Bracing is defined as which core activation action?

• A. Bracing
• B. Drawing-In Maneuver
• C. Abdominal Hollowing
• D. Pelvic Tilt

Answer: (A)

Bracing means co-contracting the muscles around the trunk to stiffen the spine as a single, solid unit. When you brace, you tighten both the front and back of the torso—abdominals, obliques, and the erector spinae group—together, which increases spinal stiffness and intra-abdominal pressure. This creates a stable base to transfer force and protect the spine during heavy lifting or dynamic movements.

Drawing-in or abdominal hollowing, by contrast, cue you topull the navel toward the spine to selectively activate the deep transverse abdominis, producing a flatter midsection but not the same global spinal rigidity as bracing. Pelvic tilt is about adjusting the pelvis and lumbar curvature, not providing the overall trunk stiffness needed for many loads.