Recent Measurements of the Intra-Abdominal Pressure

Abstract

The relieving effect of the intra-abdominal pressure is an important factor in the mechanics of the lumbo-sacral spine. By counteracting the compression produced by the contraction of the erector spinae muscles and by tending to elongate and straighten the lumbar spine anteriorly, the intraabdominal pressure assists significantly in the prevention of both compression fractures and bending lesions of the lumbar spine. The high intraabdominal pressure which occurs during heavy physical exercises explains why muscular individuals may expose their back to extremely heavy loading without causing damage to the spine. The maximum spontaneous-intra-abdominal pressure of an individual may be considered a measure of the load which the individual’s back may tolerate.