The Core of the Issue: Plank Performance and Pain in the Lower Back

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Exercise physiology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Low back pain (LBP) is a primary cause of global disability.
• Core stabilization exercises, like the plank, are common in rehabilitation for spinal support.
• The relationship between plank performance and trunk function in LBP patients is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plank endurance and low back pain in adults.
• To determine if plank test duration is a reliable indicator of trunk function in individuals with LBP.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involved 117 adults (aged 20-61), with and without LBP.
• Participants underwent a plank endurance test and completed the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).
• A subset of LBP participants also performed single-leg bridge tests to assess posterior chain endurance.

Main Results:

• Individuals with LBP exhibited significantly longer plank hold times compared to controls (p=0.036).
• Plank duration was not identified as an independent predictor of LBP (p=0.070).
• Among LBP participants, a higher bridge-to-plank ratio (greater posterior chain endurance) correlated with lower MODI scores (p=0.023).

Conclusions:

• Plank endurance duration varies between individuals with and without LBP, but longer holds do not necessarily indicate better outcomes.
• A balanced ratio of posterior chain to anterior core endurance may be more relevant for reducing LBP-related disability.
• Comprehensive core assessment and targeted training are crucial for effective LBP rehabilitation.