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Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &... Feb 2018The aims of this study were to research the amplitude and median frequency characteristics of selected abdominal, back, and hip muscles of healthy subjects during a...
The aims of this study were to research the amplitude and median frequency characteristics of selected abdominal, back, and hip muscles of healthy subjects during a prone bridging endurance test, based on surface electromyography (sEMG), (a) to determine if the prone bridging test is a valid field test to measure abdominal muscle fatigue, and (b) to evaluate if the current method of administrating the prone bridging test is reliable. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this experiment. The sEMG activity of seven abdominal, back, and hip muscles was bilaterally measured. Normalized median frequencies were computed from the EMG power spectra. The prone bridging tests were repeated on separate days to evaluate inter and intratester reliability. Significant differences in normalized median frequency slope (NMF ) values between several abdominal, back, and hip muscles could be demonstrated. Moderate-to-high correlation coefficients were shown between NMF values and endurance time. Multiple backward linear regression revealed that the test endurance time could only be significantly predicted by the NMF of the rectus abdominis. Statistical analysis showed excellent reliability (ICC=0.87-0.89). The findings of this study support the validity and reliability of the prone bridging test for evaluating abdominal muscle fatigue.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Back Muscles; Electromyography; Exercise Test; Female; Hip; Humans; Male; Muscle Fatigue; Prone Position; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult
PubMed: 28544083
DOI: 10.1111/sms.12919 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021The abdominal expansion (AE) strategy, involving eccentric contraction of the abdominal muscles, has been increasingly used in clinical practices; however, its effects...
Abdominal Expansion versus Abdominal Drawing-In Strategy on Thickness and Electromyography of Lumbar Stabilizers in People with Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.
The abdominal expansion (AE) strategy, involving eccentric contraction of the abdominal muscles, has been increasingly used in clinical practices; however, its effects have not been rigorously investigated. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the AE versus abdominal drawing-in (AD) strategy on lumbar stabilization muscles in people with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Thirty adults with nonspecific LBP performed the AE, AD, and natural breathing (NB) strategies in three different body positions. Ultrasonography and surface electromyography (EMG) were, respectively, used to measure the thickness and activity of the lumbar multifidus and lateral abdominal wall muscles. The AE and AD strategies showed similar effects, producing higher EMG activity in the lumbar multifidus and lateral abdominal wall muscles when compared with the NB strategy. All muscles showed higher EMG activity in the quiet and single leg standing positions than in the lying position. Although the AE and AD strategies had similar effects on the thickness change of the lumbar multifidus muscle, the results of thickness changes of the lateral abdominal muscles were relatively inconsistent. The AE strategy may be used as an alternative method to facilitate co-contraction of lumbar stabilization muscles and improve spinal stability in people with nonspecific LBP.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electromyography; Humans; Low Back Pain; Lumbosacral Region; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33922598
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094487 -
Journal of Manipulative and... May 2017The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the differences in abdominal musculature thickness, within 1 month of delivery, in women who experienced back pain... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the differences in abdominal musculature thickness, within 1 month of delivery, in women who experienced back pain during pregnancy compared with those who did not.
METHODS
B-mode ultrasound imaging was used to measure abdominal muscle thickness on 76 postpartum participants who participated in a larger study; 47 women experienced back pain during pregnancy, and 29 did not. Participant data were stratified by group, and primary comparisons were based on these grouping across the abdominal muscles, including rectus abdominis (upper and lower fibers), external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis. Means and standard deviations were also used to set parameters for future studies.
RESULTS
In the present study, there was no difference in any abdominal muscle thickness between groups. Women with low back pain were significantly shorter (165.19 ± 6.64 cm) than women who did not have from back pain during pregnancy (169.38 ± 7.58 cm). All other demographics, such as age, weight, and date tested postpartum, were not significantly different between groups.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed no variation in abdominal muscle thickness in women who had back pain during pregnancy and those who did not.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Low Back Pain; Pain Measurement; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Ultrasonography, Doppler
PubMed: 28410762
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.02.002 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Dec 2022The main objective was to assess the relationship between inter-recti distance (IRD) and abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, respiratory muscle strength,...
Relationship between inter-recti distance, abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, respiratory muscle strength, and postural control in women with diastasis recti abdominis.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to assess the relationship between inter-recti distance (IRD) and abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, respiratory muscle strength, and postural control in women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA). Additionally, the secondary purpose of the study is to investigate the independent predictors of IRD in women with DRA.
STUDY DESIGN
Fifty-one women who were diagnosed with DRA participated to the study. IRD assessment with a caliper, abdominal muscle endurance test, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-20 (PFDI-20), maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP, respectively) tests, Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (m-CTSIB) under eyes open on a firm surface (EOFS), eyes closed on a firm surface (ECFS), eyes open on a foam surface (EOFoS), and eyes closed on a foam surface (ECFoS) conditions, and Limits of Stability (LOS) tests were performed for all subjects. Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship between IRD and static abdominal flexion endurance test, PFDI-20, MIP and MEP, m-CTSIB, and LOS scores depending on the distribution properties of the data. Additionally, linear regression analysis was utilized for analyzing the independent predictors of IRD among the age, BMI, parity, time since last birth, birth weight, weight gains last pregnancy, and mode of delivery.
RESULTS
IRD had correlations with Colorectal-Anal Distress score of PFDI-20 (r = -0.317, p = 0.03) and EOFS, ECFS, EOFoS, ECFoS and composite score of m-CTSIB (r = 0.356, p = 0.01; r = 0.337, p = 0.02, r = 0.279, p = 0.04; r = 0.265, p = 0.04; r = 0.413, p = 0.004, respectively) and LOS scores (r = 0.422, p = 0.003). Increased IRD did not influence abdominal muscle endurance and respiratory muscle strength in women with DRA (p < 0.05). Age, BMI, time since last birth, weight gains last pregnancy, and mode of delivery were not determined as the factors that influence IRD in women with DRA (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that increased IRD is associated with worse postural control, but better colorectal functions in women with DRA. Additionally, IRD does not show a clear association with abdominal muscle endurance, pelvic floor functions, and respiratory muscle strength. According to our results, postural stability assessments may perform in the physiotherapeutic management of women with DRA.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Rectus Abdominis; Diastasis, Muscle; Respiratory Muscles; Postural Balance; Weight Gain; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36242869
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.001 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Aug 2023This study aims at examining the effects of Pilates training on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal obliques (IO) muscle thickness and core endurance in...
BACKGROUND
This study aims at examining the effects of Pilates training on the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal obliques (IO) muscle thickness and core endurance in different positions in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
METHODS
Patients were divided into 2 groups as Pilates training (n = 13) and control (n = 10) groups. Pilates training was performed twice a week for 6 weeks. The participants' muscle thickness and core endurance were measured at the beginning of the study (pretraining), and the effectiveness of Pilates training was then assessed in the 6th week (posttraining) and in the 12th-week follow-up. The thickness of the TrA and IO muscles was measured with a two-dimensional ultrasonography device. Core endurance was assessed with prone bridge and sit-ups tests.
RESULTS
The assessments of the Pilates training group after the 6-week showed a statistically significant increase in the prone bridge and sit-ups test performances, and an increase in the thickness of the IO muscle [during resting in the supine position and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in standing position] and the TrA muscle (during ADIM in the standing position) (p < 0.05). Pilates exercises were also shown to have improved core muscle endurance and thickness (IO thickness during ADIM in the standing position and TrA thickness during resting in the supine position, ADIM in the supine and standing position) in the Pilates training group after a period of 18 weeks (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
Pilates training has a favorable effect on the core endurance, and the TrA and IO muscle thickness of patients with Parkinson's disease and this effect can be maintained until three months after the training.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Single-Blind Method; Abdominal Muscles; Exercise Therapy; Ultrasonography; Exercise Movement Techniques; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 38031945
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5663 -
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... 2023The effects of axial extension on pelvic floor displacement and abdominal muscle activity during pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises are not well known.
BACKGROUND
The effects of axial extension on pelvic floor displacement and abdominal muscle activity during pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises are not well known.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the effect of sitting axial extension on pelvic floor displacement and abdominal muscle activity during a PFM task.
METHODS
Pelvic floor displacement, abdominal muscle activity, and subjective kinesthesia of the PFM were compared between the resting and axial-extended sitting positions during a pelvic floor task in 34 healthy young men.
RESULTS
No significant difference in pelvic floor displacement was observed between the resting and axial extension sitting position. Subjective kinesthesia was significantly easier to perform in axial extension than in resting sitting position during pelvic floor depression. Abdominal oblique muscle activity was higher in axial extension than in resting sitting position during pelvic floor depression. The changes in axial extension were significantly greater in the internal oblique muscles during elevation and in the internal and external oblique muscles during depression than in the lower rectus abdominis muscles.
CONCLUSION
Axial extension in the sitting position does not change pelvic floor displacement during the PFM task. However, axial extension may be effective in facilitating subjective kinesthesia of PFM and in increasing oblique abdominal muscle activity.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Floor; Electromyography; Muscle Contraction; Posture; Abdominal Muscles; Abdomen
PubMed: 36776039
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-220218 -
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatria Oct 2016Respiratory muscle training is the most commonly used method to revert respiratory muscle weakness; however, the effect of protocols based on non-respiratory maneuvers...
INTRODUCTION
Respiratory muscle training is the most commonly used method to revert respiratory muscle weakness; however, the effect of protocols based on non-respiratory maneuvers has not been adequately studied in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows in healthy adolescents.
METHODS
This was a quasi-experiment. The sample was made up of healthy adolescents divided into two groups: an experimental group who completed eight weeks of active abdominal muscle training, and an equivalent control group. The following indicators were measured: abdominal muscle strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow, and peak cough flow, before and after protocol completion. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
All studied outcome measures increased significantly in the experimental group but only MEP increased in the control group. In addition, a higher MEP was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group at the end of the protocol, together with a greater increase in MEP and peak expiratory flow. Finally, the increase in MEP was associated with an increase in cough peak flow in the experimental group but not in the control group.
CONCLUSION
After eight weeks of abdominal muscle training, MEP and peak expiratory flow increased in healthy (sedentary) adolescents. Such effects were associated with intervention-induced increases in cough peak flow.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adolescent; Exercise; Female; Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Respiratory Muscles; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 27606641
DOI: 10.5546/aap.2016.eng.434 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jul 2023The purpose of this study was to determine the motor function of the abdominal muscles in singers with and without functional voice disorders and to examine them for... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine the motor function of the abdominal muscles in singers with and without functional voice disorders and to examine them for possible differences. Additionally, the breathing behaviour and posture control was investigated.
STUDY DESIGN
Observational study.
METHODS
Female subjects (n = 20) with differing levels of professional competence were used to provide the data for analysis. By using the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) the grade of dysphonia could be measured, and the subjects were organized in groups. The change of muscle thickness of the M. transversus abdominis (TVA) and the M. obliquus internus abdominis (OIA) during different singing tasks was measured by using ultrasound. The subjects were then asked to perform the Abdominal Hollowing Test (AHT) with the STABILIZER. Finally, the subjects were all filmed while singing. The videos recordings of the singing sessions were analysed by an independent clinical expert regarding breathing and secondary motor activities (SMA). For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney-U Test and the Chi-Square-Test was mainly used.
RESULTS
The results showed a significantly thinner TVA in the group with dysphonia in comparison to the group without dysphonia. Ultrasound measurements showed significantly higher changes of muscle thickness of the TVA during singing tasks in the group with dysphonia. Regarding the AHT there was a significant difference between the two groups. The group with dysphonia was not able to increase the pressure by 15mmHg. Furthermore, the healthy subjects demonstrated abdominal breathing, while the group with dysphonia present with thoracic breathing. Additionally, it was noted that the subjects with dysphonia showed a higher level of associated movements especially at and/or on the lumbar spine, cervical spine and the left arm and shoulder.
CONCLUSION
Differences in TVA-recruitment, breathing behaviour and secondary motor activities while singing were found. This study sparks new ideas for neuromusculoskeletal assessments and therapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Singing; Voice Quality; Voice Disorders; Dysphonia; Abdominal Muscles; Disability Evaluation
PubMed: 34020853
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.03.015 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2023: Abdominal muscle exercises with limb movements are more effective for trunk stabilization than traditional exercises involving trunk flexion alone. This study examined... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
: Abdominal muscle exercises with limb movements are more effective for trunk stabilization than traditional exercises involving trunk flexion alone. This study examined the effects of abdominal exercises incorporating sprinter pattern and crunch exercises on changes in the lordotic curve and abdominal muscle activation in individuals with low back pain caused by hyperlordosis resulting from weak abdominal muscles. : In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, a total of 40 participants with hyperlordosis were recruited and randomly assigned to perform either sprinter-pattern abdominal exercises or crunch exercises. The participants assigned to each group performed three sets of ten abdominal exercises. The lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) and sacrohorizontal angle (SHA) were assessed prior to and following the intervention, whereas abdominal muscle activity was gauged throughout the intervention period. Changes in the LLA and SHA were measured by radiography. Abdominal muscle activity was measured using electromyography. : The LLA and SHA decreased significantly in both groups ( < 0.001), while the sprinter-pattern exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the crunch exercise group ( < 0.001). In the activity of the abdominal muscles, there was no significant difference in the rectus abdominis muscle between the two groups ( > 0.005). However, a significant difference between the external and internal oblique muscles was observed, and the activities of both muscles were significantly higher in the sprinter-pattern exercise group than in the crunch exercise group ( < 0.005). : Abdominal exercise using a sprinter pattern may be effective in reducing lumbar lordosis by strengthening the abdominal muscles in patients with hyperlordosis.
Topics: Humans; Lordosis; Single-Blind Method; Abdominal Muscles; Exercise; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 38138280
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122177 -
BMC Women's Health Nov 2022Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a prevalent condition in the postpartum period. To date, there is scant knowledge on how DRA influences physical, mental, and...
Primiparous women's knowledge of diastasis recti abdominis, concerns about abdominal appearance, treatments, and perceived abdominal muscle strength 6-8 months postpartum. A cross sectional comparison study.
BACKGROUND
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a prevalent condition in the postpartum period. To date, there is scant knowledge on how DRA influences physical, mental, and emotional health. This study investigates primiparous women`s knowledge about DRA, concerns about abdominal appearance, and perceived abdominal muscle strength, comparing women with and without reported DRA.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional comparison study. Data were collected by a web-based questionnaire, mainly through social media in Norway. To be included in the study women had to be primiparous 6-8 months postpartum. The questionnaire contained questions regarding women`s knowledge about DRA, perceived protrusion, received treatment, concerns with abdominal appearance and muscle strength. Abdominal body image was measured through the shape concern questions from The Eating Disorder Examination questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0). Demographic and other descriptive variables are presented as means with standard deviations (SD) or as frequencies with percentages. Chi-square test of independence and independent sample t-tests were used to compare differences between women with and without abdominal protrusion for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
RESULTS
Our sample consisted of 460 women. Knowledge about DRA was reported by 415/440 (94.3%) women. A total of 73.3% reported to have been worried during pregnancy about abdominal appearance postpartum. Mean degree of concern about present abdominal appearance was 5.5/10 (SD 2.4). Almost 80% experienced weaker abdominal muscles than pre-pregnancy. Ninety-six women (20.9%) reported a protrusion along the midline of their abdomen. Significantly more women with protrusion reported weaker abdominal muscles than women without protrusion. The most frequent treatment women with protrusion reported were exercises for the abdominal muscles (92.6%). Mean score on the EDE-Q, shape concern questions, was higher in women with reported protrusion (mean score: 2.37 (SD 1.6) than women without protrusion (mean score: 2.14 (SD 1.4), p = 0.175.
CONCLUSION
Primiparous women are concerned about abdominal appearance both during pregnancy and after birth. Those reporting abdominal protrusion are less satisfied with their abdominal appearance and they report weaker abdominal muscles than women without protrusion. This study may contribute to improved knowledge about women`s health concerns, and assessment of DRA should be part of routine follow-up of postpartum women.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Rectus Abdominis; Diastasis, Muscle; Postpartum Period; Abdominal Muscles; Muscle Strength; Abdomen
PubMed: 36324105
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02009-0