EMG activity of trunk stabilizer muscles during Centering Principle of Pilates Method

Electromyographic Activation and Co-contraction of the Thigh Muscles During Pilates Exercises on the Wunda Chair

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Pilates exercises on the Wunda chair (Going Up Front and Mountain Climb) activate the muscles rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in 2 situations (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat).

Methods

Sixteen young female Pilates practitioners (18-35 years old) participated in this study. The muscles of their right leg were then submitted to electromyography analysis during the exercises.

Results

Significant differences were found for the RF muscle (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]), which was assessed and compared between the 2 exercises (Going Up Front and Mountain Climb: F = 9.83; P = .03; np2 = 0.14); 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 40.02; P < .001; np2 = 0.90) and interactions (F = 14.49; P < .001; np2 = 0.20) and for BF muscle (%MVIC) in the comparisons between the 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 27.5; P < .001; np2 = 0.82) and interactions (F = 12.57; P < .001; np2 = 0.17). The percentage of cocontraction presented the significant difference in the comparisons between the 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 24.07; P < .001; np2 = 0.286).

Conclusion

Both Pilates exercises activated the thigh core muscles in the moderate and high categories. The highest percentage of cocontraction levels were presented when the foot was resting on the pedal.

Kinetic Effects of 6 Weeks' Pilates or Balance Training in College Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common sports injury that frequently occurs in active individuals. LAS is characterized by a high recurrence rate, with a large proportion of patients progressing to chronic ankle instability (CAI). Pilates exercises have provided positive results in health care and in rehabilitation. This study compared Pilates training (PT) with traditional balance training (BT) in patients with CAI. Fifty-one college football players with CAI, divided into PT (n = 26) and BT (n = 25) groups, were included in the study. The groups performed PT or BT training as assigned, three times per week for 6 weeks. Isokinetic ankle strength, one-leg hop tests, Y-balance test (YBT), and foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) were evaluated before and after training. There were considerable improvements in both the PT and BT groups after training. Group and time comparisons revealed that the PT group achieved better triple hop test results than the BT group, whereas the BT group exhibited a greater improvement in YBT posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances. In athletes with CAI, both PT and BT effectively improved symptoms and function. These findings suggest that ankle strength, balance, and core stability should be comprehensively evaluated and targeted in CAI rehabilitation programs.

Immediate effect of trunk flexion and extension isometric exercise using an external compression device on electromyography of the hip extensor and trunk range of motion of healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Sacroiliac joints (SIJs) transmitted trunk load to lower extremities through the lumbopelvis. External compression devices across the SIJs could provide stability to the SIJs. A previous study established that using a device known as Active Therapeutic Movement version 2 (ATM®2) has been developed to improve pain and joint range of motion (ROM) in patients with LBP. However, no study has examined the physiological change in the muscle through ATM®2-based exercise thus far. This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of ATM®2 exercise on the contraction timing, back extension endurance, muscle fatigue, and trunk ROM of lumbar and lower limb muscles in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy subjects (mean age = 23.16 ± 2.3) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were instructed to perform ROM test using sit and reach test, back extensor endurance test using Biering-Sorensen test, erector spinae (ES), lumbar multifidus (LM) fatigue and onset time of Gluteus maximus (GM) in prone hip extension using electromyography before and after trunk flexion and extension isometric exercises.

RESULTS

The ROM in trunk flexion showed a significant increase of 7.9% after exercise compared to that before exercise (p < 0.05). Relative GM contraction onset timing significantly decreased after exercise (p < 0.05). The result of the Sorensen test after exercise showed a trend of increase in duration time. Muscle fatigue in the LM, however, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), whereas muscle fatigue in the ES was reduced without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results base on this study showed that exercise-based on ATM®2 is an effective exercise protocol with an effect on the biomechanics of healthy subjects. Clinical trial registration numbers KCT0006728. Clinical trial registration date: 09/11/2021.

The Relationship of Trunk Muscle Activation and Core Stability: A Biomechanical Analysis of Pilates-Based Stabilization Exercise

Pilates is an effective exercise method for rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders as its principles are based on the activation of local muscles. This study aimed to compare the subjects with and without Pilates experience to find out the effect of the experience on the core muscle activity and muscle co-contraction, and to examine the relationship between the core muscle activation level and the kinematic data. This study involved 32 subjects, including 16 experienced Pilates practitioners and 16 non-experienced subjects. The knee stretch on the reformer was performed in three different positions: flat back with a neutral pelvis, round back with posteriorly tilted pelvis (RPP), and extended back anteriorly tilted pelvis (EAP). The electromyography of the internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MU), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles were measured, as well as kinematic data from a 3D motion analysis system. Compared to the non-experienced subjects, the experienced subjects activated the IO muscles more than the RA muscles, and the most significant difference was seen in the RPP position (p < 0.05). The experienced patients activated the MU muscles more often than the IL muscles, with the most significant difference observed in the RPP position and the least significant in the EAP position (p < 0.05). All kinematic data and muscle activity (IO, IO/RA ratio, MU/IL ratio) showed significant differences between the experienced and non-experienced subjects (p < 0.05). The subjects presented a moderate correlation between muscle activation and core stability. It was confirmed that the experienced Pilates practitioners activated the abdominal and low back core muscles effectively, and the stability of the pelvis and trunk were better than that of the non-experienced participants. In addition, the better the trunk stability was maintained, the larger and more accurate movement of the mobility segment was observed.

Co-contraction of the core muscles during Pilates exercise on the Wunda Chair

BACKGROUND

The co-contraction of the core muscles has been reported as the key mechanism towards spinal stability. Classic Pilates exercises aimed at these muscles are known to improve the stability and strength of the trunk without damaging the deep structures of the spine.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the co-contraction of the mobilizing (rectus abdominis; longissimus) and stabilizing (multifidus; internal oblique) trunk muscles during Pilates exercises - going up front, mountain climber, and swan.

METHODS

Sixteen women, all Pilates practitioners, participated in the study. The stabilizing and mobilizing muscles of the trunk (right side) were submitted to electromyography to calculate the percentage of co-contraction during the exercises. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers among the three exercises. The post-hoc Bonferroni test (P< 0.01) was applied when necessary. The paired t-test (P< 0.01) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers separately for each exercise.

RESULTS

The co-contraction values of the stabilizers were higher than those of the mobilizers for all exercises. The going up front (stabilizers) and the swan (mobilizers) exercises showed the highest %COCON values.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pilates method is effective for either rehabilitating pathologies or training the trunk muscles in healthy individuals and athletes.

Core muscle activation during Pilates exercises on the Wunda chair

OBJETIVES

The Pilates method, developed by Joseph Pilates (1886-1967), has been widely used to improve trunk stability, muscle flexibility and strength, physical fitness, and body awareness. To measure the electromyography of four trunk muscles during three Pilates exercises carried out of the wunda chair. DESING: cross-section study.

METHODS

Sixteen women participated in this study with a height and body weight of 1.64 ± 0.04 m and 58.7 ± 7.4 kg, respectively, and a mean age of 27.6 ± 3.7 years. Rectus abdominis (RA), internal oblique (IO), longissimus (LO), and multifidus (MU) muscles was evaluated by electromyographic (EMG) tests activity during three Pilates exercises: going up front (GF), mountain climb (MC), and swan (SW). EMG was normalized and expressed in the time domain, by the RMS.

RESULTS

The highest EMG values concerning the four muscles were observed for the MC exercise, followed by GF and SW (ANOVA: p = 0.0001, p = 0.04, p = 0.0002, and p = 0.0013, respectively). Our results show that the three Pilates exercises could recruit all the muscles, with a moderate activity intensity. The ANOVA; p < 0.05 showed significant difference between the muscles, concerning SW (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the three Pilates exercises could recruit all the muscles, with a moderate activity intensity.

Análise eletromiográfica de músculos do tronco e pelve durante o leg circle no solo e com molas no Cadillac

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo é investigar, através da EMG, se é possível alterar a exigência dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco e da pelve, executando o exercício Leg Circle no solo e com diferentes posicionamentos das molas no Cadillac. Treze instrutoras praticantes de Pilates por no mínimo seis meses e sem dor realizaram 10 repetições do exercício Leg Circle em três situações: (1) Solo; (2) Molas altas (MA); (3) Molas médias (MM). Foram obtidos dados de EMG dos músculos oblíquo interno do abdômen/transverso do abdômen (OI/TS), oblíquo externo do abdômen (OE), reto abdominal (RA) e multífidos (MU) apresentados em percentual da CIVM. As comparações foram realizadas através da ANOVA de medidas repetidas (α=0,05). Todos os músculos sofreram influência do posicionamento da mola. No solo, as maiores ativações ocorreram nos músculos RA e OE, enquanto nas execuções realizadas com molas, os músculos mais recrutados foram OI/TS (MM) e MU (MA). Os músculos RA e OE não obtiveram diferenças entre as situações MA e MM. A execução do exercício Leg Circle no solo e com molas gera alterações no recrutamento dos músculos avaliados. Observa-se também que, ao analisar o exercício realizado no Cadillac entre molas altas e molas médias, houve diferença apenas para os músculos OI/TS e MU.

Effects of a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain compared with healthy individuals: Clinical and electromyographic analysis

BACKGROUND

Electromyography may be useful for assessing and understanding trunk muscle activation, and Pilates is commonly used as a treatment for low back pain. The objective of this study was to verify electromyography of trunk muscles after a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain and in healthy individuals.

METHODS

Volunteers were divided into two groups: non-specific low back pain (n = 19) and clinically healthy (n = 16) groups. Clinical assessments, classification of patients into subgroups, electromyography evaluations of the right lumbar extensor and right transverse abdominal/internal oblique muscle of the abdomen were performed before and after an 8-week Pilates protocol.

FINDINGS

Comparisons were made before and after the protocol and with the control group. There was significant improvement in pain, flexibility, resistance and strength of trunk muscles. In addition, after the Pilates, there was a decrease in the time elapsed between the onset and peak of lumbar muscle activation during the evaluation of trunk extension in the low back pain group, coming closer to the time of the abdominal muscle, as it also occurred in the control group.

INTERPRETATION

Pilates caused clinical improvement and balanced trunk muscle activation in the low back group, becoming similar to that of the control group. Furthermore, the effects of the proposed protocol were the same between the groups. Thus, Pilates may be indicated for management of non-specific low back pain.

Electromyographic evaluation of trunk core muscles during Pilates exercise on different supporting bases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during Pilates exercise on different trunk supporting bases.

METHODS

Sixteen female Pilates practitioners participated in the study. EMG of the RA and OI muscles was evaluated during the double leg stretch (DLS) exercise on three different supporting bases - mat, long box, and short box. Trunk stability varies according to the size and type of the base. To normalize the data, the RMS value (EMG) obtained during the DLS exercise was divided by the RMS value from the torque test - the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) - and multiplied by 100 (%MVIC). One-way repeated-measured analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni tests were used to compare data concerning the supporting bases and Student t-test regarding the muscles (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The comparison among the bases involving each muscle - RA or IO (p < 0.05) - showed significant difference (%MVIC) between the mat and the short box. No significant difference was observed between the muscles concerning the exercise on the mat (p = 0.9266), on the long box (p = 0.5113) and on the short box (p = 0.2972).

CONCLUSION

The short box increased the activity of the rectus abdominis and internal oblique muscles during exercise. The DLS exercise was able to challenge the stability of the trunk and thus recruit its stabilizer and mobilizer muscles at the same intensity.

Desempenho muscular respiratório após 12 sessões de treinamento utilizando o aparelho Reformer do método Pilates

RESUMO Analisar o desempenho muscular respiratório em praticantes de exercícios utilizando o aparelho Reformer do Método Pilates após um treinamento de 12 sessões. O estudo foi realizado com 24 voluntárias, adultas jovens, saudáveis, não tabagistas e não praticantes de exercício físico regular, divididas em Grupo Controle (GC) e Grupo Treinado (GT). Os dois grupos foram submetidos às avaliações inicial e final para análise do desempenho dos músculos respiratórios por meio da manovacuometria e da eletromiografia do músculo reto abdominal. Utilizou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificar a normalidade dos dados. A análise de variância two-way foi empregada para as comparações entre os grupos (GT e GC) e os momentos (inicial e final). Para comparações múltiplas, utilizou-se o teste post-hoc de Scheffé. Os GC e GT foram pareados para idade e IMC e, para verificação de diferenças entre os grupos, utilizou-se o teste t pareado. Considerou-se p<0,05 para significância. Houve diferença significante (p=0,039) entre os valores iniciais (116,6 ± 12,8) e finais (120 ± 12,8) de PImáx no GT, assim como entre os valores iniciais (75,3 ± 12,4) e finais (89,3 ± 13,7) de PEmáx nesse mesmo grupo (p=0,0005). Para a eletromiografia houve diferença significante (p=0,03) entre o momento inicial (42,1 ± 15,8) e final (76,7 ± 37,1) do GT para o músculo reto abdominal esquerdo. Conclui-se que as doze sessões de Pilates utilizando o aparelho Reformer melhoraram o desempenho muscular respiratório, aumentando a força da musculatura inspiratória e expiratória.

Neuromuscular efficiency of the multifidus muscle in pilates practitioners and non-practitioners

BACKGROUND

Pilates exercises help stabilize the vertebral segments by recruiting the abdominal and spinal muscles. Pilates training may increase joint stability and improve neuromuscular efficiency (NME).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate NME of the multifidus (MU) muscle through electromyography (EMG) analysis and torque test, applied to practitioners and non-practitioners of Pilates.

METHODS

Participants included thirty women: Pilates practitioners (n = 15) and non-practitioners (n = 15). They were tested for trunk extension. Their right and left MU muscles were submitted to EMG to estimate NME. Results concerning torque, EMG, and NME from all participants were compared.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis concerning isometric torque peak (p = 0.0275) and NME (p = 0.0062) showed significant difference (Student t test; p < 0.05) between practitioners and control. No significant difference (p = 0.3387) in EMG was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest Pilates exercises is effective in training spinal muscles to improve NME in women.

Efeito imediato de uma sessão de treinamento do método Pilates sobre o padrão de cocontração dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar crônica inespecífica

RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o efeito imediato de uma sessão de exercícios do método Pilates sobre o padrão de cocontração (agonista/antagonista) dos músculos superficiais (iliocostal lombar e reto abdominal) e profundos (oblíquo interno e multífido) do tronco em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar durante teste de resistência muscular localizada. Participaram do estudo sujeitos adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 19 e 59 anos, separados em dois grupos: grupo com dor lombar (n=9) e grupo sem dor lombar (n=9). Foram coletados os sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos: oblíquo interno (OI), multífido lombar (MU), iliocostal lombar (IL) e reto abdominal (RA), durante as contrações isométricas voluntárias máximas e o teste de Biering-Sorensen antes e após a realização do protocolo de exercícios do método Pilates. Foi calculada a cocontração entre OI/MU direito e esquerdo (OI/MUd, OI/MUe) e RA/IL direito e esquerdo (RA/ILd e RA/ILe). A cocontração entre OI/MUd, OI/MUe, RA/ILd e RA/ILe foi, respectivamente, 41,4, 32,4, 56 e 31,2% maior no grupo com dor lombar (p<0,001 e p=0,003, p=0,004 e p=0,01). A condição inicial apresentou cocontração antagonista 26,3 e 43,4% maior entre OI/MUd (p=0,023, p=0,03). Uma sessão de treinamento com exercícios do método Pilates foi capaz de reduzir a cocontração entre os músculos do tronco (em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar inespecífica).

Pilates training improves 5-km run performance by changing metabolic cost and muscle activity in trained runners

Purpose

Strength training improves distance running economy and performance. This finding is based predominantly on maximal and explosive strength programmes applied to locomotor muscles, particularly on the lower limbs. It is not certain whether a minimization of metabolic cost (C_met) and an improvement in running performance is feasible with strength training of the postural and trunk muscles.

Methods

Using kinematic, neuromuscular and metabolic measurements of running at two different speeds before and after a 12-week Pilates training programme, we tested the hypothesis that core training might improve the running C_met and performance of trained runners. Thirty-two individuals were randomly assigned to the control group (CG, n = 16) or the Pilates group (PG, n = 16).

Results

Confirming our hypothesis, a significant improvement (p<0.05) was observed for running performance in the PG (pre: 25.65±0.4 min; post: 23.23±0.4 min) compared to the CG (pre: 25.33±0.58 min; post: 24.61±0.52 min). Similarly, the PG (4.33±0.07 J.kg^-1.m^-1) had better responses than the CG (4.71±0.11 J.kg^-1.m^-1) during post-training for C_met. These findings were accompanied by decreased electromyographic activity of the postural muscles at submaximal running intensities in the PG.

Conclusions

Overall, these results provide a rationale for selecting strength training strategies that target adaptations on specific postural and locomotor muscles for trained distance runners.

Trunk Muscle EMG During Intermediate Pilates Mat Exercises in Beginner Healthy and Chronic Low Back Pain Individuals

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic pattern of core muscles during intermediate Pilates mat exercises between healthy people and those with low back pain.

METHODS

We evaluated healthy participants (n = 19; mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 28 ± 8 years, body mass 65 ± 10 kg, height 160.0 ± 9.1 cm) and a low back pain group (n = 13; mean ± SD: age 30 ± 9 years, body mass 67 ± 12 kg, height 170.0 ± 6.6 cm). Electromyographic analysis assessed the multifidus, external oblique, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during classical Pilates exercises (single leg stretch, criss-cross, and dead bug). We calculated the root mean square normalized by maximum voluntary contraction, and the time of peak activation was provided by a linear envelope and normalized by the total movement cycle.

RESULTS

The criss-cross exercise presented the highest values of root mean square for trunk flexors (rectus abdominis and oblique) compared with the other exercises, followed by the single leg stretch and the dead bug, which had similar muscle activation. The single leg stretch presented more activation of the rectus abdominis and oblique, whereas the criss-cross and dead bug created more activation of the oblique compared with the multifidus and rectus.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pilates exercises presented different muscle recruitment patterns, and allowed the activation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles even in the first session for healthy individuals and those with chronic low back pain.

Comparison of the Effect of Acupressure and Pilates-Based Exercises on Sleep Quality of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal women experience a variety of symptoms, among which sleep disorder is one of the most common problems. Acupressure and Pilates exercise programs are effective nonpharmaceutical treatments which can improve sleep quality. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of acupressure and Pilates-based exercises on the sleep quality of postmenopausal women referred to medical clinics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 108 women aged 40-60 years who were randomly assigned into one control and two intervention groups using balanced block randomization method (three groups of 36 each). The patients in the Pilates exercise group participated in an exercise training program of three 1-hour sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks. The participants of acupressure group received acupressure intervention three times a week for 6 weeks. The sleep quality of all participants was assessed and recorded using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) once before and once after the intervention.

RESULTS

The results showed no statistically significant difference among the three groups on the total scores of sleep quality after the intervention. The intragroup comparison revealed that the changes in the mean total scores were significant in both the intervention groups (P < 0.001) but not in the control group (P = 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Pilates-based exercises and acupressure can effectively improve women's sleep quality. Both techniques can be applied as effective alternative and complementary methods for improving sleep quality during the postmenopausal period.

Muscle Activation During Pilates Exercises in Participants With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the amplitude of the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles during Pilates exercises in women with and without chronic low back pain (LBP).

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University physical therapy clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Women (N=60) divided into an LBP group and a control group.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Amplitude of the electromyographic activity (root mean square values) of the gluteus maximus and external oblique muscles collected during 3 Pilates exercises: Shoulder Bridge performed on the mat, and Hip Roll and Breathing performed in equipment. Pain intensity was assessed in the LBP group.

RESULTS

The amplitude of the electromyographic activity was similar between groups (P≥.05). For both groups, the amplitude of the gluteus maximus was higher in the Shoulder Bridge exercise compared with the Hip Roll with 2 springs (control group: mean difference [MD]=.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], .05-.41; LBP group: MD=.29; 95% CI, .16-.31) and the Breathing exercise (control group: MD=-.40; 95% CI, -.55 to -.26; LBP group: MD=-.36; 95% CI, -.52 to -.20). The amplitude of the external oblique muscle was higher in the Shoulder Bridge compared with the Hip Roll with 2 springs (control group: MD=.13; 95% CI, .05-.21; LBP group: MD=.18; 95% CI, .03-.33). Pain intensity increased after exercises, but this increase was lower for the mat exercises.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar muscle activation between groups was found. The findings suggest that mat exercises caused less pain and a greater difference in the amplitude of muscle activation compared with the equipment-based exercises.

ACURÁCIA DE TESTES FUNCIONAIS NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DA PRÉ-ATIVAÇÃO DE MÚSCULOS LOMBOPÉLVICOS

RESUMO Introdução: Ajustes antecipatórios (pré-ativação) dos músculos profundos do tronco aumentam a estabilidade lombopélvica. Estudos prévios demonstram que indivíduos assintomáticos podem apresentar atrasos no início de ativação muscular e alterações físico-funcionais. No entanto, não foram encontrados estudos que tenham verificado se testes físico-funcionais (TFF) são capazes de identificar alteração no início de ativação dos músculos estabilizadores lombopélvicos. Objetivo : Verificar os níveis de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia de um conjunto de testes de avaliação da capacidade física funcional para detectar alterações na pré-ativação dos músculos transverso do abdome/oblíquo interno (TrA/OI) e multífido lombar (ML) durante o teste de movimento rápido de flexão do ombro (TMRFO). Método : Participaram do estudo 27 voluntários assintomáticos para dor lombar, com média de idade de 23,8 anos (desvio padrão: 2,2), e que foram submetidos aos TFF e TMRFO para determinação do início da ativação dos músculos profundos do tronco por meio da eletromiografia de superfície. Foi verificada sensibilidade e especificidade e análise da acurácia através da curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) e teste de qui-quadrado para comparações entre porcentagens (p < 0,05) . Resultados : A "pré-ativação" foi a condição que ocorreu com maior frequência no grupo como um todo, bem como em ambos os gêneros, com exceção do TrA/OI no gênero feminino (χ2 = 0,28/P = 0,58). Entre todos os TFF aplicados, o de enrolamento repetitivo do tronco apresentou maior valor de sensibilidade, especificidade e área sob a curva ROC (0,75; 0,73; 0,74, respectivamente) . Conclusão : Entre os TFF avaliados, o de enrolamento repetitivo do tronco mostrou níveis aceitáveis de acurácia para identificar alterações na ativação da musculatura estabilizadora lombopélvica em voluntários assintomáticos para dor lombar. Assim, o teste de enrolamento repetitivo do tronco pode ser utilizado na clínica para predizer alterações na ativação dos músculos profundos do tronco.

Surface electromyographic recordings after passive and active motion along the posterior myofascial kinematic chain in healthy male subjects

OBJECTIVE

To map the association of muscle activations along the superficial back line (SBL) using separate conditions of active range of motion with and without resistance and passive range of motion.

METHOD

Using surface electromyography, electrodes were placed at specific points along the SBL. Twenty healthy adult males (aged 25.35 ± 1.24 years and body mass index 23.78 ± 2.12) underwent five test conditions. Conditions 1-3 involved passive movement, active movement and active movement against maximum isometric resistance (IR) of the right gastrocnemius and conditions 4 and 5 involved neck extension without and with isometric resistance from prone position.

RESULTS

Passive and active motion without resistance found no significant (p > 0.05) correlations at any electrodes. Maximum IR yielded significant (p < 0.05) correlations with medium to very strong correlations at almost all electrodes. Neck extension without and with resistance showed significant medium to very strong correlations though the posterior superior iliac spine and right hamstring, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results demonstrated significant associations between the test condition muscle activations and muscle activations along the contiguous SBL. Thus, showing a need for a complete evaluation of the SBL in patients suffering from myofascial pain at all locations along it.