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Pat,

I came across a study from PT Journal 1988 done by John Meideros (sp?) (big name in the manual therapy world).  He demonstrated high levels of TVA recruitment with a lower ab drawing in maneuver just before the slow, eccentric phase.  

Jason Steffe, PT, MS, MTC
Physiotherapy Associates
1901 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 205
College Park, GA. 30349
Ph: 770-907-1023
Fax:770-907-5608
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Patrick Zerr 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 1:14 PM
  Subject: eccentric ab exs PP127: Sit-up Paradox


  Mel wrote:
  In my original paradox, I suggested that anyone who doubts that it is
  impossible or virtually impossible for psoas to play a significant role in
  the early stages of sitting up to try to begin the sit-up (with unrestrained
  feet) with head and shoulders touching the floor and forcing these parts of
  the body to leave the floor LAST, not first during the exercise - i.e. by
  eliminating all trunk flexion caused by early abdominal action and allowing
  the hip flexors to raise the trunk from the floor from start to finish of
  the
  movement.  Did you actually try this unkind practical exercise before
  commenting on this paradox?  You might find it very revealing and very
  humbling.


  Mel:  I would agree that it is nearly impossible to do this with out using
  psoas.

  I have a question.  Florence Kendall tests abdominal strength by just this
  same motion but in an eccentric fashion and looks for the psoas to kick when
  the pelvis rotates.  My question is do you feel that this eccentric
  strengthening of abdominals is effective for abdominal strengthening rather
  than traditional situps?  If not, what are the ways you strengthen the
  deconditioned person with low back pain?

  Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

  Patrick Zerr
  www.apluspt.com
  The easiest way to prepare for the National PT Exam!
  www.summitpt.com
  Summit Physical Therapy; Tempe, Arizona