Transverse abdominis muscle

Introduction:

The transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle is the deepest of the six abdominal muscles. It extends between the ribs & the pelvis, wrapping around the trunk from front to back. The fibers of the muscle run horizontally, similar to a back support belt. In this way, along with providing postural support, the transverse abdominal muscle helps to contain & support the organs located inside the trunk.
TrA is one of the main core muscles that support of the lumbopelvic region.

Origin of Transverse abdominis muscle:

The muscle origins from:

a. The lateral 1/3 of the inguinal ligament.
b. The anterior 2/3 of inner lip of the iliac crest.
c. The thoracolumbar fascia.
d. The inner surface of the lower 6 costal cartilages.

Insertion of Transverse abdominis muscle:

The fibers end in broad aponeurosis which is inserted into the linea alba, xiphoid process, the pubic crest, & the pectineal line of pubis.
The lower fibers of the muscle fuse with the lowest fibers of an internal oblique to form an conjoint tendon.

Nerve supply:

Muscle supplied by lower 6 thoracic nerves & the first lumbar nerve.

Blood supply:

Receive blood supply from the lower posterior intercostal & subcostal arteries, superior & inferior epigastric arteries, superficial & deep circumflex iliac arteries, posterior lumbar arteries.

Action:

The action of this muscle are :

1. act fot the support of abdominal viscera.
2. helps in expulsive acts such as micturation, dafaecaton, parturition, vomiting etc.
3. helps in producing forceful expiration like in coughing, sneezing, blowing, shouting, etc.
4. helps in trunk movement mainly in rotation.

Function of Transverse abdominis muscle:

The muscle plays an important role for maintaining proper placement of the abdominal contents as well as helping support the lower back.
Maintain abdominal tension & support abdominal viscera.
It increase intra-abdominal pressure which is helpful in forceful expiration, coughing, defecation.
Support lumbopelvic during our movement, in concert with other core muscles.
Unilateral action: ipsilateral trunk rotation.

Clinical importance:

A weak transverse abdominis may cause the low back pain. When the TrA is weak, it is unable to do stabilizing the pelvis & spine. It creates postural instabilities which can be a cause of pain in the lower back.

Typical signs of a weak transversus abdominis are toned abdominals above the navel but having a bulge below it. The patient may experience an inability to hold in the stomach after having a large meal or when gassy, low back fatigue after pro­longed standing or walking.

Transverse abdominis is a deep abdominal muscle & an important core muscle. Inhibition or inadequate activation contributes to low back pain & lumbar instability.

Abdominal trigger points may be a primary cause of abdominal pain or an associated /secondary condition.
The costal attachment of transversus abdominis refers pain on the anterior abdomen, xiphoid process it’s local pain.
The suprapubic attachment refers pain inferiorly and medially.
If there is a trigger point patient may be present with distressing cough

Exercise of Transverse abdominis muscle:

While the transversus abdominis is hard to isolate on its own, so many exercises can help to engage it & surrounding abdominal muscles to help build a strong core.

It is an important muscle & needs to be incorporated in overall core strengthening.

The transversus abdominis is a ‘corset’ muscle, so when it contracts it pulls inward, rather than flexing the trunk forward or bending the spine like in a crunch.

Exercises that engage the transversus abdominis are mostly stabilization exercises, which require to hold the body in a certain position for a period of time & may also include moving the extremities in a slow, controlled fashion.

1.Hollow body hold:

The hollow body hold is a great exercise to test your core strength & target your transversus abdominis.

Lie on the floor with the arms straight above the head & legs together on the floor.
With the core engaged & legs together, point the toes & lift legs around 12–18 inches (30-46 cm) off of the ground.
Slowly lift the shoulders off of the ground so that the lower back & hips are the only body parts touching the ground. Keep the neck in a neutral position with your chin slightly tucked in to prevent strain.
Hold this pose for 15–30 seconds, with the core engaged.

Tip: To know is there exercise practicing is in proper form, your body should look like the shape of a banana.

2.Dead bug:

The dead bug exercise is a great exercise for core engagement & great for those who struggle with balance.

Lie on the back with the arms extended up toward the ceiling & knees bent in tabletop position (knees bent at a 90-degree angle & shins parallel to the ground).
With core engaged, straighten the left leg (toes pointed out) & lower your right arm to reach behind the head, parallel to the floor. Do not let the arms or legs touch the ground, keep them around 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground.
Return the arm & leg to the starting position & alternate sides.
Repeat this for 30–60 seconds.

3.Bird-dog:

The transversus abdominis is engaged when you move your arms & legs. The bird-dog requires you to lift the opposite arm & leg while maintaining balance, which targets your deep core.

Start on all fours with the knees aligned with the hips & shoulders aligned with the hands. Be sure the back is flat & your neck in a neutral position.
Extend the left arm forward & the right leg back while leaving the other arm & leg on the ground for support.
Hold for 2–3 seconds, making sure to engage the core the entire time. Then, alternate sides.
Repeat this 8–12 times.

4.Plank:

The plank is a great exercise for being well-rounded core strength. As you perform this exercise, focus on drawing the abdominals inward.

Start in pushup position with the elbows & forearms at the side & the palms facing down.
Push the hands into the ground & raise the torso off of the ground. The body should look as if you’re in the upward position of a pushup. Ensure the hands & shoulders are aligned, the legs are straight, the feet are hip-width apart, & your core is engaged.
Hold this position for as long as you can while maintaining proper form & keeping your core engaged.