Ultrasonography of the deep abdominal muscles at rest and during the drawing-in maneuver: A comparative study of Japanese adolescent vs. adult soccer players

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Watanabe, Hiroyuki^a | Abe, Hiroshi^b | Tojima, Michio^c | Yoshimoto, Masumi^d | Takahira, Naonobu^a | Torii, Suguru^e

Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan | [b] Department of Rehabilitation, University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Kitasato, Tokyo, Japan | [c] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan | [d] Department of Rehabilitation, Nippon Koukan Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan | [e] Faculty of Sports Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan

Note: [] Corresponding author: Hiroyuki Watanabe, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Japan. Tel.: +81 42 778 9968; Fax: +81 42 778 9968; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of abdominal deep muscles in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Participants were 53 soccer players from junior high school and 14 adult soccer players. The deep abdominal muscles of both sides were imaged by ultrasonography. Abdominal muscles on the dominant leg side were selected as the targets of measurements, and measurements of the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscle were conducted. The muscle thickness of these muscles was measured at rest and during contraction (while drawing-in of the abdominal wall) and served as the basis for comparing the adolescent and adult players. RESULTS: While no significant inter-group differences were noted in the thickness of the TrA or IO muscle at rest, a significant difference was observed during the drawing-in maneuver. CONCLUSION: The deep abdominal muscles of adolescent soccer players have not likely reached full maturity.

Keywords: Ultrasound image, transverses abdominis muscle, internal oblique muscle, adolescent soccer player

DOI: 10.3233/IES-130512

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 187-193, 2013