Techniques for measuring the activity of the deep muscles: Literature review

Summary
Due to their anatomical positioning, contraction of the deep abdominal muscles is often difficult to feel and therefore for patients to master. However, they are actively involved in spinal (or lumbar spine) stabilisation, and also in several biological processes [1]. They therefore constitute an important target in several physiotherapeutic treatments [1]. Questions are often raised regarding the assessment of their impact on these pathologies due to the lack of reliable tools dedicated to the measurement of correct contractile activity. Here we will review the various techniques currently available to assess this muscle activity.