Spirotiger®: a new proposal in subjects affected by low back pain

Purpose: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common spine disorder related to muscle imbalances at different level. In particular, biomechanics of breathing can be negatively modified in people affected by LBP through his connection with postural system. The aim of this study was to determine if a Respiratory Muscles Endurance Training (RMET) using Spirotiger device during posterior kinetic chain stretching could improve mobility and pain in subjects affected by (LBP). Moreover, a possible link between the diaphragm and hamstrings muscles was highlighted. Methods: Six subjects (main age: 52.3 years ± 14.25) with diagnosis of LBP and “flexion pattern syndrome” (according to O'Sullivan P., Sahrmann S. and Colonna S. studies) were included in the research. Participants were divided into a training group (TG, n=4) that perform RMET by Spirotiger during hamstring and glutes stretching and a control group (CG, n=2) that only did stretching. Both group trained for a total number of 9 sessions during a 4 weeks period. In addition to RMET and stretching TG and CG performed the same amount of strength exercise of the hip flexors and back muscles to restore the muscles imbalance. Before and after the training time, both group were tested by quality of life questionnaire (SF-12), numerical pain rate scale (NPRS) and Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) using the IMU sensor Wiva Science. Results: TG improved the SF-12 Physical Component Summary scale of 6.66 points, according to the reduced pain perception on the NPRS for an average of 3.33 points and an improvement of 12.36° in AKET. AGGIUNGERE CG Conclusions: This results suggests that subjects affected by LBP could benefit from a RMET during stretching posture of hamstrings muscles by reducing pain, improving hip mobility and boosting quality of life. The myofascial link between diaphragm and hamstrings muscles could support the biomechanical hypothesis and make the RMET a new proposal in LBP exercise treatment. References: González-Álvarez FJ, Valenza MC, Torres-Sánchez I, Cabrera-Martos I, Rodríguez-Torres J, Castellote-Caballero Y. Effects of diaphragm stretching on posterior chain muscle kinematics and rib cage and abdominal excursion: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2016 Sept-Oct; 20(5):405-411. Hiromune Obayashi, Yukio Urabe, Yuki Yamanaka, and Ryo Okuma. Effects of Respiratory-Muscle Exercise on Spinal Curvature. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2012, 21, 63-68 © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.