Effect of limbering up of the muscles attached to the pelvis on the strength of upper and lower extremity and trunk muscles through the transitional network

Abstract

[Purpose] To study the effect that limbering up of the muscles attached to the pelvis has on muscle strength of the trunk and upper and lower extremities, which are not being exercised, and to investigate the possibilities for clinical application. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 152 healthy adult men. Sthenometry was conducted using a handheld dynamometer to assess the effect of limbering up of the upper gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and internal abdominal oblique muscles attached to thoracolumbar fascia on the trunk and upper and lower extremities. The exercises were slowly performed 20 repetitions. Subjects were divided into AB group (n=49) measuring abdominal and back muscle strength, K group (n=42) measuring knee flexor and extensor strength, and S group (n=61) measuring shoulder flexor and external rotator strength and compared to non-exercising controls. [Results] In the exercise groups, exercising either gluteus maximus or hamstrings significantly increased the strength of abdominal and back muscles; exercising gluteus maximus increased knee extensor strength, and exercising the abdominal internal oblique muscle significantly increased knee flexor strength; and shoulder flexor strength significantly increased after exercising gluteus maximus versus controls. [Conclusion] This may be useful in rehabilitation of injuries to the trunk and upper and lower extremities.