JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES最新文献

{"title":"Effects of proprioceptive insoles and acupuncture on muscle flexibility in healthy women: Feasibility randomized pilot trial","authors":"Fabiano Henrique Justino ,&nbsp;Adriana Teresa Silva Santos ,&nbsp;Paulo Octávio de Oliveira Silvestre ,&nbsp;Josie Resende Torres da Silva ,&nbsp;Denise Hollanda Iunes ,&nbsp;Andréia Maria Silva Vilela Terra","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of systemic acupuncture combined with proprioceptive insoles on muscle flexibility, as well as to assess the feasibility, retention, and acceptability of these techniques in women.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A randomized controlled feasibility trial. Setting: Human Performance Research Laboratory.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>The sample comprised 21 women who were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (CG; n = 8), the insole group (IG; n = 9), and the insole plus acupuncture group (IAG; n = 8). Main outcome Measures: Recruitment rate, retention rate, acceptability rate, and flexibility tests (fingertip-to-floor and sit-and-reach tests) were assessed. Between-group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests to identify differences in flexibility outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The recruitment rate was 34.9 %, the retention rate was 83.3 %, and the acceptability rate was 94.4 %. Preliminary results indicated a significant increase in sit-and-reach test scores (p = 0.009) for the IG and IAG compared with the CG.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This feasibility study demonstrated that combining proprioceptive insoles with systemic acupuncture is acceptable, well-tolerated, and feasible to implement among women. Preliminary trends suggest potential benefits for muscle flexibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 570-577"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surface EMG analysis of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius activity under different loading positions","authors":"Yumi Okayama PT, Ph.D.,&nbsp;Shinichi Daikuya PT, Ph.D","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury during sports activities. In physiotherapy for Achilles tendon ruptures, repair of the tendon must take priority. In addition, because it is necessary to provide proper traction load during the treatment process, it is important to clarify the effect to Achilles tendon by physiotherapy, which is muscle strengthening, stretching and o on. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different loading amounts and loading positions on the muscle activity of the ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors with a fixed ankle dorsiflexion angle. The ankle joint of the participants was fixed with non-stretch cotton tape so that the ankle joint angle was at 0 degree of dorsiflexion. Surface electromyography of the lower limb muscles was recorded during standing position changed the loading positions and the loading amount. The result, muscle activity in the tibialis anterior was increased by loading to the rearfoot, and that muscle activity in the gastrocnemius was increased by loading to the forefoot. Therefore, it was shown that even if the ankle joint is fixed, muscle activity of the ankle plantar flexor muscle group increases during forefoot loading motion. These results also suggest that in physiotherapy after Achilles tendon rupture, there is a risk of increasing the traction load on the Achilles tendon depending on the loading position, even for partial weight-bearing when the ankle joint is fixed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 429-434"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Relationship between early and late stimulation of the deltoid muscle in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. A systematic review with meta-analysis","authors":"Flávio Martins do Nascimento Filho ,&nbsp;Talita Santos Andrade ,&nbsp;Pedro Machado Menezes ,&nbsp;Mayara Alves Menezes ,&nbsp;Suziany dos Santos Caduda ,&nbsp;Igor Leonardo Alves Mendonça ,&nbsp;Tarcísio Brandão Lima ,&nbsp;Jader Pereira de Farias Neto ,&nbsp;Walderi Monteiro da Silva Junior","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the effects of early stimulation on deltoid functional performance in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Systematic review with meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted in 12 databases. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies for inclusion and quality of evidence. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis when possible; otherwise, they were qualitatively synthesized. The outcomes evaluated were functional performance, pain, functional capacity, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and adverse effects. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, of which three provided viable comparisons for meta-analysis. In the comparison between early and late stimulation, early stimulation demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ROM for flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Conversely, delayed stimulation resulted in better outcomes for internal rotation. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between groups in functional performance, pain, or functional capacity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although both groups showed improvements, early stimulation demonstrated superior ROM outcomes in specific movements. However, the evidence was classified as low to very low due to methodological limitations. To enhance clinical decision-making, further studies with greater methodological rigor are necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 442-455"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of pelvic floor-centered patient education programme in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Tuba Kolaylı Çerezci,&nbsp;Esra Demir,&nbsp;Semanur Eniş,&nbsp;Filiz Eyüboğlu","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a pelvic floor–centered multicomponent education program (PF-CMP) is associated with improvements in pain, pelvic-floor knowledge, and dysmenorrhea impact in young women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this single-blind randomized controlled trial (n = 66; PF-CMP = 33; control = 33), the PF-CMP group received an education and brief guided practice programme in a single visit and continued self-care; controls continued routine practices only. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and during the next menstrual cycle with pain intensity (VAS), dysmenorrhea impact (DIS-R), and pelvic-floor knowledge (PFHKQ). Between-group effects were analyzed using t-tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline values.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In within-group analyses, VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups (p &lt; 0.05); only the intervention group showed additional significant improvements in DIS-R and PFHKQ scores (p &lt; 0.05). In between-group comparisons, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group on VAS (p = 0.004) and DIS-R (p = 0.003). For PFHKQ, the adjusted difference in favor of the intervention was statistically significant after ANCOVA with baseline scores as covariates (p = 0.010).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Over one cycle, PF-CMP was associated with improvements in pain and dysmenorrhea impact versus routine practices, and with higher pelvic-floor knowledge after baseline adjustment. This study shows that PF-CMP can help young women with PD cope with pain and make life changes. Integration into routine assessments or educational workshops may improve accessibility among young women.</div></div><div><h3>ClinicalTrials.gov</h3><div><span><span>NCT06600230</span><svg><path></path></svg></span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 422-428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can functional movement screen scores predict upper extremity injuries in baseball players? A rapid review","authors":"Blake Hajjar ,&nbsp;Cody Mansfield ,&nbsp;Ryan Crotin ,&nbsp;Brock Amelung ,&nbsp;Madison Posner ,&nbsp;Ryan Brown ,&nbsp;James Oñate","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This rapid review aims to systematically determine whether the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can predict upper extremity injuries in youth and collegiate baseball players. We hypothesize that the performance of the FMS will demonstrate good predictability for identifying injuries through qualitative appraisal of the evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An electronic database search was conducted from May 2024 to February 2025 in PubMed and SPORTDiscus to identify cohort-based studies using the FMS to predict upper extremity injuries in youth and collegiate baseball players in this rapid review. Given the distinct injury risks from growth and workload, the methodological quality of the articles was appraised systematically to summarize the findings and identify any potential bias risks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 172 screened articles, only 11 were included, limiting statistical power and representativeness. One article (n = 1) revealed that FMS predicts upper extremity injuries (high school-level study), and several investigations reported that corrective exercises increased FMS scores. However, the bulk of evidence on FMS benefits for youth/college baseball athletes, comprising nine articles (n = 9), found that the FMS was unable to predict injuries, required further research, or failed to specifically answer the PICO question.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There is a lack of evidence supporting the use of FMS to predict upper extremity injuries in youth and collegiate baseball players, but it might be a useful tool for improving patterns. Further research is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of FMS for screening assessments in baseball players.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 382-390"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute local and remote responses to foam rolling: An inter-set and contralateral thermographic analysis","authors":"Gianmarco Pinto ,&nbsp;Antonino Scardina ,&nbsp;Luca Di Bartolo ,&nbsp;Masatoshi Nakamura ,&nbsp;Konstantin Warneke ,&nbsp;Valerio Giustino ,&nbsp;Marianna Bellafiore ,&nbsp;Antonino Bianco ,&nbsp;Ewan Thomas","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of foam rolling (FR) on both local (right hip) and contralateral (left hip) ROM associated with each respective tissue hardness (TH) and skin temperature (TsK) responses both locally (right hamstrings) and contralaterally (left hamstrings).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-seven participants completed two conditions: control (CC) and foam rolling (FR; 4 × 30 rolls targeting the right hamstrings). Outcomes included TsK, TH, and ROM, assessed both locally and contralaterally. TsK was measured at baseline and after each FR set, or every 30 s during CC. TH and ROM were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>FR significantly increased ROM both locally and contralaterally (p &lt; 0.001). In the treated limb, ROM gains were accompanied by a reduction in TH (p = 0.017) and a TsK rise emerging only after the fourth FR set (p = 0.031). Contralateral ROM improved (p &lt; 0.001) without concurrent changes in TH or TsK.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>FR elicited a significant acute ROM increase in both treated and contralateral limbs. In the treated limb, a minimum of four sets was required to evoke a measurable thermal response, as indicated by TsK. The local ROM enhancement was also accompanied by a decrease in TH. Conversely, the contralateral ROM gain occurred without alterations in TsK or TH, implying the involvement of alternative mechanisms. These findings suggest that FR may elicit remote effects, offering a potential alternative when direct application is limited by pain or injury. Future studies should clarify the mechanisms driving contralateral ROM enhancements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 413-421"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bibliometric mapping of the use of taping in the control of post-surgical edema","authors":"Raquel Michelini Guerero,&nbsp;Catarina Clapis Zordão,&nbsp;Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.12.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The use of taping techniques for the control of postoperative edema has gained prominence in physiotherapy and medical specialties such as vascular, orthopedic, and plastic surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to map and analyze the international scientific production related to the use of taping for edema control, identifying research trends, main contributors, and gaps in knowledge.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A bibliometric study was carried out using the <em>Web of Science</em> database. Searches were performed using the terms <em>Kinesiotaping</em>, <em>Bandaging</em>, <em>Kinesiology taping</em>, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. Data were exported and analyzed through <em>HistCite</em> and <em>VOS viewer</em> software to assess publication trends, citation networks, authorship, countries, journals, and keywords.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1031 articles were identified, of which 563 met the inclusion criteria for relevance. The findings revealed a progressive increase in publications over the last decade, with higher contributions from the United States, Brazil, and South Korea. The most cited studies addressed the physiological effects of taping on lymphatic flow and tissue pressure regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The proposed bibliometric model enabled the identification of research patterns, key authors, and thematic clusters related to taping and edema management. The analysis highlights the growing scientific interest in the topic and the need for more clinical trials to consolidate evidence in postoperative applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 435-441"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute effects of traditional and self-myofascial release warm-up protocols on ankle flexibility and short-distance swimming performance in young competitive swimmers.","authors":"Hacer Tuba Mersin, Ani Agopyan","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.10.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.10.019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study examined the acute effects of three warm-up protocols-traditional land- and water-based warm-ups as well as self-myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller with and without vibration-on ankle flexibility and short-distance swimming performance in competitive female swimmers.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Nineteen athletes (age: 11.07 ± 1.42 years) participated in a three-day randomized crossover warm-up protocol. Each athlete performed: (1) a traditional warm-up, (2) the same warm-up followed by vibrating foam rolling (1800R), and (3) the same warm-up followed by non-vibrating foam rolling (Livepro-LP8236). SMR was applied for 4 × 30 s with 10-s rests targeting the quadriceps femoris, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, triceps surae, and plantar fascia. Ankle range of motion was measured using Kinovea-0.9.5. Freestyle 25 m-50 m kicking performance (time, speed, and frequency) was evaluated using video analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Friedman test results revealed no statistically significant differences between the three conditions for any parameter (p > 0.05): right and left ankle dorsiflexion (effect size [ES] = 0.33-0.59), plantar flexion (ES = 0.36-0.51), and kicking performance (kicking time: ES = 0.32-0.39; speed: ES = 0.33-0.43; count: ES = 0.10-0.24) (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While no acute benefits were observed, both vibrating and non-vibrating foam rolling can be safely included in swimmers' warm-up routines. Further research with larger samples and varied protocols is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"886-893"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative accuracy of the figure-of-eight walk test and 10-meter walk test in classifying walking abilities in stroke survivors","authors":"Pantila Pramuan BSc ,&nbsp;Jammaree Asawabharuj BSc ,&nbsp;Akkradate Siriphorn PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.07.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.07.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurate assessment of walking abilities in stroke survivors is essential for designing effective rehabilitation strategies. Although the Figure-of-Eight Walk Test (F8WT) and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) are widely used to evaluate different aspects of gait, their comparative effectiveness for classifying individuals as household or community has not been thoroughly investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the F8WT and 10MWT in distinguishing between household and community walking abilities among stroke survivors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 62 stroke survivors, categorized as either household or community walkers based on their Functional Walking Category. Participants underwent both the F8WT and 10MWT, with their performances evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess each test's accuracy in classifying walking abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both the F8WT and 10MWT demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing between household and community walkers, with areas under the curve of 0.988 and 0.994, respectively. The F8WT identified a cutoff time of &lt;16.75 s, while the 10MWT established a cutoff speed of ≥0.47 m/s for community walkers. No significant difference was found in the tests' effectiveness for classification purposes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The F8WT and 10MWT are equally effective in classifying walking abilities among stroke survivors. Their high accuracy supports the use of either test in clinical settings, depending on specific assessment needs and environmental constraints. This study enhances our understanding of these tests' applicability in stroke rehabilitation, offering valuable insights for clinicians in selecting appropriate assessment tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 1106-1111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of hydrotherapy kinetic chain exercises on muscle coactivation, pain management, and quality of life in men with chronic low back pain. Randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Hossien Ashoury, Ali Yalfani","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.10.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.10.025","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Chronic low back pain (CLBP) frequently results in impaired coactivation of the transverse abdominal and multifidus muscles due to pain, disuse, and compensatory strategies. Understanding these alterations is critical for the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effects of water kinetic chain exercises on enhancing muscle coactivation, alleviating pain, and improving quality of life in men with chronic non-specific low back pain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 male participants aged between 40 and 60 years, all diagnosed with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group performed closed kinetic chain exercises in water (CKCE), another group engaged in open kinetic chain exercises in water (OKCE), and a control group received no intervention. To assess muscle coactivation (Mca), surface electromyography was employed to monitor the transverse abdominal (TA) and multifidus (MF) muscles during side plank with hip abduction (SPHA) tasks. Pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The intervention lasted for eight weeks, with three sessions per week, and differences between groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The analysis revealed that both the OKCE and CKCE groups exhibited significant improvements in the Mca, TrA and MF muscles from pre-test to post-test (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the ANCOVA results indicated a significant difference between the groups concerning Mca, TVA, and MF (F2 = 10.96, p = 0.001, η&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.278), highlighting a robust effect of the intervention, and no significant differences were revealed in Mca, Mca, TrA and MF between the OKCE and CKCE groups (p = 0.068). In addition to improvements in muscle coactivation, both groups reported a significant reduction in pain levels and enhancements in QoL following the interventions (P = 0.001). However, it is important to note that no significant difference was found in the levels of pain and QoL between the OKCE and CKCE groups (P = 0.448), suggesting that while both interventions were effective, the type of exercise did not differentially impact these outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the impaired coactivation of the transverse abdominal and multifidus muscles in men suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. By implementing water kinetic chain exercises, we can effectively enhance muscle coactivation, which may lead to significant reductions in pain and improvements in overall quality of life. These results highlight the potential of targeted rehabilitation interventions in managing CLBP, suggesting that incorporating aquatic therap","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"1041-1052"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}