Abdominal muscle activity during breathing in different postural sets in healthy subjects. Issue 2 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mesquita Montes, António; Gouveia, Sara; Crasto, Carlos; de Melo, Cristina Argel; Carvalho, Paulo; Santos, Rita; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 21:Issue 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Respiration -- Postural control -- Core abdominal -- Body position -- Surface electromyographic activity; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Summary: Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of different postural sets on abdominal muscle activity during breathing in healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty-nine higher education students (20.86 ± 1.48 years; 9 males) breathed at the same rhythm (inspiration: 2 s; expiration: 4 s) in supine, standing, tripod and 4-point-kneeling positions. Surface electromyography was performed to assess the activation intensity of rectus abdominis, external oblique and transversus abdominis /internal oblique muscles during inspiration and expiration. Results: During both breathing phases, the activation intensity of external oblique and transversus abdominis /internal oblique was significantly higher in standing when compared to supine ( p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were found between tripod position and 4-point-kneeling positions. Transversus abdominis /internal oblique activation intensity in these positions was higher than in supine and lower than in standing. Conclusions: Postural load and gravitational stretch are factors that should be considered in relation to the specific recruitment of abdominal muscles for breathing mechanics. Highlights: Postural load and gravitational stretch affected the abdominal muscle recruitment. From supine to standing, the abdominal muscle recruitment increased. Tripod position and 4-point kneeling had the same abdominal muscle recruitment.