Health & Human Kinetics Faculty Work

Title

Postural and Respiratory Function of the Abdominal Muscles: A Pilot Study to Measure Abdominal Wall Activity Using Belt Sensors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Publication Title

Isokinetics and Exercise Science

Volume Number

29

Issue Number

2

DOI

10.3233/IES-203212

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The abdominal muscles play an important respiratory and stabilization role, and in coordination with other muscles regulate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to stabilize the spine. OBJECTIVE: To examine a new, non-invasive method to measure activation of the abdominal wall and compare changes in muscle activation during respiration while breathing under a load, and during instructed breathing. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy individuals completed this observational crossover study. Two capacitive force sensors registered the abdominal wall force during resting breathing stereotype, instructed breathing stereotype and under a load. RESULTS: Mean abdominal wall force increased significantly on both sensors when holding the load compared to resting breathing (Upper Sensor: P< 0.0005, d=−0.46, Lower Sensor: P< 0.0005, d=−0.56). The pressure on both sensors also significantly increased during instructed breathing compared to resting breathing (US: P< 0.0005, d=−0.76, LS: P< 0.0005, d=−0.78). CONCLUSIONS: The use of capacitive force-sensors represent a new, non-invasive method to measure abdominal wall activity. Clinically, belts with capacitive force sensors can be used as a feedback tool to train abdominal wall activation.

ISSN

0959-3020

First Page

175

Last Page

184

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