Influences of Trunk Extension on Circulatory Dynamics in Low Back Muscles and Their Activity Levels

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine circulatory dynamics in the lumbar erector spinae (LES) and multifidus (MF) and their activity levels during trunk extension in sitting and standing positions, in order to obtain myophysiological evidence for the effectiveness of physical therapy to manage low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 15 healthy adult males, who executed trunk extension in sitting and standing positions as a motor task. Circulatory dynamics in the LES and MF during the motor task were examined by comparing relative changes in hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb, deOxy-Hb, total-Hb) and muscle activity levels at different trunk extension angles. [Results] The Oxy-Hb levels of the LES and MF in a sitting position and that of the LES in a standing position rose with an increase in the angle. [Conclusion] Increasing Oxy-Hb levels, trunk extension in sitting and standing positions may be useful as part of intervention for ischemic low back pain.