The Immediate Effects of a Standardized Kettlebell Swing Protocol on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Function: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Sports Science

Background:

• Kettlebell swings (KBSs) are popular for targeting lumbar erector spinae and lower body muscles.
• The exercise involves cyclical contraction of trunk extensors and posterior chain, influencing muscle contractility.
• Tensiomyography (TMG) is a validated, noninvasive method for assessing muscle fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the extent of lumbar erector spinae muscle fatigue after a high-intensity interval kettlebell swing protocol.
• To compare muscle fatigue between a kettlebell swing group and a control group using TMG.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 41 healthy adults (18-45 years) with no low back pain history.
• Participants were assigned to either a kettlebell swing (KBS) group or a control (CON) group.
• Lumbar erector spinae fatigue was measured using 5 TMG parameters (Dm, Tc, Tr, Td, Ts) at baseline, post-intervention, and 24 hours post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in any of the 5 TMG parameters were observed between the KBS and CON groups across the three assessment periods (p ≥ 0.079).
• The high-intensity interval KBS protocol did not induce significant lumbar erector spinae muscle fatigue compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• A high-intensity interval kettlebell swing protocol failed to produce significant erector spinae muscle fatigue.
• Further research is needed on higher intensity protocols or alternative programming parameters for KBS to induce fatigue.
• Current KBS programming may require adjustments depending on specific training goals related to muscle fatigue.