Bird Dog Exercise Research Articles

Does the Use of Kinetic Link Training and Bird Dog Exercise in Cerebral Palsy Improve Dynamic and Static Balance?

Does the Use of Kinetic Link Training and Bird Dog Exercise in Cerebral Palsy Improve Dynamic and Static Balance?

Ipsilateral versus contralateral static endurance- balance abilities among healthy college students

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the association and the difference, if any, between the levels of the contralateral and between the levels of the ipsilateral sides during static endurance-balance exercise. MethodsOne hundred twelve healthy active- college students (55 females and 57 males) participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant performed the contralateral (raising one arm and opposite-side leg) quadruped bird dog exercise and balanced in static condition. Side bridge exercise was performed from lying on your side then engaging your core muscles and lifting your upper body and hips off the ground, maintaining a straight line and holding this position as long as tolerated. ResultsWilcoxon signed rank test showed significant difference (p = 0.004) between the contralateral right and left quadruped bird dog but insignificant difference (p = 0.059) between the ipsilateral right and left side bridge endurance-balance exercises. Mann–Whitney U test showed that the holding time was significant across gender for the contralateral but was insignificant for the ipsilateral endurance-balance exercise. Mann–Whitney U test was insignificant (p > 0.05) between those being recreationally active or inactive. Kruskal–Wallis test revealed insignificant difference between body mass index categories. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient showed strong positive correlation equals 0.85 and 0.75 (p < 0.001) of the contralateral quadruped bird dog and the ipsilateral side bridge exercises respectively. ConclusionsA significant difference was observed for contralateral, while no significant difference was found for ipsilateral endurance-balance abilities. Therefore, clinicians and rehab specialist should consider these findings when assessing the endurance-balance abilities to properly devise appropriate exercise progression of different trunk stabilizers.

Can Kinetic Link Training and Bird-Dog Exercise Improve Gross Motor Function and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy?

Can Kinetic Link Training and Bird-Dog Exercise Improve Gross Motor Function and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy?

Exercise Intensity Progressions and Criteria to Prescribe Core Stability Exercises in Young Physically Active Men: A Smartphone Accelerometer-Based Study.

Heredia-Elvar, JR, Juan-Recio, C, Prat-Luri, A, Barbado, D, Ríos-Calonge, Jdl, and Vera-Garcia, FJ. Exercise intensity progressions and criteria to prescribe core stability exercises in young physically active men: a smartphone accelerometer-based study. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 266-273, 2024-The establishment of core stability (CS) exercise intensity progressions in sport and clinical settings is normally based on subjective criteria. Therefore, this study aimed to develop exercise intensity progressions for some of the most common CS exercises through smartphone accelerometry and to analyze the effect of the subjects' lumbopelvic postural control on these progressions. Fifty-seven healthy young physically active male students performed 7 isometric variations of front bridge, back bridge, side bridge, and bird-dog exercises with a smartphone accelerometer placed on the pelvis. Mean pelvic accelerations were calculated during each variation to evaluate the lumbopelvic postural control challenge imposed on the subjects as an index of exercise intensity of difficulty. For the bridge exercises, long bridging produced higher pelvic accelerations than short bridging, bridging with single-leg support was more intense than bridging with double-leg support (even with both legs on a hemisphere ball for the back and front bridge), and the most difficult variations were those performed on a Swiss ball, mainly the variations with single-leg support. For the bird-dog exercise, the 2-point positions were more intense than the 3-point positions, the variations performed with a knee on the hemisphere ball produced higher pelvic accelerations than similar variations performed with the forearm on the hemisphere ball, and the variations with limb motions generated higher pelvic accelerations than similar variations performed without limb motions. Although the CS exercise progressions were very similar across subjects, our results showed the need to individualize the prescription of the CS exercise progressions based on the subjects' lumbopelvic postural control level.

탄력밴드를 이용한 고유수용성신경근촉진법의 안정화 운동이 몸통 및 엉덩부위 근 활성도에 미치는 영향

This study attempted to investigate body and hip muscle activities, using resistance band against 12 adult men. For this, one leg-supported pose in bridge position, skater-patterned bridge pose, bird-dog exercise in quadruped position and skater-patterned exercise pose trainings were performed. Specifically, the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of internal abdominal oblique, external abdominal oblique, multifidus, gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle was measured, using surface electromyography (sEMG) after conducting bridge pose and quadrupled exercise, and the results found the followings: In the bridge exercise and quadrupled exercise intervention-based proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), internal abdominal oblique and external abdominal oblique revealed a significant difference in muscle activity (p<0.05). In multifidus, gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle, on the contrary, no significant difference was observed in bridge exercise (p>0.05). In the quadrupled exercise intervention-based PNF, however, a significant difference of muscle activity was found (p<0.05). The above results confirm that a skater pattern which combined the single pattern of the PNF could reduce pain and enhance body stabilization through body balancing if selectively applied to those who are suffering from lumbar pain and difficulty in supporting their body weight due to weak abdominal and hip muscles and anterior pelvic tilt.

Smartphone accelerometry for quantifying core stability and developing exercise training progressions in people with multiple sclerosis

Core stability exercise programs have become popular in recent years for preserving balance and functional independence in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS); however, their real impact is not well-known as the main intervention target (i.e., core stability) theoretically responsible for balance or functional improvements is not measured. The objective of this study was to test the reliability of accelerometers integrated into smartphones for quantifying core stability and developing exercise progressions in PwMS. Twenty participants with MS [age: 47.5±8.0 years; height: 1.62±0.07 m; mass: 63.4±10.9 kg; EDSS: 3.0 (1.5-6)] participated voluntarily in this study. CS was assessed in different variations of the front, side, and back bridges and bird-dog exercises by measuring the mean lumbopelvic acceleration in two testing sessions, separated by one week. Relative and absolute reliability of lumbopelvic acceleration of those exercise variations performed by more than 60% of the participants was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1), and the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC), respectively. Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to detect a potential learning effect between test-retest assessments. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Reliability analyses revealed that good to excellent relative and absolute scores (0.85<ICC<0.96; 7.8%≤SEM≤19.2%; 21.6%≤MDC≤53.2%) for the mean lumbopelvic acceleration obtained during 10 of the 12 CS exercise variations performed by more than 60% of the participants. A non-significant between-session learning effect was detected in all the variables considered (all p values >0.05). Smartphone accelerometry seems a low cost, portable and easy-to-use tool to objectively and reliably track core stability changes in PwMS through. However, in spite of the popularity of bridging and bird-dog exercises, only the short and long bridges and the three-point bird-dog positions proved feasible for most participants. Overall, this study provides useful information to evaluate and guide the prescription of core stability exercise programs in PwMS with mild-to-moderate impairment.

Effects of a 6 week core strengthening training on measures of physical and athletic performance in adolescent male sub-elite handball players.

The objective was to investigate the effects of a 6-week core strengthening training within the regular handball training sessions compared to regular handball training only. Male sub-elite handball players were randomly assigned to an intervention (INT: n = 13; age: 16.9 ± 0.6 years) or a control (CON: n = 13; age: 17.2 ± 0.8 years) group. The INT group performed the "big 3" core exercises cross curls-up, side bridge (both sides), and the quadrupedal stance ("birddog exercise") triweekly for 20-30 min while the CON group conducted regular handball training only. Pre- and post-training assessments included measures of muscular endurance (Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test [CKCUEST] and the Bourban test), shoulder mobility/stability (Upper Quarter Y Balance [YBT-UQ] test), and throwing velocity. The ANCOVA revealed significant differences between means in favour of the INT group for the dorsal chain (p < 0.001, = 0.46) and the lateral chain (left side: p = 0.015, = 0.22; right side: p = 0.039, = 0.17) of the Bourban test, the composite score (p = 0.024, = 0.20) of the throwing arm reach and the inferolateral reach direction (p = 0.038, = 0.17), and the composite score (p = 0.027, = 0.19) of the non-throwing arm reach of the YBT-UQ. However, performance in the CKCUEST and throwing velocity did not show any group-specific changes. Therefore, 6 weeks of core strengthening training were effective in improving some components of physical but no handball-specific athletic (i.e., throwing velocity) performance in adolescent male sub-elite handball players. Practitioners may still opt for this training regimen when stimulus variability is sought or when a low load/low movement approach (e.g., during rehabilitation) is favoured.

Can Knee Joint Flexion Position of the Raised Lower Limb Affect Trunk Muscle Activation During Bird Dog Exercise in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain?

Can Knee Joint Flexion Position of the Raised Lower Limb Affect Trunk Muscle Activation During Bird Dog Exercise in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain?

Observational Screening Guidelines and Smartphone Accelerometer Thresholds to Establish the Intensity of Some of the Most Popular Core Stability Exercises.

The lack of training load control, mainly exercise intensity, is one of the main limitations of core stability (CS) programs, which makes the training individualization and the analysis of the dose-response relationship difficult. The objectives of this study were to assess the inter-and intra-rater agreement when using new observational screening guidelines to decide if a core stability exercise represents an adequate training intensity level for a given participant. Besides, the relationship between experts' ratings based on these criteria and pelvic accelerations recorded with a smartphone accelerometer was also analyzed. Ten healthy physically active participants with a smartphone accelerometer placed on their pelvis were video-taped while performing a progression of seven variations of the front bridge, back bridge, side bridge and bird-dog exercises. Two expert and four non-expert raters watched the videos and used the observational screening guidelines to decide for each exercise variation if it represented an adequate training intensity level or not. In order to analyze the inter-and intra-rater agreement, several Kappa (κ) statistics were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to explore if the accelerometry allowed to establish pelvic acceleration thresholds representing the minimum level of exercise intensity for CS training. Cut-off acceleration values were calculated balancing sensitivity (Se) and 1-specifity (1-Sp) indexes (i.e., Youden index) or minimizing 1-Sp. The intra-and inter-rater analysis showed a substantial-high level of agreement with a prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa > 0.69. The ROC curves showed that the acceleration thresholds for the bridging exercises were very similar, with global cut-off values of 0.35 m/s2 (Se = 82%; 1-Sp = 15%) when using the Youden Index and of 0.50 m/s2 when minimizing 1-Sp (Se = 31%), whilst the bird-dog exercise showed lower cut-off values (Youden Index: 0.21 m/s2, Se = 90%, 1-Sp = 16%; minimizing 1-Sp: 0.32 m/s2, Se = 40%). Overall, this study provides observational screening guidelines and smartphone accelerometer thresholds to facilitate the decision-making process when setting the intensity of some of the most popular core stability exercises in young physically active individuals.

Effect of battle rope training on functional movements in young adults

Introduction and Aim: The battle rope exercise had obtained highest peak and mean VO2, highest energy expenditure and highest exercise heart rate than other exercises. There is no related evidence for Battle rope exercises by screening functional movement. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of battle rope training on functional movement screening. &#x0D; Methodology: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 subjects were selected. They were explained about the safety and simplicity of the procedure and by the lottery system they were divided into two groups with 15 subjects in each group. Each subject has undergone pre-test and post-test measurement of functional movement screening (FMS). Group A participants did regular set of floor exercises like pelvic bridging, bird dog exercise, cat and camel exercise for 4 weeks. Group B participants did pelvic bridging, bird dog exercise, cat and camel exercise and battle rope training for 4 weeks. The data collected and tabulated, were statistically analysed. Functional movements: 7patterns of functional movements include deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, rotary stability, active straight leg raise, shoulder mobility, and trunk stability push-up.&#x0D; Results: The result of this study were statistically significant in FMS pretest and posttest with the p values (p&lt;0.0001). Between the posttest mean and standard deviation of FMS of both group A and group B are 14.53(2.78), and15.43 (2.60) respectively. And there was a significant difference among the values (p &gt;0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that battle rope training is better than traditional floor exercises in improving functional movements among young adults because of its simulation of functional movement patterns.

Progressions of core stabilization exercises based on postural control challenge assessment.

The intensity progression of core stabilization exercises (CSEs) is usually based on personal criteria rather than on objective parameters. To develop exercise progressions for four of the most common CSEs based on the postural control challenge imposed on the participants, and to analyze the effect of participants' sex and postural control level on these progressions. Seventy-six males and females performed five variations of front bridge, back bridge, side bridge and bird-dog exercises on two force platforms. The mean velocity of the center of pressure displacement was calculated to assess exercise intensity through the measurement of the participants' body sway (PBS). In general, long bridges produced higher PBS than short bridges, bridging with single leg support produced higher PBS than bridging with double leg support and bridging on a hemisphere ball produced higher PBS than bridging on the floor. The most difficult bridging variations were those performed on a hemisphere ball with single leg support. Regarding the bird-dog, two-point positions produced higher PBS than three-point positions and the positions performed on a hemisphere ball produced higher PBS than those performed on the floor. The CSE progressions obtained by males and females were very similar. However, the participants with high trunk control showed less significant differences between exercise variations than the participants with low trunk control, which shows the need to individualize the progressions according to the participants' training level. Overall, this study provides useful information to guide the prescription of CSE progressions in young physically active individuals.

Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain.

Most of the studies evaluating core muscle activity during exercises have been conducted with healthy participants. The objective of this study was to compare core muscle activity and tolerability of a variety of dynamic and isometric exercises in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). 13 outpatients (average age 52 years; all with standing or walking work in their current or latest job) performed 3 consecutive repetitions at 15-repetition maximum during different exercises in random order. Surface electromyography was recorded for the rectus abdominis; external oblique and lumbar erector spinae. Patients rated tolerability of each exercise on a 5-point scale. The front plank with brace; front plank and modified curl-up can be considered the most effective exercises in activating the rectus abdominis; with a median normalized EMG (nEMG) value of 48% (34–61%), 46% (26–61%) and 50% (28–65%), respectively. The front plank with brace can be considered the most effective exercise in activating the external oblique; with a nEMG of 77% (60–97%). The squat and bird-dog exercises are especially effective in activing the lumbar erector spinae; with nEMG of 40% (24–87%) and 29% (27–46%), respectively. All the exercises were well tolerated; except for the lateral plank that was mostly non-tolerated. In conclusion; the present study provides a variety of dynamic and isometric exercises; where muscle activity values and tolerability can be used as guide to design evidence-based exercise programs for outpatients with NSCLBP.

Activation of Scapular and Lumbopelvic Muscles During Core Exercises Executed on a Whole-Body Wobble Board.

Previous studies highlighted that exercises executed on unstable surfaces can yield important benefits to the function of the core musculature in rehabilitation settings, general conditioning settings, and athletic training when properly introduced within a periodized training schedule. No previous study has analyzed core-stability exercises executed in lying, quadruped, plank, and bridge positions on a whole-body wobble board (WWB) specifically designed to accommodate the exerciser's entire body and promote whole-body instability. We have designed a WWB allowed to roll in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to promote proactive and reactive activation of the core muscles with a transverse or diagonal line of action, which provides trunk and pelvic stability with low spine compression forces. To determine the effect of the use of this newly designed WWB by assessing differences in core-muscle activity during core-stability exercises performed on the ground, in a stable condition, and on the WWB. Controlled laboratory study. Research laboratory. Eighteen participants recruited from fitness centers. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of lumbopelvic and scapular muscles has been recorded during core-stability exercises executed on the WWB (unstable condition) and on ground (stable condition). Mean and peak EMG activity were compared between stable and unstable condition with paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Overall, exercises performed on the WWB yielded significantly higher EMG activity in the serratus anterior and anterolateral abdominal muscles compared with the same exercises executed on the ground. Conversely, for the bird dog exercise, lower-back muscle activity was significantly higher on the ground. Compared with the ground, core-stability exercises executed on WWB constitute a simple and effective strategy to increase the activity level of the core muscles that control transverse-plane lumbopelvic and trunk stability, avoiding the use of external overload.

Electromyographic Changes in Trunk Muscles During Graded Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

BackgroundLumbar stabilization exercises are effective for the treatment of patients with low back pain. However, personalized exercise programs are required to facilitate more efficient treatment, as each individual exhibits the different characteristics of the trunk muscles and pain. ObjectiveTo determine the effects of graded lumbar stabilization exercises on the trunk muscles in healthy individuals, using surface electromyography. DesignA cross-sectional prospective study. SettingOutpatient pain clinic. ParticipantsTen healthy male participants without low back pain were recruited on a volunteer basis. MethodsFour common lumbar stabilization exercises were selected, including the curl up, dead bug, Superman, and bird dog exercises. Each exercise was divided into 5 intensity levels, with participants performing all exercises at each intensity level, to a total of 20 exercises. Electromyographic changes in the trunk muscles according to intensity level were analyzed. Main Outcome MeasurementsUsing superficial electromyography, the peak amplitude and area under the curve for each of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique abdominis (EO), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles were measured. ResultsIn general, as the level of intensity increased, the activity of the related lumbar stabilizing muscles also increased significantly (P < .05). Specifically, the peak amplitudes of the RA (P = .008) and EO (P < .001) were increased during the curl up exercise, whereas the peak amplitudes of the MF (P < .001) and ES (P = .002) were increased during the bird dog exercise. The prolonged exercise duration of the Superman exercise increased the mean area under the curve of MF, ES, and RA (P < .001). ConclusionsUsing a graded exercise program, an appropriate level of exercise intensity can be prescribed and modulated according to patient tolerance and physical ability. Therefore, a graded lumbar stabilization exercise program may represent an effective way to strengthen the lumbar stabilizing muscles in patients with low back pain.

체간 안정화운동이 정상성인의 균형, 폐활량, 근활성도에 미치는 영향

Purpose : This study examines the effect of trunk stabilization program on the body balance, lung capacity, and muscular activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique of healthy adults. Method : A survey was conducted for 20 students of K University located in the city of Y in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province of Korea. The trunk stabilization program consisted of a hollowing exercise, curl-up, bridging exercise, and birddog exercise. This was performed 14 times in total (7 times a week for two weeks). For analysis, good balance was used to measure both static and dynamic balancing ability. A peak flow meter was used to measure the maximum expiratory flow, and MP150 was used to measure muscular activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique. Result : After the trunk stabilization program, the participants showed a difference in score and time taken to achieve static and dynamic balance, and muscular activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique at a statistically significant level (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the left-to-right distance and front-to-back distance in a dynamic balance, and the lung capacity (p>0.05). Conclusion : The results showed that the trunk stabilization program was effective in enhancing both static and dynamic balancing ability and muscular activity. It also increased the lung capacity although the change was not at a statistically significant level.

Asymmetrical trunk muscle activities and kinematics during dominant and nondominant leg lifts in subjects with lumbar rotation with flexion syndrome

BACKGROUND: Patients with lower back pain due to lumbar rotation with flexion syndrome (LRFS) have greater asymmetry of rotation in the lumbopelvic region than healthy people. OBJECTIVE: To understand the activities of the trunk muscle and kinematics of the trunk and pelvis in patients with LRFS during the bird-dog (BD) exercise with dominant non-dominant leg lifts, a frequently prescribed stabilization exercise. METHODS: We compared activity and kinematics during the BD exercise with dominant and non-dominant leg lifts in 11 patients (6 male, 5 female) with LRFS who were recruited from a university. RESULTS: Significantly lower activation of the ipsilateral erector spinae muscle was found during the nondominant leg lift than the dominant leg lift in patients performing the BD exercise (t = −3.71, p = 0.04). In addition, the trunk was significantly flexed during the dominant leg lift (t = −6.069, p = 0.00) and bent to the right side (t = 3.131, p = 0.01) during both dominant and nondominant leg lifts. CONCLUSIONS: These results imply the presence of asymmetrical muscle activity and kinematics in the trunks of subjects with LRFS. This information should be considered for prescribing exercises to such subjects.

Trunk muscle activation during stabilization exercises with single and double leg support

The aim of this study was to analyze trunk muscle activity during bridge style stabilization exercises, when combined with single and double leg support strategies. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers performed bridge exercises in 3 different positions (back, front and side bridges), with and without an elevated leg, and a quadruped exercise with contralateral arm and leg raise (“bird-dog”). Surface EMG was bilaterally recorded from rectus abdominis (RA), external and internal oblique (EO, IO), and erector spinae (ES). Back, front and side bridges primarily activated the ES (approximately 17% MVC), RA (approximately 30% MVC) and muscles required to support the lateral moment (mostly obliques), respectively. Compared with conventional bridge exercises, single leg support produced higher levels of trunk activation, predominantly in the oblique muscles. The bird-dog exercise produced greatest activity in IO on the side of the elevated arm and in the contralateral ES. In conclusion, during a common bridge with double leg support, the antigravity muscles were the most active. When performed with an elevated leg, however, rotation torques increased the activation of the trunk rotators, especially IO. This information may be useful for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists in determining appropriate exercise progression for the trunk stabilizers.

Exercises for Spine Stabilization: Motion/Motor Patterns, Stability Progressions, and Clinical Technique

McGill SM, Karpowicz A. Exercises for spine stabilization: motion/motor patterns, stability progressions, and clinical technique. Objective To quantify several forms of the curl-up, side-bridge, and birddog exercises (muscle activity and 3-dimensional [3D] spine position) including some corrective techniques to assist clinical decision-making. Design A basic science study of a convenience sample with a retest of expert intervention. Setting Spine Biomechanics Laboratory/Research Clinic. Participants Healthy men (N=8) performed the exercises, and 5 subjects repeated the exercises as an expert applied corrective techniques. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Surface electromyography of selected trunk and hip muscles together with video analysis and 3D spine posture were collected. Results Comparison of muscle activation levels showed there were justifiable progressions in each exercise form. In general, bracing of the abdominal wall enhanced activation of the obliques, but different techniques caused migration of muscle activity to other muscles. Examples of specific findings include the following. Movement during these traditionally isometric exercises such as drawing squares with the hand/foot while in the birddog posture enhances activation of many muscle groups. Breathing while holding the isometric exercises had differing effects on muscle activation which was exercise dependent. Some corrective exercise techniques, such as fascial raking, substantially changed relative activation between muscles in the abdominal wall. Conclusions The data presented in this study may be used to guide the clinical decision process when choosing a specific exercise form together with selecting the correct starting level, a logical progression, suitable dosage, and possible corrective technique to enhance tolerance of a patient.