Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week sensorimotor or resistance
training on maximum trunk strength and response to sudden, high-intensity loading
in athletes.
Forty-three healthy, well-trained participants were randomized into sensorimotor (SMT;
n=11), resistance training (RT; n=16) and control groups (CG; n=16). Treatment groups
received either sensorimotor training (SMT) or resistance training (RT) for 6 weeks,
3 times a week. At baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention, participants' maximum
isokinetic strength in trunk rotation and extension was tested (concentric/eccentric
30°/s). In addition, sudden, high-intensity trunk loading was assessed for eccentric
extension and rotation, with additional perturbation. Peak torque [Nm] was calculated
as the outcome.
Interventions showed no significant difference for maximum strength in concentric
and eccentric testing (p>0.05). For perturbation compensation, higher peak torque
response following SMT (Extension: +24 Nm 95%CI±19 Nm; Rotation: +19 Nm 95%CI±13 Nm)
and RT (Extension: +35 Nm 95%CI±16 Nm; Rotation: +5 Nm 95%CI±4 Nm) compared to CG
(Extension: -4 Nm 95%CI±16 Nm; Rotation: -2 Nm 95%CI±4 Nm) was present (p<0.05).
This study showed that isokinetic strength gains were small, but that significant
improvements in high-intensity trunk loading response could be shown for both interventions.
Therefore, depending on the individual's preference, therapists have two treatment
options to enhance trunk function for back pain prevention.
Key words
core - training intervention - prevention - perturbation - MiSpEx*
