Effects of a program for trunk strength and stability on pain, low back and pelvis kinematics, and body balance: A pilot study

Carpes, Felipe Pivetta; Reinehr, Fernanda Beatriz; Mota, Carlos Bolli

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2007.05.001

« Previous Next »Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 12, Issue 1 , Pages 22-30, January 2008

Effects of a program for trunk strength and stability on pain, low back and pelvis kinematics, and body balance: A pilot study

Felipe Pivetta Carpes, B.Sc., M.Sc.
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Laboratory of Biomechanics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- School of Physical Education, Exercise Research Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Laboratório de Pesquisa do Exercício, Escola de Educação Física, Rua Felizardo 750, 90690-200 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Tel.: +555133085859; fax: +555133085842.
Fernanda Beatriz Reinehr, B.Sc., PT
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Federal University of Santa Maria, Center of Health Sciences, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
Carlos Bolli Mota, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Laboratory of Biomechanics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

Received 22 March 2007; received in revised form 30 April 2007; accepted 1 May 2007.

Summary

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of trunk strength and stability training on body balance and low back and pelvis kinematics during gait in females. Six subjects volunteered to do 20 sessions of training. Data collection involved a qualitative pain grade test, low back stabilization tests, low back and pelvis kinematics, and body balance assessment. Results indicate the absence or decrease in the low back pain, and also an increase in the stabilization and strength of low back and pelvis complex. The 3-D kinematics showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) when compared pre- to post-training. The body balance was improved as well as the range of motion (ROM) was improved for trunk rotation, pelvis inclination and low back flexion. The results suggest the influence of trunk strength and stability on low back and pelvis pain and kinematics as well as on body balance. Further studies with a larger sample and/or a control group must be conducted in an attempt to confirm this hypothesis.

Keywords: Trunk strength, Trunk stability, “Core”, Lumbar, 3-D kinematics, Balance, Gait