Research Summary by Louis Ellery
The role of abdominal pressure in lumbar spine support
Intra-abdominal pressure and diaphragm function play a central role in stabilising the spine. When the diaphragm is well-positioned and the ribcage aligned with the pelvis, the body generates pressure that stiffens the lumbar spine.
Ribcage flare or collapse causes the diaphragm to lose mechanical leverage. The result: reduced spinal stability, excessive back extensor activity, neck tension, pelvic tilt changes, and inefficient gait mechanics.
Stability is not created by bracing the core or performing isolated abdominal exercises. Instead, stability emerges from breath-driven, 360-degree pressure and harmonious rib-pelvis alignment.
The diaphragm functions as a core stabiliser, not merely a breathing muscle. Ribcage-pelvis alignment drives spinal mechanics. This is why breathing work is central to movement rehabilitation.
Published in Spine. Available at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16023475.
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