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International Urogynecology Journal Aug 2023Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients predominantly experience involuntary leakage during respiratory functions that induce a rapid increase in intra-abdominal...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients predominantly experience involuntary leakage during respiratory functions that induce a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) such as coughing and sneezing. The abdominal muscles have an important role in the forced expiration and modulation of IAP. We hypothesized that SUI patients have different thickness changes in the abdominal muscles compared to healthy individuals during breathing maneuvers.
METHODS
This case-control study was conducted on 17 adult women with SUI and 20 continent women. Muscle thickness changes were measured by ultrasonography at the end of deep inspiration and expiration, and the expiratory phase of voluntary coughing for external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles. The percent thickness changes of muscles were used and analyzed with a two-way mixed ANOVA test and post-hoc pairwise comparison at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05).
RESULTS
The percent thickness changes of TrA muscle were significantly lower in SUI patients at deep expiration (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.055) and coughing (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.691). While, percent thickness changes for EO (p = 0.004, Cohen's d=0.996) and IO thickness (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.784) were greater at deep expiration and deep inspiration, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The percent thickness changes of abdominal muscles differed between women with and without SUI during breathing maneuvers. The present study provided information regarding the altered function of abdominal muscles during breathing maneuvers; therefore, it is important to consider the respiratory role of abdominal muscles for the rehabilitation of SUI patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Case-Control Studies; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Abdominal Muscles; Ultrasonography; Abdominal Cavity; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 36811632
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05458-9 -
BMJ Case Reports Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Abdominal Muscles; Abdomen; Herpes Zoster
PubMed: 38056925
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257831 -
BMC Women's Health Nov 2023Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and...
BACKGROUND
Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of the rectus abdominis, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women.
METHODS
Thirty-five primiparous postpartum women were assigned to either the Pilates exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 15). Pilates was undertaken by the exercise group for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. The control group maintained their daily activities without any intervention. The inter-recti distance was measured at three locations along the linea alba, and the thickness of the rectus abdominis was measured using ultrasound. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using a repeated 1-min curl-up test. Waist circumference was also measured.
RESULTS
The exercise group showed significant improvements from baseline in inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant improvement in these variables. Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significantly improved performance in terms of inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous postpartum women. Pilates is considered an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in primiparous postpartum women, helping in the recovery from, and preventing, diastasis rectus abdominis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Rectus Abdominis; Waist Circumference; Abdominal Muscles; Postpartum Period; Abdominal Wall
PubMed: 38008749
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02775-5 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024It seems puzzling why humans have evolved such a small and rigid birth canal that entails a relatively complex process of labor compared with the birth canal of our... (Review)
Review
It seems puzzling why humans have evolved such a small and rigid birth canal that entails a relatively complex process of labor compared with the birth canal of our closest relatives, the great apes. This study reviewed insights into the evolution of the human birth canal from recent theoretical and empirical studies and discussed connections to obstetrics, gynecology, and orthopedics. Originating from the evolution of bipedality and the large human brain million years ago, the evolution of the human birth canal has been characterized by complex trade-off dynamics among multiple biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors. The long-held notion that a wider pelvis has not evolved because it would be disadvantageous for bipedal locomotion has not yet been empirically verified. However, recent clinical and biomechanical studies suggest that a larger birth canal would compromise pelvic floor stability and increase the risk of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Several mammals have neonates that are equally large or even larger than human neonates compared to the size of the maternal birth canal. In these species, the pubic symphysis opens widely to allow successful delivery. Biomechanical and developmental constraints imposed by bipedality have hindered this evolutionary solution in humans and led to the comparatively rigid pelvic girdle in pregnant women. Mathematical models have shown why the evolutionary compromise to these antagonistic selective factors inevitably involves a certain rate of fetopelvic disproportion. In addition, these models predict that cesarean deliveries have disrupted the evolutionary equilibrium and led to new and ongoing evolutionary changes. Different forms of assisted birth have existed since the stone age and have become an integral part of human reproduction. Paradoxically, by buffering selection, they may also have hindered the evolution of a larger birth canal. Many of the biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors that have influenced the evolution of the human birth canal vary globally and are subject to ongoing transitions. These differences may have contributed to the global variation in the form of the birth canal and the difficulty of labor, and they likely continue to change human reproductive anatomy.
Topics: Animals; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Biological Evolution; Hominidae; Pelvis; Cesarean Section; Labor, Obstetric; Pelvic Floor; Mammals
PubMed: 38462258
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.010 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Sep 2023To describe and synthesize non-pharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for male urinary incontinence from the existing literature. (Review)
Review
AIMS
To describe and synthesize non-pharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for male urinary incontinence from the existing literature.
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted following the methodology suggested by Arksey and O'Malley: (1) identification of the research questions; (2) identification of relevant studies using a three-step search recommended by JBI: an initial search within PubMed and CINAHL, a comprehensive literature search within PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and literature search of references lists; (3) study selection; (4) data extraction and charting; (5) collation, summarization, and reporting of the results. The PRISMA-ScR Checklist was used to report.
RESULTS
A total of 4602 studies were identified, of which 87 studies were included. Approximately 78% were randomized controlled trials. More than 88% of the participants were men with prostate cancer. Exercising pelvic floor muscles 30 times per day for 12 weeks was the most frequently reported. Parameters of electrical stimulation were typically set up to 50 Hz and 300 μs for frequency and width of pulse, respectively, and lasted for 15 min. Pure pelvic floor muscle training, Pilates, Yoga, whole body vibration, diaphragm/abdominal muscle training, micturition interruption exercise, acupuncture, and auriculotherapy showed positive effects on reducing urinary incontinence.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggested implementing pelvic floor muscle training alone before or after surgery can both prompt the recovery of continence in men after prostate cancer surgery. The decision to use biofeedback or electrical stimulation to enhance the therapeutic effect of pelvic floor muscle training should be approached with caution. More rigorous designed studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques and diverse novel methods.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Physicians and nurses need to be up to date on the latest evidence-based non-pharmacological and nonsurgical interventions in male urinary incontinence and select appropriate interventions based on available medical resources and patient preferences.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Biofeedback, Psychology
PubMed: 37161602
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16749 -
Georgian Medical News Jan 2024The separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba is termed diastasis of recti abdominis muscles (DRAM). DRAM is a common health problem in people... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba is termed diastasis of recti abdominis muscles (DRAM). DRAM is a common health problem in people that are both pregnant and postpartum. With a 100% frequency at gestational week 35, it is extremely frequent during pregnancy. Control and function of the trunk are greatly influenced by the musculature of the abdomen. The existence, extent, and duration of DRAM have been connected to low back and pelvic discomfort however the relationship is not conclusive. It has been proven to weaken abdominal muscles and impair their functioning in lumbo-pelvic stability. Additionally, DRAM has been linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. The mechanical control and function of the abdomen can be compromised by diastasis recti, which compromises the abdominal muscles. This study examined the impact of abdominal exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the DRAM in postnatal females who underwent Caesarean section. A total of 208 individuals, aged between 20 and 34, who had recti diastasis measuring more than 2.5 cm, underwent screening. They were split into two groups at random. Group B only received abdominal exercises, whereas Group A received NMES in addition to their activities. For a period of 12 weeks, the intervention was given to both groups three times a week. Changes have been recorded before and after the intervention. The pressure biofeedback unit, measuring tape, and vernier caliper were employed to evaluate the outcome measures of inter-recti distance, abdominal muscle strength, and waist-hip ratio, respectively. In every outcome, both groups had a highly significant (p<0.05) improvement. Furthermore, after 12 weeks, group A had improved in all measures with highly significant (p<0.05) intergroup comparisons. In comparison to MNES alone, NMES can have a more significant effect on reducing DRAM in postpartum women when paired with abdominal Exercise.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Abdominal Muscles; Cesarean Section; Diastasis, Muscle; Electric Stimulation; Exercise Therapy; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 38501623
DOI: No ID Found -
European Geriatric Medicine Dec 2023Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common geriatric syndromes in older adults, especially in women. The aim of this study is to show the relationship between...
PURPOSE
Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common geriatric syndromes in older adults, especially in women. The aim of this study is to show the relationship between urinary incontinence and abdominal muscle thickness measured by muscle ultrasonography (US) in community-dwelling older women adults.
METHODS
Eighty-seven community-dwelling older women participated in our study. The presence and the type of UI were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on all participants. Abdominal muscle layer thicknesses were evaluated with muscle US.
RESULTS
The prevalence of UI was 55.2% (n = 48) of the study population. The median [IQR] age of the patients in the UI group was 73.0 [69.0-77.5] years and it was 69.0 [67.0-73.0] years in patients without UI (p = 0.007). Abdominal muscle thicknesses were measured smaller in patients with UI than those without UI except for internal oblique muscle thickness. The median [IQR] rectus abdominis muscle thickness was lower in patients with UI than in patients without UI, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.003). RA muscle was associated with UI regardless of age, polypharmacy, malnutrition, and frailty (OR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.38-0.89; p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
We have shown that UI was independently related to the rectus abdominis muscle thickness, which may reflect the function and mass of the pelvic floor muscles.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Independent Living; Geriatric Assessment; Urinary Incontinence; Rectus Abdominis; Frailty
PubMed: 37837573
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00874-y -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2024What is the effect of a 12-week abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercise program during pregnancy on the inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with diastasis recti... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
QUESTION
What is the effect of a 12-week abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercise program during pregnancy on the inter-recti distance (IRD) in women with diastasis recti abdominis immediately after the 12-week intervention period and at follow-up 6 weeks postpartum?
DESIGN
An exploratory, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Ninety-six pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years, either primigravida or multigravida, in gestation week 24 with an IRD of ≥ 28 mm measured at rest and/or a protrusion on initial assessment.
INTERVENTION
The experimental group participated in a 12-week abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercise program during pregnancy. The control group received no intervention.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Change (mm) in IRD 2 cm above and below the umbilicus at rest from pre-intervention to immediately post-intervention and to 6 weeks follow-up measured with ultrasonography.
RESULTS
The IRD increased for both groups from baseline to immediately after the intervention and decreased from after the intervention to the follow-up at 6 weeks postpartum. The IRD was smallest for both groups at the follow-up. At 2 cm above the umbilicus, the intervention effect was 2 mm (95% CI -2 to 7) immediately after the intervention and -1 mm (95% CI -4 to 3) at follow-up. At 2 cm below the umbilicus, the intervention effect was -5 mm (95% CI -10 to 0) immediately after the intervention and 0 mm (95% CI -4 to 4) at follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Abdominal and pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy have a negligible effect on the IRD immediately after 12 weeks of intervention and at 6 weeks post-partum.
REGISTRATION
NCT04960800.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Abdomen; Pelvic Floor; Postpartum Period; Rectus Abdominis; Adult
PubMed: 38472049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2024.02.002 -
International Urogynecology Journal Feb 2024Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) primarily results from the weakness of pelvic floor muscles, working synergistically with the abdominal muscles. The current study...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) primarily results from the weakness of pelvic floor muscles, working synergistically with the abdominal muscles. The current study aimed to compare thickness and contractile function of lateral abdominal muscles in women with and without SUI.
METHODS
Thirty-nine women with SUI (SUI group; age: 38.87 ± 8.96 years, body mass index (BMI): 24.03 (5.94) kg/m) and 42 healthy women (control group; age: 36.21 ± 11.46 years, BMI: 23.90 (5.85) kg/m) were included. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscle thickness at rest and during abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) were measured with ultrasound imaging in B-mode using a Logiq S7/Expert device and a 9-11 MHz linear transducer. Percentage change in thickness and contractile function of these muscles were also calculated.
RESULTS
No significant differences in the thickness of TrA and IO muscles at rest and during ADIM between the groups were found (p > 0.05). The percent change in thickness and contractile function of both right and left side TrA muscles and the right side IO muscle were lower in SUI group than control group (p < 0.05). The percentage change in thickness and the contractile function of the left side IO muscle did not change (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Women with SUI had a smaller percentage change in thickness and contractile function of TrA and IO muscle than women without SUI. However, there was no difference in the morphological features of these muscles between the groups. Considering the lateral abdominal muscle, training may be important for management of SUI.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Abdominal Muscles; Muscle Contraction; Ultrasonography; Pelvis
PubMed: 37599308
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05636-9 -
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Sep 2023Bridge exercises are extensively used in trunk-strengthening programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bridging duration on lateral abdominal...
CONTEXT
Bridge exercises are extensively used in trunk-strengthening programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bridging duration on lateral abdominal muscle thickness and gluteus maximus activation.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional.
METHODS
Twenty-five young males participated in this study. Transversus abdominal (TrA), external and internal oblique ultrasound thickness, gluteus maximus electromyographic activation, and sacral tilt angle were simultaneously measured for every second during 30-second bridging exercise. The contraction thickness ratio and root mean squared signal (normalized to maximum isometric contraction signal) during 6 exercise durations (from 0 to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 s) were also calculated and compared using analysis of variance designs.
RESULTS
TrA and internal oblique contraction thickness ratio and gluteus maximus root mean squared increased during the first 8 to 10 seconds and remained elevated until the end of the 30-second exercise (P < .05). External oblique contraction thickness ratio declined during exercise (P < .05). Five-second bridging showed less TrA thickness and anteroposterior and mediolateral sacral tilt angle and a lower anteroposterior tilt variability compared with bridges, which lasted more than 10 seconds (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Bridge exercises longer than 10 seconds may be better for promoting TrA recruitment than bridges of shorter duration. Clinicians and exercise specialists could adjust the duration of bridge exercise based on the aims of the exercise program.
Topics: Male; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electromyography; Muscle, Skeletal; Abdominal Muscles; Thigh; Exercise Therapy; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 37225173
DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2022-0286