Biomechanical and Electromyographic Comparisons of Isometric Trunk Flexor Endurance Test Postures: Prone Plank Versus V-Sit.

The objective of this study was to investigate why holding times on 2 different tests of isometric trunk flexor endurance capacity (prone plank and v-sit) are weakly correlated. Body position and ground reaction force data from 10 men and 10 women were used to conduct static biomechanical analyses of both test postures, and bilateral activations of the rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar and thoracic erector spinae were measured in a second sample of 15 men and 15 women while holding the test postures. No between-posture differences in net low back flexor moments were found (P = .

Does prolonged seated deskwork alter the lumbar flexion relaxation phenomenon?

Sustained maximum lumbar spine flexion can increase the angle at which the low back flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is observed. This adaptation has been hypothesized to have implications for the control of lumbar spine stability and increase the potential for low back injury. The objective of this study was to investigate if similar changes in the FRP would occur from sub-maximal spine flexion induced by an extended continuous duration of seated office deskwork.