The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function.

METHODS

125 female participants aged 18-60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging.

RESULTS

The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) ( = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) ( = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) ( = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE ( < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE ( = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE ( = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) ( = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions ( < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.