Ultrasound image technique to study effects of yoga
Low Back Pain (LBP) is increasingly becoming a common, chronic and recurring problem for many people. Research in therapy and medicine has shown that an effective way of combating this problem is by enhancing the core stability. Core stability in general involves the muscular control required around the lumbar spine to maintain functional stability. Stability and movement are both critically dependent on the coordination of all the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine. One of the techniques in yoga – uddiyana bandha, is particularly effective in enhancing the core stability. This fact is illustrated using ultrasound imaging of the Transversus Abdominis at the umbilical level.
Ultrasound image of the TA at the umbilical level in neutral position Note: the two ‘+’ marks were used to determine the thickness of the TA.
Ultrasound image of the TA after the Uddhayana Bandha is performed Note: The ‘+’ marks used to indicate the thickness of the TA have moved further apart, which indicates that the thickness of the TA is increased during the exercise
