Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training Combined With Abdominal draw-in Maneuver on Transverse Abdominis Strengthening

The transverse abdominis (TrA) is the deepest muscle layer of lateral and anterior abdominal wall and also known as a significant component of core stability. Abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) is the main for the strengthening of the deep muscle, however, sufficient activation of TrA by ADIM is limited. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a technique combined with low intensity exercise that produces similar results to high intensity training. However, there is few evidences for BFR training on core muscles.

Healthy adults (age ranged 18-34 years and BMI between 18.5~24.99) were randomly recruited in the study. For the intervention group, an inflatable cuff (14 cm in width * 84 cm in length) is warped around abdominal muscles below ribs which may cause to at least 60% restriction of blood flow detected by Power Doppler ultrasonography. All participants are instructed to perform ADIM both condition of BFR and BFR-free twice a week, for six weeks. Outcome measurements include Double leg lowering test (DLLT) for muscle strength, brightness mode ultrasound (USD) for muscle hypertrophy and electromyography (EMG) muscle activation. The same physical therapist will do the measurement at first week, third week and the sixth week.