title: Comparison of the Effects of Hollowing and Bracing Exercises on Cross-sectional Areas of Abdominal Muscles in Middle-aged Women.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hollowing and bracing exercises on cross-sectional areas of abdominal muscles. [Subjects] Thirty healthy female adults participated in this study. The exclusion criteria were orthopedic or neurologic diseases. [Methods] The subjects of this study were assigned randomly to one of two groups, each with 15 people. Each group performed a 60-minute exercise program, one performed a bracing exercise, and the other performed a hollowing exercise, with both groups performing the exercise three times a week for six weeks. [Results] The changes in cross-sectional areas after the bracing exercise showed statistically significant differences in the left rectus abdominis and both internal and external obliques. The changes in cross-sectional areas after the hollowing exercise showed statistically significant differences in the left and right transversus abdominis and left rectus abdominis. [Conclusion] Performing bracing exercises rather than hollowing exercises is more effective for activating the abdominal muscles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyung-Woo
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Hyoun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Ulsan College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Cheol-Yong
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Bracing exercise; Cross-sectional area; Hollowing exercise