The effect of an abdominal drawing-in maneuver with real-time visual biofeedback on muscle activity in young adults

Abstract Background The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) is a core stability exercise through the activation of the transversus abdominis and internal abdominal oblique (TrA/IO). However, controlling muscle activity of TrA/IO is difficult, especially when combined with other exercises. It has been proposed that real-time visual biofeedback (RVBF) can increase muscle activation but it has not been investigated in standing and lunge positions. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of ADIM with RVBF on muscle activity during standing and lunge positions. Methods Twelve young adults (21.5 ± 2.1 years) were recruited for this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) was attached to 1) TrA/IO; 2) lumbar multifidus (LM); 3) lumbar erector spinae (LES); 4) gluteus medius (GMed); and 5) gluteus maximus (GMax) during ADIM and without ADIM (no-ADIM). Those data were processed and reported as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). The RVBF was used to provide feedback to participants during ADIM in both standing and lunge positions. Results During standing position, the ADIM of about 24.92%MVIC of TrA/IO can increase the muscle activity of LM (p < 0.01), LES (p < 0.01), and GMed (p = 0.02) when compared to no-ADIM. During lunge position, the ADIM of about 25.48%MVIC of TrA/IO can increase the muscle activity of GMax (p < 0.01) when compared to no-ADIM. Conclusions ADIM of about 25%MVIC of TrA/IO is sufficient to improve back and hip muscle activity. Therefore, we recommended ADIM with RVBF when exercising in the standing and lunge positions.