Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Lumbar Trunk Muscle Strengthening Exercise for Muscle Strengthening and Abdominal Fat in Postmenopausal Women

Background: There are not many clinical trials investigating the efficiency and compliance of using spinal orthoses in the management of osteoporosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term use and the compliance of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal women with vertebral fractures. Study design: Clinical trial of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal women. Methods: Women were separated into groups wearing different types of orthoses (Spinomed, Osteomed, Spinomed active, and Spine-X). Isometric maximum strength of trunk muscles (F/Wabdominals–extensors) was calculated and back pain was assessed in all women. In addition, women completed a compliance questionnaire about the use of the orthoses. Results: Spinomed decreased pain ( p = 0.001) and increased trunk muscle strength (F/Wabdominals, p = 0.005 and F/Wextensors, p = 0.003, respectively). The compliance of wearing an orthosis for 6 months was 66%. Conclusion: The results suggest that orthoses could be an effective intervention for back pain and muscle strengthening in osteoporotic women. Clinical relevance In women with established osteoporosis, wearing Spinomed orthosis for at least 2 h/day for 6 months decreased back pain significantly and increased personal isometric trunk muscle strength. All spinal orthoses could be valuable instruments to help all requested rehabilitation programs like spine muscles’ strengthening and postural correct behavior, but only when used properly.

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Efficacy of abdominal trunk muscles-strengthening exercise using an innovative device in treating chronic low back pain: a controlled clinical trial

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-78908-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ryo Kitagawa ◽

Satoshi Kato ◽

Satoru Demura ◽

Yuki Kurokawa ◽

Kazuya Shinmura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Function ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Trunk Muscle ◽

Trunk Muscles ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Low Back ◽

Muscle Strengthening ◽

Strengthening Exercise

AbstractExercise is the most common conservative intervention for chronic low back pain (CLBP). We have developed an innovative exercise device for the abdominal trunk muscles that also measures muscle strength in a sitting position. The device, which is easy for patients with CLBP to use, allows for lumbar stabilization exercise under pressure. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using the device in improving CLBP. We conducted a two-group non-randomized controlled clinical trial. CLBP patients were allocated into two groups. The strengthening group underwent a 12-week exercise program that included abdominal trunk muscle strengthening using our device and stretching exercises, while the control group received a 12-week stretching exercise program. The outcome measures included the improvement of the abdominal trunk muscle strength measured by the device, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and quality of life (QOL). A total of 40 participants (20 in each group) were analyzed. The strengthening group showed better improvement in the abdominal trunk muscle strength, CLBP, physical function, and QOL than in the control group. In conclusion, the strengthening exercise using the device with easy stretching was effective in improving the strength of the abdominal trunk muscles, pain intensity of CLBP, physical function, and QOL.

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