Effect of a Corset on Trunk Muscle Activity in Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Abstract

[Purpose] We examined the effect of wearing a corset on trunk muscle activity in lumbar stabilization exercises. [Subjects] The subjects were 10 healthy men, average age 21.3 ± 0.5 years. [Method] We measured subjects' trunk muscle activity, while they performed bridge, bird dog, and leg-rasing exercises with and without a corset. [Results] The right obliquus internus abdominis muscle activity in the bridge, bird dog (right arm, left leg), and right leg raise exercises, and the right obliquus internus abdominis and rectus abdominis muscle activities in the right leg raise exercise, showed significantly lower values when the subjects wore the corset. [Conclusion] Because the activity of the obliquus internus abdominis decreased when a corset was worn for lumbar stabilization exercises, we consider that the frequency of the exercises should be increased. © 2012, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.