The impact of the neurodevelopmental traction technique on activation of lateral abdominal muscles in children aged 11-13 years.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation of lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in response to neurodevelopmental traction technique as assessed by ultrasounds as well as to compare the effects of different traction forces.


OBJECTIVE
An experiment with repeated measurements of the dependent variables was conducted. Thirty-seven children (22 girls) participated.


METHODS
Measurements of LAM thickness (indicating LAM activation) were performed bilaterally during traction of 5% body weight: 1) in neutral position, 2) in 20° posterior trunk inclination; during traction of 15% body weight: 3) in neutral position, 4) in 20° posterior trunk inclination. The ultrasound technology was employed.


RESULTS
When applying the lighter traction the superficial LAM (external and internal oblique muscles) showed significant changes. The mean thickness of both muscles during traction increased (both p < 0.001). The deepest transversus abdominis showed no response (p > 0.05). Stronger traction elicited smaller changes. External and internal oblique muscles showed significant increases (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). Transversus abdominis became less thick during stronger traction (p < 0.01).


CONCUSIONS
The neurodevelopmental traction technique elicits the changes in LAM thickness in children with typical development. The superficial LAM show more distinct responses than the profound LAM. Stronger traction induces smaller LAM thickness changes than lighter traction.
['Gogola|Anna|A|', 'Gnat|Rafał|R|', 'Dziub|Dorota|D|', 'Gwóźdź|Michalina|M|', 'Zaborowska|Małgorzata|M|']
D000009:Abdominal Muscles D000293:Adolescent D001835:Body Weight D002648:Child D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D009119:Muscle Contraction D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities D060726:Torso D014143:Traction D014463:Ultrasonography
traction technique ultrasound Neurodevelopmental treatment reliability