-
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... 2019Various forms of trunk exercise have been used for increasing abdominal strength. The plank exercise and bilateral leg raise exercise are one of these trunk exercises.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Various forms of trunk exercise have been used for increasing abdominal strength. The plank exercise and bilateral leg raise exercise are one of these trunk exercises. However, there are few studies that compared the effects of these exercise variations.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to investigate how effectively the trunk muscles during plank and bilateral leg raise exercises are activated.
METHOD
Surface electromyography responses of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and erector spinae muscles were investigated during the plank and bilateral leg raise exercise with different hip position. A total of 18 healthy, physically active female volunteers completed the normal plank exercise, plank exercise with placing the lower leg in a horizontal condition, bilateral leg raise exercise, and bilateral leg raise with lower leg as horizontal condition.
RESULTS
The horizontal condition caused significant increases in activity of the internal oblique muscles compared with the general condition (p< 0.05). The bilateral leg raise exercise showed significantly greater activation in the rectus abdominis compared to the plank exercise (p< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The present study showed that the horizontal condition had the advantage of activating the internal oblique muscles, and the leg raise exercise is effective in strengthening global muscle such as the rectus abdominis.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Electromyography; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Torso; Young Adult
PubMed: 30856100
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181122 -
Journal of Ultrasound Sep 2020The anterior abdominal wall, which is composed of three layers (skin and adipose tissues; the myofascial layer; and the deep layer, consisting of the transversalis... (Review)
Review
The anterior abdominal wall, which is composed of three layers (skin and adipose tissues; the myofascial layer; and the deep layer, consisting of the transversalis fascia, preperitoneal fat, and the parietal peritoneum), has many functions: containment, support and protection for the intraperitoneal contents, and involvement in movement and breathing. While hernias are often encountered and well reviewed in the literature, the other abdominal wall pathologies are less commonly described. In this pictorial review, we briefly discuss the normal anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy, and present a wide range of pathologic abnormalities beyond hernias. Sonography emerges as the diagnostic imaging of first choice for assessing abdominal wall disorders, thus representing a valuable tool for ensuring appropriate management and limiting functional impairment.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Atrophy; Diastasis, Muscle; Endometriosis; Female; Hernia, Abdominal; Humans; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 32125676
DOI: 10.1007/s40477-020-00435-0 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Feb 2022Hernias spanning both chest and abdominal walls are uncommon and associated with chest wall trauma, coughing and obesity. This study describes the radiographic...
PURPOSE
Hernias spanning both chest and abdominal walls are uncommon and associated with chest wall trauma, coughing and obesity. This study describes the radiographic appearance of these hernias to guide proper identification and operative planning. Proposed standardized reporting patterns are also presented.
METHODS
The cross sectional imaging of patients presenting with thoracoabdominal hernias was reviewed. Radiographic reports were supplemented by surgeon imaging review and operative findings during repair. Defect dimensions, hernia content, level of herniation, presence of osseous or cartilaginous disruption of the chest wall and degree of rib displacement were collected. Disruption of myofascial planes was also noted.
RESULTS
Six patients were identified. All hernias occurred below the 9th rib and were associated with complete intercostal muscle disruption. The transversus abdominis was disrupted in all hernias and the internal oblique was disrupted in five of the hernias. The majority (83%) had caudal rib displacement (median 6.8 cm compared to contralateral side). Median hernia width was 10.35 cm (1.6-19.1 cm) and median length was 10.2 cm (1.8-14.3 cm). Five patients had associated bone/cartilage injuries: two with 11th rib fractures, two with combined bone and cartilaginous fractures and one with a surgical rib resection.
CONCLUSION
The typical injury pattern of thoracoabdominal hernias includes disruption of the intercostal muscles, transversus abdominis, and commonly the internal oblique with an intact external oblique. Inferior rib displacement by hernia contents and unopposed pull of the abdominal musculature is common. Osseous or cartilaginous disruption always occurs unless the defect is bounded on at least one side by a floating rib.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Hernia; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Thoracic Wall
PubMed: 34125302
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02437-1 -
Clinics in Plastic Surgery Jan 2024Abdominoplasty has evolved in the last few decades, especially the treatment of the myoaponeurotic deformities. Bulging, lack of definition of the abdominal contour,... (Review)
Review
Abdominoplasty has evolved in the last few decades, especially the treatment of the myoaponeurotic deformities. Bulging, lack of definition of the abdominal contour, should be understood and treated according to the individual deformity. Many types of deformities have been recognized and treatment respects the local anatomy in most cases. Scientific basis that consolidate these treatments are discussed as well as possible recurrences and pitfalls of these techniques. The histological composition of muscles and fascia are also discussed and anatomical details help to enrich the knowledge of the correction of this layer. Specific types of sutures are suggested for both plications and muscle advancement.
Topics: Humans; Abdominoplasty; Abdominal Muscles; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Sutures; Suture Techniques
PubMed: 37945076
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2023.07.007 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Aug 2014Although ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair in patients is often evaluated in terms of hernia recurrence rate and health-related quality of life, there is no clear... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Although ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair in patients is often evaluated in terms of hernia recurrence rate and health-related quality of life, there is no clear consensus regarding optimal operative treatment based on these parameters. It was proposed that health-related quality of life depends largely on abdominal muscle function (AMF), and the present review thus evaluates to what extent AMF is influenced by VIH and surgical repair.
METHODS
The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for articles following a systematic strategy for inclusion.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies described AMF in relation to VIH. Five studies examined AMF using objective isokinetic dynamometers to determine muscle strength, and two studies examined AMF by clinical examination-based muscle tests.
CONCLUSION
Both equipment-related and functional muscle tests exist for use in patients with VIH, but very few studies have evaluated AMF in VIH. There are no randomized controlled studies to describe the impact of VIH repair on AMF, and no optimal surgical treatment in relation to AMF after VIH repair can be advocated for at this time.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 24728836
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-014-1242-8 -
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... Jul 2016Study Design Randomized clinical trial. Background Motor control exercises are believed to improve coordination of the trunk muscles. It is unclear whether increases in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Study Design Randomized clinical trial. Background Motor control exercises are believed to improve coordination of the trunk muscles. It is unclear whether increases in trunk muscle thickness can be facilitated by approaches such as the McKenzie method. Furthermore, it is unclear which approach may have superior clinical outcomes. Objectives The primary aim was to compare the effects of the McKenzie method and motor control exercises on trunk muscle recruitment in people with chronic low back pain classified with a directional preference. The secondary aim was to conduct a between-group comparison of outcomes for pain, function, and global perceived effect. Methods Seventy people with chronic low back pain who demonstrated a directional preference using the McKenzie assessment were randomized to receive 12 treatments over 8 weeks with the McKenzie method or with motor control approaches. All outcomes were collected at baseline and at 8-week follow-up by blinded assessors. Results No significant between-group difference was found for trunk muscle thickness of the transversus abdominis (-5.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -15.2%, 3.7%), obliquus internus (-0.7%; 95% CI: -6.6%, 5.2%), and obliquus externus (1.2%; 95% CI: -4.3%, 6.8%). Perceived recovery was slightly superior in the McKenzie group (-0.8; 95% CI: -1.5, -0.1) on a -5 to +5 scale. No significant between-group differences were found for pain or function (P = .99 and P = .26, respectively). Conclusion We found no significant effect of treatment group for trunk muscle thickness. Participants reported a slightly greater sense of perceived recovery with the McKenzie method than with the motor control approach. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1b-. Registered September 7, 2011 at www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12611000971932). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):514-522. Epub 12 May 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6379.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Chronic Pain; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Intention to Treat Analysis; Low Back Pain; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pain Measurement; Paraspinal Muscles; Torso; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 27170524
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6379 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2021Abdominal muscles may be both morphologically and functionally affected by pregnancy. Dysfunction of the muscles can lead to persistent postpartum low back pain. The...
Abdominal muscles may be both morphologically and functionally affected by pregnancy. Dysfunction of the muscles can lead to persistent postpartum low back pain. The recovery process of the abdominal muscles following childbirth is not well understood. This study aimed to demonstrate the changes in the thickness and contractile function of abdominal muscles during the first six months postpartum. Nine perinatal and 15 nulliparous females participated. The thicknesses and contraction/relaxation thickness ratios of the rectus abdominis (RA), external abdominal oblique (EO), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were measured using ultrasound images from 36-39 weeks' gestation until six months postpartum. The RA, IO, and TrA muscles were thinner in perinatal females than controls at 36-39 weeks of gestation (4.8 vs. 9.47 mm (RA), 5.45 vs. 7.73 mm (IO), 2.56 vs. 3.38 mm (TrA), respectively). The thinner IO muscle persisted for six months after delivery. The decreased TrA thickness ratio persisted until four months post-delivery. Abdominal muscle thickness and contractile function decreased in the postpartum period. Therefore, abdominal muscle exercises might help prevent postpartum symptoms; however, because deterioration of muscle function is significant in the first four months, careful attention should be paid to exercise intensity. The study limitation was a relatively small sample size, thus future studies should involve more participants.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Exercise; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Muscle Contraction; Pregnancy; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33671663
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042130 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Aug 2021Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (rectus diastasis, RD) is common, particularly in postpartum women. Although imaging is not always mandatory for assessment,... (Review)
Review
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (rectus diastasis, RD) is common, particularly in postpartum women. Although imaging is not always mandatory for assessment, several cross-sectional imaging techniques, in particular ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can depict the abdominal wall in exquisite detail. They permit simultaneous assessment of the degree and craniocaudal extent of RD, evaluation for co-existent hernia and subjective judgement of muscle quality. Increasingly, dynamic imaging techniques show both static anatomy and muscle movement and function. In this review, we highlight the imaging findings of RD, associated hernia, and potential mimics.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Female; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Rectus Abdominis; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34338936
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02463-z -
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation Jul 2022Observational and intervention studies examining trunk electromyographic (EMG) activity following stroke are underpowered and fail criteria for systematic reviews of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Observational and intervention studies examining trunk electromyographic (EMG) activity following stroke are underpowered and fail criteria for systematic reviews of randomized control trials. Objective: To systematically evaluate and summarize evidence about trunk muscle activation after stroke during ADL and with diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
METHODS
Search databases were Medline Complete, CINAHL and Health Sources: Nursing Academic Edition. Studies written in English after 1989 included these search terms: stroke, muscle activity, and trunk including abdominal or back muscles. Systematic reviews, single case studies, dissertations, or letters to the editor were excluded. Reviewers used Covidence to screen relevant research and extract information after title, abstract, and full-text screening. Information extracted related to stroke severity, time since onset, specific muscles and EMG analysis technique, and study limitations. Articles were classified as observational, intervention or device-related.
RESULTS
The electronic search yielded 188 articles and a hand search found 3. Title and abstract screening yielded 102 articles for full text screening. Ultimately, 45 articles were extracted. Trunk muscle recruitment during function and movement demonstrated significant differences in trunk EMG recruitment timing, magnitude, and symmetry after stroke when compared with healthy participants. Individuals with stroke demonstrated significant differences when comparing paretic to non-paretic side trunk EMG measures. Intervention studies showed some effect on improving trunk muscle activation but they had small sample sizes and methodological issues.
CONCLUSIONS
Trunk muscle activation after stroke can be monitored with EMG during rehabilitation programs which challenge functional recovery.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Back Muscles; Electromyography; Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Torso
PubMed: 34275435
DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2021.1940725 -
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine :... Sep 2023Lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is a very common cause of discomfort during pregnancy, but its etiology remains unclear. The association between abdominal muscle thickness and...
OBJECTIVES
Lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is a very common cause of discomfort during pregnancy, but its etiology remains unclear. The association between abdominal muscle thickness and LPP in pregnant women has not been studied extensively, despite the significant abdominal changes that occur during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between abdominal muscle thickness and LPP in pregnant women.
METHODS
In this study, 49 pregnant women in their second trimester participated. The intensity of LPP was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles. Participants were classified into two groups, the LPP group and non-LPP group, and the abdominal muscle thickness was compared between the two groups. The statistical significance level was set at P < .05.
RESULTS
There were 24 and 25 participants in the LPP and non-LPP groups, respectively. Internal oblique (IO) thickness was significantly thinner in the LPP group than in the non-LPP group (5.4 ± 0.2 mm versus 6.1 ± 0.2 mm; P = .042). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IO thickness was significantly associated with LPP (odds ratio, 0.516; 95% confidence interval, 0.284-0.935; P = .019).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggested that LPP in second trimester pregnancy might be related to IO thickness. Further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the role of this muscle as an LPP risk factor for pregnant women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Low Back Pain; Abdominal Muscles; Ultrasonography; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 37079609
DOI: 10.1002/jum.16232