Co-contractive Activation of the Superficial Multifidus During Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Contraction
Omer C.G. Matthijs PT, ScD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorGregory S. Dedrick PT, ScD
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorC. Roger James PhD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorJean-Michel Brismée PT, ScD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorTroy L. Hooper PT, ATC
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorMichael K. McGalliard PT, ScD
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Harding University, Searcy, AR
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Phillip S. Sizer Jr. PT, PhD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-?628
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Address correspondence to: P.S.S.Search for more papers by this authorOmer C.G. Matthijs PT, ScD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorGregory S. Dedrick PT, ScD
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorC. Roger James PhD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorJean-Michel Brismée PT, ScD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorTroy L. Hooper PT, ATC
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorMichael K. McGalliard PT, ScD
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Harding University, Searcy, AR
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Phillip S. Sizer Jr. PT, PhD
Center for Rehabilitation Research, School of Allied Health Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-?628
Disclosure: nothing to disclose
Address correspondence to: P.S.S.Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Objective
To investigate whether the superficial multifidus (MF) muscle at the lower lumbar spine displayed co-contraction during volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) through the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) or the abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) in 3 different postural positions.
Design
A within-subject cohort design.
Setting
A clinical laboratory.
Participants
A healthy convenience sample of 21 women and 13 men; mean age (SD), 25.5 ± 6.5 years.
Methods
We collected surface electromyographic measurements for the superficial MF at the L5 vertebral level and abdominal wall muscles. Ultrasound imaging was used during screening and testing sessions for confirming transverse abdominis muscle activation while subjects maintained a relaxed state without volitional abdominal contraction (no-VPAC) and performed ADIM and ABM in 3 postural positions: supine, 4-point kneeling, and upright standing.
Main Outcome Measurement
The frequency of superficial MF co-contraction occurrences (percentage of the total number of conditions) was measured during ADIM and ABM in 3 different postural positions.
Data Analyses
A Cochran Q test for k-related samples (α = 0.05) was used for data analysis.
Results
Activation of the abdominal wall by using either VPAC strategy resulted in a significantly greater MF co-contraction occurrence when compared with no-VPAC in each position. The ABM produced a significantly higher MF co-contractive occurrence versus the ADIM in the supine position.
Conclusion
Both VPAC strategies produced a co-contractive MF response, which appears to be important for lumbar segmental stabilization and control. Analysis of the results suggests that VPAC strategies are appropriate for coactivating the MF, which can enhance spinal protection and rehabilitation responses.
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