Why Does the Better Back Program Work?

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Posture

The exercises in the Better Back Program all have posture as a basis. In each exercise, the emphasis is on achieving correct anatomical posture, with the lower back arched, head held high looking straight ahead, with shoulders back (not rounded).
By balancing on the edge of a chair with feet positioned backward below your bottom, stability and postural muscles are immediately challenged to attain and maintain this position.

Movement

Adding the Better Back Program’s special movements of the arms introduces further challenge to deep stability muscles. Beginning with slow movements and low repetitions, and building to an increased speed, increased load and higher repetitions, the brain will “re-program” to change inhibitory habits, activate appropriate muscles, and increase strength and endurance of these muscles.

In the lower back, Transversus Abdominis, Multifidus and other stability muscles are activated by adjusting posture before movement occurs. As covered in Further Technical Information (p. 3), this is how preparation for stresses and forces applied to the spine during movement is achieved (preparatory spinal control).

Slow movements and repetition are necessary for relearning to be successful. 

Restores Core Stability

In the upper back (thoracic area) deep extensor muscles stabilise the spine, while middle and lower trapezius are activated to stabilise the shoulder girdle. The arm movements superimposed onto the stabilised posture ensure an increased ability to prepare the spine for stresses. As arm movement strongly impacts on neck movement and stress, the challenge is to maintain the head and neck in a good position (no poked chin, or flexion) whilst moving the arms. The neck stabilising muscles such as the sub-occipitals, deep flexors and extensors, are being encouraged to work in a correct manner.

Another feature likely to lead to the success of this program is that when doing the exercises, once good posture is achieved, concentration is on performing the arm movements correctly, thus allowing the stability muscles to commence working automatically (as they should).