PM&R
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 187-194, March 2010

Changes in Transversus Abdominis Thickness With Use of the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver During a Functional Task

  • Michael K. McGalliard, ScD

      Affiliations

    • Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 1400 Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106⁎
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to M.K.M.
    • ,
  • Gregory S. Dedrick, ScD

      Affiliations

    • Clinical Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo, TX†
    • ,
  • Jean Michel Brismée, ScD

      Affiliations

    • Clinical Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo, TX‡
    • ,
  • Chad E. Cook, PhD

      Affiliations

    • The Center for Excellence in Surgical Outcomes, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC§
    • ,
  • Gail G. Apte, ScD

      Affiliations

    • Clinical Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo, TX∥
    • ,
  • Phillip S. Sizer Jr., PhD

      Affiliations

    • Clinical Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo, TX

Received 4 November 2009; accepted 26 January 2010.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine an individual's ability to produce an increase in transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness during the performance of a functional task with the use of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM).

Design

Within-subject repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of the ADIM and a loaded forward-reaching activity on the dependent variable of TrA thickness.

Setting

Laboratory

Participants

Convenience sample of 8 women and 8 men, asymptomatic, with a mean age of 27.6 ± 7.1 years.

Interventions

Ultrasound imaging measurements were recorded during 4 conditions: (1) while the patient was standing without the ADIM; (2) while the patient was standing with the ADIM; (3) during a loaded forward-reaching activity without the ADIM; and (4) during a loaded forward-reaching activity with the ADIM.

Main Outcome Measures

Thickness of the TrA muscle.

Results

The measurement obtained by an investigator blinded to the condition revealed statistically significant differences in the thickness of the TrA between all uncontracted conditions as compared with all contracted conditions. No statistically significant difference in the thickness of the TrA in the contracted states during quiet standing versus loaded forward reach was observed.

Conclusion

Subjects in this study demonstrated the ability to voluntarily activate the TrA during upright static and functional tasks. Additionally, the TrA thickness may change in a direction-specific manner. These findings support a protective role of the ADIM during functional activity and may add information to ways for promoting low back pain prevention. Future studies should include the effectiveness in the use of ADIM during functional tasks for the prevention of low back pain.

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  • ⁎ Disclosure: nothing to disclose
  • † Disclosure: nothing to disclose
  • ‡ Disclosure: nothing to disclose
  • § Disclosure: nothing to disclose
  • ∥ Disclosure: nothing to disclose
  •  Disclosure: nothing to disclose

 This CME activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and can be completed online at me.aapmr.org. Log on to www.me.aapmr.org, go to Lifelong Learning (CME) and select Journal-based CME from the drop down menu. This activity is FREE to AAPM&R members and $25 for non-members.

PII: S1934-1482(10)00052-3

doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.01.015

PM&R
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 187-194, March 2010

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