Activating the core muscles through exercise training programs is believed to be important for athletic performance. Considerable attention has been credited to the lumbar multifidus, transverse abdominis, and quadratus lumborum in designing exercise training programs. Numerous core exercise claims and recommendations abound in the fitness and physical therapy communities touting a superior core challenge for these muscles. The plethora of core activation literature with conflicting outcomes has convoluted the process of choosing exercises for an optimal core training approach. Although an abundance of research studies have quantified the muscle activity, collectively, a consensus on the type of exercise that elicits the largest muscle activity does not exist. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to critically examine the literature and synthesize the muscle activity produced across various physical fitness exercises to determine which type of exercise elicits the largest amplitude for the core muscles in healthy individuals. PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTdiscus, CINAHL, (CCRT) and Web of Science databases were searched revealing 27 studies meeting the inclusion criteria measuring EMG activity during 202 exercises. In absence of research for the quadratus lumborum, no conclusions could be made and bring about concern for current recommendations. Furthermore, the methodological diversity significantly limited the quality of studies meriting standardization for future EMG research. Nonetheless, the current evidence suggests free weight exercises and non-core exercises using external resistances produce the largest EMG activity for the lumbar multifidus and transverse abdominis, respectively.

Title: Influence of the function of the deep stabilization system of the spine on the accuracy and speed of shooting in the field hockey players Objectives: The main aim of the work was to clarify the effect of exercise aimed at improving the stabilization function of the spine on the accuracy and speed of the shot at field hockey. Another parcial goel was to improve the spinal stabilization function after the interventional program. Methods: The theoretical part is processed in the form of the research. In the practical part an experimental study is containing a sample of 13 probands aged 18-35, male, was created to obtain the data. In the initial measurement, the accuracy of the shooting and the speed of the shooting was measured using the Stalker Pro II radar. Stabilization function of the spine was tested using a test battery, assembled for the purpose of this work. Probands have performed the intervention program for 4 months, twice a week, under professional supervision. Then there was a control measurement. In conclusion, the initial and final results were compared. For processing the data was used a spreadsheet Microsoft Excel 2010. The results were then processed into tables. Results: In the final measurement, all probands were able to improve the spinal stabilization function. The...

Limitations are found when verifying tests for stability of the shoulder and pelvic girdle, which compromises the ability to evaluate this variable for professional practice and scientific research. Proper core stability capability is important by preventing low back pain and improving performance in sports. The aim of this master thesis was to evaluate the reproducibility of the Upper Body Test and to apply it to evaluate the stabilization capacity of the shoulder and pelvic girdle after a training program with functional characteristics, performed with two methodologies of movement organization. For this, a study was carried out to evaluate the reproducibility of the test in young adults, during three days of evaluations, through the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation and graphical analysis of Bland-Altman, as well as identification of the minimum detectable change of the instrument. A controlled clinical trial was then conducted with three groups: grouped training group, alternate training group, and control group. The groups performed a training period with functional characteristics, with the same training load, differentiated by the methodological organization of the training way. One group trained in a grouped manner, one alternately according to functional movement patterns, and the control group did not perform any type of training. The groups were evaluated before and after 10 weeks of training through the Upper Body Test. Statistical difference was observed between the first and second test sessions, with standardization of the evaluations for the third session. Thus, the very high reproducibility (r = 0.87 to 0.94) was found between the second and third evaluations, with a low variation (3.31% to 5.91%) and agreement between the measurements obtained with the Upper Body Test. The minimal detectable difference between the patterns shows greater sensitivity to the body hemispheres (3.3 to 3.8). From the reproducibility obtained for the test and 10 weeks of training, it was verified that the group that trained in a grouped way obtained statistical improvement between the initial and final moments of the training, with a small effect size for the measurements in relation to the hemispheres Body. The group of grouped training had statistical difference in relation to the control group. Thus, it is concluded that Upper Body Test presents reliability for assessing the capacity of stabilizing the shoulder and pelvic girdle in young adults, and that the way of grouped functional training promotes an improvement in this capacity of stabilization. / A adequada capacidade de estabilidade do core é importante por prevenir dor lombar e melhorar o rendimento em esportes. Testes para verificar a estabilidade do core ganham notoriedade nos últimos anos, entretanto limitações são encontradas para os testes propostos para verificar a capacidade de estabilização das cinturas escapular e lombo-pélvica, estas consideradas parte integrante do core. O objetivo desta dissertação foi avaliar a reprodutibilidade do Upper Body Test e aplicá-lo para avaliação da estabilidade das cinturas escapular e lombo-pélvica após um programa de treinamento funcional, realizado com duas formas de organização de movimentos. Para isto, foi realizado um estudo para avaliar a reprodutibilidade do teste em 31 adultos jovens, através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, coeficiente de variação e análise gráfica de Bland-Altman, bem como, identificação da diferença mínima detectável do instrumento. Em seguida, foi realizado um ensaio clínico controlado com três grupos: grupo de treinamento agrupado, grupo de treinamento alternado e grupo controle. Os grupos realizaram um período de treinamento funcional, com a mesma carga e diferenciados pelo agrupamento ou alternância de ações funcionais, e o grupo controle não realizou nenhum tipo de treinamento. Os grupos foram avaliados antes e após 10 semanas de treinamento por meio do Upper Body Test. Foi observado, diferença estatística para o alcance relativo, entre a primeira e a segunda sessão de testes, com padronização dos testes para a terceira sessão. Desse modo, encontrou-se alta a muito alta reprodutibilidade (r = 0,87 a 0,94) entre a segunda e terceira avaliação, com baixa variação (3,31% a 5,91%) e concordância entre as medidas obtidas com o Upper Body Test. A diferença mínima detectável para o teste, apresenta maior sensibilidade para os hemisférios corporais (3,3 a 3,8). Obtida a reprodutibilidade do teste, e aplicadas 10 semanas de treinamento, foi constatado que o grupo de treinamento agrupado obteve melhora estatística, para a estabilidade das cinturas escapular e lombo-pélvica entre os momentos inicial e final da intervenção, com um tamanho do efeito pequeno para as medidas em relação aos hemisférios corporais. O grupo de treinamento agrupado obteve diferença em relação ao grupo controle. Assim conclui-se que Upper Body Test apresenta fiabilidade para avaliação da capacidade de estabilização da cintura escapular e lombo-pélvica em adultos jovens, e que a maneira de treinamento funcional agrupada promove melhora nessa capacidade de estabilização. / São Cristóvão, SE

The purpose of this study was to investigate if a nine-week training intervention composed of different mobility and stability exercises intending to improve jump height, whole-body stability, and single-leg stability of junior cross-country skiers. It was also of interest to see if the test equipment could determine the study participants' potential risk of injury with a built-in injury predictor measurement, Musculoskeletal Health (MSK).  A total of 16 cross-country skiers aged 16-20 years, 8 man and 8 women, performed the following tests on a force plate; Jump Scan (i.e., to characterize an individual's dynamic movement strategy), Plank Scan (i.e., to measure the individual's ability to control global static stability across each extremity), and Balance Scan (i.e., the individual's ability to maintain their center of mass over their center of pressure). After the initial scan, participants were assigned to the same nine-week intervention program, with Group 1 performing the program three times each week and Group 2 once each week before performing a post-intervention scan. Using two-way ANOVA showed no significant between-group differences. There was no significant difference when using three-way ANOVA within both intervention groups, except higher CMJ Load scores (p=0.032) and reduction in Plank scores, Plank Left (p=0.024) in male participants. When using logistic regression tests to determine the correlation between jump height (CMJ) outcomes effect on MSK injury risk between groups and within gender, a significant correlation in females was shown (p=0.0280, R=0.46). The present study's results suggest that a 9-week training intervention is not sufficient when training either one or three times per week for improving jump height, whole-body stability, and single-leg stability in junior cross-country skiers.

No description available.

No description available.

Sammanfattning Bakgrund: KOL är en obstruktiv lungsjukdom med luftflödesbegränsningar pga.  kronisk bronkit och emfysem. De patofysiologiska mekanismer är en progressiv inflammatorisk process som påverkar hela kroppen. De viktigaste behandlingsstrategierna är rökstopp, farmakologisk behandling samt fysisk träning.  Personer med KOL har ofta en nedsatt fysisk funktionsnivå, som inte behöver vara kopplad till sjukdomens svårighetsgrad.  De viktigaste fysioterapeutiska interventionerna för KOL är mätning av fysisk kapacitet, aerob- och muskelstärkande träning, tekniker för sekretmobilisering via motståndsandning samt undervisning i energibesparande arbetssätt. Interventionerna leder till förbättrad funktionsnivå, bromsar upp sjukdomen, minskar risken för samsjuklighet med andra icke smittsamma sjukdomar (NCD), minskar risken för execerbationer, förbättrad livskvalitet, samt minskar risken att dö för tidigt (6MWT >350 m).     God bålkontroll är central för en effektiv biomekanisk funktion i syfte att maximera kraft och minimera skaderisker. En bra bålkontroll har hos friska personer visats ha en positiv effekt på diafragmas funktion, samt att bålkontrollen påverkas av andningen vilket blir extra tydligt vid fysiskt ansträngande arbete.     Sambandet mellan bålkontroll, syrgasmättnad, fysisk funktion och självskattade symtom hos personer med KOL har enligt författarens kännedom inte studerats tidigare. Syfte: Studien syftar till att undersöka om fysisk aktivitet, med fokus på förbättrad bålstabilitet och sluten läppandning, kan förbättra syrgasmättnad, fysisk kapacitet, benmuskelstyrka, balans och självskattade symtom hos personer med KOL, stadium 2. Metod: Single subject experimental design (SSED) med AB design (baslinje undersökning – intervention) användes. Primärt utfallsmått var saturation och gångsträcka mätt med 6MWT. Sekundära utfallsmått var enbensstående balans, CS-30 samt CAT. Data på kvotskalenivå analyserades visuellt med stöd av 2-SD-bands analys och celerationslinje analys. Förändringar i CAT före och efter interventionen redovisas i procent. Resultat: Fyra personer inkluderades i studien. Resultatet visar en möjlig interventionseffekt avseende gångsträcka vid 6MWT och enbensstående balans för två av deltagarna, som vid studiestart låg under eller tangerade förväntade normalvärden i samtliga parametrar. En av dessa stabiliserades avseende lägsta värde på saturation vid 6MWT. Det fanns en effekt/möjlig effekt på förbättrad benstyrka (CS-30) för de deltagare som vid studiestart låg över förväntade normalvärden i samtliga parametrar. Självskattade lungsymtom (CAT) förbättrades hos tre av deltagarna (31–55 procent) och försämrades hon en av deltagarna (-17 procent). Konklusion: Studien visar en möjlig positiv effekt av bålstabiliserande träning på gångsträcka (6MWT), enbensstående balans, antalet uppresningar vid CS-30 samt självupplevda lungsymptom (CAT) för personer med KOL, stadium 2. Fler studier behövs för att stärka validiteten av dessa fynd. / Abstract Background: COPD is an obstructive pulmonary disease with air flow constraints due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The pathophysiological mechanisms are a progressive inflammatory process that affects the entire body. The main treatment strategies are smoking cessation, pharmacological treatment and physical exercise. People with COPD often have a reduced physical function level, which not need to be linked to the severity of the disease. The most important physiotherapeutic interventions for COPD are measurement of physical capacity, aerobic and muscle strength training, techniques for mobilization of sputum through resistance breathing techniques and teaching in energy-saving work methods. The interventions lead to improved functional levels, slow down the disease, reduce the risk of comorbidity with other non-communicable diseases (NCD), reduce the risk of exacerbation, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk to die prematurely (6MWT> 350m).     A well-functioning core stability is considered central to an effective biomechanical function to maximize strength and minimize risks of injury and has been shown by healthy individuals to have a positive effect on diaphragm function. It has also been shown that the ability to core-control is affected by deep breathing and especially during hard physical work.    A correlation between oxygen saturation, physical function, self-estimated symptoms and core stability in people with COPD, has to the knowledge of the author not been studied earlier.     Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are a correlation exercise together with improved core stability and pursed lip breathing, can improve oxygen saturation, physical capacity, leg muscle strength, balance and self-estimated symptoms in people with COPD in stage 2.Methodology: A single subject experimental design (SSED) with AB design (baseline survey - intervention) was used. As primary outcome saturation and walking distance measured at 6MWT were used. Secondary outcomes were CS-30, single balance and CAT. Data at nominal level were analyzed by using Two Standard Deviation Band Analysis and Celeration Line Analysis, Changes in CAT, pre- and post-intervention, was analyzed by percentage. Result: Four participants were included in the study. The result indicates a possible intervention effect regarding walking distance at 6MWT and single leg balance for two of the participants, who at study start were below or dropped below expected normal values in all parameters. One of these participants was stabilized for the lowest value of saturation at 6MWT. There was an effect/possible effect in the CS-30 for participants who at study start exceeded expected normal values in all parameters. Self-estimated symptoms (CAT) were improved in three participants (31–55 percent) and got worse in one participant (17 percent).Conclusion: The study indicates that core stability training focusing on improved motor control for stabilizing core muscles may have a positive effect on walking distance (6MWD) single leg balance, number of up rises in CS-30 and self-estimated lungsymptoms for people with COPD, stage 2. More studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.

Bakgrund: Ospecifik ländryggssmärta är en av de vanligaste orsakerna till att man söker hjälp inom primärvården. För långvarig, ospecifik ländryggssmärta är träning ett förstahandsval och fokus har under det senaste årtiondet legat på bålstabiliserande träning. Psykosociala faktorer som self-efficacy och rörelserädsla kan vara viktiga att beakta vid behandlingen då de spelar en roll i hur ländryggssmärtan utvecklas. Syfte: Att undersöka hur skattad smärta, self-efficacy och rörelserädsla samt funktionsnivå förändrades hos enskilda patienter med långvarig, ospecifik ländryggssmärta under och efter en intervention i grupp med bålstabiliserande träning. Metod: Designen var en A-B-A single-subject design (SSED). Smärtnivå, self-efficacy och rörelserädsla mättes med självskattningsformulär en gång per vecka under fas A-B-A och funktionsnivå före och efter avslutad intervention. Interventionen pågick under åtta veckor, en gång per vecka. Data presenterades visuellt och analys gjordes även av statistisk (2-SD band metod) och klinisk signifikans. Resultat: Analysen visade att skattad smärta, self-efficacy, rörelserädsla och funktionsnivå förändrades i positiv riktning hos flera patienter. Statistisk och klinisk signifikans varierade. Slutsats: Graderad bålstabiliserande träning i grupp under handledning av sjukgymnast verkar för flera av deltagarna ha en positiv effekt på såväl smärtnivå, self-efficacy, rörelserädsla som funktionsnivå. Eftersom SSED har en begränsad generaliserbarhet bör resultaten replikeras i ytterligare studier. / Background: Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking help in primary care. For chronic, non-specific low back pain exercise rehabilitation is a first choice and focus in the last decade has been on motor control exercises. Psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy and fear of movement may be important to consider in the treatment as they play a role in how low back pain develops. Aim: To investigate how rated pain, self-efficacy and fear of movement as well as level of function changed in individual patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain during and after an intervention group with motor control exercises. Method: The design was an A-B-A single-subject design (SSED). Pain level, self-efficacy and fear of movement were measured by self-assessment questionnaires once a week during phase A-B-A and level of function before and after the intervention. The intervention lasted for eight weeks, once a week. Data were presented visually and analysis was done to prove statistical (2-SD band method) and clinical significance. Results: The analysis showed that rated pain, self-efficacy, fear of movement and level of function changed in a positive direction for several of the patients. Statistical and clinical significance varied. Conclusion: Graded motor control exercises in a group under the supervision of a physiotherapist seem to have a positive effect for several of the participants with regards to level of pain, self-efficacy, fear of movement as well as level of function. Since SSED has a limited generalizability, results should be replicated in further studies.

The diploma thesis invastigates the effect of specifically designed six-week clinical Pilates program on posture and low back pain. The theoretical part contains an overview of the Pilates method - the history, principles and its usage in rehabilitation. It also briefly describes the concept of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), which, along with the original Pilates method and the Spiraldynamic concept, has created the current Pilates Clinic Method. Furthermore, one chapter is devoted to the system of training Pilates teachers in the Czech Republic. The main objective of the practical part is to evaluate and compare the effect of an organized and an individual six-week Pilates exercise programme in patients with faulty posture and low back pain. Subsequently, constitutive objectives are set on the basis of selected examination methods. Firstly, evaluation of the exercise programme by the means of clinical objective tests combined into 5 groups: standing and balance, spinal mobility, DNS tests, somatognosia (shoulder width) and respiratory amplitude. Secondly, with the instrumental measurement of Bodystat's values: height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat, active body mass, water and body mass index. Thirdly, subjective evaluation using standardized questionnaires the...

Introduction : L’évaluation clinique du contrôle neuromusculaire des muscles du tronc est criante en réhabilitation et en entraînement. L’objectif principal de cette étude a été d’évaluer la reproductibilité intra et inter-évaluateur d’un test clinique le soulèvement actif de la jambe tendue (SAJT) chez une population active et saine. Méthode : Chaque sujet (18 joueurs de tennis) a été testé à deux reprises par 2 physiothérapeutes avec le SAJT. Résultats : La reproductibilité intra-évaluateur s’est avérée élevée à très élevée (ICC = 0.81 à 0.93) tandis la reproductibilité inter-évaluateur s’est avérée cliniquement non viable. Conclusion : À notre connaissance, le SAJT est le premier test clinique reproductible évaluant le contrôle neuromusculaire du tronc avec des compensations musculaires et cinétiques chez des sujets actifs et sains. Une formation plus importante des évaluateurs aurait certainement amélioré la reproductibilité inter-évaluateur. / Introduction: The clinical assessment of the trunk muscles neuromuscular control is lacking in rehabilitation and in conditioning. The main goal of this study was to assess the intra and inter-rater reliability of a clinical test, the active straight leg raise (ASLR), on an active and healthy population. Method: Each subject (18 tennis players) was tested twice by 2 physiotherapists with the ASLR. Results: The intra-rater reliability turned out to be high to very high (ICC = 0.81 à 0.93) while the inter-rater reliability came out clinically unsustainable. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the ASLR is the first reliable clinical test to assess the core neuromuscular control based on muscular and kinetic compensation observations with active and healthy subjects. A more exhaustive training of the assessors would definitely improve the inter-rater reliability.