Abdominal MuscleNCT04113642
The Effect Thoracolumbar Fascia on the Abdominal Muscle
An observational study of Abdominal Muscle and Posture, run by Koç University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the thickness of abdominal muscles during activation of thoracolumbar fascia through contracting the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi muscles. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Abdominal Muscle, Posture, Muscle Strength
- What is being tested?
- ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positions
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2019to 29 Mar 2019
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: healthy hospital staff
age of >18 years absence of back or abdominal problems.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Koc University School of Medicine
Istanbul, 34010
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Activation of Thoracolumbar Fascia on the Thickness of Abdominal Muscles; an Ultrasonographic Study
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the thickness of abdominal muscles during activation of thoracolumbar fascia through contracting the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi muscles. The hypothesis was that the thickness of transversus abdominis and internal oblique would show greater increase when abdominal contraction was performed with simultaneous contraction of gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi (bridge with arm extension) than that of abdominal contraction alone (abdominal hollowing) or abdominal contraction with simultaneous activation of only gluteus maximus (bridge). Thirty healthy subjects (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Thickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during three exercise positions: abdominal hollowing in neutral spine, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension using ultrasound device equipped with 55 mm convex array transducer
Read the detailed description
Spinal stabilization is crucial in maintaining healthy posture. Core muscle activation could be enhanced using thoracolumbar fascia for this stability.
Core, also called 'power house', is a muscular box built from abdominal muscles in the front, paraspinal, and gluteal muscles at the back, diaphragm at the top, and pelvic floor muscles at the bottom. Deep core muscles control intersegmental motion and respond to postural and extrinsic load changes and consist of transversus abdominis, internal oblique, multifidi and pelvic floor muscles.
Myofascial system links latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus through thoracolumbar fascia causing tensegrity-like network in the whole body.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the thickness of abdominal muscles during activation of thoracolumbar fascia through contracting the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi muscles. The hypothesis was that the thickness of transversus abdominis and internal oblique would show greater increase when abdominal contraction was performed with simultaneous contraction of gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi (bridge with arm extension) than that of abdominal contraction alone (abdominal hollowing) or abdominal contraction with simultaneous activation of only gluteus maximus (bridge).
Thirty healthy subjects (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Thickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during three exercise positions: abdominal hollowing in neutral spine, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension using ultrasound device equipped with 55 mm convex array transducer.
- Conditions
- Abdominal Muscle, Posture, Muscle Strength
- Being tested
- ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positions
- Keywords
- abdominal muscles, ultrasonography, exercise, lumbar fascia
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positionsOther
Thickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during abdominal hollowing, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| single group | healthy subjects Receives: Other: ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positions |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in ultrasonographic thickness of abdominal muscles
The ultrasound transducer was placed over an intersection point of two imaginary lines: one line passing horizontally from the level of navel and the second line running vertically through the anterior superior iliac spine. Subsequent images were obtained at rest, during abdominal hollowing, bridge and bridge with arm extension. Thicknesses of the muscles were measured using onscreen caliper. Results were recorded in millimeters.
Measured: 1 day (Change of muscle thickness from rest to exercise positions)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Oct 2019
- Study start1 Mar 2019
- Primary completion29 Mar 2019
- Study completion29 Mar 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (32)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Abdominal MuscleStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Koç University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Ozden Ozyemisci Taskiran, Prof, Principal investigator, Koc University School of Medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04113642
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2019.100.IRB1.012
- Status last verified
- Oct 2019
- First submitted
- 1 Oct 2019
- Last updated
- 20 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: It was not planned to share individual participant data.
Publications
Czaprowski D, Afeltowicz A, Gebicka A, Pawlowska P, Kedra A, Barrios C, Hadala M. Abdominal muscle EMG-activity during bridge exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. Phys Ther Sport. 2014 Aug;15(3):162-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2013.09.003. Epub 2013 Sep 27.
PubMed 24268641Panjabi MM. The stabilizing system of the spine. Part II. Neutral zone and instability hypothesis. J Spinal Disord. 1992 Dec;5(4):390-6; discussion 397. doi: 10.1097/00002517-199212000-00002.
PubMed 1490035Gibbon KC, Debuse D, Hibbs A, Caplan N. Reliability and Precision of Sonography of the Lumbar Multifidus and Transversus Abdominis During Dynamic Activities. J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Mar;36(3):571-581. doi: 10.7863/ultra.16.03059. Epub 2017 Feb 2.
PubMed 28150321Panjabi MM. Clinical spinal instability and low back pain. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2003 Aug;13(4):371-9. doi: 10.1016/s1050-6411(03)00044-0.
PubMed 12832167Crisco JJ, Panjabi MM, Yamamoto I, Oxland TR. Euler stability of the human ligamentous lumbar spine. Part II: Experiment. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 1992 Feb;7(1):27-32. doi: 10.1016/0268-0033(92)90004-N.
PubMed 23915613Key J. 'The core': understanding it, and retraining its dysfunction. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Oct;17(4):541-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.03.012. Epub 2013 Jun 28.
PubMed 24139017Akuthota V, Ferreiro A, Moore T, Fredericson M. Core stability exercise principles. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008 Feb;7(1):39-44. doi: 10.1097/01.CSMR.0000308663.13278.69.
PubMed 18296944Panjabi M, Abumi K, Duranceau J, Oxland T. Spinal stability and intersegmental muscle forces. A biomechanical model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1989 Feb;14(2):194-200. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198902000-00008.
PubMed 2922640Schleip R, Muller DG. Training principles for fascial connective tissues: scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Jan;17(1):103-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.06.007. Epub 2012 Jul 21.
PubMed 23294691Dischiavi SL, Wright AA, Hegedus EJ, Bleakley CM. Biotensegrity and myofascial chains: A global approach to an integrated kinetic chain. Med Hypotheses. 2018 Jan;110:90-96. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.11.008. Epub 2017 Nov 20.
PubMed 29317079Bogduk N, Macintosh JE. The applied anatomy of the thoracolumbar fascia. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1984 Mar;9(2):164-70. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198403000-00006.
PubMed 6729580Wilke J, Krause F, Vogt L, Banzer W. What Is Evidence-Based About Myofascial Chains: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Mar;97(3):454-61. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.023. Epub 2015 Aug 14.
PubMed 26281953Escamilla RF, Lewis C, Bell D, Bramblet G, Daffron J, Lambert S, Pecson A, Imamura R, Paulos L, Andrews JR. Core muscle activation during Swiss ball and traditional abdominal exercises. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 May;40(5):265-76. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2010.3073.
PubMed 20436242Hodges PW, Pengel LH, Herbert RD, Gandevia SC. Measurement of muscle contraction with ultrasound imaging. Muscle Nerve. 2003 Jun;27(6):682-92. doi: 10.1002/mus.10375.
PubMed 12766979Ferreira PH, Ferreira ML, Nascimento DP, Pinto RZ, Franco MR, Hodges PW. Discriminative and reliability analyses of ultrasound measurement of abdominal muscles recruitment. Man Ther. 2011 Oct;16(5):463-9. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2011.02.010. Epub 2011 Mar 12.
PubMed 21398167
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Activation of Thoracolumbar Fascia on the Thickness of Abdominal Muscles; an Ultrasonographic Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04113642
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2019.100.IRB1.012
- Conditions
- Abdominal Muscle, Posture, Muscle Strength
- Keywords
- abdominal muscles, ultrasonography, exercise, lumbar fascia
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Koç UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Mar 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Oct 2019 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the thickness of abdominal muscles during activation of thoracolumbar fascia through contracting the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi muscles. The hypothesis was that the thickness of transversus abdominis and internal oblique would show greater increase when abdominal contraction was performed with simultaneous contraction of gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi (bridge with arm extension) than that of abdominal contraction alone (abdominal hollowing) or abdominal contraction with simultaneous activation of only gluteus maximus (bridge). Thirty healthy subjects (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Thickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during three exercise positions: abdominal hollowing in neutral spine, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension using ultrasound device equipped with 55 mm convex array transducer
Detailed description
Spinal stabilization is crucial in maintaining healthy posture. Core muscle activation could be enhanced using thoracolumbar fascia for this stability.
Core, also called 'power house', is a muscular box built from abdominal muscles in the front, paraspinal, and gluteal muscles at the back, diaphragm at the top, and pelvic floor muscles at the bottom. Deep core muscles control intersegmental motion and respond to postural and extrinsic load changes and consist of transversus abdominis, internal oblique, multifidi and pelvic floor muscles.
Myofascial system links latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus through thoracolumbar fascia causing tensegrity-like network in the whole body.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the thickness of abdominal muscles during activation of thoracolumbar fascia through contracting the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi muscles. The hypothesis was that the thickness of transversus abdominis and internal oblique would show greater increase when abdominal contraction was performed with simultaneous contraction of gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi (bridge with arm extension) than that of abdominal contraction alone (abdominal hollowing) or abdominal contraction with simultaneous activation of only gluteus maximus (bridge).
Thirty healthy subjects (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Thickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during three exercise positions: abdominal hollowing in neutral spine, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension using ultrasound device equipped with 55 mm convex array transducer.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| single group | – | Other: ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positionshealthy subjects |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- healthy hospital staff
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal muscle thickness at four positionsThickness of transversus abdominis, internal oblique and external oblique muscles were evaluated using ultrasound at rest and during abdominal hollowing, bridge, and bridge with isometric arm extension. | Other | single group |
Primary outcome
Change in ultrasonographic thickness of abdominal muscles
Time frame: 1 day (Change of muscle thickness from rest to exercise positions)
The ultrasound transducer was placed over an intersection point of two imaginary lines: one line passing horizontally from the level of navel and the second line running vertically through the anterior superior iliac spine. Subsequent images were obtained at rest, during abdominal hollowing, bridge and bridge with arm extension. Thicknesses of the muscles were measured using onscreen caliper. Results were recorded in millimeters.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Mar 2025.
- Background: PubMed 24268641Czaprowski D, Afeltowicz A, Gebicka A, Pawlowska P, Kedra A, Barrios C, Hadala M. Abdominal muscle EMG-activity during bridge exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. Phys Ther Sport. 2014 Aug;15(3):162-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2013.09.003. Epub 2013 Sep 27.
- Background: PubMed 1490035Panjabi MM. The stabilizing system of the spine. Part II. Neutral zone and instability hypothesis. J Spinal Disord. 1992 Dec;5(4):390-6; discussion 397. doi: 10.1097/00002517-199212000-00002.
- Background: PubMed 28150321Gibbon KC, Debuse D, Hibbs A, Caplan N. Reliability and Precision of Sonography of the Lumbar Multifidus and Transversus Abdominis During Dynamic Activities. J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Mar;36(3):571-581. doi: 10.7863/ultra.16.03059. Epub 2017 Feb 2.
- Results publication: PubMed 12832167Panjabi MM. Clinical spinal instability and low back pain. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2003 Aug;13(4):371-9. doi: 10.1016/s1050-6411(03)00044-0.
- Results publication: PubMed 23915613Crisco JJ, Panjabi MM, Yamamoto I, Oxland TR. Euler stability of the human ligamentous lumbar spine. Part II: Experiment. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 1992 Feb;7(1):27-32. doi: 10.1016/0268-0033(92)90004-N.
- Results publication: PubMed 24139017Key J. 'The core': understanding it, and retraining its dysfunction. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Oct;17(4):541-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.03.012. Epub 2013 Jun 28.
- Results publication: PubMed 18296944Akuthota V, Ferreiro A, Moore T, Fredericson M. Core stability exercise principles. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008 Feb;7(1):39-44. doi: 10.1097/01.CSMR.0000308663.13278.69.
- Results publication: PubMed 2922640Panjabi M, Abumi K, Duranceau J, Oxland T. Spinal stability and intersegmental muscle forces. A biomechanical model. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1989 Feb;14(2):194-200. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198902000-00008.
- Results publication: PubMed 23294691Schleip R, Muller DG. Training principles for fascial connective tissues: scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Jan;17(1):103-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.06.007. Epub 2012 Jul 21.
- Results publication: PubMed 29317079Dischiavi SL, Wright AA, Hegedus EJ, Bleakley CM. Biotensegrity and myofascial chains: A global approach to an integrated kinetic chain. Med Hypotheses. 2018 Jan;110:90-96. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.11.008. Epub 2017 Nov 20.
- Results publication: PubMed 6729580Bogduk N, Macintosh JE. The applied anatomy of the thoracolumbar fascia. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1984 Mar;9(2):164-70. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198403000-00006.
- Results publication: PubMed 26281953Wilke J, Krause F, Vogt L, Banzer W. What Is Evidence-Based About Myofascial Chains: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Mar;97(3):454-61. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.07.023. Epub 2015 Aug 14.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. It was not planned to share individual participant data.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ozden Ozyemisci Taskiran, Prof principal investigator
Koc University School of Medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Abdominal Muscle and Posture, run by Koç University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in ultrasonographic thickness of abdominal muscles (time frame: 1 day (Change of muscle thickness from rest to exercise positions)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04113642, which also lists 32 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Mar 2025.