The rectus abdominis is stretched with extension of the trunk at the spinal joints. To accentuate the stretch for one side, opposite-side (contralateral) lateral flexion can be added.

The rectus abdominis is stretched with extension of the trunk at the spinal joints. To accentuate the stretch for one side, opposite-side (contralateral) lateral flexion can be added. Note: This figure shows stretching of the rectus abdominis bilaterally with pure sagittal-pane extension.