Bridge Exercise Research Articles

Immediate effects of isometric trunk stabilization exercises with suspension device on flexion extension ratio and strength in chronic low back pain patientss.

Recent clinical research has supported the use of suspension devices in rehabilitation procedures both in practice and in theory. Although a longitudinal study has reported on the use of suspension devices among asymptomatic subjects, it is necessary to investigate the immediate effects of suspension exercises in patients with CLBP. The present study aims to investigate changes in neuromuscular activation after the prescription of suspension exercises in patients with CLBP. A secondary aim was to determine whether practical flexion and extension strength can be effectively enhanced. Before and after suspension exercise, flexion extension (FE) ratio and trunk strength of flexion and extension were measured. Patients performed two types of suspension exercises: supine bridge and forward leaning exercises. The paired t-test was used to compare the FE ratio and strength data. Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to study the correlation between measured variables. Compared to the pre-exercise measurements, the flexion-extension ratio and trunk extension strength was significantly increased at the post-exercise measurement (p< 0.05). The FE ratio in the right lumbar erector spine muscle was significantly correlated with post-exercise trunk extension strength (p< 0.05). For patients with chronic lower back pain, stimulation of the lumbar extensor muscle and of proprioception is effective both for strengthening lumbar extensors and for improving the flexion-extension ratio. Consequently, forward leaning and supine bridge exercises with a suspension device are beneficial for normalising neuromuscular control of the erector spinae muscles.

Comparison of Tension According to the Type of Sling Cord during the Bridging Exercise with Sling in Stroke Patients

Comparison of Tension According to the Type of Sling Cord during the Bridging Exercise with Sling in Stroke Patients

Effects of 7-Week Hip Thrust Versus Back Squat Resistance Training on Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players.

Hip thrust (HT) is a loaded bridging exercise that requires more hip extension than a back squat (SQ) does, while in a back squat, triple flex extension occurs. Due to the specificity of each exercise, it is claimed that HT gains can be better transferred to actions where hip extension occurs. In addition, strength improvements during squatting can be transferred in a greater way to vertical plane movement, such as vertical jumping. However, its effects on the performance of female soccer players are unclear. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to analyze a 7-week training program on performance variables using either HT or SQ exercises in female adolescent soccer players without lifting experience (N = 24, age = 16.82 ± 1.56 years, height = 1.64 ± 0.55 cm, body mass = 58.35 ± 6.28 kg). Players were randomized into three groups: A back squat group (SQG; N = 8), hip thrust group (HTG; N = 8), and control group (CG; N = 8). Participants in the HTG and SQG joined a progressive resistance training program twice per week for 7 weeks with either HT or SQ exercises. A countermovement jump, 10–20 m sprint, T-test, and barbell velocity during HTs and SQs (with the load that represents ~60 and ~80% RM) were measured before and after the intervention. The HTG showed greater improvements in the 10-m sprint (d = 0.7), 20-m sprint (d = 0.46), T-test (d = 0.36), and barbell velocity at 80% repetition maximal (RM) (d = 0.53) and 60% RM (d = 1.02) during hip thrusts, while the SQG showed higher barbell velocity at 80% RM (d = −0.7) during back squats. These results may be useful for strength and conditioning coaches working with adolescent female soccer athletes, since both strengthening exercises improved performance in different ways due to the nature of the exercise.

The effect in the quadriceps muscle activity between with and without upper limb support during front bridge exercise

The effect in the quadriceps muscle activity between with and without upper limb support during front bridge exercise

Towards a political concept of reversibility in international relations: Bridging political philosophy and policy studies

While contingency and negation are relatively well-established notions in the theoretical analysis of international relations, their practical implications remain under-conceptualised. In order to discuss the question of how to act under conditions of contingency and negation, this article, in a first step, triangulates both with Aristotelian noesis. Such triangulation suggests that the consequences of political action cannot be predicted and always have inadvertent consequences due to the contingent and historically and intellectually negated and refutable (even self-refutable) character of politics. It therefore appears as irresponsible to enact policies with interminable consequences. Rather, responsible political action — which is responsible precisely as, and only if, it accounts for contingency and negation — must hence act only in such a way that its consequences are reversible. In a second step, policy theory is critically reviewed in light of reversibility and its underlying philosophical principles, trying to bridge political philosophy and policy studies for a mutually enriched analysis of politics. Such a bridging exercise not only brings enhanced normative reflection into policy studies, but also, in reverse, hints at the crucial aspect of the non-linear unfolding of action consequences, which is, in addition to questions for a future research agenda, discussed in the concluding section. These discussions are understood as a twofold, yet interlinked, contribution: first, to develop a concept of reversibility as a practical response to the philosophical notions of contingency and negation; and, second, to bridge two different paradigms, encouraging the synergy of scholarly expertise for the management of contemporary international and global problems.

Surface electromyography comparison of the abdominal hypopressive gymnastics against the prone bridge exercise

Objectives: Abdominal hypopressive gymnastics (AHG) is a little-researched method designed to train the muscles of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor under low stress. This study’s objective is to compare levels of muscle activation in AHG against prone bridge by surface electromyography (sEMG) of the abdominal wall muscles.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were enrolled to measure the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), transversus abdominis/internal oblique (Tra/IO), and external oblique (EO) during three exercises: prone bridge (PB), orthostatic hypopressive (OH), and hypopressive bridge (HB). Root mean square values normalized to the PB (%PB) as a baseline were used to compare the PB against OH and HB.&#x0D; Results: The median PB ratio (%PB) for the Tra/IO showed –10.31% and +59.7% activation during OH and the HB, respectively, whereas the RA showed –77.8% and +19.3% and the EO –39.8% and +9.8%. Significant differences were found for all muscles except the Tra/IO during the OH.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study’s results suggest that hypopressive exercises facilitate the activation of the Tra/IO similar to bridge exercises while simultaneously reducing RA and EO activity. This suggests that hypopressive training is a valid alternative for activating the abdominal muscles, isolating the Tra/IO at low intra-abdominal pressure.

Effects of non-paretic arm movements during bridge exercises on trunk muscle activity in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of non-paretic arm movement during the bridge exercise on trunk muscle activity in stroke patients. [Participants and Methods] In total, 18 stroke patients were recruited. Surface EMG electrodes were attached over the trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, RA; internal oblique, IO; erector spinae, ES), and three kinds of bridge exercises were performed: 1) ‘standard’ bridge, 2) bridge with unilateral isometric arm flexion, and 3) bridge with unilateral isometric arm horizontal abduction. [Results] According to the activity of the trunk muscles measured during bridge exercises, only the IO and ES showed significantly greater muscle activity during bridges with isometric arm horizontal abduction and flexion than during the standard bridge. Additionally, comparison of the paretic and non-paretic sides showed that muscle activity was higher on the paretic side. [Conclusion] This study showed that, as an exercise to heighten the activity of the trunk muscles in stroke patients, bridge exercises with accompanying non-paretic arm flexion and horizontal abduction were more effective clinically than a standard bridge.

Effect of hip positions in frontal plane on abdominal muscle activities during bridging exercise

Effect of hip positions in frontal plane on abdominal muscle activities during bridging exercise

Impact of trunk muscle endurance on static balance and gender difference among physiotherapy students in Chennai- A Double blinded study

Introduction and Aim: Trunk muscle fatigue contributes to spinal instability over strenuous and prolonged physical tasks and therefore may lead to a injury. However from a performance perspective, the relation between endurance efficient core muscle and optimal balance control has not been well known. The muscles of the core help in controlling the movements transfer of energy, shifting the body weight and distributing the stress of weight bearing areas. Hence core muscle training has a significant role in spinal stability. The aim was to analyse the relationship between the trunk muscle endurance and static balance and also the relationship between trunk muscle endurance and static balance among male and female population. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 400 subjects were included based on the inclusion criteria. In which 200 male and 200 female students inhabitant of faculty of physiotherapy in Dr. MGR Educational and research institute took part voluntarily in the study for the duration of 8 months. The single leg stance test, Sorensen test, trunk flexor endurance test, side bridge exercise test are used as outcome measures. Results: In females, for the extensor and lateral endurance, the correlation significance is found to be p?0.05 with respect to static balance. But in males the positive correlation is found to be only between the extensor and lateral endurance with static balance. On comparing the results of males and female subjects on the endurance and static balance test, highly significant difference (p?0.001) is found between trunk flexor, trunk lateral endurance and static balance. Conclusion: This study proves that the trunk extensor and lateral endurance associated with the static balance in males. In females, the trunk muscle endurance (flexor, extensor and lateral endurance) predicts the static balance. Among the three trunk muscle endurance, the trunk extensor highly predicts the static balance than others in both the genders.

지지면과 무릎관절 각도에 따른 교각운동이 복부근육의 두께에 미치는 영향

지지면과 무릎관절 각도에 따른 교각운동이 복부근육의 두께에 미치는 영향

Differences in the Electromyographic Activity of the Hamstring, Gluteus Maximus, and Erector Spinae Muscles in a Variety of Kinetic Changes.

Hirose, N and Tsuruike, M. Differences in the electromyographic activity of the hamstring, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae muscles in a variety of kinetic changes. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3366-3372, 2018-This study aimed to clarify the differences in the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the semitendinosus (ST), semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris long head (BFl), gluteus maximus (GM), and erector spinae (ES) muscles during leg curl and bridge exercises across different knee angles and isometric contraction outputs. Sixteen male volunteers participated in this study. The EMG of all targeted muscles was measured at 20 and 40% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in the leg curl and during bilateral and unilateral bridge exercises. The knee flexion angle was randomly set at 30, 60, 90, and 120° during each of the exercises. The obtained data were normalized by the MVIC of the corresponding muscle, and each of the normalized values was compared with that of the ST. The EMG activity of the ST was significantly greater at 120° of knee flexion than that of 30 and 60° of knee flexion during leg curl regardless of intensity (p < 0.05), in contrast with that of the SM and BFl. However, bridge exercises diminished this inverse relationship. The ES activity changed similarly to that of the hamstrings, and no difference was observed in the activity of the GM regardless of different knee angles during bridge exercise(s). The strength and conditioning professionals should alter the knee joint angle and load during bridge and leg curl exercises according to which hamstring muscle they want to strengthen because ST, SM, and BFl EMG activity varies depending on the intensity and knee angles during these exercises.

The effect of therapeutic abdominal drawing-in maneuver using ultrasonography on lateral abdominal muscle thickness and balance.

Lateral abdominal muscles control the lumbar region and this manages the stability of the trunk through co-contraction. Abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) is the basis method for spine stabilization to restore proper neuromuscular control. To investigate the effect of therapeutic abdominal drawing-in maneuver on abdominal muscle thickness and balance. Twenty healthy adults were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group performed a bridging exercise with ADIM whereas the control group performed a bridging exercise without ADIM. The exercise was conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles. Balance ability was evaluated using Tetrax device. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test for comparison of pre and post values and Mann Whitney U test for comparison between groups were used. After 4 weeks, there was a significant difference in the thickness of TrA between groups (p< 0.05) whereas no significant difference in IO and EO (p> 0.05). In stability values, the experimental group showed significant changes in stability indexes of standing with eyes open (NO) and standing on the pillow with eyes closed (PC) after the exercise period and there was a significant difference in NO between two groups. Performing the bridging exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver is a more effective way to strengthen the abdominal muscles and stabilize the body than bridging exercise only.

High-density electromyography activity in various hamstring exercises.

Proximal-distal differences in muscle activity are rarely considered when defining the activity level of hamstring muscles. The aim of this study was to determine the inter-muscular and proximal-distal electromyography (EMG) activity patterns of hamstring muscles during common hamstring exercises. Nineteen amateur athletes without a history of hamstring injury performed 9 exercises, while EMG activity was recorded along the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles using 15-channel high-density electromyography (HD-EMG) electrodes. EMG activity levels normalized to those of a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) were determined for the eccentric and concentric phase of each exercise and compared between different muscles and regions (proximal, middle, distal) within each muscle. Straight-knee bridge, upright hip extension, and leg curls exhibited the highest hamstrings activity in both the eccentric (40%-54%MVIC) and concentric phases (69%-85%MVIC). Hip extension was the only BF-dominant exercise (Cohen's d=0.28 (eccentric) and 0.33 (concentric)). Within ST, lower distal than middle/proximal activity was found in the bent-knee bridge and leg curl exercises (d range=0.53-1.20), which was not evident in other exercises. BFlh also displayed large regional differences across exercises (d range=0.00-1.28). This study demonstrates that inter-muscular and proximal-distal activity patterns are exercise-dependent, and in some exercises are affected by the contraction mode. Knowledge of activity levels and relative activity of hamstring muscles in different exercises may assist exercise selection in hamstring injury management.

Correlation between peak expiratory flow and abdominal muscle activity while holding maximum expiration and side bridge exercise in elderly women

Expiratory flow plays an important role in minimizing the risk of infection by expelling foreign substances and excessive mucus from the lungs. Expiratory flow results primarily from the activities of the abdominal muscles. However, data regarding the association of the abdominal muscle activity during expiratory effort and abdominal exercise with expiratory flow rate are limited. This study aimed to assess the correlation between expiratory flow and abdominal muscle activity while holding maximum expiration and side bridge exercise in elderly women. Rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscle activities were measured using electromyography in 14 elderly women (82.8 ± 6.7 years), who could independently walk, performing two tasks: holding breath after maximum expiration in the crook-lying position (maximum expiration) and holding side bridge on knees without breathing indication (side bridge). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was obtained using a peak flow meter with the subject in the sitting position. Correlations between PEF and the abdominal muscle activity were determined using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The Ethics Committee of the Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare approved the protocol for this study. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before participation in the study. The correlation coefficients between PEF and the RA, EO, and IO activities while holding maximum expiration were 0.407 ( P = 0.149), −0.345 ( P = 0.227), and 0.732 ( P = 0.003), respectively. The correlation coefficients between PEF and the RA, EO, and IO activity while holding side bridge exercise were −0.297 ( P = 0.303), −0.552 ( P = 0.041), and 0.147 ( P = 0.615), respectively. Our results showed that higher IO activity while holding maximum expiration or lower EO activity while holding side bridge exercise was related to higher PEF. Thus, maximum expiration and abdominal exercise might be effective in the improvement or prevention of the decrease of expiratory flow.

Comparison of the effects of different core exercise on muscle activity and thickness in healthy young adults

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of core exercise methods on muscle activation and muscle thickness in healthy young adults and to propose effective core exercise methods. Design: Three-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: A total of 30 healthy young adults (14 males, 16 females) voluntarily participated in the study. Subjects were randomized to the prone plank exercise (n=10), reverse plank exercise (n=10), or bridge exercise (n=10) groups. Muscle activity and thickness of the rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscles were measured using surface electromyography and ultrasound. Subjects from each group participated in the exercises five times a week, with five 20-second sets during week 1. The set time was increased by 10 seconds per week. Results: Muscle activity and thickness in the prone plank, reverse plank, and bridge exercise group were statistically significant different for RA, MF, EO, and IO changes over time, and interaction between time and groups were also significantly different (p<0.05). We analyzed statistically significant differences between groups using a one-way analysis of variance for each period. A significant difference was observed after 4 weeks of exercise (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that the prone plank exercise is a beneficial method for enhancing muscle activation and thickness of the RA, EO, and IO compared to the reverse plank and bridge exercises. On the other hand, the reverse plank and bridge exercises are effective methods for enhancing the MF compared to the prone plank exercise.

Letter to the Editor: A Functional MRI Exploration of Hamstring Activation During the Supine Bridge Exercise.

Letter to the Editor: A Functional MRI Exploration of Hamstring Activation During the Supine Bridge Exercise.

Comparing exercise responses to aerobic plus resistance training between postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy and healthy women

Background: The aim of this study was to explore whether postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy differ from healthy postmenopausal women in their response to the same aerobic + resistance training.Methods: The participants were separated into two groups: postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy for an average of 20 months (18 women) and healthy postmenopausal women (24 women). We assessed aerobic capacity (predicted maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximum running velocity test (Vmax)) through a walking test, upper and lower body muscle strength using an estimated one-repetition maximum test, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and at three, six, and nine months, respectively. The exercise program was performed three times/week over nine months and consisted of 40 min of machine-based strength training (seated cable row, bench press, leg extension, leg press, and leg curl, as well as bridge, abdominal, and standard plank exercises) followed by 30 min of treadmill walking. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to compare the groups over time.Results: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy and healthy postmenopausal women presented similar improvements in estimated lower body strength, predicted VO2max and Vmax, and body fat mass. For maximal upper body strength, there was a significant group x time interaction after six months of training (p = 0.01). The healthy postmenopausal women presented a significant increase in upper body strength after six months, while postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy demonstrated an improvement only at nine months of training. The breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy presented increased lean mass while healthy postmenopausal women maintained values over time (Breast cancer: 33.7 ± 3.9(Pre) vs. 34.1 ± 3.4 kg (Post) and healthy women: 36.4 ± 5.1 (Pre) vs. 36.4 ± 5.0 kg (Post), p = 0.004).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that postmenopausal women undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer demonstrated adaptations and similar trainability to the same regimen of resistance + aerobic training as healthy postmenopausal women.Implications for RehabilitationCombined exercise program (aerobic plus resistance) is an important non-pharmacological strategies to improve strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition in breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the time of intervention seems to influence the upper body strength response in this population.This study showed that trainers and other specialists do not need to modify the prescription of exercise related to healthy women, since the combined exercise program induced similar benefits in strength, aerobic capacity, and body composition in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy and healthy postmenopausal women.

플랭크와 브릿지 동작의 근전도 비교 분석

The purpose of this study was to analysis of electromyogram of Plank and bridge exercise. With these purposes in consideration, a total of 9 male were recruited to participate. The experiment was performed plank and bridge exercise during one minute(with 5 min break-time) while the EMG data was recorded and analyzed. EMG surface electrodes were attached six muscles(Biceps Brichii; BB, Triceps Brichii; TB, Rectus Abdominis; RA, Latissimus Dorsi; LD, Rectus Femoris; RF, Gluteal Muscles; GM). Results show that there were significant differences between plank and bridge exercise. Five of total muscles(BB, TB, RA, LD, RF)were significant higher IEMG levels at the plank exercise than the bridge exercise. However, GM were only high activated at the bridge exercise. It is concluded that the plank is effective exercise for developing muscles.

Effect of Modified Bridge Exercise on Muscle Activity of Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus and Biceps Femoris Muscle in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Effect of Modified Bridge Exercise on Muscle Activity of Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus and Biceps Femoris Muscle in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Evaluation of biofeedback based bridging exercises on older adults with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Evaluation of biofeedback based bridging exercises on older adults with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial