Abstract

The aim of the present study was to establish the influence of core stabilization exercises on multifidus muscle cross-sectional area, asymmetry size, physical development and physical capacity. Subjects were healthy and physically active women (n = 18) with normal menstrual cycle, whose age was 19-23 years. Their body weight was 58.2 ± 6.1 kg, height 168.4 ± 5.6 cm. During the test procedure for 8 months, 2 times per week there have been applied 60 min duration of spinal stabilization exercise program, which consisted of static and dynamic, deep muscular strength and endurance training exercises. Static positions were maintained from 6 to 20 seconds. Testing an assessment cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus muscle, CSA of the multifidus muscle were measured from L2 to L5 vertebral segments. These measures have been tested using ultrasound “TITANTTM” (SonoSite, USA) measurements of multifidus muscle CSA. The device was set down by B-scan mode, used HST/10-5 MHz 25 mm linear transducer, designed for muscles, organs and blond vessels for surface exploration. Ultrasonic multifidus muscle ultrasonography had been performed three times during the investigation. During the study there was used 10 MHz frequency. CSA of the multifidus muscle percentage expression of symmetry was counted basing on recommendations in literature. Physical capacity was assessed by sit-and-lie down exercise tests. The results of study showed that after the core stabilization exercise program CSA of the multifidus muscle significantly increased (p < 0.05). lt was found that after the core stabilization exercise program, multifidus muscle asymmetry significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The results of physical development showed that the sum of four skin wrinkles, assessed as fat quantity (%), was lower after the eight month stabilization exercise program from 19.7 + 1.0 to 16.6 ± 1.3 (p < 0.05). The results of physical capacity demonstrated that the static endurance of back muscles was better after the eight month stabilization exercise program than before the study (p < 0.05). The main conclusion: after the core stabilization exercise program CSA of the multifidus muscle increased, multifidus muscle asymmetry decreased, physical development and physical capacity were better. Verf.-Referat