Core and Whole Body Vibration Exercise Influences Muscle Sensitivity and Posture during a Military Foot March.

Kaitlin D Lyons,Michael D Goodlett,Aaron G Parks,Joellen M Sefton,Oluwagbemiga Dadematthews,Jaimie Roper,Kenneth E Games,William Murrah,Nilophar Zandieh,Paige Mchenry

doi:10.3390/ijerph18094966

Kaitlin D Lyons, Michael D Goodlett + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094966

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Abstract

Military foot marches account for 17–22% of Army musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), with low back pain (LBP) being a common complaint. Core-exercise and whole-body vibration (WBV) have been shown to decrease LBP in patients with chronic low back MSI. This study investigated if WBV and/or core-exercise influenced LBP or posture associated with a military ruck march. A randomized control trial with three groups: (1) WBV and core-exercise (WBVEx); (2) core-exercise alone (Ex); and (3) control evaluated the effects of core-exercise and WBV on LBP during/after a two 8 K foot marches with a 35 lb rucksack. The intervention groups completed three weeks of core-exercise training with/without WBV. Outcome measurements included visual analog scale (VAS), algometer, posture and electromyography (EMG). LBP, pressure threshold, and posture were elevated throughout the foot march regardless of group. LBP remained elevated for 48 h post foot march (p = 0.044). WBVEx and Ex did not have a significant effect on LBP. WBVEx and Ex both decreased muscle sensitivity and increased trunk flexion (p < 0.001) during the second foot march (FM2). The 8 K foot marches significantly increased LBP. Core-exercise training with/without WBV decreases low back muscle sensitivity. WBV and core-exercise increases trunk flexion which may help improve performance and may influence LBP.

Highlights

Foot marches are ubiquitous within military units as they are vital to transporting mission essential equipment across the operational environment
Indicating that completing two foot marches within a month may decrease overall low back pain (LBP) during the second weighted eight-kilometer foot march. In novice participants, such as soldiers completing basic combat training, completing two identical foot marches prior to increasing load carriage weight may decrease LBP and low back musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) associated with load carriage
The visual analog scale (VAS) and algometry have previously been shown to be correlated [43], we found no significant correlation between the two measurements

Summary

Introduction

Foot marches are ubiquitous within military units as they are vital to transporting mission essential equipment across the operational environment. Service members carrying weights exceeding 30 pounds are 50–60 percent more likely to sustain an MSI [1]. Researchers and military commands have investigated different equipment and carrying techniques in an effort to reduce MSI, including doublepacks and different weight distribution arrangements [5,6,7,8]. Double packs distribute the load around the trunk in order to maintain a more normal center of mass which may decrease overall back pain [5]. These packs increased hip and neck pain and decreased the range of motion required to complete operational tasks [5]

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