Effects of complex strength training with elastic band program on repeated change of direction in young female handball players: Randomized control trial

This study examined the effect of 10-week complex strength training with elastic band program on fitness components in young female handball players. Thirty-eight handball players aged 15.8 ± 0.2 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. The experimental group performed complex strength training with elastic band twice a week over 10 weeks, which included 8 workshops of progressing set length (number of sets) and band resistance for each specific exercise. Sessions were lasted approximately 35 min. The control group maintained regular in-season training. Tests included handgrip; back extensor; medicine ball throw; 30 m sprint times; Modified Illinois change-of-direction (Illinois-MT); four jump tests (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms and five jump test; static (stork test) and dynamic (Y balance test) balance; and repeated sprint T-test. The experimental group enhanced all strength performance (handgrip right ( p < 0.001), handgrip left ( p < 0.001), back extensor strength ( p < 0.001) and medicine ball throw ( p < 0.001) compared to the controls); sprint performance (5 m ( p<0.001), 10 m ( p < 0.001), 20 m ( p < 0.001), and 30 m ( p < 0.001)); the change of direction (Illinois-MT ( p < 0.001)); jump performance (squat jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump with arms ( p < 0.001), and five jump test ( p < 0.01)); and the repeated sprint T-test scores ( p<0.001in all scores). In contrast, no significant difference in both static and dynamic balance performance between experimental group and control group. Ten weeks of complex strength training with elastic band improve fitness components measures in young female handball players then habitual training.

Effects of contrast strength training with elastic band program on sprint, jump, strength, balance and repeated change of direction in young female handball players

Maximal strength, power and his derivates (sprint, change of direction repeatedly and jump) are considered as major determinants of success in elite handball players. Contrast strength training with elastic band (CSTEB) program is form of resistance training, and may play an important method of training to improve this quality. This study examined the effects of 10-week contrast strength training with elastic band (CSTEB) program on physical performance in young female handball players. Thirty participants (age: 15.7 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 63.7 ± 3.7 kg; body height: 166.8 ± 3.8 cm; body fat: 26.9 ± 3.4; and Maturity-offset: 2.9 ± 0.3 years) were randomly assigned between experimental group (EG; n = 15) and control group (CG; n = 15). Two-way analyses of variance (group × time) were assessed for handgrip; back extensor; medicine ball throw; 30-m sprint times; Modified Illinois change-of-direction (Illinois-MT); four jump tests [(squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA) and five jump test (5JT)]; static (stork) and dynamic (Y balance) balance tests; and repeated sprint T-test (RSTT). The EG enhanced all strength performance [handgrip right, handgrip left, back extensor strength and medicine ball throw (p < 0.001)] compared to CG. The EG enhanced all sprint performance. The EG also improved performance in the Illinois-MT. All jump performance improved significantly [SJ (p = 0.007), CMJ (p = 0.001) and CMJA (p = 0.001)] except 5JT in the EG. Of the same, 3 of 4 repeated sprint T-test scores [RSTT-Best-Time, RSTT-Mean-Time and RSTT-Total-Time] increased significantly in the EG relative to the CG. Conversely, there were no significant changes in balance performance between groups. It is concluded that 10-weeks of CSTEB improved physical performance (strength, sprint, change of direction, jump, and repeated change of direction) measures in young female handball players.

Assessment of Lumbar Extensor Muscles in the Context of Trunk Function, a Pilot Study in Healthy Individuals

A comprehensive assessment of trunk function, including the lumbar extensor muscles, appears to be important in various conditions affecting axial musculature. This pilot cross-sectional observational study aimed to define a battery of tests that comprehensively assess trunk muscle function (strength and muscular endurance). Sixty subjects without low back pain (LBP) underwent measurement of isometric lower back extensor strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in three positions; measurement of respiratory muscle strength; and Biering–Sørensen, prone-plank, and side-bridge tests. The repeatability, short-term and long-term reliability using the HHD device in different postural positions was confirmed. The greatest isometric lower back extensor strength was generated in the sitting position by male subjects. Time of effort in the Biering–Sørensen test was longer in women and older subgroups than in men and younger individuals, although this was not the case for the other two muscular endurance tests. This pilot monitoring of trunk muscle strength and endurance in healthy volunteers may lead to a better understanding of trunk muscle function. Based on this methodological background, the authors aim to use the defined battery of tests in their further studies in a group of patients with LBP and certain neuromuscular diseases to verify its usefulness in clinical practice.

The Influence of Nordic Walking on Spinal Posture, Physical Function, and Back Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Nordic walking is an increasingly popular form of exercise among the elderly. Using poles is thought to facilitate a more upright posture; however, previous studies primarily investigated the effects of Nordic walking on respiratory function and physical fitness. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of Nordic walking on spinal posture, physical functions, and back pain in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 years participated in a twice weekly Nordic walking training program for 12 weeks. The outcome measures, including spinal posture, physical functions, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles were assessed before and after a 12-week program. After training, spinal posture, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles did not show any statistically significant changes. Among the seven clinical tests of physical function, only the 30 s arm curl test, the 30 s chair stand test, and the single leg stance test showed significant improvements. Nordic walking has limited influence on age-related hyperkyphosis and back pain, but may be effective for physical function. The results of this study can provide useful information for people involved in the prevention and treatment of physical dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults.

Assessment of the influence of intermittent ischemic compression of latent trigger points on changes on the range of the lumbar spine mobility and myoelectric changes in the dorsal extensor muscle

Introduction: Pain in the lumbar spine (L) is a very serious health problem. The appearance of pain in the area of the back muscles with palpable small, sensitive points may indicate the presence of myofascial trigger points. There are many techniques used in the therapy of trigger points, including ischemic compression, which gives a therapeutic effect in the form of biomechanical normalization of muscle tissue restoring the normal functional state of a given muscle. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assessment of the influence of intermittent ischemic compression of latent trigger points on changes on the range of motion of the L spine and on myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle. Material and Methods: The study included 32 students who were subjected to a single technique of intermittent ischemic compression according to Chaitow. The participants of the study performed the Thomayer test before and after the therapy to assess the range of spine mobility. The myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle were assessed using NORAXON's EMG before and after the treatments following a protocol specifically developed for this purpose. The statistical analysis of the data was calculated using the Statistica 13 program. Results: One-time ischemic intermittent compression of the back extensor muscle statistically significantly increased the range of spine motion. The mean value of the tension of the back extensor muscle at rest after the therapy was reduced, showing statistically significant changes. The myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle during flexion were not statistically significant Conclusions: The results showed the effectiveness of the ischemic intermittent compression technique in increasing the range of spine mobility after the treatment on the back extensor muscle. Intermittent ischemic compression leads to a decrease in the resting tension of the back extensor muscle, without affecting any significant changes during the flexion movement.

Effects of abdominal drawing-in maneuver with or without prior iliopsoas stretching on gluteus maximus activity during prone hip extension

BACKGROUND: Prone hip extension (PHE) has been investigated to strengthen the hip joint and back extensor muscles. However, it has not been compared with various PHE exercises in individuals with iliopsoas shortness. OBJECTIVE: This study compared pelvic compensation and hip and back extensor muscle activities in individuals with iliopsoas shortness during prone hip extension (PHE) using the abdominal drawing-in maneuver alone (PHEA) and after iliopsoas stretching (PHEAS). METHODS: Twenty-five individuals with iliopsoas shortness were included in the study. Electromyography was used to investigate bilateral erector spinae (ES) and ipsilateral gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles during PHE, PHEA, and PHEAS. Pelvic anterior tilting and rotation angles were measured during each PHE exercise via electromagnetic motion tracking. A modified Thomas test was used to examine the hip extension angle before and after iliopsoas stretching. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to investigate differences in pelvic anterior tilting and rotation angle and in hip and back extensor muscle activities among PHE, PHEA, and PHEAS. The level of statistical significance was set at α= 0.01. RESULTS: GM muscle activity was significantly greater with PHEAS, compared to PHE and PHEA (p< 0.01). Bilateral ES and ipsilateral BF and ST muscle activities were significantly reduced with PHEAS, compared to PHE and PHEA (p< 0.01). Anterior pelvic tilting and rotation angles were significantly reduced with PHEAS, compared to PHE and PHEA (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PHEAS is recommended to selectively strengthen GM muscles with minimal BF and ST muscle activities and pelvic compensation in individuals with iliopsoas shortness. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) after iliopsoas stretching is more efficient than ADIM alone during PHE, especially in individuals with iliopsoas shortness.

Application of bilateral erector spinae plane block as a component of multimodal analgesia in pediatric practice: a case report

The article describes a clinical case of using a modified blockade of the back extensor muscle space as a component of postoperative multimodal analgesia in a toddler who was urgently operated on for extensive phlegmon of the anterior abdominal wall. This clinical case demonstrated the effectiveness of this method, and its use is quite simple in pediatric practice.

Effects of a 6-week core stabilization training program on dynamic balance and trunk stabilization endurance of horse riders

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 6-week core stabilization training program (CSTP) in improving dynamic balance and back-extensor endurance of horse riders; and develop a measurement tool in assessing the dynamic postural stabilization endurance for horse riders. Twelve male horse riders (age: 23.58 ± 1.93 years; height: 165.09 ± 4.60 cm; weight: 56.53 ± 4.75 kg; experience in horse racing: 1.75 ± 0.34 years) completed 12 training sessions in 6 weeks. Subjects performed the CSTP with two progressions. CSTP started with the basic consciousness activation exercises, and then eliminated visual feedback in dynamic balance task on unstable surfaces and finished with switching the center of gravity. Moderate-to-large difference was demonstrated in the Y-Balance test scores for right leg (102.81 ± 8.32 vs 106.471 ± 4.35 cm, d = 0.55, 95% CL 0.00 to 1.08) and left leg (102.04 ± 3.20 vs 106.29 ± 3.62 cm, d = 1.25, 95% CL 0.41 to 2.05) following 6 weeks CSTP. However, trivial to small differences was reported between left and right leg in pre (d = 0.12, 95% CL − 0.49 to 0.73) and post 6-week CSTP (d = 0.04, 95% CL − 0.69 to 0.78). Biering–Sørensen test (BST) shows largely greater performance after 6-week CSTP (98.3 ± 30.1 vs 131.8 ± 19.0 s, d = 1.33, 95% CL 0.54–2.09). A novel measurement, Swiss ball four-point kneeling test was shown to be correlated with the change in BST (r = 0.633).