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. 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 0.05). 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.