Introduction: Chronic low back pain is a common muscoloskeletal condition that affects individual's ability and performance of activities of daily life. In individuals with chronic low back pain may, the activation of trunk muscles during the plank exercise contribute to spinal stabilisation and pain reduction. Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the literature about the trunk muscle activation during plank exercise in individuals with chronic low back pain. Methods: A literature review was conducted in the PubMed database. Articles in English that measured trunk muscle activation during the plank exercise, using surface electromiography, were included. The selected studies were analysed based on their methodological design, participant characteristics, measurement methods and results. Results: The review included four studies that measured trunk muscle activation during the plank exercise in individuals with cronic low back pain. It was found that during the plank exercise, there is grater activation of anterior trunk muscles (m. obliquus externus abdominis (40–65 % MVIC), m. rectus abdominis (20–52,2 % MVIC), m. obliquus internus abdominis (15 % MVIC)) and minimal activation of the erector spinae muscle (5–10 % MVIC). The studies varied in their methodological approaches, making direct comparison of results difficult. Discussion and conclusion: The plank exercise proved to be effective and should be included in rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain. Despite the identified benefits, further research is needed using standardized methodology, a homeogeneous study population and investigation into the long-term effects of the plank exercise.
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