Suspension Exercise Research Articles

Suspension training improves bilateral isometric strength asymmetry of knee muscles in people with multiple sclerosis

IntroductionMost people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with bilateral strength asymmetry in the lower limbs. Strength asymmetry increases muscle metabolic cost, muscle fatigability, postural instability, gait disturbance, imbalance, and risk of falling, and negatively affects the quality of life in PwMS. So far, the effects of rehabilitation exercises on reducing the asymmetric index in this population has not been studied convincingly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of suspension exercise on bilateral isometric strength asymmetry of knee muscles in patients with multiple sclerosis. Materials & methodsIn this randomized controlled trial, twenty-seven female patients were purposively selected as the statistical sample and randomly divided into the control (n = 13, age: 34.72 ± 5.01 years) and exercise (n = 14, age: 37.62 ± 4.58 years) groups. The control group received routine care while the exercise group received the suspension exercise protocol. Isometric muscle strength and bilateral asymmetry were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. The Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee. The analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. ResultsThe isometric strength of the knee extensor muscles in the weak leg at the angle of 20° and in both legs at the angle of 70° in the exercise group improved significantly. Furthermore, the strength of the knee flexor muscles in the exercise group was increased. The amount of bilateral strength asymmetry in the knee flexor and extensor muscles at the angle of 70° significantly decreased in the exercise group. Discussions & conclusionsThese data suggest that suspension training is a practical approach to manage bilateral asymmetry in knee flexor and extensor muscle strength in patients with an EDSS of less than four.

Myoelectric manifestations of fatigue of the finger flexor muscles and endurance capacity in experienced versus intermediate climbers during suspension tasks

ABSTRACT Climbing is a physically demanding discipline, placing significant loads on the finger flexors. Notwithstanding the documented greater endurance capacity of experienced climbers, the mechanisms explaining these training-induced adaptations remain unknown. We therefore investigate whether two non-competing strategies – muscle adaptation and alternate muscle recruitment – may explain the disparity in endurance capacity in participants with different climbing experience. We analysed high-density surface electromyograms (EMGs) from 38 Advanced and Intermediate climbers, during suspension exercises over three different depths (15, 20, 30 mm) using a half-crimp grip position. From the spatial distribution of changes in MeDian Frequency and Root Mean Square values until failure, we assessed how much and how diffusely the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue took place. Advanced climbers exhibited greater endurance, as evidenced by significantly longer failure time (p < 0.009) and lower changes in MDF values (p < 0.013) for the three grip depths. These changes were confined to a small skin region (nearly 25% of the grid size), centred at variable locations across participants. Moreover, lower MDF changes were significantly associated with longer suspension times. Collectively, our results suggest that muscle adaptation rather than load sharing between and within muscles is more likely to explain the improved endurance in experienced climbers.

Therapeutic Effect of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Suspension Exercise Training on Lower Limb Motor Function of Stroke Patients

Therapeutic Effect of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Suspension Exercise Training on Lower Limb Motor Function of Stroke Patients

Can different variations of suspension exercises provide adequate loads and muscle activations for upper body training?

The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in muscle activation (EMG) and body weight distribution (%BW) between suspension (TRX™ push-up and TRX™ inverted row) and conventional exercises (bench press and lying barbell row) using different contraction types (isometric and isotonic) and position variations (feet on the ground [FG] and feet on suspension device [FD]). It was also used to determine the intensity of the force applied to the straps of the suspension device corresponding to one repetition maximum (1-RM). Twelve male athletes (ages-24.5±4.2 years (mean±standard deviation [SD]); Height-181.0±6.8 cm; body mass-83.08±6.81 kg) participated in this study. Two suspension devices were used, one for the FD variation and one for the FG variation pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TRI) activations were assessed during the TRX™ push-up and bench press exercises. Transversus trapezius (TRA) and biceps brachii (BB) activations were assessed during the TRX™ inverted row and lying barbell row exercises. The results showed significant differences between exercises (FG and FD variations of TRX™ push-up and bench press) in PM activities (isometric and isotonic) (p≤0.05). However, these differences were only observed during isometric TRI activation (p≤0.05). In the FG and FD variations of the TRX™ inverted row and lying barbell row exercises, there were only differences in the isometric contractions of the TRA and BB (p≤0.05). In the suspension device of push-ups and inverted row for the FD variations, 70.5% and 72.64% of 1-RM intensity were obtained, respectively. Similar responses to training intensities and muscle activations can be obtained in suspension exercises and conventional exercises. FD variations of suspension exercises can be more effective in terms of muscle activations than FG variations, and isotonic suspension exercises increase exercise intensity more than isometric suspension exercises.

Non-weight-bearing exercise attenuates papain-induced knee osteoarthritis in rats via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

Background and AimKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is characterized by joint wear and degeneration. Unfortunately, the medical community currently lacks effective treatment options for this disease. Suspension exercise therapy is considered an effective form of non-weight-bearing exercise for treating KOA. However, its mechanism of intervention in KOA is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of non-weight-bearing exercise on rats with KOA and attempted to explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, a papain-induced KOA model was constructed, and the pathological changes in cartilage tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and scored according to the Mankin scoring principle. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of mRNA and proteins in the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.ResultsH&E staining and Mankin score data confirmed that non-weight-bearing exercise significantly improved articular cartilage degradation compared with that in the model group. Further, we observed that non-weight-bearing exercise differentially reduced serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Mechanistically, non-weight-bearing exercise downregulated gene and protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in cartilage tissue.ConclusionNon-weight-bearing exercise resulted in the progression of KOA by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and decreasing the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α to slow down the degeneration of articular cartilage.

The Effect of Suspension Exercises on Muscular Activities: A Narrative Review

Suspension exercises are functional exercises that combine closed kinetic chain exercises with an unstable environment as an alternative to traditional strengthening exercises. The specific effects of suspension exercises on muscular activities must be better understood. Therefore, this review aimed to compare the activities of different muscles in suspension exercises with their traditional counterparts. For this purpose, a search was conducted using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in August 2022. Studies investigating the effect of suspension exercises on muscular activations and comparing them with their conventional counterparts were included in the review. Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. It was observed that suspension exercises increased activation in most muscle groups compared to conventional exercises, while there was no difference in activation in specific muscles. Therefore, it is essential to use a combination of traditional and suspension exercises for optimal performance with individualized planning.

Adlay Consumption Combined with Suspension Training Improves Blood Lipids and Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle-Aged Women.

Middle-aged women have an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases and reduced physical strength, which can lead to decreased vascular function and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, these problems can be treated or prevented with healthy nutrition and regular exercise. We focused on these benefits as recent studies have reported the potential synergistic effects of suspension training and nutrition. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of adlay intake and suspension training on improvements in body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, and arterial stiffness in middle-aged women. Neither the adlay + suspension exercise (ASEG) nor suspension exercise groups (SEG) showed significant changes in body composition. Nonetheless, with respect to physical fitness, there was a difference in time among all variables except flexibility, though the ASEG showed a more significant effect than the SEG. Regarding blood lipids, significant interaction effects were found for triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while only the ASEG significantly improved these parameters. Furthermore, pulse wave velocity was only significantly decreased in the ASEG. In summary, performing suspension exercises for 12 weeks improved physical strength in middle-aged women. Additionally, when adlay was consumed simultaneously, blood lipids and arterial stiffness were improved.

EFEITOS DO BANHO MEDICINAL CHINÊS NA FADIGA MUSCULAR ESPORTIVA DOS ATLETAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Fifth International Conference on Sports Biochemistry defines sports fatigue as the physiological process of dysfunction at a certain level or inability to maintain predetermined exercise intensity. When left untreated, it can cause adverse effects to the musculoskeletal system. Natural alternatives for controlling sports fatigue exist in Chinese culture, but scientific research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effect of traditional Chinese medicinal baths on athletes’ muscle fatigue. Methods: 100 athletes with exercise-induced muscle fatigue were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received ganglioside injection combined with therapeutic exercise protocols, while the experimental group received the medicinal bath based on traditional Chinese medicine. Tonus of adductors, ischiotibials, gastrocnemius, in addition to lower limb motor function, was evaluated. Results: The total effective rate (90.8%) of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (72.3%), and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). After treatment, adductor, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle tension in the observation group were lower than the control group (P&lt;0.05). Gross motor function assessment score (GMFM-88), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10m walking speed on a 20cm wide walkway (MWS) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Chinese herbal lavender lotion combined with suspension exercise can effectively improve the body's muscle strength after exercises, accelerate the recovery of muscle strength, and significantly reduce exercise-induced muscle fatigue. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Comparing the Effect of 8 Weeks of Suspension Training and Core Stability on the Onset of Electromyography Activity of Selected Muscles and the Pain in Amateur Soccer Players With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Purpose: Back pain is one of the most common injuries that affects many people worldwide. Core stability exercises are among the training methods for treating back pain. Suspension training with TRX (total body resistance exercise) has recently become popular among athletes and coaches. The present study aims to compare the effect of common core stability exercises with suspension exercises using TRX in amateur male soccer players with non-specific chronic back pain. Methods: The current research is a clinical trial study. The study population comprised amateur male soccer players with non-specific chronic back pain. Of whom, 30 were selected as a sample using Cochran’s formula and according to the inclusion criteria. Then, they were randomly divided into two equal groups of suspension exercises on the unstable level (15 people) and core stability on the stable level (15 people). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to obtain the pain intensity, and the surface electromyography device and force plate were used to check the activity start time. first, the pre-test evaluations were done in the Mofaghian Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, and then the subjects performed the study exercises for 8 weeks. Moreover, after 8 weeks of training, the post-test was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze anthropometric characteristics, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality of data, covariance, and the Mann-Whitney tests to compare the results between two groups at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of the covariance analysis test showed a significant difference in the start time of the electromyography of the muscles between the two groups of suspension exercises and common core stability exercises after 8 weeks of exercises (rectus abdominis, P=0.01; multifidus, P=0.001; transverse abdominis, P=0.001, and external oblique, P=0.001). Also, the results of the Mann-Whitney U test for comparing the pain intensity between the two groups showed a significant difference (P=0.02). Conclusion: Considering the greater effectiveness of suspension exercises compared to common core stability exercises and the existing reports that suspension exercises have a low risk of injury in connection with unnecessary high loads, the use of these exercises in people with low back pain is recommended than using a stable surface.

Is the novel suspension exercises superior to core stability exercises on some EMG coordinates, pain and range of motion of patients with disk herniation?

Information about comparing the effectiveness of exercise methods on management of disk herniation is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two programs of suspension and core stability exercises on some electromyography (EMG) coordinates, pain and range of motion of patients with disk herniation. Thirty-two men with disk herniation participated in this clinical trial study which was randomly divided into three groups of suspension exercises (n: 12, age: 34.25 ± 8.81, BMI: 24.01 ± 2.7), core stability exercises (n: 10, age: 35 ± 10.3, BMI: 25 ± 2.27) and control (n: 10, age: 34.4 ± 6.67, BMI: 23.76 ± 1.45). Electrical activity of rectus abdominis, internal and external oblique and erector spinae muscles was masured by superficial EMG, back pain by McGill Pain Questionnaire and range of motion by Modified Schober test, one day before and immediately after of intervention period. The experimental groups performed an 8-week training period while the control group was only followed up. Data were analyzed using paired sample t test and analysis of covariance test and statistical significance was set at 0.05. Suspension group showed significant improvement in EMG of rectus abdominis, internal and external oblique muscles (respectively, p = 0.030, p = 0.017, p = 0.022) and pain (p = 0.001) compared to core stability group; but there was no significant difference between two groups in EMG of erector spinae muscle and range of motion. Changes in both training groups were significant in all variables compared to control groups (p ˂ 0.05). Our findings showed that although both exercises were effective in patients with lumbar disk herniation, but the effectiveness of suspension exercises in increasing muscle activation and reducing pain was more pronounced than core stability exercises.Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20191016045136N1.

CORE TRAINING UNDER SUSPENSION EXERCISE THERAPY ON TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main clinical feature of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is lower back pain, and suspension sports therapy has a specific effect in this case. Objective: To investigate the changes of flexion-relaxation phenomenon in patients with lower back pain after core control training of suspension exercise therapy (SET). Methods: 84 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of chronic low back pain in this experiment were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was treated with suspension training. The control group only received acupuncture. We then determined the muscle fascia tension and core stability of the lower lumbar region. Results: The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) evaluations of the two groups of patients were different. Conclusion: Suspended core stabilization training has a significant long-term effect in reducing lower back pain and improving waist function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Effect of Cangguitanxue acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy on chronic low back pain

To observe the effect of Cangguitanxue acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy on the clinical symptoms, lumbar proprioception and trunk isokinetic muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 100 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with suspension exercise therapy, and the training exercise was selected according to the patient's exercise ability, the suspension exercise therapy was given once a day, three times a week, for totally 4 weeks. Based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with Cangguitanxue acupuncture at Dachangshu (BL 25), Weizhong (BL 40), Qihaishu (BL 24), Shenshu (BL 23) and ashi points, the acupuncture was given once a day, six times as a course of treatment, and a total of two courses of treatment were given. Before and after treatment, the scores of symptoms and signs, the pain rating index (PRI), present pain intensity (PPI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the short-form of McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) in the two groups were recorded. The isokinetic feedback biomechanical test system was used to measure the lumbar proprioception and isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated. The scores of symptoms and signs, PRI, PPI and VAS after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The absolute error angle (AE) of lumbar proprioceptive index in the flexion and extension positions after treatment was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the peak torque (PT) of musculus flexor and musculus extensor as well as peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) of musculus extensor were increased in the two groups, and the flexor/extensor (F/E) was reduced (P<0.05). The PT of musculus flexor and musculus extensor as well as PT/BW of musculus extensor in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and F/E was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (45/50) in the observation group, which was higher than 76.0% (38/50) in the control group (P<0.05). The Cangguitanxue acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy could effectively improve the symptoms and signs of patients with chronic low back pain, enhance the lumbar proprioception and trunk isokinetic muscle strength.

The Effect of Suspension and Conventional Core Stability Exercises on Characteristics of Intervertebral Disc and Chronic Pain in Office Staff Due to Lumbar Herniated Disc.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of eight weeks of conventional and suspension core stability exercises by use of the designed device on characteristic of intervertebral discs in low back pain. A total of 27 men with chronic low back (CLB) pain due to lumbar disc herniation in L4-L5 and L5-S1 regions were enrolled in this quasi-experimental study. After assessing the pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS) and determining the disc herniation index using MRI, each group of patients were asked to perform either conventional or suspension exercises for eight weeks, each week consisting of three training sessions. The pain intensity was assessed at the end of the first, second, third, fourth and eighth weeks and the disc hernia index was determined again at the end of the eight weeks of exercises. The results indicated significant changes in the intensity of pain in both groups through the period of eight weeks of exercise with a remarkable pain relief. In relation to the structural characteristics of the intervertebral disc, data analysis did not reveal any significant change between the pre- and post-test. Considering the beneficial effects of the stability exercises and specially suspension stability exercises with respect to pain alleviation and reduced use of sedatives and anti-inflammatory drugs, this method can be helpful at early stages of treatment for chronic pains.

Suspension운동이 자각적 경증 요통 남성의 코어 근 기능 발달과 신체적 스트레스지표에 미치는 영향

Suspension운동이 자각적 경증 요통 남성의 코어 근 기능 발달과 신체적 스트레스지표에 미치는 영향

Effect Analysis on Suspension Exercise Training Combined with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-stroke Pusher Syndrome

Effect Analysis on Suspension Exercise Training Combined with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-stroke Pusher Syndrome

Analysis of rehabilitation effect of suspension exercise training system on athetoid cerebral palsy

Analysis of rehabilitation effect of suspension exercise training system on athetoid cerebral palsy

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.

Evaluation of Training Load During Suspension Exercise.

Giancotti, GF, Fusco, A, Varalda, C, Capelli, G, and Cortis, C. Evaluation of training load during suspension exercise. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2151-2157, 2021-The aims of this study were to evaluate body inclination and ground reaction force and to predict equations to estimate the training load distribution during suspension training (ST) static back-row at different lengths of the straps. Thirty volunteers (men = 16 and women = 14; age = 23.3 ± 1.7 years; body mass = 63.9 ± 13.3 kg; height = 167.9 ± 9.2 cm; body mass index [BMI] = 22.5 ± 3.4 kg·m-2) performed 14 static back-rows at 7 different lengths of the straps in 2 different elbow positions (flexed and extended). When the length of the straps increased, ground reaction force and body inclination decreased. Moreover, in the flexed elbow position, higher ground reaction force values were recorded with respect to the extended one. Two multilevel regression models (p < 0.05) were created. In the first one, ground reaction force was used as a dependent variable, whereas body inclination angle, body mass, height, BMI, and elbow position were used as independent variables. Significant (p < 0.05) effects were found for all variables included in the model, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.31. In the second model, the body inclination angle was replaced by the length of the ST device. Significant (p < 0.05) effects were found also in the second model for all variables included, with an ICC of 0.37. The proposed models could provide different methods to quantify the training load distribution, even if the use of the straps' length could result easier and faster than body inclination angle, helping practitioners and instructors to personalize the workout to reach specific purposes and provide load progression.

Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults: Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training Using Lower Body Suspension Exercises

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) programs, both with a suspension training system, on several fall risk factors in healthy older adults. A total of 82 participants (68.23 ± 2.97 years) were randomized to HIIT (n = 28), MIIT (n = 27), or control (n = 27) groups. Balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test), and gait analysis (OptoGait optical detection system) were assessed. Statistical analysis showed improvements after the intervention in the HIIT group compared with the MIIT and control groups regarding the fear of falling (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively), gait (both ps < .05), and dynamic balance (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively), whereas both HIIT and MIIT groups improved balance confidence compared with the control group (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). We can conclude that HIIT has significant beneficial effects of fall risk in older adults.

Suspension Training HIIT Improves Gait Speed, Strength and Quality of Life in Older Adults.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) training program involving suspension exercises (TRX) on the muscle strength, body composition, gait speed, and quality of life of older adults. A total of 82 older adults were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a HIIT group (n=28), a continuous intensity training group (MIIT group, n=27), or a control group (CG, n=27). Compared to MIIT and CG, participants of the HIIT group showed significant post-intervention improvements in BMI (p=.002 and p<.001, respectively) and gait speed (p<.001 for both). Handgrip strength increase was also observed after HIIT (p=.002), but no differences were observed with MIIT and CG. Compared with MIIT and control groups, HIIT showed improvements in the SF-36 domains: general health (p<.001 for both) health changes (p<.001 for both), vitality (p=.002 and p=.001 respectively) and physical functioning (p=.036 and p<.001 respectively). Our results suggest that a HIIT training program with TRX have benefits in BMI, handgrip strength, gait speed, and quality of life in older adults.