MOTOR CONTROL EXERCISE
What is MCE? |
How does MCE work? |
Motor control exercise (MCE) incorporates general trunk-focused strengthening exercises, whole-body movements, and trunk and hip stretching in order to increase spinal stability.
It is also known as: lumbar stabilization exercise, dynamic stabilization, neuromuscular training, neutral spine control, muscular fusion, trunk stabilization, and (segmental) stabilizing exercise. |
People with spondylolysis have clinical instability at their defect site. Clinical instability is correlated with symptom severity (26, 27, 28). MCE works by strengthening the spine’s stability system so that it can reduce clinical instability and thus symptoms. Hypothetically, then, MCE could be used preventatively to increase spinal stability before high-risk activities. Currently, though, there are not any published clinical studies confirming MCE in a prevention role in spondylolysis.
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How does the spine
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What about during practice?Typical gymnastics skills create dramatically higher compression loads, from 4 times body weight in skill take-off to 30 times body weight in landing (roughly 2200-17,000 N for a 125 lb gymnast) (14, 53). Alternately, the elite diver has been reported to experience 2000 – 3300 Nm torque in the lower back upon water entry from 0 to 10° offset entry pitch angle, with torque increasing with pitch angle (35).
Consequently, it is very important for aesthetic athletes, especially those with clinical instability, to have strong active subsystems. MCE targets the local muscles of the active subsystem to provide segmental stability (at the intervertebral level); the global muscles to protect the whole back during movement; and co-contraction of muscle groups so they work together to stabilize the spine at the right times. |
What are the other treatments?
Currently, the main treatment approaches considered by clinicians for chronic lower back pain due to spondylolysis are:
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SMT is “hands-on” mobilization and manipulations of spinal muscles by a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthomanual therapist. General aerobic exercise usually consists of stretching and an aerobic activity like cycling, running, or swimming. Minimal Intervention is usually just rest.
Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and general aerobic exercise can actually be combined with MCE to increase treatment effects (5, 15, 52, 63). |
What does the evidence say?
High quality evidence comparing MCE to other interventions in chronic lower back pain cases indicate that:
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Want even more?
You can read my thesis looking at the theoretical and clinical basis for why
MCE could work to manage and possibly prevent pain due to spondylolysis HERE.
You can read my thesis looking at the theoretical and clinical basis for why
MCE could work to manage and possibly prevent pain due to spondylolysis HERE.