Comparison of anteroposterior thickness of elite sprinters and distance runners' abdominal muscles

ABSTRACT

Abdominal muscles are known to have great effects on the locomotion and stabilization of trunk, as well as, contribution to the respiratory functions. These cited functions are of much importance, especially when an individual performs professional sport activities. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of professional sprinting and distance running [track and field] activity, on the abdominal muscles of the respective athletes. 18 elite male runners [9 distance runners and 9 sprinters] were selected simply, with no randomization, aged 18-22 years. Measurement of abdominal muscles thickness was performed by a clinical ultrasonography machine, furnished with a curvilinear probe, emitting 7.5 MHz ultrasonic waves. Athletes were supine and still throughout the test, the probe was placed on two points of athletes' left abdomen, known as standard points for ultrasonography of abdominal muscles. The anteroposterior [AP] thicknesses of all abdominal muscles, had statistically significant differences between the two groups of runners, as the rectus abdominis muscle [RA] [P < 0.001]. Internal and external Oblique muscles [IO and EO] were thicker in the sprinters group; and in contrast, the transversus abdominis muscle [TA] owned more thickness among the distance runners [P < 0.05]. A long term physical exercise has specific effects on postural and motive muscles. So, sprinting sports have the most effect on postural muscles and distance running has the most effect on motive muscles