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Review
. 2015 Mar;27(3):943-5.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.943. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Exercise and tropism of the multifidus muscle in low back pain: a short review

Paolo Pillastrini  1 , Silvano Ferrari  2 , Silvia Rattin  3 , Andrea Cupello  1 , Jorge Hugo Villafañe  4 , Carla Vanti  1
Affiliations
Review

Exercise and tropism of the multifidus muscle in low back pain: a short review

Paolo Pillastrini et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this review was to investigate the types of exercises that can improve the tropism of the multifidus muscles, based on clinical evidence. [Methods] Following to the PICO (Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) model, we considered studies of subjects with specific or non-specific LBP that used exercises aimed at activating the lumbar multifidus muscle and measured its cross-sectional area or thickness with ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. [Results] This review found that most studies compared different types of exercises for lumbar muscles, but without specifically investigating the multifidus muscle. However, a few studies showed that the cross-sectional area and thickness of the multifidus muscle can be increased by activating this muscle, and they progressed from motor control to increased static and dynamic loads. [Conclusion] A review of the literature revealed that specific supervised and home exercises may improve the symmetry of the multifidus muscle.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Exercise; Multifidus muscle.

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