Differences in trunk muscle activities and ratios between unstable supine and prone bridging exercises in individuals with low back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the differences in activities and ratios of the muscles internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), and the thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT) muscle between unstable supine and prone bridging exercises in individuals with low back pain (LBP). [Methods] A convenience sample of 14 individuals with LBP (7 men and 7 women) performed supine and prone bridging exercises. Surface electromyography signal amplitudes of the dominant trunk muscles during the 2 types of exercises were measured of all subjects. [Results] During the supine bridging exercise, the activity of the MF and ICLT and the IO/RA ratio were significantly higher than those during the prone bridging exercise. In contrast, the activities of IO and RA were significantly higher during the prone bridging exercise than that during the supine bridging exercise. [Conclusion] This study showed the differences in trunk muscle activities and ratios between unstable supine and prone bridging exercises in individuals with LBP. The information presented here is important for investigators who use lumbar stabilization exercises as an evaluation tool or a rehabilitation exercise for individuals with LBP.