Immediate effects of isometric trunk stabilization exercises with suspension device on flexion extension ratio and strength in chronic low back pain patientss

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recent clinical research has supported the use of suspension devices in rehabilitation procedures both in practice and in theory. Although a longitudinal study has reported on the use of suspension devices among asymptomatic subjects, it is necessary to investigate the immediate effects of suspension exercises in patients with CLBP.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study aims to investigate changes in neuromuscular activation after the prescription of suspension exercises in patients with CLBP. A secondary aim was to determine whether practical flexion and extension strength can be effectively enhanced.

METHODS:

Before and after suspension exercise, flexion extension (FE) ratio and trunk strength of flexion and extension were measured. Patients performed two types of suspension exercises: supine bridge and forward leaning exercises. The paired t-test was used to compare the FE ratio and strength data. Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to study the correlation between measured variables.

RESULTS:

Compared to the pre-exercise measurements, the flexion-extension ratio and trunk extension strength was significantly increased at the post-exercise measurement ( $p<$ 0.05). The FE ratio in the right lumbar erector spine muscle was significantly correlated with post-exercise trunk extension strength ( $p<$ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients with chronic lower back pain, stimulation of the lumbar extensor muscle and of proprioception is effective both for strengthening lumbar extensors and for improving the flexion-extension ratio. Consequently, forward leaning and supine bridge exercises with a suspension device are beneficial for normalising neuromuscular control of the erector spinae muscles.