Effect of Sprinter Pattern Bridging Exercise using Theraband on Activation of Lower Extremity and Abdominal Muscle

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sprinter pattern bridging exercise using theraband on activation of lower extremity and abdominal muscle and to find out postures that can effectively improve abdominal and lower extremity muscle strength and increase abdominal stability. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The following research was done with applicants attending S university in Seoul to compare the difference in muscle activity between one-leg-Support bridging exercise and sprinter-pattern bridging exercise using theraband. For 48 study participants, we first measured their MVC. Then, we applied one-leg-support bridging exercise and sprinter-pattern bridging exercise at random order. These data were expressed as the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC).Electromyography analysis was performed by measuring the external obliques, internal obliques, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus. Results: There was a statistically significant increment of muscle activity in external and internal oblique muscle(p<0.001)by sprinter-pattern bridging exercise using theraband. On the lower body, statistically significant increment of muscle activity in biceps femoris and gluteus maximus was found(p<0.05). On the other hand, on erector spinae, there was statistically significant decrease in muscle activity(p<0.05). Conclusions: Efficient treatment is expected when sprinter-pattern bridging exercise using theraband is applied clinically.For patients with chronic knee and ankle pain who have difficulty bearing weight, including low back pain and internal rotation of the femur, starting with a low weight bearing, we think it will be helpful in planning systematic training aimed at progressively strengthening the lower extremities.