Comparison of abdominal muscle thickness according to feedback method used during abdominal hollowing exercise

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was intended to examine the most effective feedback method for contracting the musculus transversus abdominis muscle by using basic training, a pressure biofeedback unit, and real-time ultrasonographic imaging during abdominal hollowing exercise training. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects in this study were 30 healthy young students in their twenties. Thirty subjects were divided randomly and equally into the basic training, the pressure biofeedback unit, and real-time ultrasonographic imaging groups. All of the subjects received abdominal hollowing exercise training for 15 minutes. The subjects in the pressure biofeedback unit group were trained by using a pressure biofeedback unit. Those in the real-time ultrasonographic imaging group received training with monitoring of possible contraction of their musculus transversus abdominis muscles on ultrasonography. [Results] In all the three groups, the musculus transversus abdominis became significantly thicker, but more significantly in the real-time ultrasonographic imaging group than in the basic training group. [Conclusion] The feedback method using real-time ultrasonographic imaging may be more effective in thickening the musculus transversus abdominis muscle during exercise than the traditional feedback method with manual contact only. However, it is insufficient in terms of overall qualitative improvement of exercise outcome.

Reliability and Validity of the Feedback Sensor for Activating the Transversus Abdominis Muscle

“…This was supported by the study of McMeekan et al [19], which showed an excellent correlation between the activity and thickness of the TrA. In addition, Lee and colleagues [15] reported that ADIM training with the feedback method (i.e. ultrasound imaging and PBU) for 15 minutes resulted in significantly thicker TrA muscle than using manual contact.…”

“…EMG is an invasive method that is limited in its adoption [19]. Lee and colleagues [15] compared the effectiveness of three feedback methods (i.e. ultrasonography, PBU, and palpation) for contracting the TrA muscle and found that using visual feedback was more effective than only palpation.…”

Ultrasound Imaging as a Visual Biofeedback Tool in Rehabilitation: An Updated Systematic Review

“…The results of the search and selection process (identification, screening, eligibility and analyzed) from the 1084 studies identified in the search to the 11 studies included in the review [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] are described in the flow diagram shown in Figure 1 .…”

“…Seven studies showed an overall low risk of bias [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 ]. However, four studies presented some concerns regarding the measurement of the outcomes and the reported results which should be considered on data interpretation [ 25 , 26 , 29 , 32 ].…”

“…Table 2 summarizes the studies included in this systematic review investigating the efficacy of RUSI as biofeedback tool during MCE. The included studies compared RUSI visual feedback against verbal ( n = 8) [ 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 32 ], tactile ( n = 5) [ 23 , 25 , 28 , 30 , 31 ] and pressure unit ( n = 2) [ 25 , 30 ] feedback. Further, one study evaluated different modalities of RUSI visual feedback (constant versus variable) [ 24 ].…”