Differences in the transversus abdominis thickness during various motor tasks in the supine position

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 31; no. 12; pp. 975 - 978
• Main Authors: Hanawa, Yuta, Kubo, Akira, Onoda, Kou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2019; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Health risk assessment; Original; Transversus abdominis training; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography; Vocalize vowel sounds; Transversus abdominis training; Vocalize vowel sounds; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.31.975

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate simple and efficient transversus abdominis exercises performed in the supine position using ultrasonography. [Participants and Methods] Sixteen healthy males performed six motor tasks including left shoulder flexion, draw-in, left straight leg raise, and the vocalization of vowel sounds (55–60 dB, 65–70 dB, and 75–80 dB), in a random order while in the supine position. The thicknesses of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique were measured using ultrasonography. [Results] There was a significant increase in the transversus abdominis thickness during the draw-in and vocalization tasks than during other tasks. With respect to draw-in and the three vowel sound volumes, there was a significant difference between draw-in and the 65–70 dB sound. However, there was no significant difference in the transversus abdominis thickness between draw-in and the three vocalization tasks. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the vocalization of vowel sounds is an effective and easy way to exercise the transversus abdominis for patients experiencing difficulty in performing draw-in exercises.