Effect of using the Flexi-Bar tool on erector spinae muscle activation under different standing weight-bearing conditions

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The Flexi-Bar and Bodyblade are oscillatory tools used in rehabilitation centers worldwide to enhance muscle activity. Because of a lack of reports on the Flexi-Bar, this study focused on erector spinae (ES) muscle activation under different conditions.

METHODS:

Twelve university students (age 21 $\pm$ 2.5 years old) were recruited in this study and were tested while using a loaded Flexi-Bar for 10 seconds. Comparison between muscle activation on the right and left sides in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions was measured by electromyography during two-leg and one-leg (left and right) standing.

RESULTS:

The results showed that during oscillation using the right hand, the right cervical muscles showed significantly higher activation levels than the left cervical muscles, while the thoracic and lumbar regions showed significantly higher muscle activities on the left side.

CONCLUSION:

The current study showed that the Flexi-Bar might be used for muscle activation and reeducation, as well as for specific exercise therapy in spinal muscle imbalance.