The Effect of Abdominal Stabilization Contractions on Posteroanterior Spinal Stiffness

Abstract

In asymptomatic subjects, the abdominal brace contraction provided an immediate PA stiffening effect that was significantly greater in magnitude when compared with conditions of rest and abdominal hollowing. These findings may allow clinicians to better match commonly prescribed contraction-based interventions with specific patient needs. Future work is required to assess the long-term effect of repeated abdominal brace and hollow contractions on PA spinal stiffness and low back pain.

Dose Optimization for Spinal Treatment Effectiveness: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of High and Low Mobilization Forces in Patients With Neck Pain

“…However, it should be noted that the established stiffness measurement protocols are designed to control for potentially pain-related phenomena such as breathing, 51 neck position, 54 and muscle contraction. 12,62 In contrast to the current study, Fritz et al 17 found a significant decrease in stiffness in the lumbar spine immediately following a thrust manipulation in patients classified as responders, though this decrease was not maintained 3 to 4 days later. Tuttle et al 66 also reported decreased stiffness immediately following mobilization in the cervical spine, but only when stiffness was measured in specific ranges (less than 20 N) of the force-displacement curve.…”

Electromyographic Analysis of Transversus Abdominis and Lumbar Multifidus Using Wire Electrodes During Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

“…For the EO, the subjects performed an oblique sit-up, attempting to move the resisted shoulmuscles is important in improving the stability of the lumbar spine. 34 Although conventional trunk muscle training has focused mainly on global muscles, LSEs are intended to train the motor control of both the local and global muscles.…”

Reliability of 2 Ultrasonic Imaging Analysis Methods in Quantifying Lumbar Multifidus Thickness

“…Nonspecific LBP was defined as pain or discomfort between the 12th-rib costal margin and above the gluteal folds, with or without leg pain. 16,31 Participants were excluded if they had prior lumbar surgery, pregnancy, congenital spinal disorders, inability to lie prone for at least 20 minutes, scoliosis with a rib-height difference of greater than 2 cm on forward flexion, spondylolisthesis, a history of severe trauma, current arm and shoulder pain, or medical red flag conditions such as cancer, cauda equina syndrome, spinal infection, fracture, or systemic disease. Participants provided written consent, and the rights of the participants were protected.…”