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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-09-2016 | Original Article

Effect of abdominal bracing training on strength and power of trunk and lower limb muscles

Authors: Kota Tayashiki, Sumiaki Maeo, Seiji Usui, Naokazu Miyamoto, Hiroaki Kanehisa

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2016

Abstract

Purpose

It is unknown whether maximal voluntary co-contraction of abdominal muscles, called abdominal bracing, can be a training maneuver for improving strength and power of trunk and lower limb muscles. The present study aimed to elucidate this.

Methods

Twenty young adult men (23.3 ± 1.8 years) were allocated to training (TG, n = 11) or control (CG, n = 9) group. TG conducted an 8-week training program (3 days/week) consisting of 2-s maximal abdominal bracing followed by 2-s muscle relaxation (5 × 10 repetitions/day). Maximal voluntary isometric strength during trunk flexion and extension, hip extension, and knee extension, maximal lifting power from sitting position, and the thicknesses of abdominal muscles were measured before and after the intervention. In addition, surface electromyograms from trunk and lower limb muscles and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during the maximal abdominal bracing and maximal lifting tasks were also determined.

Results

After the intervention, TG showed significant increases in isometric trunk extension (+14.4 %) and hip extension (+34.7 %) strength and maximal lifting power (+15.6 %), while CG did not show any changes in strength and power variables. Furthermore, TG had significant gains in the muscle thickness of the oblique internal (+22.4 %), maximal IAP during abdominal bracing (+36.8 %), and the rate of IAP rise during lifting task (+58.8 %), without corresponding changes in CG.

Conclusion

The current study indicates that a training style with maximal voluntary co-contraction of abdominal muscles can be an effective maneuver for increasing strength and power during movements involving trunk and hip extensions, without using external load.

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Title: Effect of abdominal bracing training on strength and power of trunk and lower limb muscles
Authors: Kota Tayashiki
Sumiaki Maeo
Seiji Usui
Naokazu Miyamoto
Hiroaki Kanehisa
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3424-9

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Effect of abdominal bracing training on strength and power of trunk and lower limb muscles

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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