However, in relation to the knee joint angles, during the bridging exercise, statistically significant results were exhibited. CONCLUSION: The knee joint angle affected the muscle activity of the neck muscle. The greater the knee joint angle, the lower the load placed on the neck muscle. In contrast, the load increased as the knee joint angle decreased. In addition, the muscle activity of the neck muscle and trunk muscle increased as the knee joint angle decreased.