Article

Sedentary lifestyle, a prevalent finding in modern society, can lead
to weakness of the lumbar trunk musculature.
Electrical stimulation (ES), in
addition to lumbar strengthening exercises, has been shown to increase muscle
strength. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strengthening effect of ES on the lumbar
paraspinal muscles during prolonged sitting. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled,
single-blind study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital.
PARTICIPANTS: Thirty healthy
subjects without low back pain. METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly
assigned to the ES group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15). ES was
administered over the lumbar paraspinal muscles, while subjects maintained a
seated posture, at a maximal tolerable intensity for 60 minutes per day, three
times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks. An identical protocol was used in the
control group with muscle stimulation provided at the minimal sensory threshold
intensity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The isokinetic strength of the lumbar
paraspinal muscles was evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks after the initiation of ES,
and 8 weeks after the initiation of ES with an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex
Medical Dynamometer System-4) at 60 degrees /s and 120 degrees /s angular
velocities. RESULTS: The extension and flexion peak torque at 60 degrees /s
showed no significant interaction between the time and intervention or between
the interventions. However, after 4 weeks of ES in the sitting position, the
isokinetic extensor trunk muscle strength measured at 120 degrees /s angular
velocity significantly increased in the ES group (P < .05) compared with that in
the control group. This effect was not maintained when measured at 4 weeks after
the cessation of ES. CONCLUSIONS: ES in a sitting position is a potentially
effective and accessible rehabilitation treatment, which can lead to short-term
improvement in the extensor trunk muscle strength of the lumbar paraspinal muscles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS