Core Stability Lecture - Key concepts

Question 1

What trunk muscles provide proprioceptive feedback?

Answer 1

• Intertransversarii
• Interspinales
• Rotatores

These all have large amounts of receptors that monitor movement

Question 2

What is the role of Zygagpophyseal Joints?

Answer 2

• Determine Direction of movement (in different parts of the vertebral column)
• Limit Movement - Repetative movements can potentially cause damage to the articular surface of these joints. Due to the extra applied Pressure

Question 3

What occurs with weight baring load on the spine?

Include references to discs, parts of discs

Answer 3

Weight baring load causes:
* radial expansion of nucleus pulposis
* Tension in the annulus fibrosis (AF) -due to the expansion of the nucleus pulposis

As you tension AF the fibrocartialge within it becomes a more efficient weight baring structure

These mechanisms result in shock absorption properties that:
* transmit load to adjacent vertebra
* cause reformation of intervertebral discs

Question 4

What are the intersegmental muscles?

Answer 4

1. Interspinales - Passess between spinous processes (unisegmental)
2. Intertransversarii - Passes between transverse processes -(unisegmental)
3. Multifidus - Passess over 1-3 segments from TP to SP
4. Rotatores

Question 5

What Muscles directly Attach to the TLF?

Answer 5

• Internal Oblique
• Transverse Abdominis
• Gluteus Maximus
• Latissimus Dorsi

Question 6

What muscles are covered by the TLF?

Answer 6

• Erector Spinae muscles
• Quadratus Lumborum

Question 7

What muscles have direct lumbar attachments?

And contribute to Core stability?

Answer 7

• Psoas Major
• Psoas Minor
• Quadratus Lumborum

Question 8

What is the term “Hydraulic amplifier”? What does it mean?

Answer 8

Refers to muscles that are covered by the Thoracolumbar facsia –> which it acts as a retinaculum

The muscles covered tension the TLF when they contract and thus contribute to spinal stability due to TLF’s attachment to the TP and SP of vertebrae

SP = Spinous Process, TP = Transverse Process

Question 9

What muscles increase Intra-abdominal Pressure?

Answer 9

The Anterior Abdominal Muscles
* IO & EO
* Transversus Abdominus
* Rectus Abdominus

Also:
* Diaphragm
* Pelvic Floor Muscles

Question 10

What are the mechanisms that stiffen the spine

Answer 10

1. lumbar intersegmental muscles
   * intersegmental stability
   * inc proprioception
2. tensioning of TLF
   * Direct attachment
   * Hydraulic Amplifiers
3. longitudinal force –> pretension disc
4. increased IAP