We should not keep drawing-in the abdominal wall during the core training

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this article is to compile relevant literature that proposes that perhaps the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), also known as the “abdominal hollowing maneuver” (AHM), should not be applied as a general rule during the core training.

Methods and Materials: Based on current evidence, this paper evaluates whether general use of this ADIM is beneficial for the core training. In this regard, we have searched for related scientific evidence in PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used were: abdominal hollowing maneuver, abdominal drawing-in maneuver, lumbo-pelvic stability, core stability.

Results: The literature shows us that the application of ADIM during core strengthening exercises does not meet the requirements for isolated TrA-specific retraining, can increase Inter-Rectus Distance, may be incompatible with postural stability goals, and could interfere the Rectus Abdominis input impairing the lumbo-pelvic stability during high-load exercises.  

Conclusion:  It can be concluded that if the goal is to train core stability and strength with high-load scenarios we should not use the ADIM.