Impact of the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Spinal Extensor Muscle Activity: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Trial Involving Individuals with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Caglar Soylu (), Emre Serdar Atalay, Duygu Turker, Tezel Yildirim Sahan and Necmiye Un Yildirim
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Caglar Soylu: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, 06010 Ankara, Turkey
Emre Serdar Atalay: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, 06010 Ankara, Turkey
Duygu Turker: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, 06010 Ankara, Turkey
Tezel Yildirim Sahan: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, 06010 Ankara, Turkey
Necmiye Un Yildirim: Gulhane Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, 06010 Ankara, Turkey

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-10

Abstract: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a common musculoskeletal issue that can limit function and reduce the patient’s quality of life. Enhancing spinal stabilizer muscle activity through targeted exercises may help improve spinal alignment and alleviate NSLBP symptoms. This study aimed to investigate whether incorporating the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) into selected low back exercises influences the electromyographic (EMG) activity of key spinal extensor muscles. Forty participants with NSLBP (n = 29 female and n = 11 male; mean age = 21.42 ± 1.07 years; BMI = 20.65 ± 2.08 kg/m 2 ; 80% right-side dominant) performed three exercises, prone trunk extension, superman, and unstable superman, with and without the ADIM. The EMG amplitudes of the iliocostalis lumborum pars lumborum (ICL), iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis (ICT), and longissimus thoracis (LT) were measured. A cross-sectional observational study design was employed. Significant main effects were observed for both exercise types and the ADIM on the EMG amplitudes of the ICL, ICT, and LT (ICL: F1,14 = 82.69–114.23, p < 0.001, η 2 ≥ 0.88; ICT: F1,14 = 100.69–117.13, p < 0.001, η 2 ≥ 0.90; LT: F1,14 = 62.69–74.88, p < 0.001, η 2 ≥ 0.81). Under ADIM conditions, the ICL activity decreased significantly (right ICL mean difference: 14.06–20.02; left ICL: 13.06–21.32; p < 0.001), while the ICT and LT activity increased (ICT mean difference: 6.45–8.89; LT: 9.37–12.13; p < 0.001). These changes were most pronounced during the unstable superman exercise ( p < 0.01). Integrating the ADIM into specific low back exercises can differentially modulate spinal extensor muscle activity. In particular, the unstable superman exercise demonstrated the greatest changes in the EMG amplitudes. These findings support the inclusion of the ADIM in exercise programs aimed at improving spinal stability and may have implications for NSLBP management. Future research should examine the effects of the ADIM in populations with varying experience levels to enhance its generalizability and refine the clinical recommendations.

Keywords: abdominal drawing-in maneuver; electromyography; non-specific low back pain; spinal muscle activation; rehabilitation exercises (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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