The effect of abdominal muscle fatigue and training on the intra-abdominal pressure developed during lifting

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Abstract
The rise in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during lifting reduces spinal stress by acting synergistically with the contraction of the extensor muscles of the spine. If the IAP does not rise during lifting it seems likely that there will be a greater risk of low back injury due to greater spinal instability. Abdominal muscle fatigue may possibly prevent the development of an adequate IAP during lifting, predisposing an individual to a low back injury. Strengthening of the abdominal muscles by training was advocated as a way of reducing the likelihood of back injury. The effect of abdominal muscle fatigue and training on the intra-abdominal pressure during lifting was studied. Abdominal muscle fatigue was induced in 6 healthy young male subjects who performed sit-ups repetitively to exhaustion, after which IAP was measured in a sub-maximal lifting test and compared with values obtained before the fatigue-inducing exericse. There was no statistically significant difference in the fatigue-inducing exercise the test. A 2 wk period of training was undertaken in which abdominal muscles were strengthened. The IAP developed in the submaximal lighting test remained unchanged when compared with pre-training values. The IAP developed during sub-maximal lifting is not influenced by fatigue or sit-up training of the abdominal muscles. If abdominal muscle fatigue increases the risk of back injury and training reduces the risk, it apparently is not due to alterations in the IAP developed during lifting.

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