The Rectus Abdominals

v  Origin – crest and symphysis of the pubis

v  Insertion – cartilage of 5,6 and 7 ribs and xiphod of the sternum. It adheres to the anterior layer of facia and linea alba

Traditional  Movements

v  Flexes the trunk if the pelvis is fixed

v  Lifts and posterior rotates the pelvis if the trunk is fixed

v  Bends the trunk to the ipsilateral side when stimulated unilaterally

Functional Movements

v  Assist in compression the abdomen

v  Assist in intra abdominal pressure

v  Decelerates trunk extension

v  Stabilise the contralateral side under dynamic conditions

v  Deceleration of pelvis motion during gait

v  Decelerates shoulder motion during gait

v  Creates elastic energy for locomotion

v  Stabiliser of the ribs during concentric motion of the shoulder girdle and scapular

v  Assist in inspiration and expiration (by attachments via the linea able, with the internal and external oblique)

v  Assist in forced expiration

v  Decelerates anterior rotation of the pelvis

v  Cross roads of the motion during rotation movements