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Effects of back extensor strength training versus balance training on postural control
J Kollmitzer1, G R Ebenbichler, A Sabo
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna, Austria. Josef.Kollmitzer@akhwien.ac.at
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|October 20, 2000
Summary
Regular back extensor strength training may initially decrease postural stability, while balance training improves it. Both enhance muscle efficiency and force, suggesting a need for comprehensive training in rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for daily activities and injury prevention.
- The interplay between strength training and balance training on postural control is not fully understood.
- Understanding the effects of training sequence is important for optimizing rehabilitation programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of back extensor strength training versus balance training on postural control, force, and muscle efficiency.
- To investigate the influence of the training sequence (strength then balance, or balance then strength) on these parameters.
- To assess changes in postural stability, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) back extension torque, and muscle economy.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six healthy young adults participated in a 2-month study.
- Baseline assessments included posturography, balance skill tests, and isometric MVC back extension tests with surface electromyography (SEMG).
- Subjects underwent 1 month of daily strength training or balance training, followed by 1 month of the alternative training type.
Main Results:
- Back extensor strengthening initially reduced postural stability, increasing high-frequency sway components, while balance training improved stability by decreasing low-frequency sway.
- Both training types improved back extension torque and muscle efficiency (economy) as measured by SEMG.
- No significant changes in overall postural parameters were observed after completing both training sequences.
Conclusions:
- Back extensor strengthening alone may temporarily impair postural stability.
- Balance training enhances postural stability without negatively impacting control effort.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation should incorporate both strength and balance training, potentially including antagonist muscle training, to optimize outcomes and avoid stability reduction.