Dear J. Boone,
Objective assessment of the transversus abdominus have been made by real
time ultrasound imaging and by EMG testing.
Functional tests are complex and require particular attention to detail to
detect any compensation patterns. Different patients may require a
different style of test to produce an effective contraction. Testing to
initiate transversus abdominus in static positions is usually a precursor to
being able to train a person to use the muscle when performing low load
tasks. However at higher loads activation of transversus abdominus with out
activation of the other abdominal muscles would not be indicated.
Transversus abdominus has a postural anticipatory role, assisting in
stabilising the lumbar spine during other body part movement. These
movements would be of a low load nature. Exclusive transversus abdominus
contraction under high load activities would not be indicated and could
potentially damage the spine. Research has also suggested that it is not
strength or cross sectional area that determines the effectiveness of the
transversus abdominus's role but the timing of its activation in response to
movement. It should fire before movement is initiated. Dysfunctional
transversus abdominus action has been shown in patients after an episode of
low back pain where activation of the muscle begins after movement.
Yours sincerely
Simon Mesner MBBS (A+B) B.Sc. (HONS) MCSP SRP Cert. Sports Physiotherapy
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist (on Chris McLean's e-mail address)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 05 July 1999 14:52
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: TVA TEst
>
> Dear all,
>
> I am searching for a functional test to determine the activation of the
> transverse abdominus in athletic movement patterns. Any suggestions?
>
> J. Boone, CSCS, NMT
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