Effects of Exercise Using a Stick on Muscle Activity of Gluteus Maximus and Erector Spinae during Backward Return from Forward Bending

Effects of Exercise Using a Stick on Muscle Activity of Gluteus Maximus and Erector Spinae during Backward Return from Forward Bending

Background Chronic lower back pain patients commonly present with impaired lumbar movement patterns, which may result in pain and excessive loads on the lumbar spine. A stick exercise can be effective to correct impaired movement patterns during forward bending in patients with lumbar flexion syndrome. Purpose This study investigated the effect of exercise using a stick on muscle activity of gluteus maximus and erector spinae during backward return from forward bending. Study design Comparative, repeated measures design. Methods A total of 25 male patients with lumbar extension syndrome were recruited to this study. All patients performed backward return from forward bending with and without a stick. Gluteus maximus and erector spinae surface electromyography activities during backward return from forward bending were measured. Results There was a significant difference in gluteus maximus and erector spinae muscle activities, on both sides, with versus without use of the stick. During backward return from forward bending with a stick, the activities of the right and left gluteus maximus increased significantly (p<0.05), and those of the right and left erector spinae decreased significantly (p<0.05), compared to without a stick. Conclusions This study suggests that use of a stick can minimize excessive lumbar extension during backward return from forward bending.