The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function. Methods: 125 female participants aged 18–60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) ( p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) ( p = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) ( p = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE ( p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE ( p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE ( p = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) ( p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions ( p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53). Conclusions: The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.