Abdominal Training Research Articles

High-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training in respiratory, swallowing and systemic muscles of healthy adults.

Low-intensity continuous inspiratory muscle training improves its strength. The abdominal muscles are the main expiratory muscles, and their training may improve expiratory muscle strength. Respiratory muscle strength regulates coughing effectiveness, which is critical for pneumonia management. In older people, risk factors for the development of pneumonia were respiratory muscle weakness and swallowing impairment. Currently, the impact of high-intensity intermittent inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training on the respiratory, swallowing, and systemic muscles is unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training combined with or without abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength as well as the strength, mass, and performance of swallowing and systemic muscles. Twenty-eight healthy adults were divided into two groups. Participants performed high-intensity intermittent inspiratory muscle single or its combination with abdominal muscle training for 4 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength, swallowing muscle strength and mass, systemic muscle strength, mass and performance were measured at baseline, Week 2 and Week 4. Both groups showed greater maximal respiratory pressures at Week 2 and Week 4 than baseline. Both groups showed improved tongue pressure and geniohyoid muscle thickness at Week 4. In addition, the combined training group improved body trunk muscle mass, handgrip strength and five-time chair stand test, whereas the single training group did not. This study revealed that high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved inspiratory muscle strength and swallowing muscle strength and mass. Moreover, inspiratory and abdominal muscle combined training showed an additional benefit of improving systemic muscle strength, mass and performance. UMIN000046724; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/index.cgi?ctrno=UMIN000046724.

Efficacy of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training on degree of osteoporosis, pain and anxiety in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture after PKP and compliance analysis.

To explore the rehabilitation effect and compliance of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) after percutaneous balloon vertebroplasty (PKP). A total 177 elderly patients with OVCF were divided into rehabilitation group (n = 104) and control group (n = 73) according to whether they received psoas and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training for 3 months after PKP. The differences of general data, orthopaedic rehabilitation, prognosis and bone metabolism were compared between the two groups. All the patients were divided into compliance group (68 cases) and non-compliance group (36 cases) according to compliance. Orthopaedic rehabilitation indicators, prognostic indicators of PKP, and bone metabolism-related parameters were collected for analysis of Chi-square test and Logistic regression. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of bone metabolism related indicators in the compliance of lumbar and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training. There was no significant difference in the general data between the rehabilitation training group and the control group (All p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the Berg balance scale score was significantly increased, while the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and the proportion of new fractures were significantly decreased in the rehabilitation training group (All p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the bone mineral density (BMD) T value, osteocalcin (OCN) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels were significantly increased and the levels of type I N-propeptide (P1NP) and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptides (β-CTX) were significantly decreased in the rehabilitation training group compared with the control group (All p < 0.05). Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis showed that age > 75 years, severe anxiety, severe pain and postoperative complications were significantly associated with the compliance of psoas and abdominal muscle rehabilitation training in patients with OVCF after PKP. ROC curve analysis showed that BMD T value, OCN, P1NP, β-CTX, or 25-OH-D levels predicted the AUC of rehabilitation training compliance in patients with OVCF after PKP were 0.821, 0.835, 0.736, 0.715, and 0.748, respectively. Rehabilitation training of lumbar and abdominal muscles can significantly improve the efficacy of PKP, reduce the degree of osteoporosis and improve the prognosis of patients with OVCF. Age, anxiety, pain and postoperative complications were independent risk factors affecting the compliance of psoas and abdominal rehabilitation training in patients with OVCF after PKP.

The role of abdominal muscle training in combination with pelvic floor muscle training to treat female urinary incontinence - a pilot 12-week study.

Current literature is inconclusive as to whether transversus abdominis (TrA) training can provide an additional benefit to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We designed a study to investigate the effect of PFM and TrA training on incontinence parameters. 60 females with SUI were randomised to PFM training alone or PFM plus TrA training. They all attended 12 weekly training sessions by a single physical therapist and completed relevant questionnaires at baseline and study completion. Both interventions reduced the number of incontinence episodes and improved quality of life (QoL) and sexual function. Women on PFM+TrA training reduced the number of used pads per day (p = 0.007), improved the QoL (p = 0.031) and the sexual lubrication score (p = 0.04), and reported better satisfaction rates compared to PFM alone (66.7% versus 43.3%). A subgroup analysis reported that women with pure SUI benefit more from combined PFM+TrA training compared to PFM alone (p = 0.04). TrA add-on to PFM training was similar to PFM training alone in the reduction of incontinence episodes but was superior in reducing the number of pads needed, which suggests a beneficial effect on the severity of incontinence.

Effect of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle training on diaphragmatic excursion in multigravida women

Background. Several research studies have indicated that the diminished strength of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) affects the diaphragmatic function. Objective. The study aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week PFM and AbM training on diaphragmatic excursion (DE) in multigravida women. Methods. Ninety multigravida women who were postpartum for at least 6 months after normal vaginal or cesarean delivery and between 30 and 45 years of age were randomly assigned to three groups of equal size (n = 30). Group (A) received abdominal and pelvic floor Kegel training. Group (B) received abdominal training. Group (C) received pelvic floor Kegel training. Ultrasonography was utilized to assess the effects of DE at three different time points: before training, immediately post-training, and at a 12-week follow-up after the end of training. Results. The results showed that DE increased significantly in groups A (P = 0.038) and B (P = 0.009), with no significant differences in group C. Post hoc analysis revealed no significant differences between each group and the others, except for a significant difference between groups A and C (P = 0.001). Conclusion. The concurrent implementation of 12-week AbM and PFM training is more effective in enhancing DE in multigravida women than solely engaging in either AbM or PFM training.

Running Gait Retraining in the Management of a Multiparous Runner With Chronic Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Case Study

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is highly prevalent in the postpartum population and can result from injury or capacity deficits of the pelvic floor musculature. Impact forces seen during running increase demand on the pelvic floor musculature, resulting in a higher incidence of SUI. Running gait retraining, with emphasis on reducing impact, may reduce symptoms of SUI. Case Description: A 43-year-old woman was evaluated for chronic SUI when coughing, sneezing, and running since the birth of her second child 8 years ago. Initial interventions focused on pelvic floor, hip, and abdominal muscle training, and after 3 visits over 4 weeks, her SUI symptoms with coughing and sneezing resolved. She continued to complain of SUI during running. After a 2-dimensional video running gait assessment, running gait retraining was initiated in the form of verbal feedback to reduce the sound intensity of the foot striking the ground. Outcomes: After 2 visits of gait retraining over 2 weeks, the patient's SUI symptoms with running resolved. Gait reassessment revealed decreased sound intensity with foot strike. Eight weeks post-treatment, the patient remained symptom-free, and their Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) total score decreased from 51.04/300 to 4.16/300. Discussion: This patient experienced meaningful improvements in symptoms of SUI following standard pelvic physical therapy treatment of pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscle training but only achieved resolution of symptoms with running after individualized running gait modification. Running gait retraining to reduce sound intensity during foot strike may have resulted in a decrease in impact and improvements in SUI symptoms while running.

Comparative Study on the Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and Abdominal Muscle Training in Functional Constipation among Children

To compare the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise and abdominal muscle training, breathing exercisesandabdominal massage in children with functional constipation. Functional constipation is one the most common gastrointestinal condition in pediatrics practice with an estimation prevalence ranging from 0.7% to 29.6%. It has a multifactorial pathophysiology mainly consisting of stool with holding and delayed colonic transit.30 subjects who met theRome-III criteriafor pediatric functional constipationwere randomly divided into 2 groups. Group-A was trained with pelvic floor muscle exercise along with squat walking for 5 min under supervision of parents. Exercise duration was increased 5 min per week, for two consecutive weeks and remained the same for the next six weeks and Kegels was performed for 10 seconds. Group-B was given isometric training of the abdominal muscle which was carried out in two ways. The patient was either lying down in a left lateral decubitus position with the hip and knee flexed at 90° with two series of eight contractions and relaxations until the third week and was then increased to two series of 12 contractions and relaxations for 6 weeks. In the sitting or lying down method, training began with one series of three contractions and relaxations lasting 10 s which was increased to five repetitions in the third week until the sixth week along with abdomen tuck-in exercise. Diaphragmatic breathing and abdominal massage was given to both groups in common. The intervention of the study was about 8 weeks.Results of statistical analysis showed that both Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises and Abdominal Muscle Training are effective in treating functional constipation among children. However pelvic floor muscle exercise was better than abdominal muscle training on the basis of Wexner Construction Scoring System.&#x0D;

Effect of Electrical Stimulation Followed by Exercises in Postnatal Diastasis Recti Abdominis via MMP2 Gene Expression.

Since abdominal muscle training is one of the most important ways to treat rectal diastasis, it is necessary to design and provide appropriate exercises to treat this problem. One of the complementary methods to achieve higher intensity training is the use of electrical muscle stimulation along with voluntary activity, which causes maximum recall in muscle units. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of electrical stimulation followed by exercises was evaluated in postnatal diastasis recti abdominis via MMP2 gene expression. For this purpose, we studied on thirty-two women who had rectal diastasis for six months and were referred to a physiotherapy clinic by a gynecologist. They were divided into the control group (n=16) and the intervention group (n=16). The distance between the two blocks of the rectus abdominis muscle and the thickness of the abdominal muscles at rest was determined by ultrasound. In the intervention group, electrical stimulation and strengthening exercises of oblique muscles were performed for six weeks. The control group did not perform any specific exercises. After six weeks, another ultrasound was performed. The expression of the MMP2 gene was measured by the real-time PCR method. Comparison of the distance between the two blocks of rectus abdominis muscle (above the umbilicus and below the umbilicus) before and after six weeks showed that in the experimental group after intervention in both areas had a significant decrease (above the umbilicus = 0.001 and below the umbilicus P = 0.03), while this distance in the control group did not decrease significantly (p >0.05). Also, in the upper part of the umbilicus, the distance between the two rectus abdominis muscle blocks in two groups after the intervention showed a significant difference (p = 0.04). Evaluation of MMP2 gene expression showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p >0.05). However, after the intervention, the expression of this gene decreased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.007). In general, the present study results showed that electrical stimulation of abdominal muscles with strengthening exercises of internal and external oblique muscles could reduce rectal diastasis and increase the thickness of these muscles in people with rectal diastasis.

Effect of Exercise on Inter-Recti Distance and Associated Low Back Pain Among Post-Partum Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to emphasize facilitation training and strengthening of abdominal and core muscles in improving the inter-recti distance (IRD) and associated low back pain (LBP) among young postpartum females. Materials and methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial, among forty young postpartum females, was conducted at a community health center. The females were divided into two equal groups through the envelope method where Group A received abdominal crunch training protocol whereas group B received double straight leg raise (DSLR) exercise protocol for 6 weeks and pre and post IRD and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded. Results: Group A showed improvement in IRD with a mean difference of 1.95±0.4 whereas in group B it was found to be 2.85±0.35 when assessed through finger palpation method. The mean difference of IRD, when measured through digital nylon caliper method in abdominal crunch and DSLR exercise group was 4.06±0.74 and 1.2±0.49 respectively. Moreover, ODI scores of group A were 2.70±1.05 whereas, group B scores were found to be 1.1±0.06 showing that LBP reduced in participants who performed abdominal crunch exercise. Conclusion: This study reveals that 6 weeks of exercise protocol was observed to be effective in the management of DRA. Thus, abdominal crunch exercise seemed to produce promising results in a reduction of IRD and associated LBP.

Can abdominal hypropressive technique improve stress urinary incontinence? an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.

To verify which one improves better stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms: abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). Randomized controlled trial. Women with SUI who had not participated of physiotherapy program before were invited. The outcome measures were 7-day bladder diary, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function measured by Modified Oxford grading System with vaginal palpation and manometry with Peritron. Intervention consisted by 12 weeks of exercises program including PFMT or AHT program, in groups of maximum three women, twice a week, with physiotherapist supervision. AHT and PFMT groups reduced urinary leakage episodes in 7 days, -0.64 and -1.91, respectively, but PFMT was superior, whit mean difference -1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.92 to -0,62) and effect size was 0.94 in favor to PFMT. Regarding to total score of ICIQ-SF, both groups improved, with mean difference between groups -4.7 (95% CI: -6.90 to -2.50) and effect size was 1.04 in favor to PFMT. Manometry also presented improvement after treatment for both groups with mean difference between them of 11 (95% CI: 6.33-15.67) and effect size was 1.15 also in favor to PFMT. Regarding to SUI symptoms, quality of life impact and PFM function both groups presented improvement, however, PFMT was superior to AHT among all of them.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training for abdominal muscles on change of muscle size, strength, endurance and lumbopelvic stability.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) devices for abdominal muscles are being marketed to the general public to improve physical appearance. Abdominal muscles play an important role in lumbopelvic stability for optimizing performance. We investigated the effects of NMES training of abdominal muscles on muscle size, muscle strength, endurance, and lumbopelvic stability. Twenty-three subjects (12 females, 11 males) performed abdominal muscle NMES training for 8 weeks. Before and after NMES training, we measured muscle size (cross-sectional area [CSA] of the rectus abdominals [RA] and lateral abdominal wall [LAW]) by magnetic resonance imaging, muscle strength (trunk flexor and side bridge strength), endurance (trunk flexor and side bridge endurance time), and lumbopelvic stability (one-leg loading test). There were significant increases between pre- and post-NMES training differences in the size (CSA of RA 21.7-25.4%, P<0.001; CSA of LAW 9.00-9.71%, P<0.001), strength (trunk flexor 14.9%, P<0.05; side bridge 33.7-53.6%, P<0.05), and endurance (trunk flexor 29.1%, P<0.05; side bridge 24.6-28.9%, P<0.05) of abdominal muscles and lumbopelvic stability (37.2-37.4%, P<0.05). NMES training could be applied to increase muscle size and muscle performances of abdominal muscles in sports and fitness fields.

Effect of diaphragm and abdominal muscle training on pelvic floor strength and endurance: results of a prospective randomized trial

Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) play a crucial role in urinary continence. Therefore, training the PFMs remains the most popular conservative treatment for urinary incontinence (UI). The effect of training other body muscles on the PFMs is unclear and mostly hypothetical. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative diaphragm muscle, abdominal muscle and PFM training on PFM strength (PFMS) and endurance (PFME) as well as on UI in men after radical prostatectomy (RP). Per-protocol PFMS, PFME and urine loss measurements were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The primary endpoints were PFMS and PFME differences among the study groups. The secondary endpoint was the correlation between UI and PFMS and PFME. In total, 148 men were randomized to the treatment groups. An increase in PFMS and PFME was observed in all groups compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The greatest difference in PFMS was in the PFM training group, but diaphragm training had the best effect on PFME. The highest (from moderate to strong) correlation between UI and PFME and PFMS (r = −0.61 and r = −0.89, respectively) was observed in the diaphragm training group. Despite different but significant effects on PFMS and PFME, all rehabilitation-training programmes decreased UI in men after RP.

Exercising on Different Unstable Surfaces Increases Core Abdominal Muscle Thickness: An Observational Study Using Real-Time Ultrasound.

The training of abdominal muscles has a positive impact on the functional capacity of healthy adults, being applied practically in fields of athletics and fitness through rehabilitation for lower back pain. The study compares abdominal muscle activity while performing graded isometric exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. The authors also examined perceived stability and comfort for the different surfaces. A total of 30 young, healthy adults performed 3 graded isometric exercises on a Pilates table, foam roller, and Oov (a newly developed tool). Ultrasound investigation measured transversus abdominis, internal oblique abdominis, and external oblique abdominis thickness during each task, comparing muscle thickness between conditions using general linear modeling. Core abdominal activation was greater on the foam roller than the Oov and Pilates table during crook lying (bilateral leg support). Both Oov and foam roller elicited greater contralateral transversus abdominis and internal oblique abdominis thickness than the Pilates table during tabletop and straight leg raises (unilateral leg exercises). For transversus abdominis only, the foam roller elicited more muscle thickness than the Oov during straight leg raises. The Oov was rated more comfortable than the foam roller. Exercises performed on the Oov and foam roller elicit core greater abdominal muscle thickness than those performed on a Pilates table. Unilateral leg exercises in a supine position elicit more contralateral muscle thickness than those with bilateral leg support. These results provide information to support choices in exercise progression from flat stable to more unstable surfaces and from those with bilateral foot support to unilateral foot support. The Oov was more comfortable that the foam roller, and this may help with exercise adherence.

Effect of Preoperative Abdominal Training on Abdominal Muscles Strength Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair

AbstractBackground: Hernias are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall along with increased intra-abdominal pressure and poor wound healing. Ventral (incisional) hernias usually result from a weakness in the abdominal wall after abdominal surgery, especially in the obese patient.Aim of Study: To investigate the effect of pre-operative abdominal training on abdominal muscle strength outcomes after ventral hernia repair by using isokinetic dynamometer as a method of evaluation.Methods: 30 patients their age ranged between 20-45 years with ventral hernia, they were directed to operative hernia repair. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group (A) (control group) and Group (B) (study group). Isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate abdom-inal muscle strength at 3 occasions, first (initial assessment), second (pre-operative assessment), and third (6 months post-operative assessment). For Group (A) (control group); they were instructed to presume their activities of daily living pre-operatively. For Group (B) (study group); they received selective abdominal training program for 30min. 3 times per week for 6 weeks pre-operatively.Results: The result showed that there was a significant increase in abdominal muscle strength post-operatively in study (abdominal training) group compared to control group.Conclusion: It was concluded that pre operative abdominal muscle training was effective for strengthening abdominal muscles after ventral hernia repair.

Effect of Combining Task-oriented Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Abdominal Muscles to Improve the Basic ADL Performance of a Patient with Bilateral Hemiplegia due to Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events: A Case Study

Effect of Combining Task-oriented Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Abdominal Muscles to Improve the Basic ADL Performance of a Patient with Bilateral Hemiplegia due to Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events: A Case Study

Effect of Abdominal Muscle Training on Body Weight and Blood Pressure in Obese Individual

Obesity is a developing problem in India, but it was not much concerned. Obesity may lead to various complication included, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary heart diseases. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of abdominal training program with other general exercises on reduction of body weight and decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study is a quasi-experimental study with three groups, 15 subjects in each group. Study was conducted for 6 weeks of duration and the outcome measures were body weight and the blood pressure. The student t test was used for analysing the variables after the treatment. The study result shows that there was significant differences exist between the three groups and the group-A shows remarkable reduction in body weight and decrease of blood pressure.

Effect of abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows in sedentary, healthy adolescents.

Respiratory muscle training is the most commonly used method to revert respiratory muscle weakness; however, the effect of protocols based on non-respiratory maneuvers has not been adequately studied in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows in healthy adolescents. This was a quasi-experiment. The sample was made up of healthy adolescents divided into two groups: an experimental group who completed eight weeks of active abdominal muscle training, and an equivalent control group. The following indicators were measured: abdominal muscle strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow, and peak cough flow, before and after protocol completion. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. All studied outcome measures increased significantly in the experimental group but only MEP increased in the control group. In addition, a higher MEP was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group at the end of the protocol, together with a greater increase in MEP and peak expiratory flow. Finally, the increase in MEP was associated with an increase in cough peak flow in the experimental group but not in the control group. After eight weeks of abdominal muscle training, MEP and peak expiratory flow increased in healthy (sedentary) adolescents. Such effects were associated with intervention-induced increases in cough peak flow.

Efecto del entrenamiento de músculos abdominales sobre la fuerza muscular respiratoria y flujos espiratorios forzados en adolescentes sanos sedentarios

Respiratory muscle training is the most commonly used method to revert respiratory muscle weakness; however, the effect of protocols based on non-respiratory maneuvers has not been adequately studied in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows in healthy adolescents. This was a quasi-experiment. The sample was made up of healthy adolescents divided into two groups: an experimental group who completed eight weeks of active abdominal muscle training, and an equivalent control group. The following indicators were measured: abdominal muscle strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow, and peak cough flow, before and after protocol completion. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. All studied outcome measures increased significantly in the experimental group but only MEP increased in the control group. In addition, a higher MEP was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group at the end of the protocol, together with a greater increase in MEP and peak expiratory flow. Finally, the increase in MEP was associated with an increase in cough peak flow in the experimental group but not in the control group. After eight weeks of abdominal muscle training, MEP and peak expiratory flow increased in healthy (sedentary) adolescents. Such effects were associated with intervention-induced increases in cough peak flow.

Poster 184 Abdominal Muscle Training with Pressure Sensor.

Poster 184 Abdominal Muscle Training with Pressure Sensor.

How different modes of child delivery influence abdominal muscle activities in the active straight leg raise.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the activities of the abdominal muscles of women who had experienced vaginal delivery in comparison with those who had experienced Cesarean childbirth. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 14 subjects (7 vaginal delivery, 7 Cesarean section) performed an active straight leg raise to 20 cm above the ground, and we measured the activities of the internal oblique abdominal muscle, the external oblique abdominal muscle, and the rectus abdominal muscle on both sides using electromyography. The effort required to raise the leg was scored on a Likert scale. Then, the subjects conducted maximum isometric contraction for hip joint flexion with the leg raised at 20 cm, and maximum torque and abdominal muscle activities were measured using electromyography. [Results] During the active straight leg raise, abdominal muscle activities were higher in the Cesarean section subjects. The Likert scale did not show a significant difference. The activities of the abdominal muscles and the maximum torque of the hip joint flexion at maximum isometric contraction were higher in the vaginal delivery subjects. [Conclusion] The abdominal muscles of Cesarean section subjects showed greater recruitment for maintaining pelvic stability during the active straight leg raising, but were relatively weaker when powerful force was required. Therefore, we consider that more abdominal muscle training is necessary for maintaining pelvic stability of Cesarean section subjects.

Comparison of Muscle Activities Using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit during Abdominal Muscle Training Performed by Normal Adults in the Standing and Supine Positions

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of draw-in exercise on abdominal muscle activity in the standing and supine positions. [Methods] Twenty healthy women participated in this study. The subjects were required to complete two draw-in exercises (standing and supine positions) using a biofeedback pressure unit. The root mean square (RMS) values of the EMG data were expressed as a percentage of the resting contraction. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test. [Results] According to the changes in the activities of the abdominal muscles, the draw-in exercise in the standing position produced the most significant increase in the activities of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, the internal oblique, and the external oblique muscles. [Conclusion] The activities of the trunk stability muscles (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique) increased more in the standing than in the supine position, enabling the subjects to overcome gravity. Therefore, to strengthen the activation of the abdominal muscles, a standing position seems to be more effective than a supine position for draw-in exercises.