The Effect of Maximal Expiration with Plank Exercise on Abdominal Muscle Thickness in Health Subjects

Abstract

Objective: The research compares the muscle thickness change of abdominal muscles according to respiration in plank exercise. Method: The participants performed plank exercise with maximal expiration and natural breathing. The thickness of the transverse abdominis(TrA), internal oblique(IO), external oblique(EO) muscle were measured using ultrasonography. Results: The results indicated that maximal expiration resulted in significantly greater muscle thickness increases of the TrA, IO and EO than the natural breathing(p<.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that plank exercise combined with maximal expiration led to increases in the abdominal muscle thickness. These types of exercises may be useful in lumbar stabilization rehabilitation treatment.