Activity of the transverse abdominis muscle and its role in lower trunk stability and injury prevention in strength training men and football players

Background:The transverse abdominis muscle (TrA) is the deepest local stabilizer within the lumbopelvic-hip complex, distinguished by its feedforward activation pattern and significant role in the prevention of lower back pain.Its activity may indirectly contribute to injury prevention in both the lower trunk and the lower limbs.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the transverse abdominis muscle and its role in lumbar spine control and injury prevention in strength-training males and football players.Material and methods: Forty-four men participated in the study, including 22 strength trainers and 22 football players.Body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance, trunk stability tests (Functional Movement Screen: trunk stability push-up and rotary stability tests), ultrasound assessment of the transverse abdominis muscle at rest and during activation, and tests for uncontrolled movements of the lumbopelvic-hip complex using a Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer following the Kinetic Control concept were conducted.Results: In the strength-training group, the activation coefficient and percentage (%) change in TrA thickness were symmetrical, with values comparable to the left-side TrA activation among football players.On the right side, football players demonstrated a low-