Thanks Chunky puffin for your comment. What I would really like to have plainly explained is the actual selection of the control group. How do you get into the control group, no back pain? If it's prevalence is 80% in the normal working population are you not a control awaiting back pain? Does a lack of TA activity occur on the day back pain begins? or would it be likely to be evident pre back pain as a factor causing the back pain? If so, then the control group should have the activation levels as the treatment group with respect to TA. Or is it that back pain inhibits TA activity?

More scrutiny and justification of controls. Who can point us to a great study, with appropriate controls, that looks at several mm groups, and with someone who looks a little further than TA? Does TA works in rotation, whether to stabilize against it or assist/support during rotation? If so why are some teaching a static controlled isometric contractions in supine?

Eccentric control during rotation might be more relevant. This of course would include input/activity every other muscle in the abdominal region. Let's try to broaden our research as it relates more to public health and support for the physio profession.

Studies that show physio treatment is more effective than GP management, better than medication, better than doing nothing, better than ..... are studies we need right now.

Studies that show a thorough 60 minute rehabilitation session for low back pain is better than two 30 minute session once a week is what we need right now. Truth be told I could easily prove from my experience that 10 one hour pilates sessions would do as much if not more than 10 one hour typical "physio" sessions for a client suffering low back pain. This of course includes TA work in conjunction with everything else in the torso. It is more concerned with the restoration or normal, symmetrical movement, something I thank Carr and Shepherd for bring to my attention during my undergrad studies. 8o