The use of ultrasound imaging of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver in subjects with low back pain.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial among patients with low back pain (LBP).

Objectives: (1) Determine the reliability of real-time ultrasound imaging for assessing activation of the lateral abdominal muscles; (2) characterize the extent to which the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) results in preferential activation of the transverse abdominis (TrA); and (3) determine if ultrasound biofeedback improves short-term performance of the ADIM in patients with LBP.

Background: Ultrasound imaging is reportedly useful for measuring and training patients to preferentially activate the TrA muscle.