Reduction of Risk for Low Back Injury in Theater of Operations
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to assess the effectiveness of high intensity progressive resistance exercise (HIPRE) training targeting the lumbar extensors to improve lumbar extension muscular strength and endurance in US Army Soldiers. A 2-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with US Army Soldiers training to become combat medics from Fort Sam Houston, TX. Soldiers were randomized (by platoon) to receive lumbar extensor HIPRE training (HIPRE, n = 298) or core stabilization exercise training (CORE, n = 284) at 1 set, 1X/week, for 11 weeks. Isometric lumbar extension muscular strength, dynamic lumbar extension muscular endurance, and isometric core muscular endurance were assessed before and after the 11-week intervention. Linear mixed effects analyses were used to assess group differences on these measures at 11-week follow-up. Following the 11-week intervention, adjusted lumbar extension muscular strength was 9.7 greater (p = 0.001) for HIPRE compared with CORE. Adjusted lumbar extension muscular endurance was 12.3 greater (p = 0.021) for HIPRE compared with CORE. No improvements in core muscular endurance were observed for the HIPRE and CORE groups. These findings indicate that lumbar extensor HIPRE training is effective to improve lumbar extension muscular strength and endurance in US Army Soldiers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1007358
Entities
People
- John M. Mayer
- William S. Quillen
Organizations
- University of South Florida