Desgining and validation of low back exerciser for core muscles

Abstract

quotBackground: The lumbosacral junction of the body plays a crucial role in organizing and centralizing human movements which serve as a separation point between the upper and lower body, mainly contributing to the structural stability and functional mobility of the body. Aim: Transverse Abdominis muscle plays a crucial role in providing proximal stability and facilitating distal mobility. Physical inactivity can lead to muscle wasting and make retraining difficult. Hence, there was a clear need to develop a device that can effectively strengthen this essential muscle, catering to a wide range of individuals from bedridden patients to highly active individuals. Materials and Methods: In Phase I, the device designed based on the curvature of the spine using an Auto-CAD model. In Phase II, the low back exerciser validated by assessing its ability to activate the TrA muscle using electromyography (EMG). Phase III involved testing the device on two groups of normal subjects to evaluate the effectiveness of visual feedback in improving TrA muscle contraction. Phase IV, the pain levels and TrA muscle strength of patients with low back pain (LBP) received conventional physiotherapy, observed and compared to those using the device. Results and Discussion: Phase I involved designing and developing a low back exerciser with dimensions of 200 mm (length) x 140 mm (width) x 35 mm (height) and a curvature of 35° to 40°.Phase II validation results indicated that the low back exerciser, combined with feedback, achieved an TrA muscle MVC of 0.77 in normal subjects. Phase III analysis revealed significant differences (P-values) between the group with feedback and the group without feedback. Phase IV findings demonstrated improved core strength and reduced pain levels in both groups. Conclusions: The low back exerciser has proven to be a valid tool for testing and retraining the Transverse Abdominis (TrA) muscle, both for individuals with low back pain (LBP) and those without makes it ideal for the clinical use. newline