Transverse abdominis activity and ultrasound biofeedback in college golfers with and without low back pain

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2020-11, Vol.46, p.249-253
• Main Authors: Skibski, Andrew, Burkholder, Erin, Goetschius, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdomen; Abdominal Muscles - diagnostic imaging; Abdominal Muscles - physiology; Abdominal Muscles - physiopathology; Back pain; Biofeedback; Biofeedback, Psychology - methods; Cross-Over Studies; Electromyography; Female; Golf - injuries; Golf - physiology; Humans; Injuries; Low Back Pain - physiopathology; Low Back Pain - therapy; Male; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle function; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation; Sports medicine; Thickness; Transversus abdominis; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.10.004

To compare transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle activity in college golfers with and without a history of low back pain (LBP) and examine the effects of ultrasound biofeedback and a functional golf-setup position on TrA activity. Crossover study. Laboratory. Thirty-two (n = 32) collegiate golfers were stratified into either the LBP group (n = 16, 4.6 ± 4.5 LBP episodes) or non-LBP group (n = 16, 0.1 ± 0.3 LBP episodes) based on LBP episodes in the last 6-months. Ultrasound measures of TrA activity were performed during standard contractions and contractions with ultrasound biofeedback. Contraction-type order was randomized between two visits. Testing was performed in two positions, supine and golf-setup positions. We observed no significant differences in TrA activity between the LBP and non-LBP groups. Overall, TrA activity was greater during biofeedback contractions compared to standard contractions, and TrA activity was lower in the golf-setup position compared to the supine position. We observed no differences in TrA activity between college golfers with and without LBP. College golfers with and without LBP demonstrated a greater ability to contract their TrA with real-time ultrasound biofeedback and a lower ability to contract their TrA in the functional golf-setup position compared to the traditional supine position. •TrA activity was similar between college golfers with and without low back pain.•College golfers had greater TrA activity when using ultrasound biofeedback.•College golfers had lower TrA activity in the functional, golf-setup position.