Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Kangwon-do, Republic of South Korea
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Professor Joshua (Sung) H. You, Solution/Sports 234 Heoungup-Myon, MaeJi-Ri, Wonju City, Kangwon-do, 220-710, Republic of S. Korea. Tel.: +82 33 760 2476; Fax: +82 33 760 2496; E-mail: neurorehab@yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract: Objective:To determine the effect of novel augmented abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) training using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) and electromyography (EMG) in adults with core instability. Methods:A convenience sample of 20 young adults with core instability (female =4; mean age ± standard deviation=24.4 ± 2.9 years) was recruited. Core instability was determined by the formal test. All subjects underwent an intensive ADIM that was augmented by comprehensive visual feedback via a pressure biofeedback unit, RUSI, and EMG. The intervention was provided for 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week, over a two-week period. Results:The paired t-test showed that both transverse abdominal (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscle thickness during ADIM were significantly greater than at rest (p= 0.000). However, external oblique (EO) muscle thickness remained relatively unchanged. The mean EMG amplitudes of the EO and erector spinae (ES) muscles were significantly decreased after the intervention (p=0.001, p=0.008). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC1,2) showed the excellent test-retest reliability for muscle thickness (ranging from 0.90 to 0.98 in the prone position). Conclusion:This is the first evidence to demonstrate that the novel augmented ADIM training can effectively improve the lumbo-pelvic stabilization in adults with core instability.
