I was deeply concerned when I came across an infomercial for a “Red” and exercise product which coupled lower back flexion and rotation. This device places its users at risk of injuring their lower backs by coupling the two ranges of lower back motion which have been positively linked to intervertebral disc injury.
I will preface my review first by stating that I am a Chiropractor who has specialized in sports injuries over the past 20 years. I have published papers in peer reviewed scientific journals including the journal "Spine".
I apologize for not having a formal review of this product, but I felt compelled to inform the Epinions community of the dangers posed by this type of product. I would never advise the use of flexion/rotation exercise.
A Lower Back Biomechanical Review:
In the seated position, the lower back is brought into Forward Flexion. In this position, the lumbar Intervertebral Discs (IVD's) are compressed. The interior of the disc is hydraulically compress to the back of the disc. Rotation of the lumbar disc while in forward flexion further increases these forces by adding rotation torque. These forces can cause small tears in the outer edge of the IVD and/or cause bulging of the IVD. If continued tearing occurs, the center of the disc can rupture through the tear, or bulging can increase. If these occur, the nerves which exit the spine can become compressed by the IVD material. This is a very painful and potentially life changing injury called a herniated disc, bulging IVD, sprained IVD, or IVD Syndrome.
Compounding the Problem - Flexion with Rotation and Inertia:
In a seated position on a rotating platform, an additional force known as inertia is brought into play. (Inertia is the energy required to stop a body in motion). Think of this as the momentum of the body in motion (momentum is the mass of an object times its velocity) as the body rotates the right or left, the bodies own mass continues to rotate further with great force. This momentum forces the lumbar joints into end range rotation. Performed repeatedly, and coupled with forward flexion, great stress is generated in the lower back tissues. The risk of injury to the IVD’s and adjacent anatomical structures is greatly increased with such continued activity.
Benefits versus Risk:
Using a rotational platform in a seated position is not only a potentially dangerous activity for your lower back, it does not bring critical lower back and “core” muscles into play. As shown on the infomercial, rotation done in this manner utilizes the legs and upper body mass to generate rotational motion. Not only does this place the lower back at risk of injury, it does not benefit the lower back or abdominal strength.
Safer Ways:
Safer methods of building core lower back and abdominal strength exist. Using a gymball to perform isolated abdominal curls, can safely increase abdominal strength while aiding balance and joint proprioception (joint positional awareness). Performing very short arch lumbar extension while lying over a gymball increases deep lumbar multifidus strength. These are the small, finely controlled deep muscles of the lower back which are essential to stability and control of the spine.
While gymball and floor exercises are not “sexy” and may be viewed as boring, they offer safer and nearly FREE methods of strengthening the spine. My hope is that readers will ask questions and learn of the benefits versus the risks of starting any exercise program or before purchasing a piece of exercise equipment.
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