The Relationship of Trunk Muscle Activation and Core Stability: A Biomechanical Analysis of Pilates-Based Stabilization Exercise.

Kyeongjin Lee

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312804

Abstract

Pilates is an effective exercise method for rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders as its principles are based on the activation of local muscles. This study aimed to compare the subjects with and without Pilates experience to find out the effect of the experience on the core muscle activity and muscle co-contraction, and to examine the relationship between the core muscle activation level and the kinematic data. This study involved 32 subjects, including 16 experienced Pilates practitioners and 16 non-experienced subjects. The knee stretch on the reformer was performed in three different positions: flat back with a neutral pelvis, round back with posteriorly tilted pelvis (RPP), and extended back anteriorly tilted pelvis (EAP). The electromyography of the internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MU), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles were measured, as well as kinematic data from a 3D motion analysis system. Compared to the non-experienced subjects, the experienced subjects activated the IO muscles more than the RA muscles, and the most significant difference was seen in the RPP position (p < 0.05). The experienced patients activated the MU muscles more often than the IL muscles, with the most significant difference observed in the RPP position and the least significant in the EAP position (p < 0.05). All kinematic data and muscle activity (IO, IO/RA ratio, MU/IL ratio) showed significant differences between the experienced and non-experienced subjects (p < 0.05). The subjects presented a moderate correlation between muscle activation and core stability. It was confirmed that the experienced Pilates practitioners activated the abdominal and low back core muscles effectively, and the stability of the pelvis and trunk were better than that of the non-experienced participants. In addition, the better the trunk stability was maintained, the larger and more accurate movement of the mobility segment was observed.

Highlights

For an effective biomechanical movement that minimizes joint loading, proximal stabilization must precede the movement of the distal extremities [1]
There was a significant difference in the internal oblique (IO)/rectus abdominis (RA) ratio between the groups (p < 0.001), with the experienced group activating more IO compared to the RA group
This study investigated the relationship between movement and activation of local muscles by evaluating kinematic parameters using a 3D motion analysis system

Summary

Introduction

For an effective biomechanical movement that minimizes joint loading, proximal stabilization must precede the movement of the distal extremities [1]. Spinal muscles that provide proximal stabilization are divided into the global and local muscles. The multifidus, a local muscle attached directly to the spine, controls precise movement and provides inter-spinal stability [6]. The local muscles contract before the global muscles to maintain proximal stability, providing support to the actions of the global muscles [2,8,9]. In addition to these muscles, the multifidus, pelvic floor muscles, and diaphragm form a local muscle system in the lower back to provide trunk stability [3,10].

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