Prone Bridge Research Articles

The relationship between core endurance, physical activity level and balance in office workers

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between core endurance tests and physical activity level, balance, ergonomics and pain in office workers. Methods. The study included 57 office workers who had been employed for at least 1 year. Core endurance was assessed using McGill core endurance tests. Physical activity, balance, pain and ergonomic risks were evaluated with the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), timed up and go (TUG), visual analog scale (VAS) and rapid office strain assessment (ROSA), respectively. Results. A significant correlation was found between balance and static core endurance tests. However, no significant correlation was found between ergonomics and physical activity level and core endurance tests except for trunk extension and prone bridge tests. In addition, there was a significant difference in core endurance tests for patients with and without regular exercise habits. Waist circumference and hip circumference measurements were found to be significantly negatively associated with static core tests. Conclusion. Core endurance was found to be associated with exercise habits, balance, hip and waist circumference and ergonomics in office workers. Improving core endurance may be beneficial for preventing musculoskeletal risks in office workers.

Relationship between work posture and core muscle endurance with lower back disability among farmers: a cross-sectional study

Background: Farmers rely on physical performance for their livelihood, and non-ergonomic working postures can lead to lower back pain, reducing core muscle endurance and resulting in lower back disability. This study examines the relationship between work posture and core muscle endurance with lower back disability among farmers. Methods: This research used an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional study. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling. The total sample obtained in this study was 106 participants. Data collection included posture assessment using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA), measurement of core muscle endurance using the prone bridge test, and measurement of lower back disability using the modified Oswestry disability index (MODI). The inclusion criteria for this study were farmers aged 26-45 working as farmers in Pancasari Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. Conversely, the exclusion criteria were the presence of a history of Spearman's rho and a condition of injury that limits the prone bridge test. Furthermore, the obtained data was analyzed using Spearman's rho test. Results: The non-parametric analysis of work posture on lower back disability obtained a p = 0.000 (p < 0.05) and a correlation coefficient of r = 0.849. Core muscle endurance against lower back disability obtained a value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05) and a correlation coefficient r = -0.825, which is statistically significant that the higher the work posture score of the subject has means the higher incidence of lower back disability and also the higher of core muscle endurance the subject has, mean lower incidence of lower back disability among farmers. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship, with a high correlation, between work posture and core muscle endurance and the occurrence of lower back disability in farmers.

Association of Muscle Strength, Psychological Factors, and Central Sensitization With Movement-Evoked Pain in Patients With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: The BACKFIT Project.

People with chronic pain might evade certain movements to prevent their experience of pain. Movement-evoked pain (MEP) might induce lower functionality during daily activities. (1) MEP after physical fitness tests would vary depending on the main musculature involved in the test; (2) physical and psychological factors would be associated with MEP in patients with NSCLBP. Cross-sectional design. Level 3. A total of 104 (69 women) patients aged 51.0 ± 10.3 years with NSCLBP participated. MEP was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and immediately after performing each physical fitness test, that is, the Biering-Sørensen, prone bridging, handgrip, chair-stand, and 8-foot time-up-and-go tests, measuring back extensor, back flexor, upper- and lower-body muscle strength, and motor agility, respectively. Global muscle strength was calculated with normalized index (z-score) procedure. Depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II, State Trait Anxiety Inventory I, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), respectively. Patients showed greater pain after completion of the Biering-Sørensen (mean difference 95% CI, 0.02, 1.11), prone bridging (0.15, 1.21), lower pain after handgrip (-1.46, -0.52), and the 8-foot time-up-and-go (-1.43, 0.46) tests (all P ≤ 0.04). Lower global muscular strength (β between -0.18 and -0.30), and greater pain catastrophizing (β = 0.16), and CSI scoring (β between 0.18 and 0.27) were associated with greater MEP (all P ≤ 0.04). Greater MEP was observed after tests measuring core musculature strength than after tests measuring distal (limbs) strength and agility. Greater MEP was overall associated with lower muscle strength, greater pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization. Fitness testing might be implemented as a complementary tool for the monitoring of NSCLBP in clinical settings.

Is the correlation of the core muscle performance with shoulder pain and function altered by scapular dyskinesis in subjects with shoulder pain?

BACKGROUND: Daily activities that involve upper limb movements require muscle activation from different body parts by transferring forces and energy along the functional kinetic chain. The scapulae connect and transfer forces between the trunk and the upper limbs, so scapular dyskinesis may compromise the performance of the kinetic chain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between core muscle performance and shoulder pain and function in individuals with shoulder pain, with and without scapular dyskinesis. METHODS: Data was collected from 77 non-athlete adults aged between 18 and 50 years with shoulder pain, 45 had scapular dyskinesis. Core muscle performance was measured using the prone bridging test (PBT). Shoulder pain and disability were measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the upper limbs’ stability was assessed by the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). The peak torque of shoulder external and internal rotators was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the relationship between the PBT and CKCUEST, SPADI, and shoulder rotator strength. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the PBT and the SPADI total score (r = – 0.522), pain domain (r = – 0.513), and disability domain (r = – 0.501); normalized score (r = 0.593), and the power (r = 0.624) of the CKCUEST; and peak torque for external (r = 0.256) and internal (r = 0.292) rotations. Scapular dyskinesis did not influence the magnitude of the correlations and predictive values. CONCLUSION: The PBT was correlated with shoulder pain and function, but scapular dyskinesis did not affect the magnitude of these relationships.

Physical Fitness Status of Tertiary Students under the New Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) Course: A Quasi-Experimental Study

According to the latest findings of the World Health Organization (2022), most young people nowadays are deficient in fulfilling the global standard for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities. Concurrently, the issue of girls being less active than boys in most countries, including the Philippines, remains. To address this health issue, the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) implemented the new Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) Courses. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate existing program models that focused on developing students’ cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness. An exercise model underwent a quasi-experimental analysis using three fitness tests: Prone Bridge Test (PBT), 3-minute Step Test (STEP), and Wall Squat (WS). Results revealed that participants showed significant improvement after the 12-week fitness program, with p<0.01 in PBT, STEP, and WS scores. However, while differences in means were all significant (N=155), Cohen’s d results show that small to medium effects occurred for the three performance test scores after the treatment period. Effects also showed that female participants still exhibited lower effect magnitudes. These findings recommend developing innovative exercise models incorporating health motivation and gamification. It is also suggested that tertiary PE consider modified models for female students, addressing their sports fitness needs and attraction to sports participation. Lastly, the Philippine Commission should vigilantly endorse tertiary program models following the availability of exercise and sports scientists in institutes, effectively implementing PATHFit on the ground and improving the overall sports fitness of students.

Scapular muscle endurance may improve shooting performance in air pistol shooters.

In air pistol shooters, the number of studies evaluating the physical characteristics is very few. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of core, scapula, and shoulder girdle muscles endurance on performance in air pistol shooters and to determine the importance of the endurance parameters. Twenty-eight male air pistol shooters were included. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, Upper Quarter Y Balance Test, Prone Bridge Test, Side Bridge Endurance Test, and The Scapular Muscle Endurance Test were used to evaluate the endurance of shoulder girdle, core, and scapular muscles. The relationships between endurance and shooting performance parameters were investigated. A positive moderate correlation was found between the scapular muscle endurance test and the shooting performance (P=0.002 r=0.638). A significant regression equation was found for shooting scores (F<inf>(1.26)</inf>=11.975, P=0.02, R2=0.315). It was observed that the shooting score increased by 0.375 points for each unit increase of the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test. No statistically significant relationship was observed in other parameters (P>0.05). In this study, core and shoulder girdle muscle endurances were not associated with shooting performance. Scapular muscle endurance may contribute positively to shooting performance. An exercise program to increase scapular muscles endurance can be beneficial for the performance of shooters.

Optimizing normalization methods of the external oblique: A cross-sectional study.

Adequate normalization methodology to establish maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) is needed to compare %MVIC values for core exercise completed until discontinuation. Clinicians can use %MVIC classifications to guide their preventative and rehabilitative exercise interventions. The aim of this study was to compare %MVIC of the external oblique (EO) between normalization techniques of side-lying lateral trunk flexion and Roman chair lateral trunk flexion. Twenty-two participants completed two MVIC techniques followed by one repetition of the prone bridge plank (PBP), torso elevated side plank (TESP), foot elevated side plank (FESP), dead bug and bird dog. The average %MVIC during the first 5-seconds, last 5-seconds and overall duration of exercise were included for analysis. ANOVA was used to compare normalized %MVIC from each of the 5 exercises between MVIC techniques. Alpha set a priori p= 0.05. The side-lying table technique yielded no %MVIC values above 100%, while the Roman chair technique produced 7 values above 100%. The largest mean difference between techniques was during the last 5-seconds of the torso elevated side plank (57.87 ± 38.51%MVIC, p< 0.001). The side-lying table technique likely provides the optimal methodology of %MVIC determination.

Pre-Season ACL Risk Classification of Professional and Semi-Professional Football Players, via a Proof-of-Concept Test Battery

This study aimed to identify football players at high risk (HR) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury via a four-test battery and assess possible factors affecting classification. Ninety-one professional and semi-professional male athletes participated in a field-based pre-season screening. The cut-off points of the test battery were 10% acknowledged inter-limb asymmetry limit for quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength and single-leg triple hop for distance, in addition to the upper limit of 6 errors in the landing error scoring system (LESS). Additional assessment of hip adductors and core stability completed the global functional profile of the players. Sixty-one players were identified as HR and thirty as low-risk (LR) for ACL injury. Discriminant analysis showed that the proposed test battery classified accurately 78.0% of them, with 91.8 sensitivity and 61.9% specificity. Only four misclassified players in the LR group were at risk of inadequate treatment. All participants were considered healthy, and history of a previously rehabilitated injury did not interfere with the results. LESS seems to be the best predictor for injury-risk grouping. Prone bridge time was also a whole-body variable discriminating between groups. The proposed test battery provides a promising option for field-based pre-season ACL risk assessment of football players and needs to be studied prospectively.

The Relationship between Transversus Abdominis and Internal Oblique Thickness and Disease-Related Characteristics in Parkinson's Disease

Background and Aim: The core muscles are essential for spinal stability during functional activities. Trunk muscle function is affected by specific neurodegenerative processes of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate whether changes in transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) thickness during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) were associated with clinical manifestations, core endurance, and functional mobility in patients with PD. Materials and Methods: We included patients with a modified Hoehn and Yahr staging of 3 or lower. TrA and IO muscle thickness were measured using ultrasound both at rest and during ADIM, and the percent change (%) was calculated to assess TrA and IO activation. Patients performed core endurance (prone bridge and sit-ups) and functional mobility tests (timed “up and go” [TUG] and five times sit-to-stand [FTSTS]). All assessments were conducted during the “on” phase. Results: Five female and 17 male patients were included in this study. We found a statistically significant correlation between ultrasound parameters of IO and the clinical manifestations of PD (P &lt; 0.05). Correlations were observed between TrA percent change and prone bridge, sit-ups, TUG, and FTSTS (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ultrasound imaging-based study to demonstrate the relationship between TrA and IO muscle thickness and clinical outcomes, and functional performance in patients with PD. Percentage changes in IO were associated with the clinical manifestations of PD. Increased activation of TrA during ADIM was associated with improved core endurance and mobility. The results suggest that a trunk-specific exercise program may be the cornerstone in the treatment of PD-related changes.

The effects of Pilates training on abdominal muscle thickness and core endurance in patients with Parkinson's disease: a single-blind controlled clinical study.

This study aims at examining the effects of Pilates training on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal obliques (IO) muscle thickness and core endurance in different positions in patients with Parkinson's Disease. Patients were divided into 2 groups as Pilates training (n = 13) and control (n = 10) groups. Pilates training was performed twice a week for 6 weeks. The participants' muscle thickness and core endurance were measured at the beginning of the study (pretraining), and the effectiveness of Pilates training was then assessed in the 6th week (posttraining) and in the 12th-week follow-up. The thickness of the TrA and IO muscles was measured with a two-dimensional ultrasonography device. Core endurance was assessed with prone bridge and sit-ups tests. The assessments of the Pilates training group after the 6-week showed a statistically significant increase in the prone bridge and sit-ups test performances, and an increase in the thickness of the IO muscle [during resting in the supine position and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in standing position] and the TrA muscle (during ADIM in the standing position) (p < 0.05). Pilates exercises were also shown to have improved core muscle endurance and thickness (IO thickness during ADIM in the standing position and TrA thickness during resting in the supine position, ADIM in the supine and standing position) in the Pilates training group after a period of 18 weeks (p < 0.05). Pilates training has a favorable effect on the core endurance, and the TrA and IO muscle thickness of patients with Parkinson's disease and this effect can be maintained until three months after the training.

Myofascial and balance tests after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescent patients

Abstract Study aim: The functional assessment of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the key points in deciding whether one can safely return to physical activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the NEURAC® tests and single leg balance test (SLBT) in the functional evaluation of adolescent patients after ACLR to detect differences between the operated and non-operated extremity. Material and methods: A total of 31 physically active, adolescent patients (mean age: 15.7 ± 1.4 years) who underwent primary single-bundle ACLR using the autogenous semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft were evaluated using the NEURAC® and SLBT tests (mean time from surgery to examination was 6.6 ± 1.0 months). All patients were operated on by the same surgeon, and postoperative physiotherapy was carried out using a standardized protocol. Results: Only one of the NEURAC® tests showed significant differences between the operated and non-operated extremities: prone bridging (3.58º vs. 3.97º, P = 0.01). Several weak and moderate, significant correlations between NEURAC® and SLBT tests were observed in the operated (r from –0.42 to 0.37) and non-operated (r from –0.37 to –0.43) extremities Conclusions: The NEURAC® tests in comparison to SLBT seems to be more effective for detecting functional differences between the operated and non-operated extremity in adolescent patients about 6 months post-ACLR. Correlations between the outcomes of the NEURAC® tests and SLBT are not clear.

Influence of agility and core endurance on visual reaction time in amateur male badminton players

BACKGROUND: Badminton depends on key factors like reaction time, agility and core endurance to deliver a powerful and precise stroke. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations between agility and core endurance on visual reaction time among adult male amateur badminton players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur male badminton players between 12–25 years were recruited and assessed on visual reaction time, agility and core endurance using deary liewald reaction time software, T test and prone bridge test respectively. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the data for correlation while Mann Whitney U test was used to find the difference, if any, between the adolescent and adult players in terms of reaction time, agility and core endurance. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23. RESULT: Ninety amateur male badminton players in the age group of 12–25 years were included in the study. Data analysis was done for adolescent players (n = 45 of 12–17 years) and young adult players (n = 45 of 17–25 years). A positive correlation was obtained between reaction time and agility in both adolescents’ and young adults and the entire population with r value 0.413, 0.082, and 0.244 respectively. A negative correlation was seen between reaction time and core endurance in adolescents, young adults and whole group with r value –0.283, –0.267, –0.272 respectively. CONCLUSION: Amateur badminton players who had good agility displayed faster reaction time while those having poor core endurance showed slower reaction time.

Investigation of the relationship between the clinical evaluation results of lumbar region muscles with cross-sectional area and fat infiltration.

The relationship between the endurance of the lumbar paraspinal muscles and morphological changes needs to be clarified. In this context, the importance can be revealed of increasing the endurance level of the paraspinal muscles in the prevention and treatment of low back diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the clinical evaluation results of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration of the lumbar deep paraspinal muscles. The study included 37 patients with mechanical low back pain (mechanical), 41 patients with lumbar hernia without root compression (discopathy) and 36 healthy individuals as a control group. The functional status of the lumbar deep paraspinal muscles was evaluated clinically with muscle endurance tests. The fat infiltration and CSA of the muscles were evaluated on axial MRI sections at the L3-S1 level. The mean values of the prone bridge, Biering-Sorenson, and trunk flexion tests were seen to be highest in the control group and lowest in the discopathy group (p< 0.001). In all tests, the longest test period was obtained at < 10% fat infiltration and the shortest at > 50% fat infiltration. It was observed that as the amount of fat infiltration of the muscles increased, the test times were shortened. There was no significant relationship between the endurance level and the CSA of the groups. The study results demonstrated that the endurance of the paraspinal muscles is associated with the fat infiltration of the muscles. In patients with chronic low back pain, information about muscle morphology and degeneration can be obtained with simple endurance tests without the need for further measurements. On clinical examination, a weak endurance level of the paraspinal muscles indicates the presence of a low back problem and an increase in the amount of fat infiltration.

Myofascial and Movement Tests after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Functional evaluation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is one of the key points involved in decision making about the return of patients to full and unrestricted physical activity. The objective of the present study was to verify whether myofascial chain NEURAC® and Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) tests can be used to detect functional differences between the operated and the non-operated extremity in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A total of 83 young and physically active recreational athletes (mean age: 26.9 ± 9.7 years) who underwent primary single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an autogenous semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft were evaluated between the 3rd and the 4th month after surgery. Subjects received a similar, standardised rehabilitation programme. Two experienced raters, blinded to the objective of this study, were involved in functional outcome data collection using myofascial NEURAC® and Functional Movement Screen tests. Only two of the NEURAC® tests showed significant differences in the results between the operated and the non-operated extremity: the supine bridging (mean 2.92 vs. 3.51 points, p < 0.001) and prone bridging (mean 2.76 vs. 3.67 points, p < 0.001) tests. Additionally, the summary score of all NEURAC® tests significantly differed between extremities (mean 12.08 for the operated vs. 13.67 points for the non-operated extremity, p < 0.001). Myofascial tests (supine and prone bridging) in comparison with a battery of Functional Movement Screen tests seem to be more effective in detecting functional differences between the operated and the non-operated extremity at the early stage of recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The Relationship Between Familiarization And Duration Of The Prone Bridge Plank Performed On Different Surfaces

Measuring familiarization of an exercise can be used to assess an individual’s prior experience and understanding before exercise completion. Evaluating the relationship between perceived familiarization of the prone bridge plank (PBP) with duration of exercise can be valuable for clinicians and practitioners as they progress individuals through variations of the frequently used core endurance exercise. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between self-perceived familiarization using a modified visual analog scale (VAS) and duration of the PBP on 3 different surfaces. METHODS: Forty-one healthy asymptomatic individuals (19 male, 22 female, age = 23.22 ± 4.76 years, height = 170.41 ± 7.93 cm, weight = 68.95 ± 11.22 kg, IPAQ = 5536 ± 3275mets) completed the PBP first on a treatment table, then yoga mat, and finally a fitness ball. A VAS was used to assess the participants’ general familiarization prior to the PBP. Participants were instructed to hold the PBP on each surface for as long as possible for one repetition. A single investigator observed each task to ensure their body stayed parallel with the surface. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for duration of exercise (s) on each surface and overall familiarization using the VAS. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between familiarization and duration. RESULTS: Participants held the PBP for 106.53 ± 47.41 s on the table, 83.18 ± 31.31 s on the mat, and 58.29 ± 26.26 s on the fitness ball. A positive association was demonstrated between VAS familiarization (8.33 ± 1.37) and duration during the PBP on the table (R2 = .13, p = .019), yoga mat (R2 = .11, p = .036) and fitness ball (R2 = .10, p = .040). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that there was a positive but weak relationship between VAS familiarization and PBP duration on all 3 surfaces. Only one VAS score was used to assess familiarization of the PBP in general. There may be a disconnect between perceived familiarization and exercise progression which may impact the duration of the PBP as it is commonly modified. The modified VAS measuring familiarization alone is not enough to predict the duration of the PBP due to the variations of the exercise.

Reliability of Field-Based Fitness Tests in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Physical fitness is a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality, and is therefore a useful indicator for public health monitoring. To assess physical fitness, field-based tests are time-efficient, inexpensive, have minimal equipment requirements, and can be easily administered to a large number of individuals. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the reliability of existing field-based fitness tests used in adults aged 19-64years. A systematic search of two electronic databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) was conducted from inception to 8 June 2021 by two independent researchers. Each study was classified as high, low, or very low quality according to the description of the participants, the time interval between measurements, the description of the results, and the appropriateness of statistics. Three levels of evidence (strong, moderate, and limited) were established according to the number of studies and the consistency of their findings. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO reference number, CRD42019118480). Of 17,010 records identified, 129 original studies examining the reliability of field-based fitness tests in adults were considered eligible. The reliability was assessed of tests of cardiorespiratory fitness (33 studies: 30 of high quality), musculoskeletal fitness (92 studies: 78 of high quality), and motor fitness (22 studies, all of high quality). There was strong evidence indicating: (i) the high reliability of the cardiorespiratory fitness tests: 20-m shuttle run, 6-min step, and 6-min walk; (ii) the high reliability of the musculoskeletal fitness tests: handgrip strength, back-leg strength, Sorensen, trunk flexion sustained, 5-reps sit-to-stand, sit-and-reach and toe-touch, and moderate reliability bilateral side bridge and prone bridge tests; and (iii) the moderate reliability and low reliability, respectively, of the motor fitness tests T-test and single-leg stand. We found moderate evidence indicating the moderate or high reliability of the following tests: Chester, sit-up, partial curl-up, flexion-rotation trunk, timed stair ascent, pull-up, bent-arm hang, standing broad jump, hop sequence, trunk lift, timed-up-and-go, and hexagon agility. Evidence for the reliability of balance and gait speed tests was inconclusive. Other field-based fitness tests demonstrated limited evidence, mainly due to there being only few studies. This review provides an evidence-based proposal of the more reliable field-based fitness tests for adults aged 19-64years. Our findings identified a need for more high-quality studies designed to assess the reliability of field-based tests of lower and upper body explosive and endurance muscular strength, and motor fitness (i.e., balance and gait speed tests) in adults.

Muscle Activation in the Shoulder Girdle and Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex During Common Therapeutic Exercises.

Lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) exercises are used to increase stabilization within the human body. Torso-elevated side support (TESS), foot-elevated side support (FESS), prone bridge plank (PBP), and V-sit are common LPHC exercises. To evaluate muscle activation in the shoulder girdle and LPHC during 4 LPHC exercises and evaluate the reasoning for termination. Cross-sectional study. Laboratory. Seventeen healthy participants (12males and 5females; age: 21.47 [3.16]y, height: 179.73 [8.92]cm, mass: 76.89 [11.17]kg). Participants completed 2 repetitions of the TESS, FESS, PBP, and V-sit until failure. Surface electromyography of the middle deltoid, latissimus dorsi, middle trapezius, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, external oblique, and gluteus medius were recorded and normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The duration of exercise and subjective reasoning for termination of exercise was completed following the 4 tasks. The TESS and PBP had significantly greater middle deltoid muscle activation (TESS: 55.66% [24.45%] MVIC and PBP: 42.63% [18.25%] MVIC) compared with the FESS (10.10% [10.04%] MVIC) and V-sit (2.21% [1.94%] MVIC), P < .05. The TESS produced significantly greater external oblique activity (78.13% [32.32%] MVIC) than the PBP (54.99% [19.54%] MVIC), P < .05. Due to shoulder fatigue and pain, 41.1% and 17.0% of participants terminated the TESS, respectively. The PBP was terminated due to abdominal fatigue (41.1%) and upper-extremity fatigue (47.0%). The V-sit resulted in isolated activity of the abdominal portion of the LPHC. The FESS had increased global co-contraction of the LPHC compared with the TESS. The PBP and TESS had significant muscle activation in the upper-extremity.

Effect of 12 Weeks Core Training on Core Muscle Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.Background: Rhythmic gymnastics performance is characterized by technical elements involving flexibility, aerobic capacity and strength. Increased core strength in rhythmic gymnastics could lead to improved sporting performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: A randomized controlled study involving 24 rhythmic gymnastics was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 12; age 13.50 ± 3.17 years) or a training group (TG; n = 12; age 14.41 ± 2.35 years). Body composition, isometric strength of trunk, core endurance and core muscle electromyographic activity were measured (EMG) after 12 weeks of core training. Independent sample t-tests were carried out to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was applied. Results: The TG improved body composition, trunk lean mass (mean differences MD = −0.31; p = 0.040), lean mass (MD = 0.43; p = 0.037) and bone mass (MD = −0.06; p < 0.001) after training. Core training increased isometric strength of trunk, flexion test (MD = −21.53; p = 0.019) and extension test (MD = 22.7; p = 0.049), as well as the prone bridge core endurance test (MD = −11.27; p = 0.040). The EMG values also increased in the TG in prone bridge for front trunk (MD = −58.58; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.

An online pilates exercise program is effective on proprioception and core muscle endurance in a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundProprioception is important for stability of body segments, postural control, and functionality. However, there are no studies in literature showing effects of online Pilates exercises that create proprioceptive inputs on vertebra on trunk proprioception.AimsThis study aims to reveal effect of online Pilates exercises conducted on trunk proprioception and core muscle endurance in healthy individuals.MethodsWe included thirty-three healthy individuals between ages of 18 and 25 in study. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups. There were 17 individuals in Pilates group (PG), and 16 individuals in control group (CG). The PG was given online Pilates exercises by the physiotherapist in groups 3 days a week for 6 weeks, 1 h a day. There was no exercise program recommended for individuals in CG. We evaluated trunk proprioception with an inclinometer, core muscle endurance with three core endurance tests created by McGill, and prone bridge tests. All evaluations completed just before start of study and 2 days after 6-week training.ResultsTwo groups had similar demographic characteristics, and there was no difference between baseline measurements (p > 0.05). While improvement observed in PG in trunk proprioception and all of core muscle endurance tests (p < 0.05), no statistically significant difference reported in CG (p > 0.05).ConclusionsWe revealed that online Pilates exercises performed at mat level for 6 weeks in healthy individuals had positive effects on trunk proprioception and core muscle endurance with this study. Contribution of Pilates exercises to development of both muscular endurance and proprioceptive senses, even if performed at a distance, is important.

Effects of core stability training program on trunk muscle endurance in deaf children: A preliminary study

IntroductionSport participation is an important for deaf children as participants experience physical, psychological and social benefits; however, the beneficial effect of core stability training on core muscle endurance is unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week core stability exercise training program on endurance of trunk muscles in deaf children. MethodsTwenty male deaf students (age, 16.5 ± 0.65 y; body mass, 62.08 ± 5.39 kg; BMI, 22.33 ± 2.24 kg/m2) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to experimental (EXP, n = 10) and control (CON, n = 10) groups. The subjects in the EXP group performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks period of core stability training program and tested trunk muscle endurance including prone bridge, supine bridge and flexor endurance tests at pre and post 8 weeks intervention. ResultsThe CON group did not show any significant change after training period (p > 0.05). The EXP group showed significantly changes in core stability muscle endurance tests following the 8-week core stability training program (p < 0.05). In addition, the EXP group indicated statistically significant changes than the CON group in truck muscle endurance (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe results indicated that core stability training program improved trunk muscle endurance. Therefore, this training approach can be recommended in deaf rehabilitation programs to improve trunk muscle endurance.