Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a Gym ball program of
trunk stabilization exercises on trunk stabilization in healthy subjects. Twenty subjects
with age ranging from twenty to twenty nine years participated in the study. They
were divided into two groups: control group and Gym ball exercise group. Both
groups were similar in age, weight, height, and body mass index. Subjects in the Gym
ball exercise group performed a Gym ball exercise program three times per week for
four weeks. A series of six exercises were attempted, which required increasing levels
of muscular control of the lumbar spine for stability.
There were two tests in this study, one – modified Isometric Stability Test
(MIST), subjects from both groups were tested using a pressure transducer placed
under the lumbar spine to detect spinal motion. They received a pass or fail for each
exercise level based on the pressure gauge readings and the absence of compensatory
movement. Two – Gym ball exercise testing, subjects from the Gym ball exercise
group were tested using a biofeedback unit. They received a pass or fail for each
exercise level based on the neutral spine position and distance of ball moved. Both
tests was performed at pre-test, 1st, 2nd, 3rd week and post-test.
The results showed the MIST exercise level attained at post-test of the Gym
ball exercise group (median values: level 3) was significant higher than the pre-test
(median values: level 2) whereas no significant difference was indicated in the control
group. Within the Gym ball exercise group, the MIST exercise level attained began
significant difference at pre-test and 2nd week until pre-test and post-test. The MIST
exercise level attained was started significant difference between the control group and
the Gym ball group at 2nd week testing until post-test. The correlations between Gym
ball and MIST exercise level attained in Gym ball exercise group were highly
correlated (r=0.718).
It can be assumed that the Gym ball exercise program can improve trunk
stability.