You have surely already heard about the action of the diaphragm at the respiratory level. But did you know that it plays a role at the level of posture and the movement ?
Presentation
THE diaphragm (1) form, with the abdominals (2) at the front, the column (4) and the lumbar muscles at the back, as well as the pelvic floor (3) below, a real box at the level of the abdominal cavity.
Postural role
This box stabilizes the spine and relieves up to 20% the discs located between the vertebrae in their role of amortizing charges.
The diaphragm in movement
During repeated movement, the diaphragm membrane increases its tone.
The co-contraction of abdominals allows an extension of intra-abdominal pressure.
This pressure prevents the spine to bend when carrying a heavy load.
It also facilitates the contraction of the back muscles.
In conclusion
It is important to maintain good flexibility as well as a good one tone of the diaphragm and the muscles involved in the abdominal box.
This will allow you to prevent the risks of injuries during daily movements and carrying loads.
Sources:
– SC Gandevia, Paul W Hodges, “Activation of the human diaphragm during a repetitive postural task”, Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000;
– “Changes in intra-abdominal pressure during postural and respiratory activation of the human diaphragm. », Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000
– R Ortengren, GB Andersson, AL Nachemson, Studies of Relationship between lumbar disc pressure, myoelectric back muscle activity, and intra abdominal pressure. 1981, p. 98-103
– D. Novák, P. Vostatek, T. Rychnovský, S. Rychnovská, “Diaphragm postural function analysis using magnetic resonance imaging. », Public Library of science: PLOS ONE, 2013.