The human pelvis is subjected to forces generated by abdominal muscles. Pelvic asymmetry (PA) might therefore be related to the asymmetrical postural activity of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAMs: transversus abdominis (TrA); internal oblique (IO); external oblique (EO)). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between PA, expressed by the asymmetry index in the frontal (PAIf) and sagittal (PAIs) planes and LAM postural activity as described by the tissue deformation index (TDI). A group of 126 healthy volunteers (59 females) was involved. Positions of the anatomic landmarks for PA measurement were registered by the motion capture system. The response of LAMs to postural disturbation was recorded using the M-mode ultrasounds. We found weak negative correlations between PAIf and TDI values as well for the right and the left side of the body except for EO muscle (PAIf-TRA right: r = −0.11, left: r = −0.06; PAIf-IO right: r = −0.15, left: r = −0.10; PAIf-EO right: r = 0.02, left: r = 0.12). On the contrary, analysis between PAIs and TDI values revealed weak positive correlations, also except for EO muscle (PAIf-TRA right: r = 0.004, left: r = 0.003; PAIf-IO right: r = 0.05, left: r = 0.06; PAIf-EO right: r = 0.07, left: r = −0.02). For all tested correlations, we recorded non-significant outcomes (all p > 0.05). We found no evidence to support the claim that PA is related to the LAM activity in the group of young, healthy, and active people.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the activation of lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in response to neurodevelopmental traction technique as assessed by ultrasounds as well as to compare the effects of different traction forces. OBJECTIVE: An experiment with repeated measurements of the dependent variables was conducted. Thirty-seven children (22 girls) participated. METHODS: Measurements of LAM thickness (indicating LAM activation) were performed bilaterally during traction of 5% body weight: 1) in neutral position, 2) in 20° posterior trunk inclination; during traction of 15% body weight: 3) in neutral position, 4) in 20° posterior trunk inclination. The ultrasound technology was employed. RESULTS: When applying the lighter traction the superficial LAM (external and internal oblique muscles) showed significant changes. The mean thickness of both muscles during traction increased (both p < 0.001). The deepest transversus abdominis showed no response ( p > 0.05). Stronger traction elicited smaller changes. External and internal oblique muscles showed significant increases ( p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). Transversus abdominis became less thick during stronger traction ( p < 0.01). CONCUSIONS: The neurodevelopmental traction technique elicits the changes in LAM thickness in children with typical development. The superficial LAM show more distinct responses than the profound LAM. Stronger traction induces smaller LAM thickness changes than lighter traction.

Background: Family-centered care is a core principle of contemporary pediatric rehabilitation, particularly for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Conceptual frameworks emphasizing functioning, participation, and contextual factors are essential to operationalize this approach in clinical practice. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the F-words framework are widely used models aligned with these principles; however, their practical integration remains challenging. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify English-language publications (2005–2025) addressing the ICF, the F-words framework, and pediatric neurodevelopmental disability. Results: Thirty-one publications were included. The findings indicate increasing international adoption of both frameworks in pediatric rehabilitation. However, persistent challenges were identified, including conceptual ambiguity between activity and participation domains, limited operationalization of personal factors, overlap between the ICF and F-words constructs, limited standardization, difficulties in outcome measurement, and inconsistent involvement of families in clinical decision-making. Conclusions: The ICF and the F-words framework offer complementary strengths for advancing family-centered pediatric care. A structured dual-layer integration approach may enhance shared decision-making, clarify goal-setting, and improve communication with families. Further methodological refinement and practice-oriented guidance are needed to support consistent clinical implementation.