Abstract
The aim of this feasibility study was to contrast rectus abdominis (RA) muscle strength and electrical activity after two abdominal training protocols, conventional kinesiotherapy (CK) and Pilates mat exercises (PME). 13 participants were randomized to one of two groups: CK and PME, and were trained accordingly. The upper rectus abdominis (URA) and lower rectus abdominis (LRA) were independently examined and intra-group and inter-group comparison were done. Findings demonstrate a significant increase in RA strength after both protocols, relative to baseline. Significantly increased electrical activation was seen in the URA after CK. Training with PME, although as efficient as CK in strength improvement, produced decreased activation level of muscles. CK training induced an opposite result. The differences after training suggest that CK and PME training programmers may strength RA, but the neuromuscular activation strategies for that are not the same. PME can be incorporated into protocols to improve abdominals strength, and trunk stabilization.
Highlights
Pilates mat exercise (PME) has become a fast-growing popular trend in rehabilitation and conditioning programs.It aims to improve flexibility, increase global muscular strength and endurance, by emphasizing spinal and pelvic alignment, proper breathing, and the development of a strong core or center
The differences after training suggest that conventional kinesiotherapy (CK) and Pilates mat exercises (PME) training programmers may strength rectus abdominis (RA), but the neuromuscular activation strategies for that are not the same
No significant differences were seen for activation level of the lower rectus abdominis (LRA) (p = 0.431)
Summary
Pilates mat exercise (PME) has become a fast-growing popular trend in rehabilitation and conditioning programs. It aims to improve flexibility, increase global muscular strength and endurance, by emphasizing spinal and pelvic alignment, proper breathing, and the development of a strong core or center (tones abdominals while strengthening the back). PME is considered to improve coordination and balance and is claimed to increase activation of abdominal muscles during athletics or daily living activities [1,2,3]. The rectus abdominis muscle (RA) is a superficial and important postural muscle, which stabilizes pelvic movements, assists in breathing and supports maintenance of proper intra-abdominal pressure. When abdominal strength is not adequate to counter the pull of the antagonist Erector Spine under load, these low back muscles are put at a mechanical disadvantage further placing additional stresses on lower back [6,7]
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