The Diaphragm Muscle?vital for life &

The Diaphragm Muscle?vital for life &

Reference:Note: This is an extremely brief and simplified summary of the diaphragm research that was presented by Dr. Paul Hodges (Physiotherapist) at the University of Queensland on August 20, 1999.

• Research by Paul Hodges,Ph.D., has shown that isolated diaphragm muscle contraction has the ability to produce spinal extension?this was done by electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve
• Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can only increase if Transversus Abdominis(TrA) and the diaphragm work in cooperation with each other?or else during TrA contraction, the diaphragm would simply move up, minimising the effects of TrA
• Complex fine fire EMG studies have demonstrated that the diaphragm has the unbelievable capability to control breathing and simultaneously, assist in the control of spinal stability
• The erector spinae, rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques were not effected by respiration, BUT the Transversus Abdominis muscle modulates with respiration

  Clinical Relevance: It may be appropriate to address effective diaphragmatic breathing in patients with persistent lumbar pain…as it has been done in Yoga and Tai-Chi for thousands of years!

  Posted on: February 13, 2002

  Categories: Lumbar Spine