Unloading Maneuvers During Spinal Flexion Exposure

University of Primorska30 enrolled

Overview

An experimental study, which will aim to investigate the acute effects of unloading maneuvers during an intermittent spinal flexion protocol on changes in trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties.

Our experimental study will include 30 participants. All participants will complete a 60-min intermittent spinal flexion protocol. During rest periods within the protocol, the participants from the intervention group will perform unloading maneuvers for the lumbar spine. Measurements of trunk mechanical and neuromuscular properties. will be performed prior to and following the 60-min protocol.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Occupational Exposure

Interventions

Unloading maneuversOTHER

Participants will perform unloading maneuvers four times with 15 min of spinal flexion protocol in between. The intervention will include self traction on a box (5 s) and sustained standing trunk extension (8 s). Both maneuvers will be repeated twice at each timepoint.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 30 YearsMax age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Occupational workers with a predominantly non static job (e.g. combination of sitting and standing) Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic low back pain * Episode of acute low back pain * Hip injury in the past six months * Previous spine, pelvis or hip surgery * Hypermobility, diagnosed with the Beighton score * High intensity resistance training (\> 75 % of 1 repetition maximum) more than two times a week * Sporting or recreational activities, that include repetitive spinal flexion or maintenance of a flexed posture (for example cycling or rowing).

Locations (1)

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska

Izola, Primorska, Slovenia

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in muscle stiffness

Muscle stiffness will be measured using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography during prone lying and forward stooping. Erector spinae and multifidus muscle stiffness will be expressed as the shear modulus value in kilopascals.

Time frame: 90 minutes

Secondary Outcomes

Change in range of motion

Trunk flexion range of motion will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse in maximal trunk flexion while standing.

Time frame: 90 minutes

Change in seated spinal height

Seated spinal height will be measured on a custom-developed stadiometer, with the participants in a seated position.

Time frame: 90 minutes

Change in lumbar lordosis angle

The lumbar lordosis angle will be evaluated using Spinal Mouse during upright standing.

Time frame: 90 minutes

Change in trunk extension maximal strength

Isometric trunk extension peak torque will be assessed on a trunk dynamometer.

Time frame: 90 minutes

Central Contacts

Matej Voglar, PhD

CONTACT

0038656635803 matej.voglar@fvz.upr.si

Rok Vatovec, PhD

CONTACT

0038656635802 rok.vatovec@fvz.upr.si

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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