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Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2023What is the effect of a 12-week, home-based, abdominal exercise program containing head lifts and abdominal curl-ups on inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Curl-up exercises improve abdominal muscle strength without worsening inter-recti distance in women with diastasis recti abdominis postpartum: a randomised controlled trial.
QUESTION
What is the effect of a 12-week, home-based, abdominal exercise program containing head lifts and abdominal curl-ups on inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) 6 to 12 months postpartum? What is the effect of the program on: observed abdominal movement during a curl-up; global perceived change; rectus abdominis thickness; abdominal muscle strength and endurance; pelvic floor disorders; and low back, pelvic girdle and abdominal pain?
DESIGN
This was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Seventy primiparous or multiparous women 6 to 12 months postpartum, having a single or multiple pregnancy following any mode of delivery, with a diagnosis of DRA (IRD > 28 mm at rest or > 25 mm during a curl-up).
INTERVENTION
The experimental group was prescribed a 12-week standardised exercise program including head lifts, abdominal curl-ups and twisted abdominal curl-ups 5 days a week. The control group received no intervention.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome measure was change in IRD measured with ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes were: observed abdominal movement during a curl-up; global perceived change; rectus abdominis thickness; abdominal muscle strength and endurance; pelvic floor disorders; and low back, pelvic girdle and abdominal pain.
RESULTS
The exercise program did not improve or worsen IRD (eg, MD 1 mm at rest 2 cm above the umbilicus, 95% CI -1 to 4). The program improved rectus abdominis thickness (MD 0.7 mm, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.3) and strength (MD 9 Nm, 95% CI 3 to 16) at 10 deg; its effects on other secondary outcomes were trivial or unclear.
CONCLUSION
An exercise program containing curl-ups for women with DRA did not worsen IRD or change the severity of pelvic floor disorders or low back, pelvic girdle or abdominal pain, but it did increase abdominal muscle strength and thickness.
REGISTRATION
NCT04122924.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Abdominal Muscles; Postpartum Period; Exercise Therapy; Diastasis, Muscle; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37286390
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.05.017 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2019Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) play a crucial role in urinary continence. Therefore, training the PFMs remains the most popular conservative treatment for urinary... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) play a crucial role in urinary continence. Therefore, training the PFMs remains the most popular conservative treatment for urinary incontinence (UI). The effect of training other body muscles on the PFMs is unclear and mostly hypothetical. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative diaphragm muscle, abdominal muscle and PFM training on PFM strength (PFMS) and endurance (PFME) as well as on UI in men after radical prostatectomy (RP). Per-protocol PFMS, PFME and urine loss measurements were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The primary endpoints were PFMS and PFME differences among the study groups. The secondary endpoint was the correlation between UI and PFMS and PFME. In total, 148 men were randomized to the treatment groups. An increase in PFMS and PFME was observed in all groups compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The greatest difference in PFMS was in the PFM training group, but diaphragm training had the best effect on PFME. The highest (from moderate to strong) correlation between UI and PFME and PFMS (r = -0.61 and r = -0.89, respectively) was observed in the diaphragm training group. Despite different but significant effects on PFMS and PFME, all rehabilitation-training programmes decreased UI in men after RP.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Aged; Diaphragm; Education; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Pelvic Floor; Prospective Studies; Prostate; Prostatectomy; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 31844133
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55724-4 -
Anesthesiology Nov 2019In this narrative review article, the authors discuss the anatomy, nomenclature, history, approaches (posterior vs. lateral vs. subcostal), techniques, pharmacology,... (Review)
Review
In this narrative review article, the authors discuss the anatomy, nomenclature, history, approaches (posterior vs. lateral vs. subcostal), techniques, pharmacology, indications, and complications of transversus abdominis plane blocks, as well as possible alternative truncal blocks.Despite the scarcity of evidence and contradictory findings, certain clinical suggestions can nonetheless be made. Overall transversus abdominis plane blocks appear most beneficial in the setting of open appendectomy (posterior or lateral approach). Lateral transversus abdominis plane blocks are not suggested for laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, or open prostatectomy. However, transversus abdominis plane blocks could serve as an analgesic option for Cesarean delivery (posterior or lateral approach) and open colorectal section (subcostal or lateral approach) if there exist contraindications to intrathecal morphine and thoracic epidural analgesia, respectively.Future investigation is required to compare posterior and subcostal transversus abdominis plane blocks in clinical settings. Furthermore, posterior transversus abdominis plane blocks should be investigated for surgical interventions in which their lateral counterparts have proven not to be beneficial (e.g., laparoscopic hysterectomy/appendectomy, open prostatectomy). More importantly, because posterior transversus abdominis plane blocks can purportedly provide sympathetic blockade and visceral analgesia, they should be compared with thoracic epidural analgesia for open colorectal surgery. Finally, transversus abdominis plane blocks should be compared with newer truncal blocks (e.g., erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum blocks) with well-designed and adequately powered trials.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Cesarean Section; Colorectal Surgery; Humans; Nerve Block; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 31283738
DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002842 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Dec 2021To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated the effect of BTA on abdominal muscle- and hernia dimensions, and clinical outcome.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for studies that investigate the injection of BTA in the lateral abdominal wall muscles. Study characteristics, BTA treatment regimens, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes are presented descriptively. The effect of BTA on muscle- and hernia dimensions is analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses, and exclusively for studies that investigate ventral incisional hernia patients.
RESULTS
We identified 23 studies, comprising 995 patients. Generally, either 500 units of Dysport or 200-300 units of Botox are injected at 3-5 locations bilaterally in all three muscles of the lateral abdominal wall, about 4 weeks prior to surgery. No major procedural complications are reported. Meta-analyses show that BTA provides significant elongation of the lateral abdominal wall of 3.2 cm per side (95% CI 2.0-4.3, I = 0%, p < 0.001); 6.3 cm total elongation, and a significant but heterogeneous decrease in transverse hernia width (95% CI 0.2-6.8, I = 94%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, meta-analysis shows that BTA pretreatment in ventral hernia patients significantly increases the fascial closure rate [RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02-1.16, I = 0%, p = 0.02)].
CONCLUSION
The injection technique and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A as well as patient selection require standardization. Bilateral pretreatment in hernia patients significantly elongates the lateral abdominal wall muscles, making fascial closure during surgical hernia repair more likely.
STUDY REGISTRATION
A review protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020198246).
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Neuromuscular Agents; Preoperative Care; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 34546475
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02499-1 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2021: Prior studies have reported an activation of abdominal muscles during hypopressive exercises in women with pelvic floor disfunction. However, no previous research...
: Prior studies have reported an activation of abdominal muscles during hypopressive exercises in women with pelvic floor disfunction. However, no previous research analyzed the effects of hypopressive exercise on abdominal muscles in healthy populations to understand the normal biomechanics of this area. The aim of this study was to examine the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise in supine and standing positions with ultrasound imaging in healthy adults. : A cross-sectional study was carried out in 99 healthy university students. The thickness of the abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise was assessed with ultrasound imaging in supine and standing positions. : During hypopressive exercise, there was a significant increase in the muscle thickness of transversus abdominis ( < 0.001) and internal oblique ( < 0.001) in supine and standing positions. External oblique only increased its thickness significantly in the standing position ( < 0.001) and rectus abdominis did not change during the hypopressive exercise in any position ( > 0.05). In conclusion, hypopressive exercises seem to increase the thickness of the deepest and most stabilized muscles such as transversus abdominis and internal oblique. : These findings should be considered for future interventions with hypopressive exercises in healthy subjects.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Oblique Muscles; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Female; Humans; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34356983
DOI: 10.3390/medicina57070702 -
BioMed Research International 2017. Since the original publication on the quadratus lumborum (QL) block, the technique has evolved significantly during the last decade. This review highlights recent... (Review)
Review
. Since the original publication on the quadratus lumborum (QL) block, the technique has evolved significantly during the last decade. This review highlights recent advances in various approaches for administering the QL block and proposes directions for future research. . The QL block findings continue to become clearer. We now understand that the QL block has several approach methods (anterior, lateral, posterior, and intramuscular) and the spread of local anesthetic varies with each approach. In particular, dye injected using the anterior QL block approach spread to the L1, L2, and L3 nerve roots and within psoas major and QL muscles. . The QL block is an effective analgesic tool for abdominal surgery. However, the best approach is yet to be determined. Therefore, the anesthetic spread of the several QL blocks must be made clear.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Anesthetics, Local; Humans; Nerve Block; Psoas Muscles; Spinal Nerve Roots; Spine; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28154824
DOI: 10.1155/2017/2752876 -
BioMed Research International 2019Urinary incontinence (UI) is a health problem affecting the quality of women's lives (QOL) at various life stages. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be caused by... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a health problem affecting the quality of women's lives (QOL) at various life stages. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can be caused by previous vaginal deliveries and is especially likely to occur in the perimenopausal period. The most commonly recommended first-choice treatment methods involve exercises for the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of isolated PFM exercises and combined training of the PFM and the m.transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle on the QoL of patients with SUI with regard to the number of vaginal deliveries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
137 women with SUI were qualified for analysis (mean age 53,1 ± 5,5). To assess the effectiveness of PFM training QOL questionnaire was used (ICIQ-LUTS qol). PFM training for groups A (PFM+TrA) and B (PFM) was intended for 12 weeks. Statistica v. 12.0 PL, StatSoft, USA, was used for statistical calculations.
RESULTS
The analysis demonstrated that conservative treatment based on the A training program (PFM + TrA) yielded statistically significantly better results than the B program (PFM), with the improvement observed in such QoL domains as the performance of household duties, physical activity and travelling, social limitations, emotions, sleep problems and fatigue, the frequency of changing panty liners, fluid intake control, and embarrassment.
CONCLUSION
Both the combined training of the PFM and the synergistic (TrA) muscle and the isolated PFM exercises improve the QoL of women with SUI. Nonetheless, the combined PFM and TrA muscle physiotherapy is more effective. The exercises for the PFM and the synergistic muscle give better results in women who have given birth fewer than three times than isolated PFM exercises.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Delivery, Obstetric; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction; Pelvic Floor; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Vagina
PubMed: 30723739
DOI: 10.1155/2019/5321864 -
Danish Medical Journal Dec 2015The doctoral thesis is based on eight papers published in peer-reviewed journals and a review of the literature. The papers are published between 1997 and 2013 in... (Review)
Review
The doctoral thesis is based on eight papers published in peer-reviewed journals and a review of the literature. The papers are published between 1997 and 2013 in cooperation with Sankt Elisabeth Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Glostrup Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Hvidovre Hospital, Amager Hospital, Copenhagen Trial Unit, and Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen. Groin injuries in sport are very common and in football they are among the most common and most time-consuming injuries. These injuries are treated very differently around the world. There is no consensus in the literature regarding definitions, examination methods, diagnosis or treatment and in general the level of evidence is very low. There is a need for identification of the painful anatomical structures, how to examine them and how to define clinical entities to develop effective treatment and prevention. The aim of these studies were: - To review the literature to create an overview of the ideas and the knowledge in order to plan future studies in this field. - Develop and test clinical examination techniques of the relevant tendons and muscles in the region. - Since no evidence-based diagnosis exist; to develop a set of clinical entities to identify the different groups of patients. - To test the effect of a dedicated exercise program developed for treatment of long-standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes in a randomised clinical trial comparing it to the treatment modalities used at that time. - To examine the long-term effect of the above mentioned training program for treatment of long-standing adductor-related groin pain. - To develop a training program for prevention of groin injuries in soccer and test it in a randomised clinical trial. - To describe the occurrence and presentation in clinical entities of groin injuries in male football and to examine the characteristics of these injuries. - Evaluate if radiological signs of femuro-acetabular impingement (FAI) or dysplasia affect the clinical outcome of treatment of long-standing adductor-related groin pain, initially and at 8-12 year follow-up. The main findings of the eight papers were: - No randomised trials existed in this area; there was no consensus in the literature and the majority of the literature was Level 4 and 5. From the existing literature and the author' experience an injury mechanism was suggested and the term ''adductor-related groin injury'' was suggested. - A well-defined clinical examination of the adductor-, iliopsoas, and abdominal muscles and the symphysis joint for pain, strength, and flexibility was reproducible with only limited intra- and inter-observer variation. - By utilising a well-defined classification long-standing groin injuries could be classified with a system of clinical entities.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Athletic Injuries; Groin; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Pain; Physical Examination; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pubic Symphysis; Soccer
PubMed: 26621401
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2021Pilates is an effective exercise method for rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders as its principles are based on the activation of local muscles. This study aimed to...
Pilates is an effective exercise method for rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders as its principles are based on the activation of local muscles. This study aimed to compare the subjects with and without Pilates experience to find out the effect of the experience on the core muscle activity and muscle co-contraction, and to examine the relationship between the core muscle activation level and the kinematic data. This study involved 32 subjects, including 16 experienced Pilates practitioners and 16 non-experienced subjects. The knee stretch on the reformer was performed in three different positions: flat back with a neutral pelvis, round back with posteriorly tilted pelvis (RPP), and extended back anteriorly tilted pelvis (EAP). The electromyography of the internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MU), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles were measured, as well as kinematic data from a 3D motion analysis system. Compared to the non-experienced subjects, the experienced subjects activated the IO muscles more than the RA muscles, and the most significant difference was seen in the RPP position ( < 0.05). The experienced patients activated the MU muscles more often than the IL muscles, with the most significant difference observed in the RPP position and the least significant in the EAP position ( < 0.05). All kinematic data and muscle activity (IO, IO/RA ratio, MU/IL ratio) showed significant differences between the experienced and non-experienced subjects ( < 0.05). The subjects presented a moderate correlation between muscle activation and core stability. It was confirmed that the experienced Pilates practitioners activated the abdominal and low back core muscles effectively, and the stability of the pelvis and trunk were better than that of the non-experienced participants. In addition, the better the trunk stability was maintained, the larger and more accurate movement of the mobility segment was observed.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Core Stability; Electromyography; Exercise Movement Techniques; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Paraspinal Muscles; Torso
PubMed: 34886530
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312804 -
Scandinavian Journal of Surgery : SJS :... Sep 2021Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle is a common condition. There are no generally accepted criteria for diagnosis or treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis...
BACKGROUND
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle is a common condition. There are no generally accepted criteria for diagnosis or treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle, which causes uncertainty for the patient and healthcare providers alike.
METHODS
The consensus document was created by a group of Swedish surgeons and based on a structured literature review and practical experience.
RESULTS
The proposed criteria for diagnosis and treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle are as follows: (1) Diastasis diagnosed at clinical examination using a caliper or ruler for measurement. Diagnostic imaging by ultrasound or other imaging modality, should be performed when concurrent umbilical or epigastric hernia or other cause of the patient's symptoms cannot be excluded. (2) Physiotherapy is the firsthand treatment for diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgery should only be considered in diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle patients with functional impairment, and not until the patient has undergone a standardized 6-month abdominal core training program. (3) The largest width of the diastasis should be at least 5 cm before surgical treatment is considered. In case of pronounced abdominal bulging or concomitant ventral hernia, surgery may be considered in patients with a smaller diastasis. (4) When surgery is undertaken, at least 2 years should have elapsed since last childbirth and future pregnancy should not be planned. (5) Plication of the linea alba is the firsthand surgical technique. Other techniques may be used but have not been found superior.
DISCUSSION
The level of evidence behind these statements varies, but they are intended to lay down a standard strategy for treatment of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and to enable uniformity of management.
Topics: Abdominal Core; Abdominal Wall; Female; Hernia, Ventral; Humans; Pregnancy; Rectus Abdominis; Sweden
PubMed: 32988320
DOI: 10.1177/1457496920961000