Comparison of selective electromyographic activity of the superficial lumbar multifidus between prone trunk extension and four-point kneeling arm and leg lift exercises

[Purpose] This study examined the selective electromyographic activity of the lumbar paraspinal muscles in healthy male and female subjects in the prone trunk extension (PTE) and four-point kneeling arm and leg lift (FPKAL) exercises to determine the most beneficial exercise for selective activation of the lumbar multifidus (LM). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male and female subjects participated in this study. Surface electromyographic data were collected from the left-side lumbar erector spinae (LES) and LM muscles during PTE and FPKAL exercises. [Results] The LM/LES ratio related to selective activation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles during the FPKAL exercise was higher than that during PTE. [Conclusion] FPKAL exercise is safe and effective for the selective activation of the LM muscle.