The effects of isometric exercise types on pain and muscle activity in patients with low back pain.
The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of isometric exercise types on low back pain (LBP) patients. Isometric exercise types were mat exercise and I-Zer exercise. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: LBP control group, LBP mat exercise group, and LBP I-Zer exercise group in 23-25 aged men. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and electromyography (EMG) were used to evaluate the degree of pain and the muscle activity in LBP patients. Root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MDF), and mean frequency (MNF) were checked by EMG power spectrum analysis on longissimus thoracic (LT), iliocostalis lumborum (IL), mulitifidus (M), and rectus abdominis (RA). LBP mat exercise program and LBP I-Zer exercise program were conducted 5 sets once time, 3 times per week during 6 weeks. The two-way ANOVA with repeated measure was used to check the pain degree and muscle activity. The present results showed that muscle activity in the LBP I-Zer exercise group was increased compared to the LBP mat exercise group and LBP control group (P<0.05). LBP I-Zer exercise group and LBP mat exercise group showed increased mean frequency in LT, IL, M, and RA muscles than the LBP control group. Therefore, LBP patients performed isometric exercise may have positive effect to reduce pain degree and to increase muscle activity. Especially, LBP I-Zer exercise type showed more effectiveness in reducing pain degree and enhancing muscle activity.
Department of Sports Health Medicine, College of Health Science, Jungwon University, Geosan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea.
Hyun-Seung
HS
Rhyu
Department of Physiology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Hun-Kyung
HK
Park
Department of Physical Education, Korea Air Force Academy, Cheongju, Korea.
Jung-Sub
JS
Park
Department of Sports Health Management, College of Physical Education, University of Suwon, Hwaseong, Korea.
Hye-Sang
HS
Park
I-Zer; Isometric exercise; Low back pain; Muscle activity; Traction