Ultrasound Characteristics of the Deep Abdominal Muscles During the Active Straight Leg Raise Test
Presented to the American Physical Therapy Association, February 6–9, 2008, Nashville, TN; and to the Texas Physical Therapy Association, October 18–21, 2007, Galveston, TX.
Abstract
Teyhen DS, Williamson JN, Carlson NH, Suttles ST, O'Laughlin SJ, Whittaker JL, Goffar SL, Childs JD. Ultrasound characteristics of the deep abdominal muscles during the active straight leg raise test.
Objective
To determine whether changes in the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscles, as seen on ultrasound imaging, during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test differ between subjects with and without unilateral lumbopelvic pain.
Design
Cross-sectional, case-control study.
Setting
Clinical laboratory.
Participants
Subjects (n=15) with unilateral symptoms in the lumbopelvic region and age-matched and sex-matched control subjects (n=15).
Interventions
Bilateral measurements of the deep abdominal muscles (TrA and IO) were obtained simultaneously using ultrasound imaging to compare the percent change in muscle thickness from rest with (1) immediately on raising, (2) after a 10-second hold, and (3) within 5 seconds after returning the lower extremity to the plinth.
Main Outcome Measure
Percent change in muscle thickness of both muscles from rest to the other 3 time intervals during the ASLR test.
Results
The 3-way group × side measured × time and 2-way side measured × time interactions were not significant for either the TrA (P≥.34) or the IO (P≥.14) muscles. The 2-way interaction group × time was significant for both the TrA (P=.003) and the IO (P=.02) muscles. On lifting the lower extremity, the control group demonstrated a 23.7% and 11.2% increase in TrA and IO muscle thickness, respectively, while those with lumbopelvic pain demonstrated a 6.4% and 5.7% increase in TrA and IO muscle thickness, respectively.
Conclusions
Although subjects with unilateral lumbopelvic pain demonstrated a smaller increase in muscle thickness, during the ASLR test there appears to be a symmetrical response in both of the deep abdominal muscles regardless of which lower extremity is lifted during the ASLR test or the unilateral nature of the symptoms. This study attests to the potential construct validity of using the ASLR test to assess different motor control strategies of the TrA and IO muscles in subjects with unilateral lumbopelvic pain.
aUS Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Ft. Sam Houston, TX
bSchool of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, UK
Reprint requests to Deydre S. Teyhen, PT, PhD, Dept of Physical Therapy, US Army Medical Department Center and School, 3150 Stanley Rd, Room 1303, ATTN: MCCS-HMT, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
We certify that no party having a direct interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on us or on any organization with which we are associated.
The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the Authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Departments of the Army, Air Force, or Defense.
ABSTRACT