Effects of a 7-Week Combined Core Stabilization Exercise Program on Muscle Contractile Properties and Function in Adults with a Sedentary Lifestyle

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combined core stabilization exercise program on the static contractile properties of the erector spinae and the isokinetic muscle function of trunk flexion and extension in office workers aged twenty years and older. Methods All participants performed a combined core stabilization exercise program, for seven weeks. And all participants were assessed using tensiomyography to evaluate the contractile properties of the erector spinae, and also assessed for isokinetic trunk strength. Results As a result of tensiomyography, we found that significant main effect of sex on contraction time (p ≤ 0.001), and maximum radial displacement, velocity of contraction demonstrated significant main effects for sex and time (p ≤ 0.001). Regarding isokinetic trunk muscle function, significant main effects of sex and time were observed for trunk flexion, extension, and the flexion/extension ratio at 60 °/sec (p ≤ 0.001) and 90 °/sec (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, trunk extension at 90 °/sec demonstrated a significant sex-by-time interaction (p = 0.010). Conclusions These findings suggest that overall, the 7-week combined core stabilization exercise program was effective in enhancing the static contractile properties of the erector spinae and improving trunk isokinetic muscle function.