Lumbar spine fusion is sometimes indicated due to severe spinal deterioration triggered by sports trauma, overuse or aging. A study from Finland showed that post-surgery rehabilitation is essential because patients typically experience muscle deterioration in the core muscles that support the spine. They found that core stability exercises such as one and two-arm shoulder extension and flexion, bird-dog exercises, and Roman chair isometrics triggered significant activation of the core muscles. Core exercises that also involve the upper and lower extremities are important for stabilizing the spine after spinal fusion surgery.