|
|
Back
extension endurance and strength: Effect of variable angle roman
chair exercise training.
Verna JL, Mayer JM, Mooney V, Pierra EA, Robertson VL, Graves JE.
Spine (in press).
Study Design. Pre / post intervention randomized, controlled
trial.
Objectives. To evaluate the effect of progressive resistance
exercise training using a Variable Angle Roman Chair (VARC) on the
development of lumbar extensor endurance and strength.
Summary of Background Data. Progressive resistance exercise
for the lumbar extensors has been used successfully for low back
pain rehabilitation, but the limitations of currently available
back exercise devices have negatively affected utilization.
Methods. Thirty-six healthy volunteers were randomized into
one of two groups: A VARC exercise group (n = 18) that performed
one set of fifteen to twenty-five repetitions of dynamic progressive
resistance back extension exercise on a VARC three times per week
for eight weeks; and a control group (n = 18) that did not perform
resistance exercise. Prior to training and following four and eight
weeks of training, static back extension endurance (seconds) and
isometric lumbar extension strength (N×m) were recorded.
Results. The VARC exercise group displayed a 42% increase in
static back extension endurance at the 4-week and 8-week tests relative
to the pre-training measure (p < 0.05). The control group did
not increase back endurance time at either the 4-week or 8-week
tests (p > 0.05). Neither the VARC exercise group nor the control
group displayed an increase in lumbar extension strength at the
4-week or 8-week tests (p > 0.05).
Conclusions.Dynamic progressive resistance exercise training
on a VARC is capable of developing back extension endurance. Future
research is needed to determine the clinical applicability of VARC
exercise training for low back pain patients.
|
