Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spinal muscles endurance is fundamental for providing adequate trunk stability.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the side bridge static endurance ability of the right versus left side.
METHODS: Forty right hand dominant students, aged between 18 and 25 years, were recruited from Taibah University. Every participant had to lie down on his side and bear trunk weight on the arm with shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and elbow flexed to 90 degrees. Every participant had to lift off his trunk of the supporting surface, keeping the trunk straight in neutral position, breathing normally and holding on that position as long as tolerated.
RESULTS: A paired sample t test was calculated. The mean score, in seconds, for right side bridge was 41.6 (SD = 30.08), and for left side bridge was 38.00 (SD = 26.93). No significant difference was found between right and left side bridge endurance ability [t (39) = 1.67, p > 0.05]. Pearson correlation showed high positive correlation [r (38) = 0.89, p < 0.001].
CONCLUSIONS: Among healthy participants, clinicians should expect very close endurance profile for the musculature of the two sides of trunk. Clinicians should equally train both sides of trunk muscles stabilizers in order to enhance tolerance.