Free Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapy Library
STRENGTHENING Floor Mat • Intermediate Discs: L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1

Deadbug Anti-Extension Core Rehab

The Deadbug is the gold standard physical therapy exercise for teaching anterior core control. It prevents excessive lumbar anterior pelvic tilt and stabilizes the spine against shear forces.

BIOMECHANICAL MOVEMENT DIAGRAM
Clinical back pain images demonstration - ANTI-EXTENSION CORE
ANTI-EXTENSION CORE
🎯 Deep Transverse Core

Step-by-Step Execution

CLINICAL PROTOCOL
  1. 1 Lie flat on your back with arms reaching straight up toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees (tabletop).
  2. 2 Press your lower back gently into the floor to eliminate any gap between your lumbar spine and the mat.
  3. 3 Inhale and slowly lower your right arm overhead while extending your left leg straight out toward the floor.
  4. 4 Hover arm and heel just above the floor without letting your lower back arch off the mat.
  5. 5 Exhale and bring both limbs back to starting position. Alternate with left arm and right leg.
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KEY FORM CUES

  • ✓ The key cue: maintain constant light pressure of your lower back against the mat throughout.
  • ✓ Move slowly and deliberately; speed reduces muscle activation.
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MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • ✗ Do NOT allow your lower back to pop up or arch off the mat as limbs extend.
  • ✗ Do not hold your breath during the extension phase.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS & WHEN TO AVOID

Do not perform this movement or modify strictly under clinical supervision if you have:

  • Third-trimester pregnancy (modify to seated or side-lying variation)
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS & CITATIONS

Clinical Biomechanics & Evidence

This exercise protocol utilizes proven spinal mechanics: active core co-contraction (McGill stabilization), directional preference extension (McKenzie MDT), and non-compressive axial elongation to facilitate nutrient exchange in the avascular intervertebral disc matrix.

• McGill, S.M. (2016). Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
• Delitto, A., et al. (2021). Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).
CLINICAL DOSAGE
Hold Duration 3 Seconds
Repetitions 10 reps alternating
Prescription Sets 2 sets
Difficulty Intermediate
Position Floor Mat
TARGET MUSCLES
Transverse Abdominis Internal Obliques Rectus Abdominis
STABILIZER MUSCLES
Hip Flexors Multifidus Serratus Anterior