Sport-Specific Abdominal Wall Muscle Differences: A Comparative Study of Soccer and Basketball Players Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to compare the thickness of abdominal wall muscles—the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), and inter-recti distance (IRD)—between amateur soccer and basketball players using ultrasonography. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 male amateur athletes, including 17 soccer players and 18 basketball players. Ultrasonographic measurements of the EO, IO, TrAb, RA muscles, and IRD were taken while the muscles were in a relaxed state for all the participants in both sides. Results: Significant differences were found in the RA muscle thickness, with basketball players showing a greater mean thickness compared to soccer players. No significant differences were observed in the TrAb, IO, and EO muscles between the two groups. The IRD showed a trend towards larger separation in basketball players, though this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study highlights sport-specific adaptations in the RA muscle, likely due to the distinct physical demands of basketball and soccer. The findings underscore the importance of tailored training and rehabilitation programs that consider these morphological differences to enhance performance and reduce injury risks.