Is the lumbodorsal fascia necessary?

The presence of physiological stress shielding in the degenerative cycle of musculoskeletal disorders

“…Interestingly enough, these commonly undetected and overlooked loads passively sustained in fascia may be important and acknowledging their role in joint dynamics may explain inconsistencies that arise when evaluating joint mechanics utilizing classical methods. This notion was demonstrated when the inclusion of fascial layers in spinal stability models rectified this previously inconsistent and indeterminate system and provided results that corroborated with physiologic measures (Gracovetsky, 2008).…”

“…This passive force is likely generated by pre-stresses invoked on involved fascial connective tissues in addition to resting muscle tone. With regards to humans, over several notable communications and recently summarized, Gracovetsky demonstrated the distinct involvement of lumbodorsal fascia in spine biomechanics (Gracovetsky, 2008). In addition, ex-vivo human lumbar fascia behaves in a matter suggesting the presence of smooth muscle cells (Yahia et al, 1993).…”

The neutral spine principle

“…As Gracovetsky (2008) explains, the collagen found in the connective tissues of the spine will undergo an initial creep effect in around 0.33 seconds. Therefore if the lift is an explosive Olympic lift, the connective tissues may be effective in stabilizing the spine for its duration.…”

The need for lumbar–pelvic assessment in the resolution of chronic hamstring strain

“…The oblique abdominals and transversus abdominus are particularly important in spinal stability due to their connections with the thoracolumbar fascia and their role in enhancing intra-abdominal pressure (Norris, 1995). Gracovetsky (2008) has described the important relationship between the transversus abdominus and the thoracolumbar fascia in extension of the spine, and how internal abdominal pressure, together with lordosis, controls the force transmission efficiency of the lumbodorsal fascia. The gluteal group is also an important contributor to dynamic pelvic stability and must activate effectively to produce the short foot contact times necessary for fast running (Elphington, 2008).…”