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Abdominal bracing is often adopted in fitness and sports conditioning programs. However, there is little information on how muscular activities during the task differ among the muscle groups located in the trunk and from those during other trunk exercises. The present study aimed to quantify muscular activity levels during abdominal bracing with re...
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Citations
... 129 Isolated heavy dynamic training of the trunk flexors may be less common in clinical practice, likely due to historical factors related to a neutral pelvis 4,55 and modeling of repetitive flexion. 42,43 However, a variety of focused trunk flexor training has been shown to be effective when applied, 9,38,130 and the risk reward value of trunk flexor training on the injury-performance continuum remains unclear. 53, 131 Beyond isolated extensor training, comprehensive resistance training of the posterior chain (both isolated joint and compound movements) with heavy loads (i.e >70%1RM) have been shown to have superior clinical results when compared to general exercise as related to pain, strength and functional outcomes. ...
Exercise targeting the trunk and hip (core) musculature is common practice in rehabilitation and performance training. Historical underpinnings of core exercise focus on providing stability to the spine, thus improving the function of the spine and extremities, while instability has been postulated to result in pathology and impaired performance. Mechanistic studies on the topic are often conflicting and indeterminate, suggesting the theoretical underpinnings of targeted core exercise may be over assumed in common practice. The best modes of intervention also remain undefined, with combined methods having potential to optimize outcomes. This includes moving beyond isolated exercise camps and being inclusive of both targeted exercise and progressive multi-joint movements. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe the historical mechanisms of the stability-instability continuum and the role of exercise intervention. A spectrum of ideologies related to core exercise are examined, while appreciating positive outcomes of exercise interventions across healthy and pathological populations. Finally, exercise summaries were compiled to improve critical reasoning within current practice and inspire future investigations.
Level of Evidence
5
... A vest that was fixed to the device by a set of chains and a load cell was used. The volunteer maintained this position and was instructed to perform a maximum isometric trunk flexion in the sagittal plane for 5 seconds [15,16]. ...
... A vest that was fixed to the device by a set of chains and a load cell was used. The volunteer maintained this position and was instructed to perform a maximum isometric lateral flexion of the trunk in the frontal plane for 5 seconds [15,16]. ...
... A belt was also used on the upper part of the trunk, connected to a chain that was fixed to the load cell. Participants were held firmly in the position and instructed to attempt a maximal isometric trunk extension in the sagittal plane for 5 seconds [15,16]. ...
... Functional capacity was evaluated by the timed up-and-go test (TUG) [34], upper limb endurance [35], flexibility [35], handgrip isometric strength [36], trunk flexion and extension isometric strength [37][38][39], and a 6 min walk test [40]. ...
This study investigated the impacts of online and face-to-face Mat Pilates training in adults with persistent symptoms of long COVID on health outcomes. Forty-nine patients (52 ± 5.85 yr.) diagnosed with long COVID related to fatigue symptoms were randomly included in three groups: online Mat Pilates training (n = 16), face-to-face Mat Pilates training (n = 15), and a control group (n = 18) without training. Mat Pilates training was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Fatigue, functional capacity, anthropometrics, body composition, and cardiometabolic markers were assessed before and after the interventions. Two-factor Generalized Estimating Equation analyses identified significant differences with Bonferroni post hoc testing (p < 0.05). After the intervention, only the face-to-face Mat Pilates training group had an improved total, physical and mental fatigue, trunk isometric strength, upper limb muscle endurance strength, and aerobic capacity (p < 0.05). No changes were found in fat mass, muscle mass, free fat mass, % of fat, body mass, body mass index, or waist and hip circumferences. No significant changes were observed in blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure (p > 0.05). Our results highlight the potential of face-to-face Mat Pilates training as an effective intervention to mitigate persistent symptoms of long COVID related to fatigue and functional capacities.
... When performing AH in hook-lying, standing, sitting, or 4-point kneeling position, the patient should breathe in and out and then gently and slowly draw in their lower abdomen below the umbilicus without moving their upper stomach, back, and pelvis [14]. Studies have demonstrated that in individuals with non-specific LBP, the AH technique effectively reduces pain and improves low back disability [15][16][17]. Conversely, the AB technique involves simultaneous contraction of the RA, EO, TrA, and IO muscles in the anterolateral abdomen [17]. AB is a valuable strategy in bolstering lumbar stability [18]. ...
... Studies have demonstrated that in individuals with non-specific LBP, the AH technique effectively reduces pain and improves low back disability [15][16][17]. Conversely, the AB technique involves simultaneous contraction of the RA, EO, TrA, and IO muscles in the anterolateral abdomen [17]. AB is a valuable strategy in bolstering lumbar stability [18]. ...
Objectives: This scoping review explores the effectiveness of abdominal hollowing (AH) and abdominal bracing (AB) techniques in enhancing trunk stability and facilitating rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with lower back pain (LBP). Methods: The review synthesizes findings from 22 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed these techniques’ impacts on muscle activation, pain reduction, and functional outcomes. Results: The results demonstrate that both techniques can significantly improve trunk stability, muscle thickness, balance, and gait. However, a notable gap exists in studies directly comparing AH and AB, raising questions about whether they are equally effective. While AH is often associated with selective activation of the transversus abdominis, AB promotes a broader co-contraction of trunk muscles, contributing to robust spinal stability. Conclusions: This review underscores the need for further research to directly compare these techniques and refine their application in clinical practice. The findings suggest that personalized rehabilitation programs incorporating both AH and AB, tailored to individual patient needs and rehabilitation goals, can be effective in managing and preventing LBP.
... A fraqueza do core pode diminuir a transferência de torque, resultando na diminuição do desempenho. 9 Sabe-se que a ativação do core proporciona uma boa resistência e produção de força, tendo implicações importantes nas atividades diárias. 10 Um treino específico, com objetivo de estabilização corporal e fortalecimento dos músculos do core, é considerado relevante não somente para as atividades diárias e a reabilitação, mas também para o desempenho esportivo. ...
... 10 Um treino específico, com objetivo de estabilização corporal e fortalecimento dos músculos do core, é considerado relevante não somente para as atividades diárias e a reabilitação, mas também para o desempenho esportivo. 9 Considerando à participação do reto femoral e do bíceps femoral em movimentos complexos como a marcha e a transferência de sentado para de pé 11 , a associação dessas musculaturas ao treinamento do core tem sido estudada. Segundo Sasaki e colaboradores 7 ...
Apesar do número crescente de praticantes da prancha frontal tradicional (PFT) no âmbito clínico, não foram encontrados estudos sobre os efeitos do reforço verbal (RV) neste exercício. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito do RV na atividade eletromiográfica do músculo reto femoral e bíceps femoral durante a execução do exercício de PFT. No método, homens e mulheres, fisicamente ativos, foram submetidos à avaliação da atividade elétrica muscular utilizando o receptor TeleMyo Clinical da Noraxon. A atividade eletromiográfica do reto e bíceps femoral foi mensurada em duas condições, com e sem RV. Como resultados, 20 mulheres e 10 homens (mostraram que o tempo de execução da PFT quando o RV foi utilizado foi maior em comparação com a condição sem RV. Houve aumento significativo na atividade eletromiográfica do bíceps femoral na condição com RV. Esses achados indicam que o uso do RV tem impacto positivo sobre o desempenho do exercício de PFT. Isso sugere que esse tipo de estratégia pode contribuir para aumentar a atividade muscular, prevenir lesões e promover a reabilitação funcional e, portanto, deveria ser incorporado nas intervenções clínicas. Palavras-chave: Exercício Físico. Eletromiografia. Reforço Verbal.
... Nonetheless, it has been noted that the IO muscle is crucial for performing abdominal bracing exercises; it was found to have higher activation than the rectus abdominis, EO, and erector spine. 23 The EO muscle thickness was significantly increased at rest than during ADIM in the sitting position, it could be due to the state of the body when resting or not when exercising muscular contractions. All muscles will be tense (muscle tone) at a certain level to perform control posture to resist gravity and help respond to forceful movements. ...
Background: Spinal stabilization exercises, such as abdominal drawing maneuvers (ADIM) and abdominal bracing (AB), are crucial in alleviating low back pain, especially in functional positions such as sitting and standing. However, few studies have investigated the contraction patterns of the lateral abdominal muscles during ADIM and AB in these daily living positions (i.e., sitting and standing). Objective: The study aimed to investigate the thickness of transverse abdominis (TrA), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and external abdominal oblique (EO) during ADIM and AB between sitting and standing positions. Materials and methods: Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males, 12 females) without low back pain or other orthopedic conditions were assessed in sitting and standing positions while performing ADIM and AB. Real-time ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of the TrA, IO, and EO during the ADIM and AB. Results: Muscle thickness of TrA and IO was significantly greater during ADIM when compared to AB (p<0.05). TrA thickness during AB was significantly greater in sitting than standing (p<0.05), but ADIM showed no difference in both positions. ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in both sitting and standing positions. Conclusion: ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the LAM in both sitting and standing positions. However, ADIM can activate TrA and IO muscles better than AB. Therefore, clinicians may initially consider using ADIM to teach individuals who need core stability exercises such as low back pain.
... Faries and Greenwood (2007) stated that stabilization exercises require durations of 30-45 s, while Willardson (2017) recommended, for beginners, a time of 20 s, gradually progressing to 60 s. However, most studies evaluated EMG activity using 3 (Byrne et al. 2014), 5 (Czaprowski et al. 2014;Calatayud et al. 2017), or 10 s (Atkins et al. 2015;Maeo, Takahashi and Kanehisa 2012) of contraction, making it a limitation and making practical application difficult. The choice of time in these exercises is often subjective and lacks specific scientific criteria. ...
... EMG signals from each muscle were collected during two 5-s MVICs with a 3-min rest period between each to avoid muscle fatigue. The MVIC tests (Table 2 and Fig. 2) of the RA, EO, and EE muscles were performed according to the specific literature (Maeo, Takahashi, and Kanehisa 2012;Tong, Wu, and Nie 2014). The order of MVIC tests was randomized and counterbalanced. ...
This study aimed to analyze and compare the electromyographic activity, root mean square, and median frequency, of the rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique, and erector spinae muscles during the ventral plank exercise until exhaustion in five distinct conditions: 1) normal stability (VP-GR), 2) instability with bosu (VP-BS), 3) gym ball instability (VP-GB), 4) instability with peanut ball (VP-PB), and 5) instability with TRX® (VP-TX).
Overall, 15 physically active men (23 ± 2.00 years, body mass 74.13 ± 4.05 kg, height 176.06 ± 4.22 cm, fat percentage 12.06 ± 3.04%) were enrolled. The electromyographic signal was analyzed in the temporal (root mean square—RMS) and spectral domains (median frequency) in different stages: beginning (stage A: 5 to 10 s), middle (stage B: 50% signal), and end (stage C: 100% signal). The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality, and the two-way analysis of variance test was used to verify differences, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
The main results indicated a difference between the instability equipment, whose higher RMS and lower Fmed values were found for the VP-TX exercise.
The VP-GR exercise seems to be the best choice for the initial stages, followed by the instability equipment (1- Bosu, 2- Gym ball, and 3- Peanut ball, specifically in that order) and lastly, the VP-TX exercise until exhaustion.
... It is frequently recommended and incorporated into rehabilitation and fitness programs. [9] Walking is a strongly recommended rehabilitative activity for individuals with LBP due to its cost-effectiveness and potential to improve isometric endurance by increasing muscular endurance. [10] It is widely favored as a physical activity due to its universal accessibility, minimal skill requirements, and low likelihood of causing injuries. ...
Objectives
This study aimed to find the effect of abdominal bracing (AB) maneuver during walking on trunk muscle endurance in healthy individuals.
Methods
A randomized control pilot study was conducted at Northwest Institute of Health Sciences Peshawar from July to December 2023. A total of 32 participants aged 25–40 were randomized to Groups A and B. Group A received AB maneuver with walking, while Group B received walking only. Both groups received a total of 12 sessions. Pre- and post-endurance testing was performed using McGill’s Torso Muscular Endurance Test.
Results
The mean age of participants in Group A was 29.06 ± 5.14 years, while the mean age of participants in Group B was 27.62 ± 2.84 years. The mean and standard deviation of the flexor endurance test between Groups A and B after treatment were 27.37 ± 3.26 and 16.21 ± 2.24, respectively. A significant difference was observed in flexor endurance and right and left lateral flexor endurance between the two groups ( P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in extensor endurance between the two groups, having P > 0.05. Within-group analysis in Group A revealed a significant difference in pre-post-intervention flexion, right and left lateral flexors, and extensors ( P < 0.05). However, within-group analysis in Group B revealed a statistical difference in flexors endurance, which is not clinically significant.
Conclusion
The AB maneuver with walking compared with walking alone may improve the endurance of the trunk flexors, specifically the right and left lateral flexors.
... 는다면 인체가 달리거나 점프를 하는 동안 몸을 추진하고자 할 때 하지 근력을 효율적으로 활용할 수 없으며, 달리기나 착지 시 부하를 받는 동안 골반과 하지의 원심성 조절을 정 상적으로 할 수 없게 된다 [7]. 뿐만 아니라 자세를 유지하기 위해서 크고 작은 근육간 협응을 유도하며, 다양한 신체적 인지기능을 상승시킨다 [8]. 만약 코어 근육이 정상적으로 활 성화되지 못하면 균형 조절에 요구되는 근육의 활성화를 유 도하지 못해 신체의 불안정한 수준을 증가시켜, 신체 움직 임이 느려지게 된다 [9]. ...
OBJECTIVES This study examines the effects of bracing versus hollowing breathing techniques on lower limb muscle function and postural stability, aiming to identify the most effective breathing strategy for functional movement.METHODS Conducted on ten healthy males in their twenties without back or musculoskeletal issues, the study involved pre-experiment training in both breathing techniques. It assessed maximal strength, endurance, and power during knee flexion and extension, alongside postural stability, with both eyes open and closed, using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test for analysis.RESULTS Except for certain specific measurements (right flexor muscle peak torque, left flexor muscle total work, and right extensor muscle power), statistical analysis showed significant differences in Knee muscle function favoring the bracing technique (p<.05). While postural stability tests showed no significant overall differences between the techniques, an observable trend emerged: the hollowing group showed superior performance in one-foot balance tasks, whereas the bracing group demonstrated better outcomes in two-footed stances.CONCLUSIONS It is anticipated that bracing breathing will positively influence muscle training, surpassing the effects of hollowing by bolstering the strength, endurance, and power of the lower limbs. However, for postural stability, the hollowing technique may offer advantages in tasks requiring higher balance acuity, like one-legged standing. In contrast, bracing appears more effective for simpler stability tasks. These findings underscore breathing techniques' role in physical performance, highlighting the need for further, detailed research considering posture and musculoskeletal influences.
... Nevertheless, Abdominal Bracing Exercises (ABE) are integral components of abdominal muscle training and core rehabilitation principles (Akuthota et al., 2008). It includes maximal voluntary co-contraction of the abdominal muscles and has been reported to be the most effective technique for achieving core stability (Monfort-Pañego et al., 2009a;Maeo et al., 2013) as well as a safer exercise option for most conditions, particularly in women at risk of developing diastasis recti abdominis (Werner and Dayan, 2019). Performance of ABE is achieved through the exertion of maximum sustained isometric contraction of the abdominal muscles as hard as possible. ...
... This finding may be attributable to limb dominance which is a contributing factor to muscular activities and strength. Several studies (Maly et al., 2016;Park, 2013;Maeo et al., 2013) have proposed that all things being equal, muscles on an individual's dominant side exhibit more strength than their contralateral counterparts. Kim et al. (2011) suggested a leg-dominance effect on trunk muscle activity when they observed that all their participants who were right-leg dominant demonstrated stronger muscle contractions in the right muscle groups, as compared to the left while during a unilateral single-legged hold exercise. ...
