Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercises on the contractile properties and isokinetic muscle function of adult females with a sedentary lifestyle. We enrolled 105 adult females. Tensiomyography was performed on the erector spinae, and the isokinetic muscular functional test was performed on the trunk at an angular velocity of 60°/s and 90°/s. All participants performed the exercise for 60 min per day, 3 times a week, for 7 weeks. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed at a significance level of 0.05. Tensiomyography (TMG) of the erector spinae revealed no significant post-exercise change in the contraction time; however, there was a significant post-exercise increase in the maximum radial displacement and mean velocity until 90% of the TMG was displaced. Additionally, the isokinetic muscular functional test of the trunk revealed a significant post-exercise increase in almost all variables. Our findings demonstrated that the core stabilization exercise reduced stiffness in the erector spinae, increased the velocity of erector spinae contraction, and effectively improved the isokinetic muscular function of the trunk.
Highlights
This study presented basic data for facilitating the development of an effective exercise intervention program for preventing musculoskeletal disorders caused by a lengthy sedentary lifestyle
We determined the effects of a 7-week core stabilization exercise program on the mechanical and neuromuscular properties of the erector spinae and the isokinetic muscle function of the trunk in adult females who perform ≥ 7 h of sedentary work per day
Our findings demonstrated that the core stabilization exercise program strengthens core muscles, which improves the balanced development of flexor and extensor muscles, as well as enhances the isokinetic muscle functions of the trunk, including muscle strength and endurance
Summary
There have been rapid changes in the physical, economic, and social environment in which modern-day people perform activities, which has contributed to a distinct decrease in physical activities [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes in our daily life, one of those is that physical activity level has decreased, whereas sedentary lifestyles have increased [3]. The resulting lack of physical activity and increasingly sedentary lifestyle can cause numerous physical problems; further, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle for >4 h a day can threaten health [4,5]. Functional decline caused by decreased physical activity, including muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, and loss of flexibility, can cause chronic musculoskeletal disorders [6]. Low-back pain is strongly associated with a sedentary lifestyle [7]; a more sedentary lifestyle is an independent risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders [8]. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for low-back pain since it can cause muscle fatigue, due to continued core muscle contractions, increased intradiscal loads, and the weakening of the posterior lumbar structure [9,10].
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