Acute effects of core fatigue on thoracolumbar fascia mechanical and viscoelastic properties in healthy young adults: a cross-sectional study
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00421-026-06344-0
- Dergi Adı: European Journal of Applied Physiology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Biomechanics, Core muscle fatigue, Thoracolumbar fascia, Myoton
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: This study investigated how acute fatigue of the rectus abdominis (RA) and erector spinae (ES) muscles affects the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Methods: 45 healthy young men (18–30 years) participated. Two separate fatigue protocols were applied for RA and ES muscles. Fascia’s stiffness, creep, and relaxation time were assessed before and after each protocol using the MyotonPRO™ device. The changes in fascial properties following RA fatigue were compared with those following ES fatigue. Results: No significant changes were observed in any fascial parameter after RA fatigue. In contrast, ES fatigue resulted in significant decreases in stiffness and significant increases in creep and relaxation time (p < 0.05). Following ES fatigue, TLF stiffness decreased by 24.40 ± 37.25, while creep and relaxation time increased by 0.08 ± 0.19 and 1.75 ± 3.62, respectively. Post-fatigue comparisons revealed greater increases in creep (p = 0.01) and relaxation time (p = 0.02) in the ES group compared to the RA group. Conclusion: These findings highlight the different acute effects of RA and ES fatigue on the TLF and suggest that muscle-specific loading influences fascial responses. Clarifying these dynamics may enhance the application of fascial-targeted strategies not only for symptom management but also for preserving tissue health and optimizing physical performance. Clinical trial registration: This study has been registered in Clinical Trials under the number NCT06432062.