I've noticed a few questions in regard to muscle strengthening of the
Transversus Abdominis.
It is quiet clear that proponents of the importance of the
Transversus abdominis in association with LBP is not about
strengthening the muscle. It is about motor control or more
generically one should consider the TrAb "performance".
The concept is about altering the drive mechanisms of the muscle over
and above the global strategy of co-activation patterning with other
trunk muscles i.e external oblique & rectus abd.
Therefore if one wants to describe their primary research construct
as 'strengthen transversus' there is a fundamental error in
interpreting the literature - as it stands today. Taking this
position will provide the opportunity for many skeptics / general
resistance training experts to point out the errors of the way. IMHO
with current research and using the concept of "strength /
resistance training" this is a very difficult position to defend in
advocating TrAb strengthening exercises for LBP.
By the way..doing a sit-up activates TrAb , as does coughing, jumping
and increasing IAP. In comparison the (isolation) exercises are at
relatively low intensities about 25-30% of a cough and of much longer
duration. Chaulk & cheese.
regards
GTA.
--
________________________________________________
Garry T Allison (A/Professor of Physiotherapy)
The Centre for Musculoskeletal Studies http://www.cms.uwa.edu.au/
Department of Surgery, The University of Western Australia.
Level 2 Medical Research Foundation Building
Rear 50 Murray Street
Perth Western Australia 6000.
email <[log in to unmask]>
ph: (618) 9224 0219
Fax (618) 9224 0204
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