Affiliations: [a] Institute of Mechatronics, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania | [b] Institute of Sports, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania | [c] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania | [d] Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Aurelijus Domeika, Institute of Mechatronics, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu str. 56, 51424 Kaunas, Lithuania. Tel.: +370 37 300 913; E-mail: aurelijus.domeika@ktu.lt.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The main position of the working population is becoming sitting. Immobile prolonged sedentary time may cause negative effects including reduced intervertebral discs nutrition. Main ways of mitigating them are regular position changes and exercising. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate influence of the short term training on unstable training machine on balance control and trunk muscles activity in patients with lower back pain. METHODS: Participants (n=16) experiencing lower back pain were trained on an unstable sculling machine “Rehabili”. Their balance tested by (Biodex Balance System) and rectus abdominis, externus oblique, transverse abdominis, multifidus and erector spine muscles activity (measured by surface electromyography) while sitting and standing with usual and aligned body postures both before and after six weeks of training (three 15 minutes sessions per week) were compared in between. RESULTS: Balance control improved after the training program. Besides, more symmetrical activation of both sides rectus and transversus abdominis muscles, as well as increased transversus abdominis muscle activation of 19% (p< 0.05), were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks short sessions training on unstable training machine improved balance control and increased trunk muscles activity especially in aligned body posture when standing or sitting on unstable surface.
Keywords: Prolonged sitting, balance, trunk muscles activity, unstable training
