Belavy, Daniel L.; Richardson, Carolyn A; Wilson, Stephen J.; Rittweger, Jorn; Felsenberg, Dieter.
The objective of this study was to gain insight into the effects of inactivity on lumbopelvic stabilization. Ten male subjects participated in the "Berlin Bed Rest Study" and underwent 8 weeks of bed rest with a 1-year follow-up. A repetitive knee movement model at four movement speeds in non-weightbearing was used to assess, via electromyography, activity (amplitude-ratios) in five superficial LP muscles and abdominal flexor-lumbar extensor cocontraction for LP stabilization. The authors concluded that the bed rest protocol resulted in the development of superficial muscle overactivity but decreased cocontraction. These changes could reflect dysfunction of central nervous system control of LP stabilization. These changes were still apparent 1 year after bed rest, suggesting a stable change in motor control.
Spine. 32(1):E23-E29, January 1, 2007.