Abstract

Background: The stair task is a common daily motor activity that can have positive or negative effects on low back pain. The presence of lumbopelvic movement dysfunction syndrome combined with foot pronation may alter the electrical activity pattern of lower limb muscles. This study aimed to determine the effect of a dynamic neuromuscular stability training program on changes in the electromyographic activity amplitude of selected lower limb muscles in athletes with lumbopelvic movement dysfunction syndrome and foot pronation during the stair task.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 28 athletes with a mean age of 24.26±1.37 years suffering from lumbopelvic movement dysfunction syndrome with foot pronation participated. Participants were divided into two groups of 14: an intervention group and a control group. Surface electromyographic activity of eight selected muscles (Tibialis Anterior, Gastrocnemius, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris, Semitendinosus, Biceps Femoris, and Gluteus Medius) was recorded and calculated during stair ascent and descent.

Findings: Significant differences were found between groups for time effects on Gastrocnemius (P=0.032) and Gluteus Medius (P=0.009) during stair ascent, and on Rectus Femoris (P=0.001) during descent. Group effects were significant for Rectus Femoris (P=0.009) during descent, and time×group interaction was significant for Semitendinosus (P=0.001) during ascent.

Conclusion: Dynamic neuromuscular stability exercises may improve the activation pattern of some key lower limb muscles in athletes with lumbopelvic movement dysfunction syndrome and foot pronation during functional activities such as stair ascent and descent.