Recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles during the eccentric phase of the curl-up exercise

The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a training method to increase voluntary recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Forty volunteers were assigned to either a Control or an Experimental Group. Training consisted of multisensory (auditory, tactile, visual, and kinesthetic) cuing focused on the lower abdominal muscles during the slow curl-back (eccentric) phase of curl-up exercises with the subjects' feet unsupported. We recorded integrated electromyographic (IEMG) values using surface electrodes from internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles during pretest and posttest exercises. Using an analysis of covariance, posttest IEMG values of the Experimental Group were significantly higher (p less than .001) than the Control Group. Our results reveal that multisensory cuing with the feet unsupported during the curl-back is an effective method of increasing combined recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Motor skills developed by this technique are discussed in relation to optimal trunk function and rehabilitation.