Clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises in treating patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises on pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Randomized controlled trials published till November 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang databases. The search strategy was related to disease type, intervention, and control measures and was structured around the search terms "low back pain," "acupuncture therapy," and "exercise." Two reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sensitivity and fixed effects analyses were performed to determine the primary outcomes. Results: We included 11 randomized controlled trials (n = 727) on acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Compared with controls, clinical efficacy was significant, with improvements in pain scores (visual analog pain scale and numerical rating scale) and Oswestry Disability Index in the intervention group. Discussion: Acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises improved pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, with favorable clinical outcomes compared with single-core muscle training. Multicenter large-sample trials are required to obtain more reliable conclusions.

Efficacy of Core Muscle Exercise Combined with Interferential Therapy in Alleviating Chronic Low Back Pain in High-Performance Fighter Pilots: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (LBP) related to flight is a prevalent health issue in military aviation, impacting pilots. The objective of this investigation was to ascertain if the application of core muscle training in conjunction with interferential current (IFC) therapy results in a reduction in pain severity and associated disability, consequently enhancing core muscle functionality in Chinese Air Force high-performance fighter pilots experiencing chronic LBP. METHODS: Fifty-three fighter pilots with chronic LBP were randomized into 3 groups: a core muscle exercise combined with IFC group (CG, n = 19), a core muscle exercise group (EG, n = 19), and an IFC group (IG, n = 15). The three groups underwent therapeutic intervention 5 times a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and SF-12 health-related quality of life (PCS and MCS) score. Secondary outcomes included evaluations of trunk muscle strength, endurance, and range of motion (ROM) during medial/lateral rotation to assess muscle functionality. Measurements were obtained both before and after the implementation of the intervention therapy. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of intervention therapy, all the health condition parameters significantly improved among the three groups. However, the CG had a significant improvement in pain intensity compared to the EG (MD = - 0.84 scores; 95% CI = - 1.54 to - 0.15; p = 0.013) and the IG (MD = - 1.22 scores; 95% CI = - 1.96 to - 0.48; p = 0.000). Additionally, the CG led to greater conservation of ODI and improved SF-12 PCS scores than did the IG (p < 0.05). Finally, compared with those at baseline, the core muscle function parameters in the CG and EG improved significantly at the end of the study, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among participants with chronic LBP, three intervention therapies appear effective in reducing pain, diminishing disability, and enhancing quality of life. Also, combined therapy significantly improved pain and disability compared to the other two monotherapies; moreover, combined therapy and core muscle exercise provided similar benefits in terms of core muscle function after 12 weeks of intervention therapy.

Revolutionizing core muscle analysis in female sexual dysfunction based on machine learning.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of core muscles in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and develop comprehensive rehabilitation programs to address this issue. We aim to answer the following research questions: what are the roles of core muscles in FSD, and how can machine and deep learning models accurately predict changes in core muscles during FSD? FSD is a common condition that affects women of all ages, characterized by symptoms such as decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and pain during intercourse. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of changes in core muscles during FSD using machine and deep learning. We evaluated the performance of multiple models, including multi-layer perceptron (MLP), long short-term memory (LSTM), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), ElasticNetCV, random forest regressor, SVR, and Bagging regressor. The models were evaluated based on mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R-squared (R2) score. Our results show that CNN and random forest regressor are the most accurate models for predicting changes in core muscles during FSD. CNN achieved the lowest MSE (0.002) and the highest R2 score (0.988), while random forest regressor also performed well with an MSE of 0.0021 and an R2 score of 0.9905. Our study demonstrates that machine and deep learning models can accurately predict changes in core muscles during FSD. The neglected core muscles play a significant role in FSD, highlighting the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address these muscles. By developing these programs, we can improve the quality of life for women with FSD and help them achieve optimal sexual health.

Clarifying the relationships between trunk muscle endurance, respiratory muscle strength and static/dynamic postural control in Latin dancers.

Sufficient study has not been performed to clarify the role of trunk/respiratory muscles strength/endurance in providing postural control in dancers. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors affecting static/dynamic postural control in Latin dancers and to compare these measurements with non-dancers. The study included 38 (26F; 12 M) Latin dancers and 33 (21F; 11 M) non-dancers. Static/dynamic postural control, trunk muscle endurance, respiratory muscle strength/pulmonary functions, flexibility, and reaction tests were assessed with a force platform system, the McGill battery, spirometer, sit-and-reach test and Nelson-reaction-tests, respectively. Trunk muscle endurance times, respiratory muscle strength, FEV1/FVC, gender, hours of training per week and dancing experience were significant predictors of static/dynamic postural control in dancers (p < 0.05). All the trunk muscle endurance times, reaction tests results, and maximal inspiratory pressure were higher in the dancers compared to the non-dancers (p < 0.05). The limits of stability for forward and backward directions were higher, and anteroposterior sway in normal stability with eyes open was lower in the dancers compared to the non-dancers (p < 0.05). Trunk muscles endurance, respiratory muscle strength, dancing experience, and hours of training per week were positively associated with static/dynamic postural control. These predictors should be taken into consideration to improve postural control in dancers.

Heterotopic Ossification and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Core Muscle Injuries: A Single-Institution Experience Over 6 Years.

BACKGROUND: A 2015 study of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for groin injuries in National Football League (NFL) players alerted the authors to the possibility that PRP is associated with heterotopic ossification (HO). The current study of athletes seen between 2014 and 2019 provides a more comprehensive analysis of that observation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This report describes the early results of groin surgery for athletes who had experienced failed PRP therapy performed by different practitioners and with an assortment of PRP techniques. The primary goal of this cohort study was to determine short-term clinical outcomes after surgery of PRP-treated patients. It was hypothesized that previous PRP treatment would be associated with the presence of HO among patients with core muscle injuries (CMIs). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All athletes seen at 1 institution and identified at their first visit as having received PRP for a CMI were followed and compared with patients with a CMI who had not previously received PRP. Although in many cases HO was observed on clinical examination or imaging, HO was identified intraoperatively in all surgical cases and confirmed pathologically. Successful surgery was defined as return to play at previously high levels of performance or greater as determined by the athletes' own assessments. All patients who had received PRP were followed for ≥2 years. RESULTS: Among 3642 patients with a new CMI seen between 2014 and 2019, 68 (1.9%) patients developed HO within the core muscles and/or adjacent soft tissues. Of the 68 patients, 60 (88.2%) were men, and the mean age was 34.5 years. Of the 68 patients, 62 (91.2%) were athletes and 44 (64.7%) had been treated previously with PRP. HO was observed in 24 (0.7%) patients without previous PRP treatment. Three athletes who received PRP retired early from sports because of HO and scar issues. In total, 22 of 28 (78.6%) NFL players who received PRP developed HO, compared with 0 (0%) of 28 randomly selected, age-, position-, and injury-matched NFL players. After surgical repair, 3-month success rates were 67.9% and 96.4%, respectively, in the PRP and non-PRP groups (P = .006). By 6 months postoperatively, PRP-treated patients were back to similarly high success rates compared with the non-PRP cohort. Scar tissue issues played a prominent role in the relative delay in definitive success. CONCLUSION: The present, more comprehensive study confirms the previous preliminary analysis that treating CMIs with PRP may be associated with HO.

Outcomes and Proportions of Subsequent Contralateral Sports Hernia Repair Following Primary Unilateral Repair.

BACKGROUND: In the event that nonoperative treatment for sports hernia fails, surgical repair may be warranted. Bilateral repair can occur in up to 45% of surgically treated patients. PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of athletes who underwent unilateral sports hernia repair and determine the proportion of patients who required contralateral sports hernia repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We identified patients at our institution who underwent primary unilateral sports hernia repair (rectus abdominis-adductor longus aponeurotic plate repair and adductor lengthening) with a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020. We assessed patient-reported outcomes using the Hip Outcome Score-Sport (HOS-Sport), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and an internally developed return-to-play questionnaire. We further collected data regarding subsequent sports hernia procedures on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. We calculated summary statistics for outcomes and examined the association between preinjury patient characteristics and the HOS-Sport score at follow-up or successful return to preinjury sport using linear and logistic regression, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 104 of 128 (81.3%) eligible patients (mean age at surgery, 23.0 ± 6.2 years; 94.2% male; 51.9% American football athletes) completed follow-up at a mean time of 4.4 ± 1.5 years. Overall, 79.8% of athletes (n = 83) were able to return to their preinjury sport/activity, but 90.2% (83/92) who attempted to return were able to do so. When examining reasons for not returning to preinjury sport, only 9 patients reported not returning to preinjury sport because of limitations or persistent symptoms from their original injury. Only 4 patients underwent subsequent sports hernia procedures (3 contralateral, 1 ipsilateral revision) after their index unilateral sports hernia repair. At follow-up, the mean HOS-Sport score was high (94.0 ± 10.8), and the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale score was low (0.31 ± 1.26). There were no preinjury patient characteristics associated with either the HOS-Sport score at follow-up or the successful return to preinjury sport. CONCLUSION: Patients with unilateral sports hernia symptoms can undergo repair and return to sport at the preinjury level with little concern for injuries to the contralateral groin. In our cohort, patient-reported hip function and pain outcomes at follow-up were excellent.

Rehabilitation effect of core muscle training combined with functional electrical stimulation on lower limb motor and balance functions in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that core muscle training can accelerate the recovery of motor function in stroke patients. However, there are no relevant reports to show the effect of core muscle training combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) on the rehabilitation of stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to observe the efficacy of core muscle training combined with FES on motor and balance functions of lower limbs in stroke patients. METHODS: This study selected and divided 120 stroke patients with hemiplegia admitted to our hospital into the control and observation groups. Patients in the control group just received core muscle training; while patients in the observation group were treated by core muscle training combined with FES. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the clinical data and information of all patients were collected and counted. Muscle strength changes were observed by detecting paralytic dorsiflexor (pDF), plantar flexor (pPF), knee extensor (pKE), and knee flexor (pKF) before and after treatment. Motor and balance abilities of both groups were scored through the 10-meter walking test (10 MWT), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional ambulation category (FAC) scale, timed up and go (TUG) test, and lower extremity motricity index (MI-Lower). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in clinical data between the two groups. The intensity of pDF, pPF, pKE, and pKF significantly increased in both groups after treatment, and the intensity of these parameters was higher in the observation group relative to the control group. Additionally, 10 MWT and TUG test scores of patients in the observation group were notably decreased while the BBS and MI-Lower scores were significantly increased after treatment compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Core muscle training combined with FES can significantly improve the rehabilitation effect of lower limb motor and balance functions in stroke patients.

Investigating the lumbar proprioception and core muscles recruitment pattern while getting up from a chair with weight lifting in patients with chronic functional constipation: cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Patients with chronic functional constipation have some problems such as weakness of pelvic floor muscles, and a lack of coordination of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles has been seen. The goal of this study was to investigate the lumbar proprioception and the core muscle recruitment pattern. METHODS: The study type is a cross-sectional case-control study. There were 30 participants (case, n = 15, and control, n = 15). Electromyography of the core muscles was recorded while the subjects were getting up from the chair accompanied by lifting a weight, to check the pattern of muscle recruitment. Moreover, the lumbar proprioception was evaluated by an isokinetic device in both groups. The study was analyzed using independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test, and a nonparametric Friedman test was performed followed by Bonferroni pairwise comparison. RESULTS: The comparison of muscle activity delay between the two groups showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the abdominal muscles, anal sphincter, and erector spinae (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the rectus femoris and gluteal muscles between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, the proprioception of the lumbar region showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that the lumbar proprioception sense was reduced in the case group. This result can be justified, based on the problems in constipation (lack of coordination of muscles, weakness of pelvic floor muscles). The coordination of core muscles changed in patients with chronic functional constipation during a functional task.

Lumbar Core Muscle Stability Training Combined with Kinesiology Taping Technique in Rehabilitation Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH）. MethodsA total of 99 LDH patients treated in Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected and divided into control group （n=49） and observation group （n=50）. Kinesiology taping technique was applied to patients in the control group and patients in the observation group were treated with lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique， then we compared the therapeutic effect， lumbar function and pain degree， surface electromyography of lumbar extensor muscles， lumbar range of motion， LDH recurrence and skin allergies before and after the treatment between the two groups. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment， compared with those in the control group， in the observation group， the visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） scores were significantly lower （P<0.05）； the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） score， mean power frequency of lumbar extensor muscles， integral electromyography value and lumbar function score were significantly higher （P<0.05）. During the treatment， there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between two groups （P>0.05）. After 4 weeks of treatment， the observation group had a significantly lower LDH recurrence rate than the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionLumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique achieves a significantly better therapeutic effect than kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of LDH and can effectively relieve muscle fatigue， help alleviate lumbar spine pain and improve the function of lumbar spine.

The effect of TRX, combined with vibration training, on BMI, the body fat percentage, myostatin and follistatin, the strength endurance and layup shot skills of female basketball players.

Introduction: Trx Vibration Training (TVT) focuses on using the entire body weight in combination with vibration. While research has separately examined TRX training and vibration training, there is limited literature on the combined effects of these two methods specifically for female individuals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of combining TRX and vibration training (TVT) on various factors including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), myostatin (MSTN), follistatin (FLST), endurance, and Lay up shooting skills of female basketball players. By addressing this research gap, we aim to shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating TRX and vibration exercises into the training regimen of female basketball players. Method: The study sample comprised 24 female players who were divided into two groups of equal size, with each group consisting of 12 female players: the experimental group (n = 12, age = 19.17 ± 0.68 years, height = 168.33 ± 0.89 cm, weight = 67.00 ± 2.17 kg, training age = 4.54 ± 0.45 years) and the control group (n = 12, age = 19.33 ± 0.78 years, height = 168.08 ± 2.02 cm, weight = 67.33 ± 1.50 kg, training age = 4.58 ± 0.52 years). The experimental method was employed in the study. For eight weeks, the program was used (TVT), with the experimental group participants completing three training sessions each week. The TVT training lasted between 30 and 45 min, out of the overall training session time, which ranged from 90 to 120 min. The control group used a conventional program without Trx Vibration training. Study variables were evaluated before and after the intervention, and a two-way ANOVA was used for repeated measures. Results: The results of the study showed the superiority of the experimental group over the control group in BMI (p = 0.037, [d] = 0.64), BFP (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.97), FLST levels (p = 0.029, [d] = 0.68), MSTN (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.04), endurance (CMS) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.56), and Lay up skill Y (s) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.27), Y (sc) (p = 0.012, [d] = 4.27). Conclusion: The results showed that, when comparing the two groups, the TVT program significantly improved the study's variables. Basketball players' motor abilities and skill performance improved after eight weeks of training, and coaches are advised to take this into account when developing seasonal training plans.

Effect of Self-Myofascial Release of the Lower Back on Myofascial Gliding, Lumbar Flexibility, and Abdominal Trunk Muscle Strength: A Crossover Study.

Roller massage has been recognized as an effective intervention for managing various conditions. However, data on the effects of roller massage on the dynamic mechanisms of the myofascial and soft tissues of the lower back are limited. This study aimed to examine the effect of the self-myofascial release of the lower back on myofascial gliding, lumbar flexibility, and abdominal trunk muscle strength using a roller massager. This crossover study included 24 college athletes who underwent three interventions-roller massage, static stretching, and control (rest). Before and after the intervention, lumbar and fascial gliding were evaluated using ultrasonography. Long-seat anteflexion (lumbar flexibility) and abdominal trunk muscle strength were assessed. The movement velocities of the subcutaneous tissue and the multifidus muscle over time were calculated using echo video analysis software, and gliding was estimated using the cross-correlation coefficient between the velocities. Gliding, lumbar flexibility, and abdominal trunk muscle strength showed significant intervention-by-time interactions. Roller massage significantly improved gliding, lumbar flexibility, and abdominal trunk muscle strength. The self-myofascial release of the lower back using a roller massager improved the lumbar/fascia gliding, lumbar flexibility, and abdominal trunk muscle strength compared to static stretching.

Muscle contraction exercise for low back pain.

Background: Low-back pain (LBP) continues to be one of the main problems for which sufferers seek treatment in primary care. It can be treated with different physiotherapy mechanisms. Objective: The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of isotonic and isometric exercise on the reported pain of patients with low back pain. Methods: Thirty participants, 16 males and 14 females aged between 22 and 50 years suffering from nonspecific low back pain were included. The sample was divided randomly into two groups, group A isometric exercises and group B isotonic exercises, both groups received conservative therapy of TENS and infrared (IR) therapy. The following outcome measures were used: Visual analogue scale, modified Oswestry disability index (MODI) and Endurance Test Measurement were administered pre-treatment and at the end of four weeks of treatment. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic data, except for weight. Inter group analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test. When comparing pre- and post-treatments using VAS scores, there were no significant differences between group A and group B (pre-test: P=0.285; Post-test: P=0.838). Mann-Whitney test was used to calculate the P-value test between pre-treatment and post- treatment for MODI and there was no significant difference between group A and group B, where the pre-test P-value was 0.061, and post-treatment was 0.077. Comparing between groups, pre- and post-abdominal endurance scores were done using the Mann-Whitney test. The pre-treatment scores revealed P value of 0.345, and the post-treatment scores revealed P value of 0.305. Therefore, there is no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in endurance scores. Conclusion: There was no difference between the use isotonic and isometric exercises on LBP patients.

Anatomy and terminology of groin pain: Current concepts.

Groin pain is a common symptom in athletes. The complex anatomy of the area and the various terms used to describe the etiology behind groin pain have led to a confusing nomenclature. To solve this problem, three consensus statements have been already published in the literature: the Manchester Position Statement in 2014, the Doha agreement in 2015, and the Italian Consensus in 2016. However, when revisiting recent literature, it is evident that the use of non-anatomic terms remains common, and the diagnoses sports hernia, sportsman's hernia, sportsman's groin, Gilmore's groin, athletic pubalgia, and core muscle injury are still used by many authors. Why are they still in use although rejected? Are they considered synonyms, or they are used to describe different pathology? This current concepts review article aims to clarify the confusing terminology by examining to which anatomical structures authors refer when using each term, revisit the complex anatomy of the area, including the adductors, the flat and vertical abdominal muscles, the inguinal canal, and the adjacent nerve branches, and propose an anatomical approach, which will provide the basis for improved communication between healthcare professionals and evidence-based treatment decisions.

Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

Low back pain is prevalent in the community and associated with deficits in core muscle strength and activation. Pilates is argued to improve movement and reduce pain, yet there is a limited understanding of the specific effects of Pilates training on core muscle strength or activity. A systematic search of databases (CINAHL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE) used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methods to evaluate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of Pilates to improve core muscle activation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro). The certainty of findings was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Of the initial yield of 563 articles, eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. A diverse range of Pilates interventions and outcome measures were utilised to assess effects on core muscle activation and strength. The main finding was that Pilates is not inferior to equivalently dosed exercises, and can be superior to non-equivalent or no exercise, for improving core muscle strength as indicated by muscle thickness. There was emerging evidence that Pilates positively impacts core muscle strength and can be an effective intervention for people living with chronic low back pain.

Effectiveness of Injury Prevention Programs With Core Muscle Strengthening Exercises to Reduce the Incidence of Hamstring Injury Among Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Muscles in the hamstring group are frequently injured in sporting activities. Injury prevention programs (IPPs), including eccentric training of the hamstrings, have proven to be of great value in decreasing the injury rate of hamstring muscles. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of IPPs that include core muscle strengthening exercises (CMSEs) in reducing hamstring injury rates. DATA SOURCES: This systematic review with meta-analysis was based upon the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted for relevant studies published from 1985 to 2021 using the following databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, AMED, PubMed, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). STUDY SELECTION: The initial electronic search found 2694 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). After removing duplicate entries, 1374 articles were screened by their titles and abstracts, and 53 full-text records were assessed, of which 43 were excluded. The remaining 10 articles were reviewed in detail, from which 5 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the current meta-analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1a. DATA EXTRACTION: Two researchers independently completed the abstract review and performed full-text reviews. A third reviewer was consulted to reach a consensus if any discrepancies were noted. Details were recorded about the participants, methodological aspects, eligibility criteria, intervention data, and outcome measures, including age; number of subjects in the intervention/control group; number of injuries in each group; and the duration, frequency, and intensity of the training conducted in the intervention. RESULTS: The pooled results of 4728 players and 379,102 exposure hours showed 47% hamstring injury reduction per 1000 h of exposure in the intervention group compared with the control group with an injury risk ratio of 0.53 (95% CI [0.28, 0.98], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CMSEs incorporated with IPPs reduce susceptibility and risk of hamstring injuries in soccer players.

The effects of online pilates and face-to-face pilates in healthy individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Along with the covid-19 process, people started to turn to online exercise methods. One of these methods is the pilates method, which increases the endurance of the core muscles. This study aims to analyze and compare the effects of online and face-to-face pilates methods. METHODS: Fifty-eight healthy individuals aged 25-40 years were included in the study. Individuals were randomly divided into three groups; online pilates group (OPG), face-to-face pilates group (FPG), and control group (CG). Pilates groups were given pilates exercises in groups of three or four for eight weeks, three days a week, for 1 h a day, by the physiotherapist. The control group did breathing and relaxation exercises at home. Core muscular endurance, depression, and quality of life were assessed before and after eight weeks of training. RESULTS: Core muscle endurance, depression, and quality of life improved after pilates in online and face-to-face pilates groups (p < 0.05). No change was found in the control group (p > 0.05). When the gains in the Pilates groups were compared, it was seen that the improvement in the Modified Biering-Sorensen test was more significant in the face-to-face pilates group, and the improvement in the trunk flexion test was more significant in the online group (p < 0.05), while the gains in other parameters were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, healthy individuals have seen similar benefits in online and face-to-face pilates. Both methods are significant for gaining healthy habits and increasing physical activity in healthy individuals. Trial registration Retrospectively registered. NCT05309486, Registration date: 04/04/2022. URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT05309486?term=BULGUROGLU&draw=2&rank=1.

Effect of core muscle motor control training on postpartum diastasis recti abdominis / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of core muscle motor control training on postpartum diastasis recti abdominis. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to January, 2022, 30 outpatients with postpartum diastasis recti abdominis were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15). Manipulative therapy and breathing training were performed simultaneously in both groups. Besides, the control group received conventional core strength training, and the experimental group received core muscle motor control training, for four weeks. Their distance of diastasis recti abdominis, abdominal circumference and waist circumference were compared before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the distance of diastasis recti abdominis, abdominal circumference and waist circumference reduced in both groups (Z = 3.408, t > 5.927, P < 0.05). The reduction value of diastasis recti abdominis distance was more in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 2.328, P < 0.05). ConclusionCore muscle motor control training can effectively relieve postpartum diastasis recti abdominis, and the effect is better than conventional core strength training.

The Influence of Anticipation of Movement Starting Time on Feedforward Activation of Trunk Muscles during Rapid Shoulder Joint Movements.

This study aimed to clarify the differences in the onset of trunk muscle activity with and without anticipation of the movement starting time during rapid shoulder movements. Ten healthy men in a relaxed upright position performed rapid 135° flexion, 135° abduction, and 45° extension of the shoulder on the dominant hand side with and without anticipation of the movement starting time. They moved their shoulder joints following a 3-s countdown and a light stimulus in the anticipation and non-anticipation conditions, respectively. Electromyography of the anterior and posterior quadratus lumborum, transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, rectus abdominis, lumbar multifidus, lumbar erector spinae on the non-dominant hand side, and the middle deltoid on the dominant hand side were measured. The onset of activity of each trunk muscle relative to the onset of the middle deltoid was calculated. Two-way analysis of variance (eight trunk muscles × two anticipation conditions) was used to compare the onset of electromyographic activity of the trunk muscles in each direction of the shoulder movement. There were significant interactions between the muscles and anticipation conditions during shoulder abduction and extension. The onset of activity in the anterior and posterior quadratus lumborum, transversus abdominis, and internal oblique occurred earlier with anticipation of the movement starting time than without anticipation during shoulder abduction and extension. The anticipation of movement starting time may contribute to a reliable center of mass control within the support base and improve lumbar spine stability by hastening the onset of activity of the deep trunk muscles.

The deer play in Wuqinxi and four-point hand-knee kneeling positions for training core muscle function and spinal mobility.

The four-point kneeling exercise is a core stabilization exercise that provides the spine with dynamic stability and neuromuscular control. In the traditional Chinese exercise Wuqinxi, deer play is performed in a hand-foot kneeling (HFK) position, which is remarkably similar to the four-point hand-knee kneeling (HKK) position. However, the differences in spinal function promotion between these two positions are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate muscle activation patterns and spinal kinematics during specific core stabilization training to provide evidence for selecting specific exercises. A total of 19 healthy adults were recruited to perform HFK and HKK. The rotation angle of the C7-T4 vertebra and the surface EMG signals of abdominal and lumbar muscles on both sides were collected. The paired t-test showed that the vertebral rotation angles were significantly higher during HKK than HFK, and the intra-group differences mainly occurred at the level of the thoracic vertebra. The muscle activation of both sides of the rectus abdominis and external oblique in HFK was significantly higher than in HKK when the upper limb was lifted (p < 0.05). The activation of the ipsilateral lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscles was significantly higher during the HKK position than during HFK when the lower limb was lifted (p < 0.05). HFK provided more training for strengthening abdominal muscles, while HKK could be recommended for strengthening lumbar muscles and increasing spine mobility. These findings can be used to help physiotherapists, fitness coaches, and others to select specific core exercises and develop individualized training programs.

Strength and Power-Related Measures in Assessing Core Muscle Performance in Sport and Rehabilitation.

While force-velocity-power characteristics of resistance exercises, such as bench presses and squats, have been well documented, little attention has been paid to load, force, and power-velocity relationships in exercises engaging core muscles. Given that power produced during lifting tasks or trunk rotations plays an important role in most sport-specific and daily life activities, its measurement should represent an important part of the test battery in both athletes and the general population. The aim of this scoping review was 1) to map the literature related to testing methods assessing core muscle strength and stability in sport and rehabilitation, chiefly studies with particular focus on force-velocity-power characteristics of exercises involving the use of core muscles, 2) and to identify gaps in existing studies and suggest further research in this field. The literature search was conducted on Cochrane Library databases, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and MEDLINE, which was completed by SpringerLink, Google Scholar and Elsevier. The inclusion criteria were met in 37 articles. Results revealed that among a variety of studies investigating the core stability and core strength in sport and rehabilitation, only few of them analyzed force-velocity-power characteristics of exercises involving the use of core muscles. Most of them evaluated maximal isometric strength of the core and its endurance. However, there are some studies that assessed muscle power during lifting tasks at different loads performed either with free weights or using the Smith machine. Similarly, power and velocity were assessed during trunk rotations performed with different weights when standing or sitting. Nevertheless, there is still scant research investigating the power-velocity and force-velocity relationship during exercises engaging core muscles in able-bodied and para athletes with different demands on stability and strength of the core. Therefore, more research is needed to address this gap in the literature and aim research at assessing strength and power-related measures within cross-sectional and intervention studies. A better understanding of the power-force-velocity profiles during exercises with high demands on the core musculature has implications for designing sport training and rehabilitation programs for enhancement of athletes' performance and/or decrease their risk of back pain.