Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Improved upper limb functionality after Abdominal Drawing-in maneuver in chronic stroke survivors: a crossover study
Aenon Lee1, José Casaña Granell1, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos2,3
1Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
|June 8, 2026
Summary
The Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) improved upper limb function and trunk control in stroke survivors more effectively than Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). ADIM enhances kinematic performance by engaging deep core muscles.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Effective trunk control is crucial for upper limb movement coordination in stroke survivors.
- Quantitative evidence for trunk control interventions is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) against Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for improving upper limb functional movements in stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- A crossover design study with 16 chronic stroke survivors.
- Interventions included 4 weeks of ADIM (pressure-biofeedback-guided transversus abdominis activation) or TENS (with upper extremity exercises and trunk movements), with a washout period.
- Primary outcome was upper limb kinematics; statistical analysis used independent t-tests and mixed-model ANOVA.
Main Results:
- ADIM significantly improved movement unit (p=.02) and trunk displacement (p=.04) compared to TENS.
- ADIM also showed significant within-subject improvement in elbow extension (p<.01) in the forward direction.
Conclusions:
- ADIM demonstrates potential for improving upper limb kinematic performance in stroke survivors.
- The findings highlight the importance of deep core muscles and ADIM's efficacy in enhancing trunk control.
