Transversus abdominis and the superficial abdominal muscles are controlled independently in a postural task

Screening the Lumbopelvic Muscles for a Relationship to Injury of the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, and Adductor Muscles Among Elite Australian Football League Players

“…22 Although all abdominal muscles may contribute to the control of stability of the spine and pelvis, 51 there is evidence that the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle is controlled independently of the other abdominal muscles in a range of tasks. These include upper extremity 38,40 and lower extremity movements, 36 and locomotion. 62 Neurophysiological investigations employing fine-wire electromyography (EMG) have shown that the TrA muscle is activated early (in anticipation of a predictable force), 13,38 in a tonic manner, and independent of the direction of the forces acting on the spine.…”

Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Muscles

“…20,53,76,101,110,[112][113][114] Appreciation of these regional differences assists researchers and clinicians in understanding the influence of these deep muscles on the fascial system and how these differences may pertain to control of the lumbar spine and pelvis. Due to the unique function of the TrA muscle during lumbopelvic loadings, 51,53 the apparent prevalence of changes in control of this muscle in people with lumbopelvic pain, 27,52 and the evidence that changes in this muscle can be identified with RUSI, 27,39 the regional anatomy of this muscle is presented in greater detail.…”

“…Coordination of Muscle Activity Activation of the abdominal muscles is required to control movement and stability of the trunk during most functional activities. Although all of the abdominal muscles contribute to the control of stability of the spine and pelvis, 71 there is evidence that the TrA muscle is controlled independently of the other abdominal muscles in a range of tasks, such as upper extremity 51,53 and lower extremity 49 movements, and locomotion. 96 In general, the TrA muscle is activated early (in anticipation of a predictable force) 16,51 in a tonic manner and independent of the direction of the forces acting on the spine.…”

The Use of Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver in Subjects With Low Back Pain

“…17,19,26,37,38,42 Using fine-wire electromyography (EMG), Hodges et al 24,25,27,28 demonstrated that TrA activation occurs prior to limb movement, independent of movement direction, in asymptomatic adults. However, activation of the TrA prior to movement was delayed in patients with LBP.…”

“…Fine-wire EMG has been successfully used to measure activation of the TrA during active movement of the extremities [24][25][26][27][28] ; however, the invasiveness of the procedure, combined with the difficulty recording from a muscle positioned adjacent to the abdominal cavity, preclude its routine use in the clinical setting. Surface EMG is similarly limited for a different reason, primarily due to its inability to differentiate TrA muscle activity from that of the internal oblique (IO).…”