From the Research
The muscles that attach to the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) include the sartorius muscle and the tensor fasciae latae, with the rectus femoris also attaching nearby at the anterior inferior iliac spine, and the primary core muscle that connects to this region is the rectus abdominis, which attaches to the pubic bone but works in coordination with movements involving the ASIS. The sartorius is the longest muscle in the body, running diagonally across the thigh to assist with hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation, as noted in general anatomy 1. The tensor fasciae latae helps stabilize the hip and assists with hip abduction and internal rotation. These muscles are important for movements like walking, running, and maintaining pelvic stability. The rectus abdominis, while not directly attaching to the ASIS, works with these muscles during core exercises and helps maintain proper pelvic alignment. Understanding these attachments is crucial for proper assessment of hip and core function, especially when diagnosing conditions like hip impingement, sports hernias, or addressing core weakness in rehabilitation settings.
Some studies have investigated the effects of exercises on core stability and pain modulation, such as the study by 2, which found that stabilization exercises combined with pelvic floor exercise were more effective in reducing pain intensity and improving functional disability in women with nonspecific low back pain. Another study by 3 found that core stabilization exercises were superior to strengthening exercises in improving proprioception, balance, and reducing functional disability and fear of movement in patients with subacute nonspecific low back pain. However, these studies do not directly address the muscles attaching to the ASIS but highlight the importance of core stability in managing low back pain.
In the context of managing chronic low back pain, a more recent study 4 emphasizes the importance of nonpharmacologic treatments, including exercise therapy, as first-line management. While this study does not specifically discuss the muscles attached to the ASIS, it underscores the role of exercise in maintaining pelvic stability and reducing pain, which is relevant to the function of the muscles attached to the ASIS.
Given the information and focusing on the muscles attached to the ASIS and their relationship with core muscles, it is essential to understand the anatomy and function of these muscles for proper diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the hip and lower back. The rectus abdominis, although not directly attached to the ASIS, plays a crucial role in core stability and pelvic alignment, working in coordination with the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae muscles. This understanding is vital for developing effective rehabilitation strategies and for the management of conditions like chronic low back pain, as discussed in 5 and 4.