The Science Behind the Abdometer

Bradly Penner (BHKIN, Registered Kinesiologist)

The Abdometer is a core training device containing a battery powered handheld unit that is connected by a 24”hose to a pressure sensored air bladder(size approx. 6.5” x 11.5”). The device is designed to be placed under the lower back when a person is lying in the supine position on the floor. When activated the abdometer inflates to accommodate the cavity between the lower back and the floor until the starting pressure of 50mmHg is achieved.

The abdometer has its roots in a classic therapeutic movement called the Pelvic Tilt. As explained by Drysdale and Earl, the pelvic tilt has been a fundamental abdominal strengthening exercise used by rehabilitation professionals to strengthen the abdominal and decrease lumbar lordosis that is associated with lower back pain. Pelvic tilts have been advocated for initial stages of a conservative management program for low back pain.⁽¹⁶⁾ Pelvic tilt exercises have been shown to help reverse postural muscle atrophy that causes poor posture.⁽⁶⁾ Pelvic tilts are also frequently recommended for developing support for the abdominals, sacro-iliac joints and adjacent structures. ⁽⁶⁾

As defined by Richardson, Jull et al. the “core” is a box of musculature in the abdomen that consists of the abdominals in the front paraspinals and gluteals in the back diaphragm as the roof and pelvic floor and muscles of the hip girdle as the floor. The local muscles of the core are deeper and stabilize the spine; the local muscle group is composed of tranversus abdominis, internal obliques, multifidis, deep transversospinals and pelvic floor musculature.⁽⁸⁾ Tranversus abdominis and multifidis are considered stabilizing muscles and are continually modulated by the central nervous system; they are essential for stabilization of the lumbo-sacral spine.^(8,23) As reported by Diane Lee (BSR, FCAMT, CGIMS) “Activation of the transversus abdominis has been shown to stabilize low back and pelvis prior to movements of arms or legs. Global musculature of the core produce large movements and move through a large range of motion; the global muscle group is composed of rectus abdominis, external obliques and spinal extensors.⁽⁴⁾

One of the biggest benefits of core training is the functional fitness essential for daily living and performing regular activities.⁽¹¹⁾ Core muscles help to control movements, transfer energy and shift body weight to allow efficient multi-directional movement.⁽²⁹⁾ Having a strong abdomen is as important as a strong back for supporting the spine. Co-activation of tranversus abdominis and obliques (internal and external) can ensure spinal stability in various positions of instability. The core muscles are the spines defense to gravitational forces, strengthening of the core muscles can prevent, reduce and eliminate low back pain.⁽¹⁰⁾