Co‐contractive Activation of the Superficial Multifidus During Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Contraction

Abstract

Both VPAC strategies produced a co-contractive MF response, which appears to be important for lumbar segmental stabilization and control. Analysis of the results suggests that VPAC strategies are appropriate for coactivating the MF, which can enhance spinal protection and rehabilitation responses.

Changes in Muscle Thickness Across Positions on Ultrasound Imaging in Participants With or Without a History of Low Back Pain

“…21 Evidence supporting co-contraction of the LM during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver during contractions in multiple positions using electromyography was reported. 22 Therefore, it may be possible to assess the function of both the LM and TrA during an abdominal drawing-in maneuver using ultrasound.…”

Changes in Muscle Thickness After Exercise and Biofeedback in People With Low Back Pain

“…24 Clinical methods for improving activation of the TrA and LM using several forms of biofeedback increase activation of the TrA and LM during non-weight-bearing positions 25 ; however, the current literature regarding activation of local stabilizing musculature during functional tasks is limited. 21,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Translation of activation patterns learned during tabletop exercises to weight-bearing positions is an important component of rehabilitation progression in patients with LBP. The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise in isolation or the use of visual, verbal, and tactile biofeedback during TrA and LM muscle-activation exercises would increase TrA PAR and LM-muscle thickness in patients with a history of LBP during functional weight-bearing positions.…”

The Effect of Current Low Back Pain on Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Activation During a Loaded Forward Reach Activity

“…Increased TrA activity has the potential to increase spinal stability [55,56], thus enhancing lumbar spine equilibrium despite perturbation forces [15]. Finally, superficial multifidus fibers appear to activate in a synergistic fashion with the abdominals (including TrA), suggesting a co‐contractive stabilizing affect [38]. Lumbosacral dynamic stability and control increase with a correctly performed VPAC [57], which lends to increased protection during postural perturbation [11,12].…”

“…In recent years many investigators have used the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver (ADIM) as a preferred VPAC strategy, where individuals are asked to deliberately pull the lower abdominal region (below the umbilicus) toward the spine. This maneuver appears to produce preferential activation of the TrA and internal oblique [35‐37], accompanied by a co‐contraction of the multifidus [38]. Although Nagar et al [18] have witnessed an ability of their subjects with a history of low back pain (no present symptoms) to sustain voluntary ADIM during a loaded forward reach (LFR) task, the same has not been documented for individuals with symptoms of cLBP.…”