Trunk Stability Research Articles

The effect of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation to abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions, and abdominal muscle thickness in complete spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.

Complete thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a loss of innervation to the abdominal muscles, which affects trunk stability and performance of activities of daily living from a sitting position. Respiratory function is also affected, leading to frequent pulmonary complications. Given the importance of trunk stability and respiratory function, we investigated the effects of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation (EMG-ES) applied to the abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI. This randomized controlled study included 34 participants with complete thoracic SCI who were randomly allocated to the experimental group ( n = 17) and the control group ( n = 17). During the 4-week intervention period, the experimental group received EMG-ES to their abdominal muscles, while the control group received isometric abdominal exercises three times per week. Both groups continued with their routine rehabilitation program (active or passive range of motion exercises, stretching, and balance coordination exercises). The primary outcome measures were the modified functional reach test (mFRT) and trunk control test (TCT). Secondary outcome measures included a pulmonary function test (PFT) and the bilateral abdominal muscle thicknesses using ultrasonography. At the end of the study, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in both primary outcomes. The mean difference in pre-post changes between the groups for the mFRT area was 242.8 cm² [95% confidence interval (CI): 181.3-329.8; effect size 0.92; P < 0.001] and 5.0 points for TCT (95% CI: 3.9-6.0; effect size 0.98, P < 0.001). The increase in the abdominal muscle thickness was also significantly greater in the experimental group ( P < 0.001) without significant differences in the PFT ( P > 0.05). We conclude that adding EMG-ES of abdominal muscles may further improve sitting balance and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI.

Development of an Abbreviated Model for Predicting Functional Movement Screen Score Within Tactical Populations.

Thompson, MB, Johnson, QR, Lindsay, KG, and Dawes, JJ. Development of an abbreviated model for predicting functional movement screen score within tactical populations. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 607-611, 2024-The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a tool commonly used to identify compensations when performing 7 specific movement patterns. Timely administration of the full FMS is largely dependent on the practitioner's familiarity and experience with the screening battery. When working in populations that are time-poor (i.e., tactical professionals), administration of the full movement pattern battery is not always feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, combination of movement patterns that comprise the FMS could be used to predict total score on this screen among first responders. Functional Movement Screen scores for 99 male subjects (mean ± SD; age: 37.55 ± 9.83 years; height: 180.38 ± 6.59 cm; and body mass: 97.87 ± 15.32 kg) and 9 female subjects (age: 33.22 ± 3.99 years; height: 172.11 ± 8.19 cm; and body mass: 83.99 ± 14.09 kg) from a single law enforcement and fire agency were used for this analysis. Subjects performed the full FMS, which consisted of the following movement patterns: deep squat (DS), hurdle step (HS), in-line lunge (ILL), shoulder mobility (SM), active straight leg raise (ASLR), trunk stability push-up (PU), and rotary stability (RS). A stepwise regression was used to determine the best predictors of the FMS 7-pattern model based on the model's R2. Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's lambda-2 were used to determine the reliability of the proposed models. The regression indicated that a 4-pattern model consisting of DS, ILL, SM, and PU was sufficient to predict approximately 84% of the full model (adjusted R2 = 0.84, p ≤ 0.001). This 4-pattern model was shown to be reliable with the 7-pattern model (α = 0.93, λ = 0.93). Using this modified version of the FMS may allow practitioners working in tactical populations a time-efficient method of identifying dysfunctional movement and determine whether the full 7-pattern model of the FMS should be considered.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises on balance, functionality and abdominal muscle thickness in hemiplegic patients.

This study aims to investigate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises (TSEs) in addition to conventional exercises in patients with stroke on balance, functionality and abdominal muscle thickness as measured by ultrasonography (USG) and to compare the patients' non-paretic side abdominal muscle thickness with healthy population. Between April 2019 and June 2019, a total of 26 hemiparesis/hemiplegic patients with stroke (15 males, 11 females; mean age: 62.3±7.8 years; range, 52 to 71 years) confirmed by neurological examination or computed tomography (CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers (12 males, 8 females; mean age: 62.3±7.2 years; range, 53 to 70 years) were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups. In the first group (n=13), TSE were performed in addition to conventional neurorehabilitation program, five times/week for a total of four weeks. The second group (n=13) was given conventional neurorehabilitation program, five times/week for a total of four weeks. Also, healthy volunteers as the third group were compared with the patient population. The evaluations were made at the beginning and end of the treatment. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), and Functional Reach Test (FRT) were used. Abdominal muscle thickness at rest and contraction were evaluated using USG. Ten patients in Group 1 and 10 patients in Group 2 completed study. A significant improvement was observed in all abdominal muscles in both groups (p<0.05), indicating no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement for BBS and FRT in both groups. The PASS and BI scores showed a significant improvement only in TSE group. Both the TSE and conventional neurorehabilitation program provided significant improvements in abdominal muscle thickness, balance and trunk control. For postural control and functionality, additional TSE seems to be more effective.

Are trunk stability and endurance determinant factors for whole-body dynamic balance in physically active young males? A multidimensional analysis.

Determine if (a) a better trunk stability and endurance are associated with an improved whole-body dynamic balance, and if (b) the assessment tests can be interchanged within each capability. Sixty-three physically active young males performed three trunk stability (i.e., the lumbopelvic stability, the unstable sitting and the sudden loading sitting tests), three trunk muscle endurance (i.e., the Biering-Sørensen, the side bridge and the front bridge tests) and four whole-body dynamic balance (i.e., the tandem and the single-leg stance, the Y-Balance, and the single-leg triple hop tests) tests two times. After assessing the reliability of the variables, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed. The correlations between trunk stability and endurance tests with dynamic balance tests were non-significant except for the unstable sitting test with both the tandem (r = 0.502) and the single-leg stance (r = 0.522) tests. Moreover, no relationships were observed between the trunk stability and the trunk muscle endurance tests. Interestingly, no relationships were found between most tests within each capability (i.e., trunk stability, trunk endurance, and dynamic balance) except: (i) the front bridge stability test and the back (r = 0.461) and the side (r = 0.499) bridge stability tests; (ii) the two side bridge endurance tests (r = 0.786); (iii) the tandem and the single-leg stance tests (0.439 ≤ r ≤ 0.463); (iv) the Y-Balance and the single-leg triple hop tests (0.446 ≤ r ≤ 0.477). Better trunk function does not seem to be a relevant factor for dynamic balance in young active males. In this population, specific measures are needed as the test interchangeability is questioned.

Direction-Specific Changes in Trunk Muscle Synergies in Individuals With Extension-Related Low Back Pain.

Background Identifying altered trunk control is critical for treating extension-related low back pain (ERLBP), a common subgroup classified by clinical manifestations. The changed coordination of trunk muscles within this group during particular trunk tasks is still not clearly understood. Objectives The objective of this study is to investigate trunk muscle coordination during 11 trunk movement and stability tasks in individuals with ERLBP compared to non-low back pain (LBP) participants. Methods Thirteen individuals with ERLBP and non-LBP performed 11 trunk movement and stability tasks. We recorded the electromyographic activities of six back and abdominal muscles bilaterally. Trunk muscle coordination was assessed using the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) method to identify trunk muscle synergies. Results The number of synergies in the ERLBP group during the cross-extension and backward bend tasks was significantly higher than in the non-LBP group (p<0.05). The cluster analysis identified the two trunk synergies for each task with strikingly similar muscle activation patterns between groups. In contrast, the ERLBP group exhibited additional trunk muscle synergies that were not identified in the non-LBP group. The number of synergies in the other tasks did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion Individuals with ERLBP presented directionally specific alterations in trunk muscle synergies that were considered as increased coactivations of multiple trunk muscles. These altered patterns may contribute to the excessive stabilization of and the high frequency of hyperextension in the spine associated with the development and persistence of ERLBP.

Postural control and trunk stability on sway parameters in adults with and without chronic low back pain

BackgroundPostural sway changes often reflect functional impairments in adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). However, there is a gap in understanding how these individuals adapt their postural strategies to maintain stability.PurposeThis study investigated postural sway distance and velocity, utilizing the center of pressure (COP) and center of gravity (COG), between adults with and without LBP during repeated unilateral standing trials.MethodsTwenty-six subjects with LBP and 39 control subjects participated in the study. Postural sway ranges, COP/COG sways, and sway velocities (computed by dividing path length by time in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions over 10 s) were analyzed across three unilateral standing trials.ResultsA significant group interaction in sway range difference was observed following repeated trials (F = 5.90, p = 0.02). For COG sway range, significant group interactions were demonstrated in both directions (F = 4.28, p = 0.04) and repeated trials (F = 5.79, p = 0.02). The LBP group demonstrated reduced ML sway velocities in the first (5.21 ± 2.43 for the control group, 4.16 ± 2.33 for the LBP group; t = 1.72, p = 0.04) and second (4.87 ± 2.62 for the control group, 3.79 ± 2.22 for the LBP group; t = 1.73, p = 0.04) trials.ConclusionThe LBP group demonstrated decreased ML sway velocities to enhance trunk stability in the initial two trials. The COG results emphasized the potential use of trunk strategies in augmenting postural stability and optimizing neuromuscular control during unilateral standing.

Evaluating User Perceptions of a Vibrotactile Feedback System in Trunk Stabilization Exercises: A Feasibility Study.

Low back pain patients often have deficits in trunk stability. For this reason, many patients receive physiotherapy treatment, which represents an enormous socio-economic burden. Training at home could reduce these costs. The problem here is the lack of correction of the exercise execution. Therefore, this feasibility study investigates the applicability of a vibrotactile-controlled feedback system for trunk stabilisation exercises. A sample of 13 healthy adults performed three trunk stabilisation exercises. Exercise performance was corrected by physiotherapists using vibrotactile feedback. The NASA TLX questionnaire was used to assess the practicability of the vibrotactile feedback. The NASA TLX questionnaire shows a very low global workload 40.2 [29.3; 46.5]. The quality of feedback perception was perceived as good by the subjects, varying between 69.2% (anterior hip) and 92.3% (lower back). 80.8% rated the feedback as helpful for their training. On the expert side, the results show a high rating of movement quality. The positive evaluations of the physiotherapists and the participants on using the vibrotactile feedback system indicate that such a system can reduce the trainees fear of independent training and support the users in their training. This could increase training adherence and long-term success.

Effect of different cranio-cervical positions on abdominal and back muscles activities from different postures: A cross-section study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether changing cranio-cervical postures is associated with changes in abdominal and back muscle activities during bridging and plank positions, and to present the importance of cranio-cervical posture control during trunk stabilization exercises. This was a cross-sectional study that included thirty patients (21 men and 9 women), aged between 18 and 30 years, with no history of previous spinal surgery, other severe musculoskeletal disorders, or neurological disorders, selected from Cairo University's Faculty of Physical Therapy. Every patient was requested to adopt a bridging and a plank position. Surface Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscular activation patterns by measuring muscle activity amplitudes. EMG signals of rectus abdominus and lumbar erector spinae in different cranio-cervical postures (extension 25°, neutral, and flexion 25°) were compared. The cranio-cervical posture was controlled utilizing a cervical range of motion device (CROM). Cranio-cervical posture was found to significantly influence trunk muscle activities (p=0.001), with cranio-cervical flexion yielding the highest activity in the rectus abdominus in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.001), while cranio-cervical extension yielded the highest activity in the lumbar erector spinae in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.017). Cranio-cervical flexion increased rectus abdominus muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions, while cranio-cervical extension improved lumbar erector spinae muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions. Consideration of cranio-cervical posture is suggested when carrying out trunk stabilization exercises.

Effects of Tailored Stabilization Exercise Regimens on Lumbar Instability

Effects of Tailored Stabilization Exercise Regimens on Lumbar Instability

Local Dynamic Stability of Trunk During Gait is Responsive to Rehabilitation in Subjects with Primary Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia

This study aimed to assess the responsiveness to the rehabilitation of three trunk acceleration-derived gait indexes, namely the harmonic ratio (HR), the short-term longest Lyapunov’s exponent (sLLE), and the step-to-step coefficient of variation (CV), in a sample of subjects with primary degenerative cerebellar ataxia (swCA), and investigate the correlations between their improvements (∆), clinical characteristics, and spatio-temporal and kinematic gait features. The trunk acceleration patterns in the antero-posterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML), and vertical (V) directions during gait of 21 swCA were recorded using a magneto-inertial measurement unit placed at the lower back before (T0) and after (T1) a period of inpatient rehabilitation. For comparison, a sample of 21 age- and gait speed-matched healthy subjects (HSmatched) was also included. At T1, sLLE in the AP (sLLEAP) and ML (sLLEML) directions significantly improved with moderate to large effect sizes, as well as SARA scores, stride length, and pelvic rotation. sLLEML and pelvic rotation also approached the HSmatched values at T1, suggesting a normalization of the parameter. HRs and CV did not significantly modify after rehabilitation. ∆sLLEML correlated with ∆ of the gait subscore of the SARA scale (SARAGAIT) and ∆stride length and ∆sLLEAP correlated with ∆pelvic rotation and ∆SARAGAIT. The minimal clinically important differences for sLLEML and sLLEAP were ≥ 36.16% and ≥ 28.19%, respectively, as the minimal score reflects a clinical improvement in SARA scores. When using inertial measurement units, sLLEAP and sLLEML can be considered responsive outcome measures for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation on trunk stability during walking in swCA.

Methodology and Experimental Protocol for Studying Learning and Motor Control in Neuromuscular Structures in Pilates.

The benefits of Pilates have been extensively researched for their impact on muscular, psychological, and cardiac health, as well as body composition, among other aspects. This study aims to investigate the influence of the Pilates method on the learning process, motor control, and neuromuscular trunk stabilization, specifically in both experienced and inexperienced practitioners. This semi-randomized controlled trial compares the level of experience among 36 Pilates practitioners in terms of motor control and learning of two Pilates-based skills: standing plank and side crisscross. Data will be collected using various assessment methods, including abdominal wall muscle ultrasound (AWMUS), shear wave elastography (SWE), gaze behavior (GA) assessment, electroencephalography (EEG), and video motion. Significant intra- and inter-individual variations are expected, due to the diverse morphological and psychomotor profiles in the sample. The adoption of both linear and non-linear analyses will provide a comprehensive evaluation of how neuromuscular structures evolve over time and space, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights. Non-linear analysis is expected to reveal higher entropy in the expert group compared to non-experts, signifying greater complexity in their motor control. In terms of stability, experts are likely to exhibit higher Lyapunov exponent values, indicating enhanced stability and coordination, along with lower Hurst exponent values. In elastography, experienced practitioners are expected to display higher transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle elasticity, due to their proficiency. Concerning GA, non-experts are expected to demonstrate more saccades, focus on more Areas of Interest (AOIs), and shorter fixation times, as experts are presumed to have more efficient gaze control. In EEG, we anticipate higher theta wave values in the non-expert group compared to the expert group. These expectations draw from similar studies in elastography and correlated research in eye tracking and EEG. They are consistent with the principles of the Pilates Method and other scientific knowledge in related techniques.

Skirtingų kineziterapijos programų poveikis vidutinių nuotolių bėgikų liemens stabilumui ir funkciniams judesiams

The article analyzes the effect of different physiotherapy programs on trunk stability and functional movements in middle-distance runners. Significant changes of trunk stability, functional movement stereotype, endurance of trunk muscles, dynamic stability are shown in the charts. Keywords: trunk stability, neuromuscular control, resistance exercise, physical therapy.

Ipsilateral versus contralateral static endurance- balance abilities among healthy college students

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the association and the difference, if any, between the levels of the contralateral and between the levels of the ipsilateral sides during static endurance-balance exercise. MethodsOne hundred twelve healthy active- college students (55 females and 57 males) participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant performed the contralateral (raising one arm and opposite-side leg) quadruped bird dog exercise and balanced in static condition. Side bridge exercise was performed from lying on your side then engaging your core muscles and lifting your upper body and hips off the ground, maintaining a straight line and holding this position as long as tolerated. ResultsWilcoxon signed rank test showed significant difference (p = 0.004) between the contralateral right and left quadruped bird dog but insignificant difference (p = 0.059) between the ipsilateral right and left side bridge endurance-balance exercises. Mann–Whitney U test showed that the holding time was significant across gender for the contralateral but was insignificant for the ipsilateral endurance-balance exercise. Mann–Whitney U test was insignificant (p > 0.05) between those being recreationally active or inactive. Kruskal–Wallis test revealed insignificant difference between body mass index categories. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient showed strong positive correlation equals 0.85 and 0.75 (p < 0.001) of the contralateral quadruped bird dog and the ipsilateral side bridge exercises respectively. ConclusionsA significant difference was observed for contralateral, while no significant difference was found for ipsilateral endurance-balance abilities. Therefore, clinicians and rehab specialist should consider these findings when assessing the endurance-balance abilities to properly devise appropriate exercise progression of different trunk stabilizers.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN (FMSTM) AND BALANCE IN BODYBUILDERS DURING THE DEFINITION PERIOD

The functional movement and balance performances of bodybuilders and the relationship between them arouse curiosity in the definition period where intense restrictions are experienced. The aims of this study were to (a) determine functional movement screening (FMSTM) and balance performance in bodybuilders during the definition period and (b) examine the relationship between these tests. Twelve adult male bodybuilders voluntarily participated in the study. Participants performed flamingo balance test for static balance, upper &amp; lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ &amp; YBT-UQ) for dynamic balance, and FMS TM tests (deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability) for functional movement screening. There was a significant negative correlation between dominant leg static balance and rotary stability (r=-.832, p=.040) and a significant positive relationship between dynamic balance and rotary stability in dominant and non-dominant leg (dominant leg: r=.589, p=.044, non-dominant leg: r=.775, p=003). There was no significant relationship between YBT-UQ composite scores and FMSTM composite scores on both sides in bodybuilders during the definition period. As a result, the FMS TM score is quite low in bodybuilders during the definition period, and the increase in static and lower extremity dynamic balance performance may increase the rotary stability score. Bodybuilders are recommended to practice lower extremity static and dynamic balance exercises in addition to training during the definition period.

The effect of the diaphragm stretching technique in the diaphragm contraction rate and trunk muscle activity in back pain patients.

The diaphragm plays an important role in trunk stability. Therefore, diaphragmatic dysfunction is associated with low back pain. This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of diaphragm stretching technique as a treatment method for low back pain by evaluating the diaphragm contraction rate, trunk muscle activity in patients with low back pain. Thirty-four patients with low back pain were randomly divided into two group: an experimental group and a control group. The diaphragm stretching technique was conducted in the experimental group and the placebo intervention was conducted in the control group. The diaphragm stretching technique was conducted once, maintaining the tension for 7 min. The placebo intervention was conducted in the same position as the diaphragm stretching technique but with only light contact maintained without pressure. The diaphragm contraction rate and trunk muscle activity were measured before and after the intervention, and the changes were compared and analyzed. A paired sample t-test was used to compare measurements before and after the intervention within the group. An independent t-test was used to compare the experimental and control group. Statistical significance (α) was set at 0.05. In the experimental group, the diaphragm contraction rate increased significantly after the intervention. Trunk muscle activity decreased significantly (p< 0.05). However, all domains in the control group receiving the placebo intervention were not significantly different (p> 0.05). Comparative analysis of changes before and after the intervention between the groups showed significant differences in the diaphragm contraction rate and trunk muscle activity in the experimental group (p< 0.05). The diaphragm stretching technique improved the diaphragm contraction rate and trunk muscle activity was lower due to the improved trunk stabilization function of the diaphragm. Therefore, the diaphragm stretching technique can be recommended as a physical therapy intervention to improve pain in patients with low back pain.

İnme Sonrası Hastalarda Gövde Performansı ile Üst Ekstremite Fonksiyonları, Denge, Fonksiyonel Hareketlilik ve Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Investigation of The Relationship Between Trunk Performance and Upper Extremity Functions, Balance, Functional Mobility and Activities of Daily Living In Post-Stroke Patients Introduction: Stroke and related disabilities often lead to pain and weakness in the trunk, affecting daily life activities. Trunk impairment, characterized by muscle weakness, is a significant factor limiting motor recovery after stroke. Trunk stability is crucial for postural balance, upper extremity function, and daily activities. Therefore, early acquisition of trunk control is essential in stroke rehabilitation. Despite its importance, the relationship between trunk performance and upper extremity function, balance, and daily life activities in post-stroke patients remains understudied. Materials and Methods: Fifty post-stroke patients aged 65 to 81 were included in the study, meeting specific inclusion criteria. Trunk performance was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), while upper extremity function, balance, and daily life activities were evaluated using various tests, including the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Time Up and Go (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0, and Pearson Correlation Tests were employed to examine the interrelations between evaluation parameters. Results: The study found no significant correlations between trunk performance (TIS) and balance measurements (BBS and TUG) or between trunk performance and upper extremity functions (WMFT) and daily life activities (FIM). Discussion: While previous research has emphasized the importance of trunk control in post-stroke rehabilitation, our study did not identify significant correlations between trunk performance and other functional parameters. This discrepancy may be due to the specific evaluation parameters used in our study, which focused on sitting posture for trunk performance, while other assessments primarily targeted standing and walking activities. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that there is no significant relationship between trunk performance and upper extremity function, balance, and daily life activities in post-stroke patients. However, the existing literature highlights the critical role of trunk control in post-stroke rehabilitation. Trunk control should be considered an essential skill to regain functional independence, walking ability, and upper extremity use after a stroke. Rehabilitation programs should prioritize interventions to improve trunk control, especially in the early stages of recovery, to enhance the overall outcomes of post-stroke patients. Key Words: Trunk Performance, Post-Stroke Rehabilitation, Upper Extremity Function, Balance Assessment, Daily Life Activities.

Effects of a multicomponent physical activity programme, Mobility-Fit, compared with a standard care lower limb strengthening programme, to promote safe mobility among older adults in care facilities: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionUpper limb and core strength training is essential for older adults to safely perform daily activities. However, existing exercise programmes mainly focus on lower limb strength and are not designed...

Ab. No. 16 Exercises and Pain Education Improves Clinical Outcomes in a Subgroup of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Positive for Central Sensitization

Introduction: Exercises have been found to decrease pain and the overall sensitivity of the central nervous system through the activation of exercise-induced endogenous analgesia and spinal inhibitory mechanisms. Despite the recommendations of many reviews that exercise programs reduce pain and disability in persons with chronic pain, the overall confidence is considered ‘critically low’. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different exercises (aerobic, motor control, and superficial strengthening) relative to patient education on pain sensitivity and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSCLBP) positive for central sensitization. Methods: The trial is a randomized controlled study with concealed allocation and blinding of assessors with four experimental groups (n=172) and one healthy control group (n=43). Participants were engaged in moderately intense treadmill walking sessions, activities for trunk stabilization, and strengthening exercises for the trunk and abdominal muscles along with patient education as per their group allocation. The control group received only patient education. The primary outcome was the cold pressor test. The secondary outcomes were pain intensity, disability, letter-number sequencing subtest, Stroop neurophysiological test, quality of life, and isometric muscle strength of the spine and hip muscles. Measures were taken at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks. Result: The results showed that patients with CLBP exhibit impaired CPM relative to healthy volunteers even after the intervention period. The overall results of the study showed improvement with time, and there was no difference between the groups in improving outcomes (p &gt; 0.05). There was a small effect size in favor of groups that received exercise and patient education (&lt;0.15) over the control group. Conclusion: Considering the comparable effects on clinical outcomes in patients with NSCLBP, this population may be encouraged to undertake exercises of moderate intensity of their preference.

Impact of Trunk Stabilization Training on Cricketers with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Impact of Trunk Stabilization Training on Cricketers with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

The effectiveness of resistance exercises performed on stable and unstable surfaces in relation to torso activation

Introduction: Deep stabilization system (DSS) strength and endurance are crucial for injury prevention and athletic performance. Training surfaces can influence training outcomes; therefore, this study aimed to compare the impact of performing strength trunk exercises on unstable and stable surfaces with conventional trunk exercises. Materials and Methods: DSS and trunk stability were assessed before and after 10 weeks of three different training interventions among twenty elite futsal players. Each intervention included 25 strength training sessions. Pre- and post-tests encompassed various measurements, including diaphragm, trunk flexion, trunk back extension, hip flexion, intraabdominal pressure, side plank, pronation, and supination tests. Results: Conventional exercises showed a significant improvement only in the side plank test. In contrast, unstable and stable surface conditions exhibited notable enhancements in all tests, displaying superior trunk stability compared to conventional exercises. The stable surface condition demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the pronation and supination tests compared to the unstable surface condition. Conclusions: Except for the side plank test, dynamic conventional exercises did not yield substantial improvements in the assessed tests. Deep stabilization system training enhances trunk stability when performed on both unstable and stable surfaces, with unstable surfaces potentially yielding greater improvements in m. transversus stabilization functions.