TY - JOUR
T1 - Lumbopelvic kinematics and trunk muscle activity during sitting on stable and unstable surfaces
AU - O'Sullivan, Peter
AU - Dankaerts, Wim
AU - Burnett, Angus
AU - Straker, Leon
AU - Bargon, Gabriella
AU - Moloney, Niamh
AU - Perry, Meredith
AU - Tsang, Sharon
PY - 2006/1
Y1 - 2006/1
N2 - Study Design: A single-group comparative study. Objectives: To compare lumbopelvic kinematics and muscle activation patterns while sitting on stable and unstable surfaces. Background: Unstable surfaces are commonly used during the rehabilitation of certain low back pain disorders. The benefits postulated are increased muscle activity and facilitation of sustainable midrange positions via neuromuscular control. The use of unstable sitting devices in the workplace is controversial, as the postulated increase in muscle activity is thought to lead to a muscle fatigue/pain response. However, little evidence exists for or against the ability of these devices to alleviate or prevent spinal pain. Methods and Measures: This study included 26 healthy adults (14 male, 12 female). Fastrak 3-dimensional motion analysis detected lumbar curvature, pelvic tilt, and postural sway during sitting on a stable and unstable surface over 5-minute periods. Surface electromyography was used to measure activity in the superficial lumbar multifidus, transverse fibers of internal oblique, and iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis. Results: Spinal postures were similar for sitting on a stable and unstable surface. Significant increases in postural sway were detected (P = .013) in 3 dimensions of movement during sitting on an unstable surface. Gender differences were noted. No EMG amplitude or variance differences were detected between seating conditions. Conclusions: Preliminary data show that sitting on unstable surfaces induces greater spinal motion, but does not significantly alter the lumbosacral posture nor the amount of activity in the superficial trunk muscles under investigation.
AB - Study Design: A single-group comparative study. Objectives: To compare lumbopelvic kinematics and muscle activation patterns while sitting on stable and unstable surfaces. Background: Unstable surfaces are commonly used during the rehabilitation of certain low back pain disorders. The benefits postulated are increased muscle activity and facilitation of sustainable midrange positions via neuromuscular control. The use of unstable sitting devices in the workplace is controversial, as the postulated increase in muscle activity is thought to lead to a muscle fatigue/pain response. However, little evidence exists for or against the ability of these devices to alleviate or prevent spinal pain. Methods and Measures: This study included 26 healthy adults (14 male, 12 female). Fastrak 3-dimensional motion analysis detected lumbar curvature, pelvic tilt, and postural sway during sitting on a stable and unstable surface over 5-minute periods. Surface electromyography was used to measure activity in the superficial lumbar multifidus, transverse fibers of internal oblique, and iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis. Results: Spinal postures were similar for sitting on a stable and unstable surface. Significant increases in postural sway were detected (P = .013) in 3 dimensions of movement during sitting on an unstable surface. Gender differences were noted. No EMG amplitude or variance differences were detected between seating conditions. Conclusions: Preliminary data show that sitting on unstable surfaces induces greater spinal motion, but does not significantly alter the lumbosacral posture nor the amount of activity in the superficial trunk muscles under investigation.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=30444434415&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2519/jospt.2006.2094
DO - 10.2519/jospt.2006.2094
M3 - Article
C2 - 16494070
AN - SCOPUS:30444434415
SN - 0190-6011
VL - 36
SP - 19
EP - 25
JO - Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
JF - Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
IS - 1
ER -