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The role of the abdominal musculature in the elevation

of the intra-abdominal pressure during specified tasks
a a
ANDREW G. CRESSWELL & ALF THORSTENSSON
a
Department of Physiology III , Karolinska Institute , Lidingovagen 1, Stockholm, S-114 33,
Sweden
Published online: 31 May 2007.

To cite this article: ANDREW G. CRESSWELL & ALF THORSTENSSON (1989) The role of the abdominal musculature
in the elevation of the intra-abdominal pressure during specified tasks, Ergonomics, 32:10, 1237-1246, DOI:
10.1080/00140138908966893

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140138908966893

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 The role of tbe abdominal musculature '

in the elevation of the intra-abdominal pressure

during specified tasks

ANDREW G. CRESWELLand ALF THORS~ENSSON

Department of Physiology 111, Karolinska Institute, Lidingiivigen 1,
. S-114 33 Stockholm, Sweden
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Keywords: Intra-abdominal pressure; Electromyography; Strength.

A series of standardized tasks,isometric trunk flexion and extension and maximal

Valsalva manoeuvres, were used to evaluate the role of the abdominal musculature
in developing an increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Seven male subjects
were measured for IAP, myoelectric activity of rectus atdominis (RA), obliquus
externus and internus (OE and 0 1 respectively), erector spinae (ES) and isometric
trunk torque. IAPs in all experimental conditions were markedly greater than those
that occurred while relaxed. In isometric trunk flexion, TAPS were increased with
accompanying high levels of activity from the abdominal muscles. In contrast, little
activity from the abdominal muscles occurred during isometric trunk extension,
although levels of IAP were similar to those found in the isometric flexion condition.
With maximal voluntary pressurization (Valsalva manoeuvre) slightly higher levels
of IAP than those found in torque conditions were recorded, this pressure being
produced with abdominal activities (OE and 01) less than one fourth their recorded
maximum. When isometric torque tasks were added to the Valsalva manoeuvre,
patterns of muscle activity (RA, OE, 0 1 and ES) were significantly altered. For
Valsalva with isometric trunk extension, activity from OE and 0 1 was reduced
while IAPs remained fairly constant. These findings indicate that in tasks where an
IAP extension moment is warranted, abdominal pressure can be increased without
the development of a large counter-moment produced by the dual action of the
trunk flexors. Activation of other muscles such as the diaphragm and transversus
abdorninis is suggested as helping provide control over the level of IAP during
controlled trunk tasks.

1. Introduction
It is readily observable that in many motor tasks an increase of pressure within the
abdominal ca;ity occurs in conjunction with the performance of the required
movement. The functional role of this elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is not
well understood. It has k n postulated that this pressure increase during strenuous
lifting tasks provides an abdominal extensor moment reducing the load upon the
lumbar spine (Bartelink 1957, Morris et al. 1961). These studies, monitoring IAP in
both resting and lifting conditions, showed increased levels of IAP during the lifting of
moderate to heavy loads. This increase in pressure, and postulated reduction of lumbar
load, helped to explain the discrepancy that existed between the calculated lumbar
loads during lifting and the tissue tolerance of the vertebral units under experimental
stress conditions (cf. Perey 1957).
The patterns of muscle activation accompanying and causing these pressure rises
have been studied in different conditions, but agreement has still not been reached on
the specific muscles involved, and in particular each muscle's relative contribution to
increasing the I AP. While performing active trunk extension, it is generally agreed that
001M139/89 S340 0 1989 Taylor & F m d s Ltd.
 1238 A. G . Cresswell and A. Thorstensson

the muscle rectus abdominis is inactive, or at least, contracts very weakly (Asmussen
and Poulsen 1968, Hemborg et a!. 1985)and is of little consequence to the total flexor
moment to be overcome by the trunk extensors. Varying associations of IAP and
muscle activity from the abdominal obliques have been reported in differing movement
pat terns. Tasks, such as running on the spot, which provides rhythmical contractions of
the abdominal musculature, exhibited strong correlations between TAP and activity
from the muscle obliquus externus (Grillner et al. 1978). Kumar (1980) when
determining the physiological response in weight lifting in varying planes, found a
correlation of 0.92 for IAP and averaged external oblique activity. The phase
relationship of I AP and obliquus externus activity has also been investigated
(StAlhamrnar et a!. 1987) and it was found that in moderate lifting tasks (10 kg loads)
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obliquus externus activity preceded I A P increases by roughly 100 ms. Other studies
have also mentioned obliquus activity during lifting and have found little or no activity
(Asmussen and Poulsen 1968). Low correlations between IAP and obliquus externus
activity in lifting have been interpreted to mean that this particular musculature
provides no decisive importance toward elevating the IAP (Hemborg et a!. 1985,
Hemborg and Moritz 1987). The differing results in the above studies highlight the
difficulties experienced when determining individual muscle contributions in raising
the IAP, especially when movement patterns and protocols are varied.
The partitioning of abdominal muscle contribution toward IAP becomes
increasingly important when high loads are lifted and large forces are placed upon the
spinal structures. Thomson (1988) using a mathematical model of the trunk has
concurred with the unIoading role of the IAP by determining a 'bending moment'
capable' of reducing loads on the lumbar spine and tensile loads on the lower back
muscles by as much as 20%.In his model, it is assumed that the I AP is developed with
little activity from the abdominal muscles. In contrast, if the abdominal muscles are
strongly involved in the raising of the abdominal pressure then, as McGill and Norman
(1987) have shown in their model, greater lumbar spinal compressive forces are
produced in accordance with the increased pressure. These increased forces are a result
of the net effect of: (i) the flexor moment produced by the abdominal muscles in
reducing the abdominal volume; and (ii) the advantage moments of the IAP and back
extensor muscles. This indirectly supports the data of Nachemson et al. (1986) who,
using direct measurement, showed an increase of intra-discal pressure and
accompanying increases in trunk muscle activity, particularly in obliquus externus,
when performing both partial and full Valsalva manoeuvres to elevate IAP. In trunk
flexion movements, a strong abdominal muscle contraction, as necessary to produce
flexor torque, would also result in an elevated TAP, which in turn could be counter-
productive to the task. It would therefore seem reasonable that other mechanisms, such
as the relaxing oft he diaphragm, would take place to minimize the IAP in this situation.
This investigation was undertaken to explore these possibilities by measuring
abdominal and back muscle activity, IAP and produced torque during standardized
trunk flexion and extension tasks.

2. Methods
2.1. Subjects
Seven male subjects participated in this study. The range for age, weight and height was
23-27 (years) 77-86 (kg) and 183-1 90 (cm) respectively. All subjects had no history of
back pain and all were 'normally' active.
 1AP elevation during specified tasks 1239

2.2. Pressure recordings

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured intra-gastrically with a tip pressure -
transducer (Millar Micro-tip, PC 340, Mi tlar Instr., Texas). The transducer had a
frequency response of DC to 20 kHz and an accuracy of within 0.5% over the measured
range (cf. Grillner et al. 1978). An approximation of the required distance to the
ventricle was first measured externally and the transducer cable length calibrated
accordingly. The transducer was inserted directly through the nose after light local
anaesthetic. The position of the transducer was then confirmed by monitoring the
pressure during submaximal Valsalva manoeuvres. Electrical .calibration of the
pressure signal was built into the control unit.
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2.3. Electromyographic recordings

M yoelectric activity (EMG) from four muscle sites was recorded using bi-polar surface
electrodes (Ikckman miniature AgIAgC1) with an inter-electrode distance of 8 mm.
Electrodes were places over: (i) rectus abdominis (RA) 3 cm lateral to the umbilicus; (ii)
obliquus externus (OE)between the anterior superior iliac spine and the caudal border
of the rib cage; (iii) obliquus internus (01)between the anterior superior iliac spine and
the symphysis pubis; and (iv) erector spinae (ES) 3 cm lateral from the mid-line at the L3
level. EMG signals were pre-amplified at the cutaneous site, filtered through a
bandwidth of 5 Hz to 10 kHz and rectified.

2.4. Torque recordings

Torque measures for trunk flexion and extension were obtained in a side-lying position
using a swivel table attached to a dynamometer (Thorstensson and Nilsson 1982). The
dynamometer (Cybex 11, Lumex Inc., New York) was placed underneath the table with
its input shaft aligned with the centre of rotation. The table could be moved in an arc
greater than 90" with the input lever arm of the dynamometer having a radius of
0.435 m. A linear potentiometer attached to the input shaft gave a continuous recording
of the angular position of the swivel table.

2.5. Procedure
Subjects were positioned on their side with the L3 vertebra aligned over the axis of the
table and dynamometer. Securing straps were placed about the trunk (T7 level),
pelvis and shanks. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions of both trunk flexors and
extensors were performed.
Isometric torque, TAP and EMG were obtained in seven equally incremented
positions ranging from +60° (flexion) to -30" (extension) with 0 ' being a straight
body. The type of contraction and position were randomized and a 30 s rest interval
was given between each trial. In each situation two consecutive trials were performed
and the one with the highest mean torque for a 1 s period was taken for analysis. For
this same period mean IAP and integrated EMG values were calculated off-line using
an HP 9000, 200/300 series AT computer after sampling the signal at 0.5 kHz.
A further series of tasks was performed by two subjects. While lying on their sides at
0" (straight body) each subject was instructed to perform a maximum voluntary
Valsalva manoeuvre (a deliberate maximal voluntary pressurization of the abdominal
cavity). Once. this was sustained for approximately 2s, the subject was further
instructed to execute a maximal isometric trunk flexion as performed in the foregoing
tasks. All previously indicated measures were recorded along with an additional period
 1240 A. G. Cresswell and A. Thorstensson

of initial relaxation to establish a level of baseline activity. Integrated EMG values

within each condition were calculated over a 1 s period, centrally located, in each of the
three distinct activity phases.
Coefficients of variation were calculated on duplicate mean torque measures and
were found to be 3.2% in all conditions. The dynamometer was calibrated by applying
known torques (5&500 Nm) to the centre of the swivel table, perpendicular to the
radius in the arc of motion at all criterion points. The response of the dynamometer was
shown to be linear, with a high correlation between the applied and measured torques
(cf. Thorstensson and Nilsson 1982).To obtain a preliminary view of any relationships
among variables, Pearson product moment correlations were calculated between IAPs
and all abdominal muscle activities. A significance level of a=0.05 was selected.
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Comparative data are expressed as means and standard errors of the means.

3. Results
3.1. Extension tasks
Figure 1 A shows the means of all the recorded variables during trunk extension. I AP
levels were markedly elevated above those that occur when relaxed. Typical values
were in the range 7.2-15.0kPa ( 5 4 1 13mmHg) and tended to rise with positions of
increased trunk flexion. Increased variability in IAP was observed bet ween subjects
when the trunk position was moved toward either end position. Electromyographic
activity of all the abdominal muscles monitored was customarily less than 10%of their
recorded maxima, with many trials as low as 3% (see figure 1A). The greatest of this
abdominal activity typically arose from obIiquus ex ternus with rectus abdominis
consisten tly displaying the lowest values at aU critenon positions. Erector spinae
activity was generally greater than 70% of its recorded maximum over the complete
range of trunk positions (see figure I A). Extensor torques showed a large increase with

All values are expressed as a percentage of their recorded maximum within any condition.
(7' represents trunk torque, while all other abbreviations can be obtained from the methods.)
Figure 1. Mean values with standard errors for maximal isometric contractions (A: extension,
B: flexion) at varying trunk positions.
 I AP elevation during specijed tasks 1241

change of trunk angle. The highest extensor torques were produced at the position of
greatest flexion (+60°) (figure 1A) with the foremost recording being 288 Nm. All
torques decreased successively with increased trunk extension, the lowest k i n g
1 1 5 Nm at - 30".No significant correlation was present between I AP and any of the
individual muscle activities in this condition.

3.2. Flexion tasks

As with the extension condition, IAP levels were well above those that occur during
rest. Typical ranges of pressure were from 15-5 kPa to 7.3 k Pa respectively. Levels of
IAP consistently decreased with changes of trunk position from - 30" (extension) to
+ 60" (flexion). The EMG activity of RA, OE and 0 1 were at all times above 60% of
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their recorded maximum, with a trend for their highest activity to occur at angles of
increased trunk flexion (see figure 1B). Notable variation of this activity was evident
between subjects, with standard errors of means being as high as 10% of their
determined value. No significant correlation was seen between IAP and any individual
abdominal muscle activity. Erector spinae showed low activity, averaging below 10% of
- its recorded maximum. Trunk flexor torque was consistently lower than that recorded
in trunk extension (about 40% of the recorded maximum) with only slight change
(approximately 20%) due to trunk position (see figure 1B).

3.3. Combination tasks of Valsalva plus trunk jlexionlextension

In the combined tasks (figures 2A and 2B)the patterns and levels of IAP developed in
the Valsalva manoeuvre alone were similar. A gradual decrease in pressure was
typically seen after the peak level was attained. When the Valsalva manoeuvre was

T "I"'

T h e variables and magnitudes of the scales in 2B are the same as those shown in 2A. Three
distinct phases of rest, Valsalva and Valsalva plus flexion or extension can be seen in each of the
two conditions (d. table 1).
Figure 2 A typical recordingfrom one subject during the tasks of A: Valsalva followed by trunk
extension and B: Vdsalva followed by trunk flexion.
 4

A. G. Cresswell and A. Thorstensson

Table 1. Mean integrated EMG values for a 1 s period from each of the three distinct phases of
activity in figures 2A and 2B (n = 2). The amount of activity has been normalized within
each recorded muscle.

Muscle Rest Val Val + Ext Rest Val Val + Flex

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combined with trunk extension (figure 2A) pressure levels were sustained over a period
of time, whereas during combined Valsalva and flexion, IAP levels continued to
decrease (figure 2B). Otherwise, recorded levels of IAP were very similar between both
flexion and extension conditions, with the greatest values of IAP being recorded during
the period of maximal voluntary pressurization (Valsalva manoeuvre). The
electromyographic activity from a11 of the recorded muscles depicted three distinct
phases in each task (see figures 2A and 2B). The integrated EMG values selected from
each phase in both conditions (table 1) showed that all muscle activity during both rest
and Valsalva was very similar in both conditions. When flexor torque was additionally
required, the activity from each abdominal muscle increased markedly (approximately
4 times for OE and 0 4 8 times for RA). This was contrasted by the extensor condition
which showed reduced activity from all abdominals. However, all activity remained
higher than that recorded during the initial resting phase. Erector spinae was active in
both conditions, with its electromyographic activity being distinctive during the period
of the Valsalva manoeuvre in both conditions (see figures 2A and 2B). When an
isometric extensor torque was required, erector spinae's activity increased fourfold
(table I). During trunk flexion ES activity was notably decreased, but was still greater
than that recorded during rest. Torques were consistently higher in the extension
conditions. In one subject, a low flexor torque was recorded during the Valsalva
manoeuvre (figure 2B) an effect due to the difficulty of maintaining a stable trunk
position.

4. Discussion
The main findings were that a marked elevation of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)
was present both in maximal isometric trunk extension and flexion and that a pressure
increase could be produced with different abdominal muscle involvement, depending
on the task.
Apart from the abdominal muscles obviously producing flexor torque during trunk
flexion, a secondary effect 0f.a reduced abdominal volume and an associated pressure
increase will also occur as a result of muscle shortening. The degree to which the
shortening can affect the abdominal volume is primarily dependent upon the origin and
insertion of the muscle and consequently, the fibre orientation. Sizeable levels of intra-
abdominal pressure recorded-in this study during trunk flexion were presumably, in
part, a result df this reduction in abdominal volume through increased abdominal
muscle activity. 11 would seem likely that both obliquus externus and internus, along
with transversus abdominis, would be the principle activators in this pressure building
 I A P elevation during specijied tasks 1243

role as their anatomic orientation gives them the greater functional advantage for IAP
development. However, partitioning each muscle's individual contribution from the
resultant can only be hypothesized at this point.
It would appear that in a movement task that principally requires trunk flexion, a
coordinative implementation of all flexor moments would occur. In this strategy it
would also seem essential to minimize all antagonistic activity that could produce a
counter-productive extensor moment about the same point. The possible ex tension
moment produced by the increased intra-abdominal pressure found in this study,
would therefore appear to be a disadvantage for the movement as a whole and should,
in theory, be minimized through some other mechanism. The most foreseeable control
would be a reduction of the developing pressure through a coordinated compensation
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from the diaphragm. In this study, this did not appear to occur, as recorded values of
TAP were particularly high in this condition, a finding which has also been reported by
others (Fujiwara et al. 1985).The advantage, if any, that this increased IAP may provide
in active flexion is unclear. It is plausible that its function may be to provide support for
the lumbar spine,-and/or provide a structure around which the abdominal flexors can
gain an improved mechanical advantage.
In trunk extension IAP was markedly elevated with little or no activity from rectus
- abdominis; obliquus externus and obliquus internus muscles. The low levels of
abdominal muscle activity, in particular those of the obliques, were of particular
interest. It seems likely that these muscles could not have contributed appreciably to
the pressure increase as a result of their low activity. The main increase in IAP could
therefore only take place from direct involvement of the transversus abdominis and/or
diaphragm. It is also feasible that abdominal constriction, as a result of trunk position,
may provide some level of pressure increase, particularly at the angles of extreme
flexion. However, its significance seems low, as high TAPSwere still obtained when the
trunk was in a fully extended position (- 30").The involvement of the diaphragm and
transversus abdominis over the obliques and rectus abdominis is important, as an
assisting trunk extensor moment resulting from the increased IAP could be produced
without the development of an opposing flexor moment. A point which is important
when determining the possible net effect of an increased IAP extension moment,
against opposing abdominal flexor moments, for the relief of lumbar spine compression
forces while lifting (cf. McGill and Norman 1987).
It is also evident from the results, that a greater level of IAP can be achieved in a
deliberate pressure building task, such as a maximal Valsalva manoeuvre, compared to
that developed during a maximal isometric trunk task. Even during a Valsalva
manoeuvre, the abdominal muscles are contributing only a relatively small percentage
of their potential activity. This suggests that only low levels of abdominal activity are
required to increase appreciably the IAP and/or that activity from other muscles co-
ordinate to give a significant contribution. For the maximal Valsalva manoeuvre, in
both conditions, it could be seen that both OE and 0 1 contributed a greater percentage
of their possible maximal activity as compared to R A. This was likely a consequence of
the resultant force component of the contracted muscles, in that OE and 0 1 can apply
force components in both trunk flexion and abdominal compression, whereas RA's
force component is more exclusively oriented toward trunk flexion. Co-contractive
activity from ES during this same period was also required to balance any torque that
was produced by the flexor components of OE, 0 1 and RA.
In the combined phase of Valsalva plus maximal isometric flexion, high I APs were
evident. Tt again seems unclear what the mechanical or physiological advantage that
 1244 A. G. Cresswell and A. Thorstensson

this elevated IAP could provide, or if in fact it is just a consequential result of the
obligatory abdominal muscle activity needed to provide the necessary flexor torque. If
this increase is an associated effect, it appears that the diaphragm is unable to minimize
this pressure substantially, as the decrease of IAP over time of contraction, an effect
which is regularly seen in this condition, is rather gradual. In maximal isometric
extension, where I A P can provide an advantage in tenns of its extensor component
(Barteiink 1957, Morris et al. 1961, Thomson 1988) it would seem beneficial for the
body to maintain as high a level of IAP as possible. This is reflected in the sustained
high (although not maximum) levels of IAP over time in this condition (see figure 2A). It
is interesting to note that to preserve this level of IAP during the extension phase, both
OE and 0 1 stayed somewhat active. For the IAP in this situation to remain as high as
that found in the Valsalva manoeuvre alone, the level of OE and 0 1 activity required to
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raise the IAP significantly would probably have resulted in the production of a net
opposing flexor torque (cf. McGill and Norman 1987).
It seems likely that from the given results a co-ordinative programme must exist
between the many muscles that are capabIe of increasing and/or reducing the IAP. The
major requirements of this programme being to create an optimal level of IAP for
specific tasks and to prevent the pressure level from rising above that which is
mechanically or physiologically unacceptable to structures, such as the abdominal
organs and circulatory system (cf. Grillner et of. 1978). This would explain why in
maximal Valsalva manoeuvres, higher pressures than those recorded in each subject
should be achievable with greater muscle activity from the abdominals, in particular
OE and 01, but in fact are not. The limiting of pressure in torque situations could also
be explained by a control mechanism, which regulates the possible benefit of an
increased IAP extensor moment, over the cost of generating an opposing abdominal
flexor moment and possible increased spinal compressive forces.

Acknowledgements
This study was supported by a grant from the Swedish Work Environment Fund
(project # 82-0184). Andrew Cresswell was supported by the Swedish Central
Association for the Promotion of Sports.
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movements, Scandinaoian Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine, 14, 61-68.

Une drie de tiches standard-, des flexions isomitriques, des extensions du tronc ct des
manoeuvres maximales Valsalva ont ktk utiliskes pour ivaluer le r61e de la musculature
abdominale dam le dtveloppement d'une pression intra-abdominalt (IAP) accrue. Chez 7 sujets
hommes on a mesurk I'IAP et SEMG du muscle grand droit de l'abdomen (RA), du grand et du
petit oblique de l'abdomen (respectivement . OE et 01) et des muscles spinaux (ES). On a
+dement mesurk le moment de torsion isomktrique du tronc. Dans toutes les conditions
exgrimentales, I'IAP itait plus &lev&que celle que I'on observait en rkference repos. Lors de la
flexion isomitrique du tronc, I'IAP a augment6 et etait accompagnk d'une forte activitk dans les
muscles abdominaux. En revanche, lors d'une extension isometrique du tronc, il n'y avait qu'une
faible activiti dans ces muscles, bien que le niveau de I'IAP ffit identique a ceiui obstrvt lors de la
flexion. Aver: une pressurisation maximale volontaire (manoeuvre de Valsalva), on a trouvc dts
niveaux d'1AP legerement plus i l e v k qut dans les conditions de torsions; cette pression itant
produitt avcc dts aclivitis abdominales (OE t t 01) quatft fois moindrts q u t le maximum
enregistk. L'ajout de dches de torsion isomktrique aux manoeuvres Valsalva provoque une
modification significative dam la structure de I'activitk musculaire (RA, 0%' 0 1 et ES).Pour la
combinaison Valsalva et extension isornitrique du tronc, on observe une d u c t i o n dans I'activite
de OE et 01, alors que les IAP restent relativement inchangks. Ces resultats signifieraient que
dans les tCches oli se produit un moment &extension IAP, la pression abdominale peut b r e
augment& ;ens qu'il se produise un important moment contre-rkactif d4 A l'action duale des
flkhisseurs du tronc. La mise en activitk d'autres muscles tels que le diaphragme et le muscle
transverse de l'abdomen se produit sans doute dans le but d'assister le contr6le de 1'1AP au cours
des tAches sus-dites.

Eine Rei he staridardisierter Aufgaben, isometrische Rcckenflexion und -extension sowie das
A usfiihren des Valsalva Maniivers im Maximalbereich, wurden angewendet, un die Rolle der
Bauchmuskulatur zur Entwickluog eines erhbhten Intraabdominaldrucks (IAP) zu bewerten.
Bei sieben mlnnlichen Versuchspersonen wurde der I AP und die elek trischen Muskelak tivitlten
der Muskel m. rectus abdominis (RA), m. obliquus externus und intemus (OE beziehungsweise
01), m. erector spinae (ES) und das isometrische Moment beziiblich des Riickens aufgezeichnet.
Die IAP's waren unter allen experimentellen Bedingungen deutlich g r 6 k r als die, die in der
Erholungsphase der Versuchspersonen auftraten. W i h ~ n disometrischer Riickenflexion
wurden IAP Ansteige von hohen Aktivititsniveaus der Bauchmuskulatur begleitet. Im
Gegensatz dazu traten wihrend der isometrischen Riickenextension geringe Aktivititen der
Bauchmuskeln auf, obwohl die Niveaus des IAP ihnlicb denen waren, die bei isometrischen
Flexionsbedingungen gefunden wurden. Bei maximaler freiwilliger Druckerzeugung (Valsalva
Mandver) wurden leicht hehere 'Niveaus des IAP gefunden, als die, die bei
Momentenbedingungen aufgezeichnet wurden. Dieser unter Zuhilfenahme der
Abdominalaktivititen (OE und 01) produzierte Druck war um das Vierfache geringer als ihr
aufgezeichnetes Maximum. Wenn isometrische Momentenaufgaben zusitzlich zu dem Valsalva
Man6ver zu efullen warem, zeigten sich die Muster der elektrischen Muskelaktivitit (RA, OE, 0 1
und ES) signifikant veriindert. F i r Valsalva mit isometrischer Riicken-extension erfolgte eine
Reduzierung der Aktivitit von O E und 01, wihrend die IAP's ziemiich konstant blieben. Diese
Ergebnisse ztigen, da5 bei Aufgaben, bei denen ein IAP Extensionsmoment gerechtfertigt ist, der
 1246 ' IAP eleoation during specified tasks

Abdominaldruck ohnt die Entwicklung eints grokn Gegenmoments, das durch Doppetaktion
der Riickenflexoren produziert wird, erh6ht werden kann. Die Aktivierung von anderen
Muskeln, wie des Diaphragma und m. transversus abdominis, wird als helfender
Kontrollmechanismus fiir die H6he des IAP wiihrend kontrollierter Riickenaufgaben
vorgeschlagen.

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