Impact of the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Muscle Activity in Low Back Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Caglar Soylu, Emre Serdar Atalay, Duygu Turker, Sahan Tezel Yildirim, Necmiye Un Yildirim, Ellen Glickman
Primary Institution: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
Hypothesis
Integrating the abdominal drawing-in maneuver into selected low back exercises will significantly increase the activation of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscles in individuals with non-specific low back pain.
Conclusion
The abdominal drawing-in maneuver enhances spinal stabilizer muscle activation and reduces muscle fatigue in individuals with non-specific low back pain.
Supporting Evidence
- The abdominal drawing-in maneuver significantly modulated muscle activation patterns.
- Unstable superman exercise produced the highest activation levels when combined with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver.
- Participants showed reduced muscle fatigue during exercises incorporating the abdominal drawing-in maneuver.
- Significant increases in muscle activation were observed across different exercises with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special breathing technique can help strengthen back muscles and reduce pain for people with back issues.
Methodology
A randomized controlled double-blind trial measuring EMG activity of spinal extensor muscles during exercises with and without the abdominal drawing-in maneuver.
Potential Biases
Potential bias minimized through randomization and double-blinding, but demographic constraints may affect results.
Limitations
The study had a predominantly young and female participant pool, limiting generalizability across genders and age groups.
Participant Demographics
40 participants (29 female, 11 male; mean age 21.42 years) with non-specific low back pain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website