title: Magnitude of muscle activity of the lumbar multifidus using the Core-Noodle device with varied upper extremity postures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lumbar Multifidus (LM) exercise is a treatment in patients with low back pain. We designed a new exercise using device ``Core-Noodle'' (Copyright has been observed in Japan).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to record the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lumbar multifidus during a novel exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one healthy young volunteers performed the LM exercise using Core-Noodle in three conditions: no-weight (NW), 1 kg weight (1W), 2 kg-weight (2W). This exercise was performed in supine with left shoulder abduct 90 degrees and right shoulder flexed 90 degrees. EMG activity was recorded from surface electrodes on the LM and the thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT), and normalized to values derived from maximal isometric trials (%MVIC). In addition, the ratio of the LM to ICLT (L/G ratio) was calculated to compare selectivity of LM activity. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni method were used to draw comparisons among the three conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Muscle activation of LM was gradually increased in proportion to the loading dose. L/G ratio increased by weight loading significantly, but slightly decreased at 2W.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that characteristic EMG patterns of LM ``selective contraction'' and ``adjustment of load'' are obtained concurrently.
authors.affiliation: Health Welfare Laboratory, Kibi International University, Takahashi City, Okayama, Japan.
authors.forename: Masanobu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Murao
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Center, Okayama Central Hokancho Hospital, Kohjin Healthcare Group, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan.
authors.forename: Miki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsuboi
authors.affiliation: Health Welfare Laboratory, Kibi International University, Takahashi City, Okayama, Japan.
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakajima
mesh_terms: D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D064170:Paraspinal Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Lumbar multifidus (LM); electromyography (EMG); low back pain (LBP)