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Equine veterinary journal2011; 43(5); 522-529; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00322.x

Dynamic mobilisation exercises increase cross sectional area of musculus multifidus.

Abstract: In human subjects with back pain, the deep spinal stabiliser m. multifidus is inhibited ipsilaterally leading to atrophy, asymmetry and intervertebral instability. Specific physiotherapeutic exercises are required to reactivate m. multifidus. This study assesses the effect of dynamic mobilisation exercises on size and symmetry of m. multifidus in the equine caudal thoracic and lumbar spine. Objective: Regular performance of dynamic mobilisation exercises over a period of 3 months increases cross sectional area (CSA) and left-right symmetry of m. multifidus muscles in the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine. Methods: Eight horses performed dynamic mobilisation exercises (3 cervical flexions, one cervical extension and 3 lateral bending exercises to the left and right sides) with 5 repetitions/exercise/day on 5 days/week for 3 months during which time they were not ridden. Left and right m. multifidus CSA was measured ultrasonographically at 6 levels from T10 to L5 at the start (initial evaluation) and end (final evaluation) of the 3 month study. Changes in CSA of the right and left m. multifidus muscles and symmetry of m. multifidus CSA on the right and left sides between the 2 evaluations were sought using analysis of variance (P<0.05). Results: Between the initial evaluation and final evaluation m. multifidus CSA increased significantly at all 6 spinal levels on both right and left sides. Asymmetries in m. multifidus CSA between the right and left sides decreased between the initial and final evaluations. Conclusions: Hypertrophy of multifidus occurred over a 3 month period during which dynamic mobilisation exercises were the only exercise performed. Conclusions: Dynamic mobilisation exercises maybe a useful rehabilitative technique for horses in which m. multifidus has atrophied in response to back pain.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-03-15 PubMed ID: 21496085DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00322.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the effect of dynamic mobilisation exercises on the musculus multifidus, a deep spinal stabilizer, in horses. The study found that dynamic mobilisation exercises increased the size and symmetry of the musculus multifidus in the caudal thoracic and lumbar spine over a three-month period.

Study Objective and Methodology

  • The study aims to determine the impact of dynamic mobilisation exercises on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and left-right symmetry of the musculus multifidus in the equine caudal thoracic and lumbar spine.
  • Eight horses performed several dynamic mobilisation exercises which include cervical flexions, cervical extension, and lateral bending exercises. This exercise pattern was repeated five times per day, five days a week, for three months during which the horses were not ridden.
  • The CSA of the left and right musculus multifidus was recorded at the beginning and end of the period using ultrasound at six different spinal levels. The researchers utilized an analysis of variance to identify any changes in the CSA of the right and left musculus multifidus muscles, and the symmetry of the musculus multifidus CSA on the right and left sides.

Results and Conclusion

  • The study found a significant increase in the CSA of the musculus multifidus at all six spinal levels on both sides between the initial and final evaluations. In addition, asymmetries in the CSA between the right and left sides decreased between the evaluations.
  • These findings suggest that the musculus multifidus can undergo hypertrophy (increase in muscle size) over a three-month period with dynamic mobilisation exercises.
  • The results lead to the conclusion that dynamic mobilisation exercises could be a potentially effective rehabilitation technique for horses in which the musculus multifidus has atrophied due to back pain.

It’s also worth noting that the observations on the changes in the musculus multifidus size and symmetry could contribute to further research and understanding of spinal health in equines, and the potential for rehabilitation of back pain in these animals through specific exercises.

Cite This Article

APA
Stubbs NC, Kaiser LJ, Hauptman J, Clayton HM. (2011). Dynamic mobilisation exercises increase cross sectional area of musculus multifidus. Equine Vet J, 43(5), 522-529. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00322.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 43
Issue: 5
Pages: 522-529

Researcher Affiliations

Stubbs, N C
  • Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Kaiser, L J
    Hauptman, J
      Clayton, H M

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Horses / physiology
        • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
        • Muscular Atrophy / therapy
        • Muscular Atrophy / veterinary
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 21 times.
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