Trunk Muscle Strength Research Articles

Trunk Movement and Sequential Trunk Muscle Activation During Oscillation Exercises Using Flexible Poles.

Oscillatory exercises using flexible poles, such as the Flexi-bar, were recommended as rehabilitation programs to increase trunk muscles strength; however, the strategy to enhance the training effects is under investigations. The aim of this study was to characterize the trunk movements and muscle activation patterns when performing an oscillation exercise with flexible poles in different weights. Twelve healthy male participants performed oscillation exercises with flexible poles of different weights. The center of mass, as well as surface electromyography for 10 trunk muscles were assessed while participants performed oscillation exercises. The participants' trunks showed rhythmic anterior-posterior movement during oscillation exercises using flexible poles. The center-of-mass movement distances were 20.32 (6.73)mm, 25.33 (5.31)mm, 32.40 (9.94)mm, and 37.28 (21.59)mm for the Flexi-bar, light pole, medium pole, and heavy pole, respectively. Erector spinae, internal obliques, multifidus, and external obliques revealed significant activation levels during oscillation exercises. The participants who could perform steady and smooth oscillation with heavy pole for 30seconds revealed phasic sequential muscle activation. The present study suggested that oscillation exercises with flexible poles were associated with a concomitant trunk movement in anterior-posterior direction and an effective activation of trunk muscles.

Risk Factors for Progressive Spinal Sagittal Imbalance in the Short-Term Course after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 3 Year Follow-Up Study of Female Patients.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with hip osteoarthritis improves hip flexion contracture, subsequently improving spinal sagittal balance. However, in some cases, spinal sagittal imbalance develops in the course after THA, and its risk factors remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of progressive spinal sagittal imbalance after THA. This retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database included female patients aged ≥50 years who underwent THA. Before performing THA, we obtained each patient’s anthropometric and muscle strength measurements and whole-spine radiographs. Three years postoperatively, patients underwent whole-spine radiography to examine changes in the spinal sagittal balance. Patients were assigned into groups on the basis of their preoperative and 3 year postoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) values. Patients with 3 year postoperative SVA values ≥40 mm with an increase ≥30 mm were categorized into the imbalance group; the other patients were categorized into the non-imbalance group. Of 103 patients, 11 (10.7%) were in the imbalance group. In multiple logistic regression analysis, preoperative weak abdominal trunk muscle strength (ATMS) (p = 0.007) and small sacral slope (SS) (p = 0.005) were significant risk factors for progressive spinal sagittal imbalance. In conclusion, risk factors for progressive spinal sagittal imbalance after THA were weak preoperative ATMS and small SS.

Associations between Abdominal Trunk Muscle Weakness and Future Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Women: A Three-Year Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Potential risk factors associated with future osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) were prospectively investigated in middle-aged and older adult women. We enrolled 197 female patients aged ≥50 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery for lower-extremity degenerative diseases. Patient anthropometric and muscle strength measurements, a bone mineral density measurement of the lumbar spine (L-BMD), and full-spine standing radiographs to examine the presence of old OVFs and spinopelvic sagittal parameters were obtained preoperatively. We evaluated 141 patients who underwent full-spine standing radiographs three years postoperatively to identify new OVFs. We excluded 54 patients who did not undergo a second radiographic examination and 2 with new traumatic OVFs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with new non-traumatic OVF occurrence. Ten (7.1%) patients developed new non-traumatic OVFs during the study period (fracture group). The fracture group had less abdominal trunk muscle strength, lower L-BMD, smaller sacral slopes, and larger pelvic tilt than the non-fracture group. The fracture group showed a higher prevalence of old OVFs preoperatively than the non-fracture group. Abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and the presence of old OVFs were identified as significant risk factors for OVF occurrence. In middle-aged or older adult women, abdominal trunk muscle weakness, low L-BMD, and old OVFs were associated with future OVF.

Relationship between changes in physical function parameters and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire score after decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

ABSTRACTAlthough decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) improves leg symptoms, low back pain (LBP), and disability, the factors related to the improvement of subjective disability have not been studied sufficiently. The purpose of the study was to clarify the relationship between subjective disability and objective physical function parameters. A total of 51 patients who underwent decompression were included and evaluated preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patient-reported outcomes related to activity limitation due to LBP were evaluated using Roland–Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ) and VAS (Visual Analog Scale). Physical function was assessed using 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and trunk muscle strength. Univariate analysis and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed to identify significant factors for RDQ score change. The 6- and 12-month postoperative RDQ scores, VAS scores, and trunk extensor strength significantly improved relative to the preoperative values. In the univariate analysis, age, changes in VAS (LBP, leg pain, and numbness) scores, and change in 6MWD were associated with the RDQ score change (p < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression showed that 6MWD changes were significantly associated with RDQ score changes, explaining 41% of the variance in the RDQ score change. This study showed the change in 6MWD was significantly associated with the RDQ score change. Our results suggest that improving 6MWD may reduce disability in activities of daily living.

Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis: A Systemic Review.

The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, lower limb joints kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and racket-joint relationship are described through gender, performance level, and footwork. The study found that the hip movement characteristics and the hip muscle group activity following a proximal-to-distal sequence strategy significantly contributed to the maximum acceleration of the racket. Optimizing the motion strategy of the ankle and plantar as well as the ankle muscle group activity is beneficial for the transmission of energy in the kinetic chain. Muscle groups around the ankle and subtalar joints are heavily activated during landing to maintain foot stability during the landing phase. Lower limb muscle development plays an important role in movement control and stability as well as sports injury prevention in table tennis footwork during the performance of the topspin forehand. Furthermore, physical development levels and anatomical differences (such as hip and lower trunk muscle strength differences), maybe the main reasons for gender differences observed during the topspin forehand. Systematically summarizing this valuable information can contribute to athletes’ and coaches’ knowledge to enhance topspin forehand performance and training regimes. We suggest that future research could consider the joint contact forces, ball movement, and ball-racket impact during a performance of topspin forehand.

Erratum to: The association of lower trunk muscle strength with low back pain in elite lightweight judokas is dependent on lumber spine abnormalities

Erratum to: The association of lower trunk muscle strength with low back pain in elite lightweight judokas is dependent on lumber spine abnormalities

Comparison of Effectiveness of Trunk PNF Versus NDT on Trunk Stability in Stroke Patients

Stroke is the commonest neurological deficit caused by an interruption of the blood flow to the brain and loss of trunk control is commonly observed in patients after stroke. Impaired trunk control has a negative impact on daily activities and quality of life(QOL) in patients after stroke. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Neurodevelopmental technique (NDT), both are effective in improving trunk control in hemiplegic patients by improving trunk muscle endurance, strength, and trunk mobility. This study is aimed to compare the effectiveness of trunk PNF and NDT to improve trunk stability in patients with stroke. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of trunk proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and neuro-developmental therapy based on trunk protocol with conventional therapy to improve trunk stability in stroke patients 30 subjects who fulfilled the criteria were taken for the study and was categorised into 2 groups of A and B, each having 15 subjects. Group A received trunk proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation along with conventional therapy &amp; group B received neuro-developmental therapy based on trunk protocol along with conventional therapy respectively for 4 weeks. Before the study, all the subjects were assessed using a general assessment proforma. Both pre and post-treatment assessments were assessed by using trunk impairment scale and ROM of trunk flexion and extension. The results of statistical analysis were tabulated in terms of mean, standard deviation, variance, t-test, P-value, coefficient of variation in both groups. Paired t-test showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in both groups (P&lt;0.05). The coefficient of variation is significant at the CV of group A (83.34) less than the CV of group B (100.16), therefore group A is more effective compared to group B. In this study, it was found that the trunk PNF technique with conventional exercises and NDT based on trunk protocol with conventional exercises was effective to improve trunk stability in acute or subacute stroke patients. But, the trunk PNF technique with conventional exercises was more effective than NDT based on the trunk protocol conventional exercises technique for improving the trunk stability in acute or sub acute stroke patients.

The association of lower trunk muscle strength with low back pain in elite lightweight judokas is dependent on lumber spine abnormalities1

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiological abnormalities (LRA) and trunk muscle weakness are major causes of the low back pain (LBP). We reported that the prevalence of LRA was approximately 90% in middle- and heavyweight-judokas, independent to the occurrence of LBP. However, the trunk muscle weakness, especially the rotators, plays a key role in occurrence of LBP in heavyweight judokas. OBJECTIVE: To examine the trunk muscle strength (TMS) and LRA impact on LBP occurrence in lightweight judokas. METHOD: The strength of the trunk extensors, flexors, and rotators was measured in 32 lightweight male judokas. LBP and LRA were identified using a questionnaire, X-ray, and MRI. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of LBP and LRA were 40.6% and 62.5%, respectively, without any significant correlation. Among judokas without LRA, TMS of those with LBP were significantly lower than those without LBP (P&lt; 0.05, the extensor; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.38, 90∘/s: ES [d] = 0.78, and 120∘/s: ES [d] = 0.37, flexor; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.48, dominant rotator; 60∘/s: ES [d] = 1.66, and 90∘/s: ES [d] = 1.87, non-dominant rotator; 90∘/s: ES [d] = 0.17, and dominant/non-dominant rotator ratio; 90∘/s: ES [d] = 1.55). Moreover, there were significant negative correlations between LBP severity and TMS (P&lt; 0.05, the extensor; 90∘/s: r=-0.63, dominant rotator; 90∘/s: r=-0.648, and dominant/non-dominant rotator ratio; 90∘/s: r=-0.621) in judokas without LRA. CONCLUSION: Weak trunk musculature may be a co-factor in the occurrence of LBP in lightweight judokas without LRA.

Practicable performance-based outcome measures of trunk muscle strength and their measurement properties: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

IntroductionThe evaluation of muscle strength is frequently used as part of the physical examination process, with decreased trunk muscle strength reported in individuals with spinal disorders (e.g., low back pain). Access to practicable performance-based outcome measures (PBOM) to monitor patients’ progress in spinal rehabilitation is essential. Knowledge of the psychometric properties of the available practicable PBOM for trunk strength evaluation is therefore needed to inform practitioners and further research.ObjectiveTo synthesise evidence on the measurement properties of practicable measures of trunk muscle strength in adults with and without musculoskeletal pain.MethodsFollowing a published and registered protocol [PROSPERO CRD42020167464], databases were searched from the database inception date up to 30th of June 2021. Citations and grey literature were also searched. Eligibility criteria comprised: 1) studies which examined the psychometric properties of the trunk strength outcome measures, 2) included adults ≥ 18 years, either asymptomatic or with spinal musculoskeletal pain. Non-English language studies were excluded. Two independent reviewers evaluated the quality and synthesized the data from included studies according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsFrom 34 included studies, 15 different PBOMs were identified that have been investigated for reliability and validity, none evaluated responsiveness. In asymptomatic individuals, high quality evidence supports intra-rater reliability of digital-loading cells and moderate quality evidence supports the criterion validity of the hand-held dynamometer. Very low quality evidence exists for the reliability and validity estimates of testing tools among individuals with spinal pain.ConclusionsFindings underpin a cautious recommendation for the use of practicable PROMs to evaluate muscle strength in individuals with spinal pain in clinical practice due to the level of evidence and the heterogeneity of the protocols used. Further high quality research to explore the psychometric properties of the practicable PBOMs with detailed methodology is now needed.

Comparison of Isometric Strength of the Trunk and Hip Muscle Groups in Female Athletes with and without Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in athletes. Reduced strength in hip and trunk muscles has been observed among non-athletes with low back pain. This study aimed to compare the strength of trunk and hip muscles between female athletes with and without LBP and to investigate strength association with disability level in female athletes with LBP. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 26 female athletes with LBP and 30 female athletes without LBP. The strength of the trunk and hip muscles was measured using a hand-held dynamometer and the impact of LBP on the sports activities and activities of daily living was measured using the Athletes Disability Index (ADI). Data analysis was done using an independent sample t test and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for trunk and hip muscles strength (p > 0.05). A fair to moderate correlation was seen between the strength of the trunk, hip abductors, flexor and extensors muscles and the scores of the ADI questionnaire in the LBP group (r = -0.26 to -0.48). However, there was no significant correlation between the strength of hip adductor muscles and the scores on the ADI questionnaire. Conclusion: Based on the results, the strength of trunk and hip muscles was not different between athletes with and without LBP. It is recommended that athletes' training be done during functional tasks rather than strengthening a single muscle group.

Core stabilisation exercises reduce chronic low back pain in Air Force fighter pilots: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThere is evidence that core stabilisation, strength and endurance training contribute to reduce low back pain in the general population. However, we are not aware of the effect of these...

Association between the Horizontal Gaze Ability and Physical Characteristics of Patients with Dropped Head Syndrome

Background and Objectives: Patients with dropped head syndrome exhibit weakness of the cervical paraspinal muscles. However, the relationship between horizontal gaze disorder and physical function remains unclear. This study aimed to examine and clarify this relationship. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six patients with dropped head syndrome were included. We measured the McGregor’s Slope and investigated physical characteristics, including cervical muscle strength, back muscle strength, and walking ability. Factor analysis was used to classify the characteristics of physical function, and a linear multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate independent variables explaining the variance in the McGregor’s Slope. The physical functions of DHS patients were classified into three categories by factor analysis: limb and trunk muscle strength, walking ability, and neck muscle strength. Results: The average value of the McGregor’s Slope was 22.2 ± 24.0 degrees. As a result of multiple regression analysis, walking speed (β = −0.46) and apex (β = −0.30) were extracted as significant factors influencing the McGregor’s Slope. Conclusions: Horizontal gaze disorders are not associated with cervical muscle strength but with the walking ability and the alignment type of dropped head syndrome.

Strength, Flexibility and Postural Control of the Trunk and Lower Body in Participants with and without Patellofemoral Pain

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a frequent knee condition. The aim of this study was to investigate strength, flexibility and postural control in people with and without PFP. Fifty-five participants between 14 and 54 years of age (PFP = 18, control group = 37) were included. Strength and flexibility for all trunk, hip, knee and ankle muscle groups were measured along with postural control outcomes. Analyses were conducted based on the “affected” and “non-affected” leg within-group and between-groups. Between-groups analysis demonstrated a statistically lower strength of trunk muscles (range: 35.8–29.3%, p &lt; 0.001), knee extensors (20.8%, p = 0.005) and knee flexors (17.4%, p = 0.020) in PFP participants. Within-group analysis proved an 8.7% (p = 0.018) greater hip internal rotation strength and ankle extension flexibility (p = 0.032) of the “affected side” in PFP participants. This was, to our knowledge, the first study to investigate the strength of all trunk muscle groups. The results indicate that participants with PFP exhibit impaired strength of trunk muscle groups, along with knee muscle deficits, which may present a rehabilitation target. Clinicians should consider implementing trunk strengthening exercises into PFP programs along with knee-targeting exercise programs.

The core of performance in adolescent cricket pace bowlers: Trunk muscle stability, maybe, but not strength-endurance and thickness.

The trunk connects the upper and lower limbs and transfers energy during movement. Exploring the role of the trunk muscles in bowling performance affords us the opportunity to uncover potential mechanisms to improve bowling performance. To investigate the association between bowling performance and trunk muscle stability, strength-endurance and thickness in adolescent pace bowlers. Adolescent pace bowlers participated in this cross-sectional study. Trunk muscle stability was measured using Sahrmann's Stability Scale, strength-endurance using the Bourbon Trunk Muscle Strength Test and thickness of the abdominal wall and lumbar multifidus muscles using ultrasound imaging. Forty-six pace bowlers with a mean age of 15.9 ±1.2 years participated. The average ball release speed was 109.2±11.8 km.h-1. This measurement was higher in level four of stability than in level two (mean difference 22.2 ± SD 6.8 km.h-1; p= .018). No link between ball release speed and strength-endurance could be found. Multiple correlations of moderate strength (r > 0.4) exist between ball release speed and absolute trunk muscle thickness with height and weight as confounding factors. The relationship between accuracy and the trunk muscle variables investigated in this study is weak. Bowlers with better trunk muscle stability bowled faster than those with a lower level of trunk stability, irrespective of their age, height and weight. Trunk muscle thickness correlated with ball release speed; however, confounding factors such as height and weight play a role and therefore, findings need to be interpreted with caution.

Impairments in trunk muscles performance and proprioception in older adults with hyperkyphosis

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common postural deformities in the geriatric population. This study investigated whether trunk proprioception, muscle strength, and endurance differ between older adults with hyperkyphosis and the age-matched control group. This study also aimed to explore the association of kyphotic posture with muscle performance, position sense, and force sense. Methods Ninety-seven elderly volunteers (61 with hyperkyphosis and 36 normal controls) participated in this cross-sectional study. The kyphosis degree, trunk position sense, force sense, back muscle strength, and endurance were assessed in all participants. Results The results showed lower back extensor strength and endurance, also higher force and position sense error in the hyperkyphotic group than the control group. In addition, the findings revealed that back extensor strength and endurance, as well as trunk position sense, were associated with kyphotic posture in older adults. Discussion and Implications This study suggests that back extensor strength and endurance and trunk position sense and force sense are potentially modifiable impairments associated with thoracic kyphosis in older adults with hyperkyphosis. It seems monitoring these potentially contributing factors would be helpful in the assessment and treatment of hyperkyphotic older individuals.

Correlation between upper limb function and clinical measures of shoulder and trunk mobility and strength in overhead athletes with shoulder pain

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between functional performance and self-reported upper limb function and between these two functional measures and clinical measures of shoulder and trunk in overhead athletes with shoulder pain. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingsLaboratory. ParticipantsTwenty-one volleyball and handball athletes (23.6 ± 3.7 years) with shoulder pain in the dominant limb. Main outcome measuresSelf-reported dominant upper limb function using Penn Shoulder Score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; shoulder and trunk range of motion; isometric strength of shoulder, periscapular, and trunk muscles; endurance time of trunk muscles; and functional upper limb performance using the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT). ResultsA moderate correlation was observed (r = 0.45–0.58; p < 0.05) between UQYBT performance and strength of serratus anterior, lower trapezius, trunk rotators, and trunk flexors. No significant correlation was observed between UQYBT performance and the other clinical measures of shoulder and trunk (r = 0.01–0.39, p > 0.05). Self-reported upper limb function was neither significantly correlated with clinical measures (r = 0.01–0.40, p > 0.05) nor with UQYBT performance (r = 0.02–0.19, p > 0.05). ConclusionWe observed a correlation between UQYBT performance and strength of periscapular and trunk muscles.

Practicable measures of trunk muscle strength and their measurement properties: Systematic review and narrative synthesis

Practicable measures of trunk muscle strength and their measurement properties: Systematic review and narrative synthesis

Relationship between trunk muscle strength and trunk muscle mass and thickness using bioelectrical impedance analysis and ultrasound imaging.

Although trunk muscles are involved in many important functions, evaluating trunk muscle strength is not an easy task. If trunk muscle mass and thickness could be used as indicators of trunk muscle strength, the burden of measurement would be reduced, but the relationship between trunk muscle strength and trunk muscle mass and thickness has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between trunk muscle strength and trunk muscle mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis and trunk muscle thickness by ultrasound imaging in healthy adults. One hundred and twenty-one healthy university students were included in this study. Trunk flexion/extension muscle strength and trunk muscle mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and trunk muscle thickness by ultrasound imaging were measured. Both trunk flexion strength and trunk extension strength were significantly correlated with trunk muscle mass and oblique and rectus abdominis muscle thickness. Multiple regression analysis showed that trunk extension muscle strength had an independent relationship with trunk muscle mass. This study demonstrated that trunk muscle mass or trunk muscle thickness can be used as an alternative means for evaluating trunk muscle strength, making the evaluation of trunk muscles less burdensome.

Relationship between Respiratory Function and Strength of the Abdominal Trunk Muscles, Including Diaphragm in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Patients

Relationship between Respiratory Function and Strength of the Abdominal Trunk Muscles, Including Diaphragm in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Patients

Comparison of the Effects of Systemic Cryotherapy and Kinesiotaping on the Trunk Muscles of Men Practising Targeted Physical Training

Aim: was to compare the effects of systemic cryotherapy and kinesiotaping on the flexibility and strength of trunk muscle of men practising, due to their job, targeted and specialized physical training. They were members of special groups: Government Protection Bureau, Anti-Terrorist Organization Bureau and Grom group. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 30 men [age 27-55 (AVG 40 +/- 7)]. Motor fitness assessment recognized in the Health-related fitness system: flexibility – measured by the depth of the trunk forward bend from a straight sit. A positive result was defined as a value measured in centimeters below the toes, and a negative result, when the subject did not reach the toes, the better result from two attempts was accepted for analysis. Dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles – this feature was determined by the number of scull sit-ups performed from the supine position within 30 seconds Taping of the rectus abdominis muscle was performed using the supine position muscle method. Base - above the pubic symphysis (above the hairline), abdominal tension through inhalation, tail to the cartilage of the fifth rib, parasternal. On the other side , the same way of application, then the test was performed. Taping of the dorsal extensor muscle, using the muscle method – standing position, base - on the sacrum, bending the torso forward, tape tails along the spine, then the test was performed. After a week’s break, each subject received a series of 10 treatments at -130°C, each treatment lasted2 minutes. Treatments took place once a day – from Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays and Sundays. After each cryostimulation treatment, the patient exercised on a stationary cycloergometer for 20 minutes. Results: The use of kinesiotaping and systemic cryostimulation improves flexibility. The increase of the motoric feature was greater after the treatments at the applied cryogenic temperature -130°C. The dynamic strength of the abdominal muscles increased after both types of therapy, i.e. Kinesiotaping and systemic cryotherapy. Statistically significantly more sculling sit-ups were performed after cryostimulation treatments. Conclusions: The conducted pilot studies showed statistically significant differences in flexibility and dynamic strength of abdominal muscles after the taping and systemic cryostimulation. It is reasonable to continue research that varies in terms of the number of treatments and cryogenic temperatures. Studies of other human motor characteristics should also be carried out.