Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Effects of tensioning the lumbar fasciae on segmental stiffness during flexion and extension: Young Investigator Award winner

  • Priscilla Barker
  • , Katharine T Guggenheimer
  • , Ivica Grkovic
  • , Christopher A Briggs
  • , Daniel C Jones
  • , C David L Thomas
  • , Paul W Hodges

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Biomechanical study of unembalmed human lumbar segments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tensioning the lumbar fasciae (transversus abdominis [TrA]) aponeurosis) on segment stiffness during flexion and extension. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Animal and human studies suggest that TrA may influence intersegmental movement via tension in the middle and posterior layers of lumbar fasciae (MLF, PLF). METHODS: Compressive flexion and extension moments were applied to 17 lumbar segments from 9 unembalmed cadavers with 20 N lateral tension of the TrA aponeurosis during: 1) static tests: load was compared when fascial tension was applied during static compressive loads into flexion-extension; 2) cyclic loading tests: load, axial displacement, and stiffness were compared during repeated compressive loading cycles into flexion-extension. After testing, the PLF was incised to determine the tension transmitted by each layer. RESULTS: At all segments and loads (
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)397 - 405
Number of pages9
JournalSpine
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Cite this