An Electromyography Study on Constant Location Versus Changing Location Swiss Ball Exercises in the Recruitment of Abdominal Muscle in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Background: Swiss balls provide an unstable surface which may result in an increased need for force output from trunk muscles to provide adequate spinal stability or balance. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) activity of the abdominal muscles between constant location exercise and changing location exercise. Study Design: Prospective Experimental Design. Methods: The myoelectric activity of four abdominal muscles (Upper and Lower Rectus Abdominus, External Oblique, and Internal Oblique) was quantified during the performance of constant location and changing location Swiss ball exercises. Group-A, (n=10) have performed constant location exercise (SCALE constant location exercise) and Group-B, (n=10) have performed changing location exercise (INDIAN FAKIR changing location exercise) with Swiss ball. Paired and Unpaired ‘t’ test was used to determine the abdominal muscle activity of each muscle in constant location and changing location exercise. Results: There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference in muscle activity (Upper and Lower Rectus Abdominus, External Oblique, and Internal Oblique) between constant location and changing location exercises. Discussion: However, there was large degree of variability across subjects suggesting that individuals respond differently to both the types of exercises. These findings suggest that changing location exercises offers more work to the abdominal muscles in compare to constant location exercise. Conclusion: Changing location Swiss Ball exercises offers more work to the abdominal muscles (Upper and Lower Rectus Abdominus, External Oblique, and Internal Oblique) in compare to constant location exercise.