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Changes in back muscles function after physical training among emergency responders
Author
Roslan Abdul Ghani Mohamed Jamil
Supervisor
Kong, Pui Wah
Abstract
Emergency responders such as firefighters and paramedics are expected to be physically fit in order to cope more effectively with the challenging demands during emergency situations and to reduce work-related injuries, especially low back pain. Functional training programs have been shown to be safe and effective for military, public safety, and the general population. They involve exercises that mimic movements which emergency responders will encounter on a day-to-day basis, and hence may be beneficial to aid them perform better and to also reduce injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of conventional and functional physical training on the back muscle functions (muscle strength, muscle stiffness and muscle fatigability) in emergency responders. Initially, a total of 58 participants were randomly allocated into two separate groups, conventional (n = 29) and functional (n = 29), to undergo physical training across a period of 8 weeks. Eventually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 24 managed to complete the training (15 conventional group, 9 functional group). Muscle function and performance were objectively quantified using strength test, stiffness test, and Biering-Sorensen test before and after the intervention. Results showed that back muscle strength improved (p < .001) after both types of training. Stiffness of the longissimus muscle increased in the right side (p = 0.002) but not the left side (p = 0.845) after both types of training. Also, muscle fatigability of the right longissimus muscle improved (p = 0.035) but no significant difference (p = 0.116) observed on the left side after both types of training. There was no difference between conventional and functional groups in any outcome measures. In conclusion, back muscles strength, muscle stiffness and muscle fatigability improved after 8 weeks of physical training. While the effects were similar between the conventional and functional training, some differences were noted between the left and right back longissimus muscles.
Date Issued
2022
Call Number
RD768 Ros
Date Submitted
2022