Effects of a Trunk Harness on Lumbopelvic Stability and Muscle Activity during Prone Hip Extension Exercise

Authors

Taro Toraiwa, Tokyo Metropolitan University, JapanFollow
Sirinda Jaotawiparta, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
Misaki Suzuki, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
Hironobu Kuruma, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic exercise is essential in patients with low back pain and lumbopelvic instability. Intra-abdominal pressure is necessary for ideal dynamic stabilization patterns. However, accurate performance of such exercises is a challenge. A trunk harness can help stabilize and alter muscular patterns. This study aimed to examine the effects of using a trunk harness on lumbopelvic stability and muscle activity during prone hip extension in healthy individuals and patients with low back pain. Methods: Sixteen patients with low back pain and 15 healthy individuals performed prone hip extension under control, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization(DNS)-maneuver, and DNS-maneuver + harness conditions. Lumbopelvic kinematic data, muscle onset time of the bilateral erector spinae, semitendinosus, gluteus maximus, low back pain severity, and difficulty performing prone hip extension were evaluated. Repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance was performed for each measurement item. The significant level was set at 5%. Results: The lumbar lordosis angle was significantly lower in the DNS-maneuver and DNS-maneuver + harness conditions. The anterior pelvic tilt angle was significantly lower, and muscle onset of the gluteus maximus and contralateral erector spinae occurred earlier in the DNS-maneuver + harness condition. The difficulty of performing prone hip extension was significantly lower in the DNS-maneuver and DNS-maneuver + harness conditions and was considerably lower in the DNS-maneuver + harness condition than in the DNS-maneuver condition. Conclusion: Wearing a trunk harness could help stabilize the lumbopelvic region and change muscle activity patterns.

Recommended Citation

Toraiwa, Taro; Jaotawiparta, Sirinda; Suzuki, Misaki; and Kuruma, Hironobu (2023) "Effects of a Trunk Harness on Lumbopelvic Stability and Muscle Activity during Prone Hip Extension Exercise," Asian Journal of Physical Therapy: Vol. 1: No. 2023, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lmunet.edu/ajpt/vol1/iss2023/3