Spinal Stabilization Exercises Research Articles

Effect of Lumbar Spinal Stabilization Exercises Along With Neural Tissue Mobilization on Pain and Spinal Dysfunction in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Effect of Lumbar Spinal Stabilization Exercises Along With Neural Tissue Mobilization on Pain and Spinal Dysfunction in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Yoga, Physical Therapy and Home Exercise Effects on Chronic Low Back Pain: Pain Perception, Function, Stress, and Quality of Life in a Randomized Trial.

Low back pain is a common health problem. In this study, we investigated the effects of yoga, physical therapy (PT), and home exercise (HE) on pain perception, function, stress, and quality of life in chronic low back pain (cLBP). We randomly assigned 54 participants to three distinct treatment groups: (a) a physical therapy group (PT) who received spinal stabilization exercises (SSE) combined with local heat and transcutaneous electrical stimulation; (b) a home exercise group (HE) who received SSE as part of the home program; and (c) a yoga group who received yoga exercises. The primary outcome measures were a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for measuring pain, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to measure function. Secondary outcome measures were the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), pain sensitivity (L3 and deltoid R/L PPTs), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), plasma cortisol and DHEA-S levels, Transversus Abdominis (TrA) muscle activation, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Assessments were conducted before and after a six-week intervention period. All three groups demonstrated improvements in pain on the VAS, function on the ODI, pain sensitivity on the L3 and deltoid R/L PPTs, CSI, anxiety on the STAI, TrA muscle activation, and quality of life on the NHP (p < .05). The PT group exhibited a more pronounced improvement on the ODI score (p < .05) than the other groups. Cortisol levels only decreased in the PT group (p < .05). The exercises did not impact DHEA-S and NHP-S parameters. Thus, all interventions resulted in decreased stress, pain intensity, pain sensitivity, central sensitization, and improved function and quality of life; there was no singularly superior approach between interventions. These findings will aid in tailoring treatment programs for managing cLBP according to individual needs.

Comparison of spinal stabilization exercise versus Maitland mobilization along with laser therapy in non-specific low back pain

Comparison of spinal stabilization exercise versus Maitland mobilization along with laser therapy in non-specific low back pain

The effects of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation: A randomized trial.

Optimization of mobility activities with spinal stabilization exercises and reducing spinal loads in individuals with transtibial amputation are recommended by researchers; however, the effect of spinal stabilization exercises on functional exercise capacity has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate the effect of spinal stabilisation exercises on functional exercise capacity in individuals with transtibial amputation. Randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding. Eighteen individuals with transtibial amputation were included. Conventional physiotherapy program was applied to individuals in control group, and spinal stabilization exercise training was applied to individuals in intervention group together with conventional physiotherapy program for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake during 6-Minute Stepper Test. The secondary outcomes were maximal energy expenditure, step count and fatigue during 6-Minute Stepper Test, perceived mobility level with prosthesis, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles. In the within-group comparisons, the change in the functional exercise capacity, step count, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be statistically significant in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the changes in the functional exercise capacity, perceived mobility level, and stabilization strength of deep spinal muscles were found to be significant in favor of the group in which spinal stabilization exercises were applied. Along with improvement in proximal control of movement, improvements were observed in some parameters that are indicative of physical capacity. Considering the described developments, exercise programs focused on spinal stabilization in individuals with amputation are becoming a serious alternative in clinical practice.

Muscle thickness of lateral abdominal muscles in sitting and standing positions during abdominal drawing-in maneuver and abdominal bracing among healthy adults

Background: Spinal stabilization exercises, such as abdominal drawing maneuvers (ADIM) and abdominal bracing (AB), are crucial in alleviating low back pain, especially in functional positions such as sitting and standing. However, few studies have investigated the contraction patterns of the lateral abdominal muscles during ADIM and AB in these daily living positions (i.e., sitting and standing). Objective: The study aimed to investigate the thickness of transverse abdominis (TrA), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and external abdominal oblique (EO) during ADIM and AB between sitting and standing positions. Materials and methods: Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males, 12 females) without low back pain or other orthopedic conditions were assessed in sitting and standing positions while performing ADIM and AB. Real-time ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of the TrA, IO, and EO during the ADIM and AB. Results: Muscle thickness of TrA and IO was significantly greater during ADIM when compared to AB (p&lt;0.05). TrA thickness during AB was significantly greater in sitting than standing (p&lt;0.05), but ADIM showed no difference in both positions. ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in both sitting and standing positions. Conclusion: ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the LAM in both sitting and standing positions. However, ADIM can activate TrA and IO muscles better than AB. Therefore, clinicians may initially consider using ADIM to teach individuals who need core stability exercises such as low back pain.

Spinal stabilization exercises for transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus thickness via telerehabilitation and face-to-face approaches in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Strengthening the muscles of the lumbar region in individuals with neck pain may be protective against future back problems. In addition, telerehabilitation applications, which gained momentum in the literature and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, are among the applications preferred by patients thanks to their various advantages. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation and spinal stabilization exercises applied with face-to-face approaches on the thickness of the transversus abdominis (M.TrA) and lumbar multifidus (M.LM) muscles in patients with nonspecific neck pain. The primary outcomes were the thickness of the M.TrA and M.LM. Neck pain intensity and neck disability were secondary outcomes. Muscle thickness was evaluated with an ultrasound device, neck pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale, and disability was assessed with the Neck Disability Index. Patients were randomly assigned to the telerehabilitation group (TRG) (n = 13) or the control group (CG) (n = 13). While the TRG did the exercises with live videos and video recordings, the CG did exercises face-to-face in the clinic. Both groups performed the same exercises for 45 minutes per session 3 days a week for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the thicknesses of the M.TrA and M.LM were increased and neck pain intensity and neck disability were decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). The groups were similar in terms of these variables (p > 0.05). Telerehabilitation and face-to-face spinal stabilization exercises are both beneficial for spinal muscle architecture and clinical variables as a preventive measure against future lower back problems in individuals with neck pain.

Efficacy of Cervical Spinal Stabilization Exercise on Reducing Pain for People with Cervical Spondylosis

Background: The synovial joint capsule, subchondral bone, and joint cartilage are all impacted by the gradualdegenerative condition known as OA. This research work is designed to check the efficacy of modified progressiveresistance training for OA knee patients.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of cervical stabilization exercises and conventional physiotherapy exercisein reducing pain for patients with cervical spondylosis.Materials and Methods: The study took place in Eyan Physiotherapy Centre, Sriperumbudur, A total no of 40subjects were recruited for this study through the purposeful sampling method. All subjects were recruited basedon the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The recruited subjects were assigned to two groups (Group A: 20 Subjects)underwent Cervical Stabilization Exercise and (Group B: 20 Subjects) underwent Conventional Exercise. Allindividuals are assessed for pain using Algometer as a pre-test prior to the intervention and again after 6 weeks ofintervention. The entire study process was performed from November 2022 to April 2023.Results: This study states that cervical stabilization exercises are found to be more significant and more effectivein reducing pain compared to conventional therapy. The comparison of post mean value of Algometer of both thegroups. Group-A(Cervical Stabilization Exercise) was 4.30 and Group B(Conventional Exercise) was 3.65 whichshows gradual increase with p value &lt;0.0001 statistically significant.Conclusion: This study recommended that clinicians consider incorporating cervical stabilization exercises intothe treatment plan for individuals with cervical spondylosis. The evidence supporting the efficacy of cervicalstabilization exercise in reducing pain in individuals with cervical spondylosis.

Outcomes of 12 Weeks of Schroth and Asymmetric Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Cobb Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation, and Quality of Life in Adolescent Boys with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized-controlled Trial.

The available evidence on the efficiency of well-known Schroth's exercises (SE) for correcting adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is limited, especially in combination with the asymmetric spinal stabilization exercises (ASSE) method. Therefore, we hypothesized that, first, there is no difference in the efficiency of the combined exercises (SE+ASSE) and SE alone in improving Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), and quality of life (QoL) in AIS. Second, there is no difference in the efficiency of SE and no intervention on corresponding variables in treating AIS. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) consisted of 40 patients with mild AIS (10-18-year-old boys) divided into three groups: SE (n=15), SE+ASSE (n=15), and a waitlist control group (n=10). For 12 weeks (three days a week), both experimental groups performed SE, the combined group additionally received ASSE, and the control group received no intervention. The assessment included Cobb angle (photogrammetry), ATR (Adam's test), and QoL (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire). It was found that Cobb angle, ATR, and QoL improved significantly in the combined SE+ASSE group (Cobb=16.45° to 9.01°; ATR=4.93° to 1.33°) compared to the SE group (P<.001). In addition, the SE group showed significant amelioration in the mentioned variables (Cobb=15.09° to 9.77°; ATR=4.23° to 2.17°) compared to the control group (P<.001), whereas the control group remained almost unchanged. Based on the obtained results, the combination of SE and ASSE provided more benefits than SE alone, and the SE results were efficient compared to the no-intervention group regarding the correction of scoliosis and related problems. However, patients with moderate to severe scoliosis should also be investigated in longer treatment periods in future.

A scoping review of the different types of exercise programs proposed for the improvement of postural balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is the most common type of scoliosis, is a progressive disease that occurs in children aged 10-16 years. Abnormal curvature in AIS provokes spinal asymmetry of the upper body alignment and might deteriorate postural balancing and control ability. To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline) and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms idiopathic scoliosis, physiotherapy, and balance. The articles selected were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from 2012 to July 2022. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In the sample studies, spinal stabilization exercises were most often trialed (n= 3), followed by Schroth's exercise (n= 2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n= 2), the exercise protocol of Blount and Moe, physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (all n= 1). Physical therapists will be able to apply hippotherapy, Schroth exercise, physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercise, trunk stabilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise, spinal stabilization exercise, core stabilization exercise, and body awareness therapy to manage balance impairments in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and further studies are needed to provide stronger evidence.

Comparison of the effectiveness of spinal stabilization exercises and chiropractic spinal manipulation in healthy individuals: Randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim was to investigate the effects of exercise, manipulation and its combined application on endurance, muscle strength, joint position sense and balance. Materials and Methods: Eighty healthy people aged 18-45 years were included in the study. Individuals were divided into chiropractic manipulation, stabilization exercises, combined application and control group. Participants were evaluated with endurance, muscle strength, joint position sense and balance tests before, after and 1 month after the application. Results: After the application, significant improvement was observed in the endurance parameters in Group 3 compared to the other groups. There was a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength in all groups compared to Group 4. Conclusion: The combined program may be more effective than other programs in improving muscular endurance and balance. All training programs are effective in improving quadriceps muscle strength, but do not have the same effect on knee joint position sense.

Effects of Spinal Stabilization Exercises Delivered Using Telerehabilitation on Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background When spinal stabilization exercises (SSE) are performed regularly, they may provide benefits on outcome measures in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) patients. The pandemic has made it difficult for CNNP patients to access regular physiotherapy-exercise services. This study aims to compare telerehabilitation (TR) with face-to-face rehabilitation in CNNP patients. Methods Neck Functional Capacity Evaluation Test (NFCET) results were the primary outcomes. Pain intensity (PI), disability, awareness, the architecture of the neck muscles, and exercise satisfaction were the secondary outcomes. Patients were randomized into the TR group (TRG) (n=15) and the control group (CG) (n=16). All patients performed SSE 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. The TRG was instructed remotely while the CG was instructed in the clinic. Results After 8 weeks, NFCET values increased (p<0.05). In both groups, PI and disability decreased and neck awareness increased (p<0.05). Muscle architecture parameters improved in both groups (p<0.05), except for the Right Sternocleidomastoideus in both groups and the Right Upper-Trapezius in TRG (p>0.05). There was no difference between the groups for all variables and exercise satisfaction after 8 weeks (p>0.05). Conclusion SSE for neck pain, whether supervised by a therapist in the clinic or by telerehabilitation, was equally effective.

The Effects of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Accompanied by Spine Stabilization Exercises Using An Unstable Surface on Muscle Activities for Subjects with Scapular Winging

This study was intended to inspect the influence of scapular stabilization exercises accompanied by spine stabilization exercises using an unstable surface on muscle activity in subjects with scapular winging. Thirty subjects with scapular winging participated in the experiment. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group performed scapular stabilization exercises accompanied by spine stabilization exercises on an unstable surface, whereas the other group performed only scapular stabilization exercises. In order to study the influence of the intervention, the muscle activity around the shoulder was measured. According to the experimental results, the activation of the lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle increased significantly in both groups after intervention. The muscle activities of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior in the control group were not as high as those in the experimental group. Moreover, the muscle activities of upper trapezius and pectoralis major decreased significantly in both groups after the exercise interventions, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups. As a result, the scapular stabilization exercises that are widely used in clinical practice were shown to increase lower trapezius and serratus anterior activities. Moreover, a combination of such exercises with spine stabilization exercises on an unstable surface was shown to confer greater benefits than scapular stabilization exercises alone and is thus recommended.

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Movement Performance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects more than 80% of people in the United States at least once in their lifetime. LBP is one of the most common complaints prompting individuals to seek medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Forty participants, 20 in each group, with CLBP were recruited and randomly allocated into one of two interventions: SSEs and general exercises (GEs). All participants received their assigned intervention under supervision one to two times per week for the first four weeks and then were asked to continue their program at home for another four weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks, including the Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OSW) scores. There was a significant interaction for the FMSTM scores (p = 0.016), but not for the NPRS and OSW scores. Post hoc analysis showed significant between-group differences between baseline and four weeks (p = 0.005) and between baseline and eight weeks (p = 0.026) favor SSEs over GEs. Further, the results demonstrated that all participants, regardless of group, had significant improvements in movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level over time. The results of the study favor SSEs over GEs in improving movement performance for individuals with CLBP, specifically after four weeks of the supervised SSE program.

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Dynamic balance is a vital aspect of everyday life. It is important to incorporate an exercise program that is useful for maintaining and improving balance in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on improving dynamic balance. To determine the effectiveness of SSEs on dynamic balance in adults with CLBP. A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Forty participants with CLBP were assigned randomly into either an SSE group or a general exercise (GE) group, which consisted of flexibility and range-of-motion exercises. Participants attended a total of four to eight supervised physical therapy (PT) sessions and performed their assigned exercises at home in the first four weeks of the eight-week intervention. In the last four weeks, the participants performed their exercises at home with no supervised PT sessions. Participants' dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and the normalized composite scores, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire scores were collected at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks. A significant difference between groups from two weeks to four weeks (p = 0.002) was found, with the SSE group demonstrating higher YBT composite scores than the GE group. However, there were no significant between-group differences from baseline to two weeks (p =0.098), and from four weeks to eight weeks (p = 0.413). Supervised SSEs were superior to GEs in improving dynamic balance for the first four weeks after initiating intervention in adults with CLBP. However, GEs appeared to have an effect equivalent to that of SSEs after 8-week intervention. 1b.

A Case report on Spondylolisthesis associated with Inter Vertebral Disc Prolapse

Spondylolisthesis is the most common type of spinal disease which in advance cases requires surgical intervention. It is also known as ‘slipped disc’. It occurs when there is ‘slipage’ of vertebral body above on the vertebral body below. It causes instability and neural compression due to repetitive micro traumas which leads to absent pars interarticularis due to which an additional stress is applied to the facet joints causing advanced degeneration of the disc space. The associated symptoms are muscle spasms in hamstring, numbness and weakness in the foot, difficulty in standing or walking for longer period and back stiffness. Also L4-L5 spondylolisthesis is associated with caudal segment (L5-S1) degeneration which is mostly seen in elderly patients. Early diagnosis and treatment may benefit the patients’ quality of life. The selection of spinal stabilization exercise will be very helpful and safe after the surgery for better recovery in older patients. In this case study, we discussed the case report of patient who has under gone surgical treatment.

Reciprocal activation changes of lower extremity muscles caused by the abdominal hollowing maneuver in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation: an electromyography study

Aim: Decreased or delayed multifidus and transversus abdominis (TrA) activity, transition of the TrA from tonic to phasic activity, and increased activity in the more superficial erector spinae muscles are behaviors unique to people with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This study investigates whether the abdominal hollowing maneuver (AHM), which activates the TrA, can improve the rates of impaired muscle reciprocal activation of the lower extremities due to unilateral LDH during walking, tandem walking, and stair climbing activities.Material and Method: The healthy and affected lower extremities of 17 patients with unilateral LDH were analyzed. The participants performed three activities and three times without the AHM. For the walking activity, the participants took a total of eight steps without deviating from their normal gait pattern. For the tandem walking activity, the participants covered the eight-step distance by performing heel-to-toe walking. For the stair climbing activity, the participants climbed a total of four steps without support from their upper extremities. The researchers visually checked the postures of the participants during all stages of the activities. The ratio of tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MGC) electromyographic values that emerged during the activities to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) values of these muscles was called MVIC%. Then the MVIC% values of the TA and MGC were matched, and the muscle reciprocal activation ratio ("MVIC%"-TA/"MVIC%"-MGC) was determined. While the activities were being performed, the MVIC% values of both muscles were measured separately without and with the AHM.Results: Reliability values ranged from 0.87 to 0.99, with an SEM of 2.22 to 11.98. The ICC3,1 was considered “good” or “excellent” for all muscle surface electromyography measurements. During the tandem walking activity performed with the AHM, the reciprocal activation rates of TA: MGC on the affected and healthy legs converged (p=0.010, d=0.71). However, TA: MGC reciprocal activation rates did not differ between the affected and healthy extremities in the walking (p=0.519, d=0.16) or stair climbing (p=0.180, d=0.35) activities performed with the AHM.Conclusion: According to the results of the study, integration of the AHM into tandem walking activity brought the reciprocal activation rates of both legs closer to each other and enabled them to exhibit similar behaviors, even without adherence to any exercise protocol. Therefore, tandem walking can be selected as an appropriate activity to combine with spinal stabilization exercises performed by unilateral L4-L5 radiculopathy patients using the AHM along with the task.

Effectiveness of McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome: An experimental study.

This study "Effectiveness of Mckenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome: an experimental study" was conducted to study and find the effectiveness of Mckenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on reduction of pain, correction of rounded shoulder, and disability. Pain, disability, and rounded shoulders are the major limiting factors as it affects the quality of life and reduces efficiency and social participation. The study was conducted among 120 individuals with cervical postural syndrome, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria was included. The outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Vernier caliper to evaluate pain, functional disability, and rounded shoulder, respectively. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, by using SPSS software. Interventional training was given for 6 weeks to the patients. Group A subjects were given spinal stabilization exercises. Group B subjects were given Mckenzie approach. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS; pre-test and post-test were used to calculate the results, followed by data presentation and analysis. The result showed that at the end of the 6 weeks on comparison between pre- and post-intervention of Group A and Group B, both the techniques were effective, but group B was significantly effective than Group A. It was noted that McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises were effective on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome, but on comparing both techniques, Mckenzie protocol is more beneficial than segmental spinal stabilization exercises. The study accepts the alternate hypothesis that there is significant effect of McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome.

Effects of Exercises on Postural Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). <h3>Data Sources</h3> Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline), and Web of Science. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Databases were searched using the terms Idiopathic Scoliosis, Physiotherapy, and balance. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2012 to July 2022. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria to potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A best-evidence grading system was used to determine the strength of the evidence. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In this sample, spinal stabilization exercises were most often examined (n=3), followed by Schroth's exercise (n=2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n=2), exercise protocol of Moe and Blount, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (n=1). The most frequent outcomes investigated were the center of pressure variance (n=3), postural sway (n=2), overall stability index (n=2), body alignment changes (n=1), plantar pressure (n=1), and subjective postural perception (n=1). Emerging evidence was found that spinal stabilization exercises improved postural balance while stretching and self-elongation exercises did not affect the postural balance in patients with AIS. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Physical therapists will be able to apply physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise and spinal stabilization exercises to manage balance impairments of patients with AIS, while further studies providing more robust evidence are needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts.

Effectiveness of Core Exercise Training Programs Designed to Enhance Ball-Throwing Velocity in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT In overhead throwing, core muscles play a role in transferring momentum from the trunk to the arm. Yet, studies evaluating various core exercise programs on core muscle function and ball-throwing velocity yield varying results. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the effects of these programs on ball-throwing velocity and trunk muscle function based on the focus of the training program. Searches were conducted using MEDLINE on November 24, 2020, and updated on April 27, 2022. Articles were included if the training was administered to overhead-throwing athletes, targeted the core musculature, and had at least 1 comparison group. Of a total of 875 articles retrieved, 11 were selected for analysis. The synthesis of evidence suggests that (a) commonly used spinal stabilization exercises may improve trunk muscle endurance and isometric strength, but not ball-throwing velocity; (b) advanced spinal stabilization exercises performed on a sling suspension system can improve ball-throwing velocity; and (c) trunk plyometrics using medicine balls can improve trunk rotational strength, power, and ball-throwing velocity. More challenging core exercises that incorporate unstable surfaces, higher resistance, and dynamic trunk movement seem necessary to promote improvement in ball-throwing velocity.

Comparative effect of upper thoracic spine mobilization with mobility exercises and upper cervical spine mobilization with stabilization exercises in mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Background &amp; Objective: Neck pain is a very prevalent health condition. Physiotherapists use multiple treatment options for treating mechanical neck pain. We evaluated the effects of upper thoracic spine mobilization and mobility exercise and upper cervical spine mobilization and stabilization exercises in treating patients with mechanical neck pain.&#x0D; Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted comprising of 36 patients recruited from different clinics of Faisalabad, both genders, ages from 20-40 y, and randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent upper thoracic mobilization and mobility exercise while Group B underwent upper cervical mobilization with stabilization exercises for 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain scores on Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and cervical range of movements (ROM) scores were measured before treatment and then weekly for 4 weeks, while Neck Disability Index (NDI) was assessed at baseline and at the end of 4th week. SPSS version. 22 was used to analyze the data. Independent sample t-test was used for between group compression and P ≤ 0.05 (95%) was considered as significant.&#x0D; Results: There was significant improvement in mean NPRS scores at 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week post-treatment (P &lt; 0.05). There was significant improvement in mean cervical ROM at 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week post-treatment readings (P &lt; 0.05) and mean NDI score at 4th week (P &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Both groups were found effective in improving pain, range of motion and neck function, but significant improvement in outcomes was observed in upper cervical mobilization and stabilization exercises group.&#x0D; Abbreviations: NPRS - Numerical Pain Rating Scale; ROM - Range of movements; NDI - Neck Disability Index; MNP - Mechanical neck pain;&#x0D; Key words: Adult; Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology; Disability Evaluation; Exercise Therapy / methods; Female; Humans; Male; Manipulation, Spinal / methods; Neck / physiopathology; Neck Pain / physiopathology; Neck Pain / rehabilitation; Pain Measurement; Range of Motion, Articular; Thoracic Vertebrae / physiopathology; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult&#x0D; Citation: Tahir R, Sohail MAA, Ain NU, Aine QU, Mannan H, Maqbool A. Comparative effect of upper thoracic spine mobilization with mobility exercises and upper cervical spine mobilization with stabilization exercises in mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(4):488-495.&#x0D; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i4.1952&#x0D; Received: April 11, 2022; Reviewed: June 23, 2022; Accepted: July 14, 2022