Association Between Lumbar Lordosis, Thoracic Kyphosis, and Muscle Activations During Different Lower Back Exercises: An Observational Study

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ATALAY E. S., TÜRKER D., SOYLU Ç., Şahan T. Y., ÜN YILDIRIM N.

Medicina (Lithuania), cilt.61, sa.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 61 Sayı: 6
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/medicina61060986
  • Dergi Adı: Medicina (Lithuania)
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: hyperlordotic and kyphotic posture, lower back extension exercises, muscle activation, observational study, young adults
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background and Objectives: Angular modifications in the physiological curvatures of the spine have been associated with spinal dysfunction and altered biomechanics, which may contribute to musculoskeletal complaints. The main objective of this experimental study was to investigate the association between lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles and muscle activations during three different lower back exercises. Materials and Methods: Participants were divided into a hyperlordotic lumbar angle group—with increased thoracic kyphosis (n = 11)—and a normal lordotic lumbar thoracic angle group (n = 11). Thoracolumbar muscular activities during three different exercises were measured by surface electromyography. Results: Muscular activity was less in almost all exercises (except iliocostalis lumborum-pars lumborum) in the hyperlordotic lumbar angle/increased thoracic kyphosis group (p < 0.05). The unstable superman exercise was the exercise that produced the most muscular activity in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study analyzed the association between lumbar lordosis, increased thoracic kyphosis, and muscle activations during specific lower back exercises. These findings highlight the relationship between spinal alignment and muscular responses during functional tasks, which may inform future biomechanical research or rehabilitation strategies.