The transverse abdominis muscle: Literature review

Summary

The transverse abdominis muscle or TrA can simply be described as the body’s natural corset

• It encircles the viscera attaching to the spine and the ribs,
• It creates a reflex contraction with each movement of the spine,
• It is less active in patients presenting chronic low back pain.

Its interaction with many upper limb muscles makes it a multipurpose muscle associated with major biological processes :

• Acting in co-contraction with the diaphragm, it plays a key role in the exhalation process, making it an
• Acting in co-contraction with the pelvic floor muscles, it is an essential target in all postpartum
• rehabilitation

Despite this muscle’s central role in many processes, few tools are currently available to physiotherapists to assess the activity of this muscle and provide key rehabilitation information to patients.