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Novel methods to increase core muscle activity in older adults
Taizo Shiomi1, Satoshi Miyashita1, Kenji Murakami1
1Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Teikyo University of Science: 2-2-1 Senjyusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0045, Japan.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|September 6, 2024
Summary
Specific postures and upper limb pushing exercises significantly increase trunk muscle activity, particularly the transversus abdominis, in older adults. This finding offers insights into enhancing core strength for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Aging is associated with decreased trunk muscle strength and function.
- Maintaining trunk muscle activity is crucial for mobility and fall prevention in older adults.
- Current exercise interventions may not optimally target deep trunk muscles in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specific postures and movements in enhancing trunk muscle activity in community-dwelling older adults.
- To compare trunk muscle activation during natural sitting, a modified posture, and a posture with added upper limb exertion.
Main Methods:
- Forty-six older adults (mean age 83.9 years) participated.
- Ultrasound imaging measured external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness during three tasks: natural sitting, specific posture, and specific posture with pushing motion.
- Measurements were taken during expiration to assess muscle activity.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle thickness were observed between the specific posture (Task II) and the posture with pushing motion (Task III).
- The transversus abdominis muscle demonstrated the most substantial increase in thickness among the studied muscles.
- Task III, involving a pushing down motion, yielded the highest trunk muscle activation.
Conclusions:
- A combination of specific sitting postures and maneuvers to increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as upper limb pushing, effectively enhances trunk muscle activity in older adults.
- The transversus abdominis muscle is particularly responsive to these interventions.
- These findings suggest a practical approach to improving core muscle function and potentially enhancing stability in the elderly population.
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