abdominal rigidity

An extreme tightness of the abdominal muscles detected when touching or pressing on the abdomen. A person's fear or nervousness about being touched (palpated) in the abdominal area may induce voluntary rigidity. Involuntary rigidity is usually associated with an underlying physical condition, such as appendicitis or an internal abdominal injury, and is commonly associated with pain. In contact sports, a direct blow to the abdomen can injure internal organs and lead to abdominal rigidity, especially in poorly conditioned sports people.