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

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 int..