Does one single session of Pilates method exercises is able to modify the trunk stabilizer muscles activation pattern in young subjects with or without low back pain?

• Grant number: 14/10445-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Nise Ribeiro Marques
• Grantee: Aline Prieto Silveira Ciola
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências (FFC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Marília. Marília , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Low back pain has a high incidence in the population. Several studies showed that there is a strong relationship between abnormalities on muscles activation, which decreases the capacity to generate torque and endurance, with non-specific low back pain. Recently, the exercises called lumbopelvic stabilizer training have been pointed, in the clinical practice, as an ideal tool to prevent and rehabilitee non-specific low back pain. Among this exercise class is the Pilates Method. Objetivos: To analyze the acute effect of an exercise session of Pilates Method in the muscular recruitment pattern in individuals with and without non-specific low back pain. Methods: individuals with 18-25 yr of both genders will participate in this study. These subjects will be separated into two different groups: the low back pain group and the group without low back pain. The procedures will be performed in two days separated by an interval of 24-36 hours. On the first day, the personal data, which permitted identification of the subjects will be collected. The subjects selected for the LBPG will answer the Roland Morris Incapacity Questionaire. After that, the maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), the Biering-Sorensen test, and the familiarization to the Pilates exercises will be performed. On the second day, the test of arm elevation will be performed and, then the Pilates Method exercises protocol will be performed after that the Biering-Sorensen test and the arm elevation test will be re-assessed. To determine the MIVC will be performed by four tests in different positions and each test will be performed three times by four seconds. To perform the Biering-Sorensen, the participants will be positioned lying prone on an assessment be, with the iliac spine positioned on the borderline of the bed and the trunk on a removable surface. The arms will be crossed in front of the chest and the participants will be oriented to move the trunk until the maximum amplitude of extension and, then, they will have to maintain the isometric contraction of the spinal erector muscles at this position. A chronometer will record the time and the test will finish when the subjects cannot maintain this position. The arm elevation test will be performed with an upper limb flexion. During this test will be performed 10 movements of shoulder flexion until 180º of flexion. Three exercises of Pilates Method (Hundreds I, One Leg Stretch level I e One Leg Circle level I), which exercise the primary muscles chain, will be performed. The exercise protocol will have approximately 30 minutes. The EMG signal of of TRA/IO, multifidus, iliocostalis lumborum, upper rectus abdominis, and anterior deltoid will be recorded. EMG signal will be analyzed by the values of Root Mean Square (RMS) and Median Frequency (MF). The values of RMS will be normalized by MIVC. For all measured variables the normality of the data will be tested to select the appropriate statistical, adopting the significant value of p 0.05. (AU)