|
Evaluation of the relationship between laboratory and clinical tests of
transversus abdominis function [see comments] |
|
AUTHORS: |
Hodges P; Richardson C; Jull G |
|
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: |
Department of Physiotherapy, University of
Queensland, Australia. |
|
SOURCE: |
Physiother Res Int 1996;1(1):30-40 |
|
CITATION IDS: |
PMID: 9238721 UI: 97381400 |
|
COMMENT: |
Comment in: Physiother Res Int 1996;1(4):269 |
|
ABSTRACT: |
A clinical test of the function of the deep abdominal muscles was
compared to a laboratory electromyographic (EMG) investigation of
the contribution of transversus abdominis (TrA) to stability of the
lumbar spine during limb movement. The two different functions of
TrA were evaluated in 15 subjects. The subject group included six
subjects with chronic low back pain and nine subjects with no
history of low back pain so that the resultant recordings were
spread over a wide range for each test. The clinical test involved
quantification of the ability of the subjects to specifically
displace the anterior abdominal wall in a way consistent with the
function of the muscle. This was evaluated by use of a device
designed to measure pressure reduction as the abdomen lifted off a
transducer in the prone position. The laboratory test involved
determination of the onset of contraction of TrA associated with
rapid upper limb movement, measured using fine-wire EMG electrodes.
The parameter evaluated was the latency between the contraction of
TrA and the prime mover of the limb. Data were analysed both as
absolute values and as ordinal data of a three-rating scale derived
from criteria based on current knowledge of the response to both
tests. No significant correlation was found between the absolute
magnitudes of the pressure and timing data, however, comparison of
the rating scale data indicated a significant relationship between
the tests and associated high level of agreement between the two
measures. The results of the study indicate that a reduction in the
ability to draw in the abdominal wall is related to changes in the
coordination of TrA, although the magnitude of the changes were not
correlated. The degree of causality between these co-varying but
independent manifestations of the function of TrA is uncertain. |
|
MAIN MESH HEADINGS: |
Abdominal Muscles/*physiopathology
Electromyography/*standards
Low Back Pain/*diagnosis
Low Back Pain/*physiopathology
Physical Examination/*standards |
|
ADDITIONAL MESH HEADINGS: |
Adult
Case-Control Studies
Comparative Study
Human
Movement
Physical Examination/instrumentation
Prone Position
Reproducibility of Results
Transducers, Pressure |
