Effect of two different abdominal exercises on respiratory muscles

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The abdominal muscles have an important role in control and movement of the lumbar spine and pelvis. The contraction of the lumbo-pelvic muscles is dependent on the type of movement of the trunk and arms [1,2]. Its stability is important to transfer force and to return to balance after destabilization. Only a few studies have investigated the effects on respiratory parameters and respiratory muscle fatigue during abdominals exercises [3]. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of two types of abdominal exercises on abdominal muscle force, and on the main respiratory parameters. METHODS 16 male subjects were randomly divided into two treatment groups for 5 weeks: the Training Group (TG) performed 4 static abdominal exercises in an extended position of the trunk. Arms and legs were extended, with emphasis on a vocal sound emission with the muscular chains stretched. The Control Group (CG) performed traditional exercises like sit-up, crunch with trunk rotation and flexion, and lateral bridge. We measured the respiratory parameters like FVC, FEV1 and PEF with the spirometer Pony Fx (Cosmed, Roma, Italy), and the dynamic abdominal endurance withACSM Curl-up (Cadence) test. RESULTS Compared to the CG group, the TG group performed much better in all parameters. In the Curl-uptest with the TG group, we found significant differences (p<0.05) with an improvement of 34% from pre and post conditions. FVC, FEV1 andPEF also showed a significant difference (p<0.05) with a mean average increase of 10%. With the CG group, we found a minor improvement in the Curl-up test with statistical differences (p<0.05) but much less than the TG group. With regards to respiratory parameters, wefound no statistical improvements with the CG group (p>0.05). DISCUSSION The abdominal exercises performed in an extended position with the muscular chain stretched induce many more improvements than traditional exercises. The use of the voice to produce a sound conducts a contraction of the transversus along with an active recruitment of the respiratory muscles. The role of the diaphragm produced a high trans diaphragmatic pressure which increased the function of the abdominal muscles. We suggest to athletes and common people to practice this type of exercise, combined with traditional ones, because they lead to an increase of core stabilization, pulmonary function and a correct spinal posture. REFERENCES [1]Allison GT, Morris SL, Lay B (2008). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 38(5):228-37 [2]Urquhart DM, Hodges PW, Story IH (2005).Gait Posture. 295-301. [3]Gomez CL, Strongoli L. M., Coast J.R.(2009). Journal of Sports Science and Medicine .8, 543 – 547.