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Auditory and visual distraction improve muscle endurance: a randomised controlled trial
Mónica Grande-Alonso1,2, Fernando Ortega-López1, Romain Vittecoq1
1Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Somatosensory & Motor Research
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Distractions like auditory or visual stimuli can significantly boost lumbar muscle endurance during the Biering-Sorensen test. However, these methods also increase perceived fatigue compared to no distraction.
Area of Science:
- Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Low back pain is a prevalent issue, and understanding factors influencing lumbar muscle endurance is crucial for prevention and rehabilitation.
- The Biering-Sorensen test is a common measure of lumbar muscle endurance, but its validity under varying conditions requires further investigation.
- The role of cognitive and sensory distraction in modulating neuromuscular performance, particularly in the lumbar region, is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of auditory distraction group (ADG) and visual distraction group (VDG) on lumbar muscle endurance and perceived fatigue in healthy adults.
- To compare the effectiveness of auditory and visual distractions against a control group (CG) without distraction.
- To determine if one type of distraction stimulus yields superior results in enhancing lumbar muscle endurance.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to ADG, VDG, or CG.
- Lumbar muscle endurance was assessed using the Biering-Sorensen test.
- Perceived fatigue was measured using the modified Borg scale, with assessments conducted at baseline and after the distraction intervention.
Main Results:
- Both ADG and VDG showed significant increases in lumbar muscle endurance compared to the CG (large effect sizes).
- Significant intragroup differences in endurance were observed for VDG and ADG, but not CG.
- While fatigue increased in both distraction groups, no significant difference was found between ADG and VDG, nor were there between-group differences in fatigue.
- No significant group*time interaction was found for fatigue, though intragroup differences were noted for VDG and ADG.
Conclusions:
- Auditory and visual distractions can significantly enhance lumbar muscle endurance during the Biering-Sorensen test.
- Both distraction techniques are effective in increasing muscle resistance but also lead to higher perceived effort or fatigue post-test compared to a non-distracted state.
- This study could not establish superiority of one distraction modality over the other for improving lumbar muscle endurance.
