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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023This study aims to observe the evolution of the electrode-skin interface impedance of surface EMG electrodes over the time taken to determine the time of stabilization....
This study aims to observe the evolution of the electrode-skin interface impedance of surface EMG electrodes over the time taken to determine the time of stabilization. Eight healthy subjects participated in the study. Electrode-skin impedance was evaluated in the rectus abdominal muscle every five minutes, over a total period of 50 min. A reduction of 13.23% in the impedance values was observed in minute 10 ( = 0.007), and a reduction of 9.02% was observed in minute 15 ( = 0.029). No statistically significant differences were observed in the other instants evaluated. The findings obtained in the present study demonstrate a decrease in electrode-skin impedance from minute 5 to minute 15, followed by a stabilization period with a low percentage of variation till minute 50.
Topics: Humans; Electric Impedance; Electromyography; Electrodes; Skin
PubMed: 37896675
DOI: 10.3390/s23208582 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Jun 2024Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and impacts surgical and therapeutic outcomes; thus, effective diagnostic tools are needed to...
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and impacts surgical and therapeutic outcomes; thus, effective diagnostic tools are needed to assess muscle mass and function in this population.
METHODS
153 consecutive patients were included, 100 in the training cohort and 53 in the study cohort. Three superficial muscles (rectus femoris = RF, rectus abdominis = RA, and biceps brachii = BB) were selected for the detection of sarcopenia using muscle ultrasound (US). The training cohort consisted of consecutive patients with or without IBD and was used to evaluate the feasibility and inter- and intra-observer variability of the US measurement. The study cohort consisted of only IBD patients and served to test US diagnostic accuracy. In the latter, muscle US, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to measure muscle parameters.
RESULTS
Sarcopenia prevalence in IBD patients was 50%. Muscle US showed excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability (ICC >0.95) and a good diagnostic accuracy in detecting sarcopenia compared to BIA with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 80% and 85% for RA and BB thickness, respectively. Moreover, an Ultrasound Muscle Index (USMI) was defined as the sum of the RA, BB, and RF thickness divided by the square of the patient's height, resulting in an AUROC of 81%. Muscle thresholds for sarcopenia were detected, with RA and USMI values correlated with the highest positive (84.3%) and negative (99%) predictive values, respectively. Additionally, the agreement between the US and MRI measurements of RA was excellent (ICC 0.96).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study emphasize the potential of muscle US as a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing sarcopenia in IBD patients. This research has significant implications for disease management in IBD patients and underscores the need for further investigations to validate these findings in larger cohorts.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Male; Female; Ultrasonography; Prospective Studies; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Adult; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Electric Impedance; Muscle, Skeletal; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; ROC Curve; Observer Variation; Prevalence; Aged; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 38549182
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12566 -
PloS One 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on lower limb muscle strength and health-related quality of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on lower limb muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) after thoracic and abdominal surgery. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE via PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database via Elsevier, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via their dedicated search portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov on November 2021 and updated in April 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of NMES after thoracic and abdominal surgery. The primary outcomes were lower limb muscle strength, HR-QOL, and adverse events. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of evidence. A total of 18 randomized control trials involving 915 participants, including 10 on cardiovascular surgery, two on pulmonary surgery, five on digestive system surgery, and one on other surgery, were included. NMES slightly increased lower limb muscle strength and adverse events in cardiovascular surgery. Adverse events (hypotension, pain, and muscle discomfort) occurred in seven patients. HR-QOL was measured in two studies on cardiovascular surgery, but these were not pooled due to concept heterogeneity. Overall, NMES slightly increases lower limb muscle strength after cardiovascular surgery without serious adverse events. However, higher-quality randomized control trials in thoracic and abdominal surgeries are needed.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Electric Stimulation
PubMed: 38032886
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294965 -
Physical and Engineering Sciences in... Dec 2023This study proposes and investigates the feasibility of the passive assistive device to assist agricultural harvesting task and reduce the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)...
This study proposes and investigates the feasibility of the passive assistive device to assist agricultural harvesting task and reduce the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk of harvesters using computational musculoskeletal modelling and simulations. Several passive assistive devices comprised of elastic exotendon, which acts in parallel with different back muscles (rectus abdominis, longissimus, and iliocostalis), were designed and modelled. These passive assistive devices were integrated individually into the musculoskeletal model to provide passive support for the harvesting task. The muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment were computed with biomechanical simulations for unassisted and assisted motions. The simulation results demonstrated that passive assistive devices reduced muscle activation, muscle force, and joint moment, particularly when the devices were attached to the iliocostalis and rectus abdominis. It was also discovered that assisting the longissimus muscle can alleviate the workload by distributing a portion of it to the rectus abdominis. The findings in this study support the feasibility of adopting passive assistive devices to reduce the MSD risk of the harvesters during agricultural harvesting. These findings can provide valuable insights to the engineers and designers of physical assistive devices on which muscle(s) to assist during agricultural harvesting.
Topics: Mechanical Phenomena; Back Muscles; Computer Simulation; Rectus Abdominis; Self-Help Devices
PubMed: 37493930
DOI: 10.1007/s13246-023-01305-9 -
Physiotherapy Dec 2023To investigate the effect of acute contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and abdominal exercises on the inter-rectus distance (IRD) compared to resting values,...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of acute contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and abdominal exercises on the inter-rectus distance (IRD) compared to resting values, and differences between gestation weeks 27 and 37, in pregnant women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA).
DESIGN
Experimental longitudinal design.
SETTING
Physiotherapy clinic, primary health care.
PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-eight pregnant women with DRA ≥ 2.8 cm.
INTERVENTIONS
Two-dimensional ultrasound images of IRD 2 cm above and below the umbilicus were taken at rest and during PFM and abdominal exercises at gestation week 27 and 37. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with post hoc tests was performed for each exercise for both locations and timepoints.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Change in IRD.
RESULTS
There was a mean increase of the IRD from rest during a PFM contraction (2 mm, 95% CI: 2, 3), drawing-in (4 mm, 95% CI: 3, 5) and a combination of these (5 mm, 95% CI: 4, 6) There was a mean decrease of the IRD from rest during the headlift (-3 mm, 95% CI: -4, -2), the curl-up (-3 mm, 95% CI: -4, -2) and the diagonal curl up (-4 mm, 95% CI: -5, -3). Effect of time from gestation week 27-37 was a mean increase of 8 mm (95% CI: 6, 9).
CONCLUSION
Pelvic floor and drawing-in exercise increased the IRD, whilst headlift, curl up and diagonal curl up decreased the IRD in pregnant women with DRA at gestation week 27 and 37. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Longitudinal Studies; Adult; Rectus Abdominis; Pelvic Floor; Diastasis, Muscle; Muscle Contraction; Exercise Therapy; Ultrasonography; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 37812848
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2023.08.001 -
Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation Dec 2023Developmental delays cover a wide range, with different movement characteristics occurring depending on differences in muscle tone. We aimed to investigate muscle...
Developmental delays cover a wide range, with different movement characteristics occurring depending on differences in muscle tone. We aimed to investigate muscle activity and acceleration during sit-to-stand in developmentally delayed (DD) children with different muscle tones. Forty participants were divided into three groups: typically developing (TD) children (n=18), DD children with hypertonia (n=12), and DD children with hypotonia (n=10). Electromyography was used to measure muscle activity and BTS G-Walk was used to measure acceleration. As a result, the activities of the rectus abdominal muscle and quadriceps muscle were lower in DD children with hypertonia than in TD children (<0.05). The activity of the tibialis anterior muscle was higher in DD children with hypotonia than in TD children (<0.05). The trunk angle was greater in DD children with hypotonia than in TD children (<0.05), and vertical acceleration was lower in DD children with hypertonia than in TD children (<0.05). Based on these differences, we will be able to provide intervention programs appropriate for the characteristics of DD children with different muscle tone.
PubMed: 38188129
DOI: 10.12965/jer.2346508.254 -
Cureus Feb 2024A kettlebell is a weight made of cast iron shaped like a ball with a handle. Commercial kettlebells are offered in capacities that vary from 3 pounds to 100 pounds (or... (Review)
Review
A kettlebell is a weight made of cast iron shaped like a ball with a handle. Commercial kettlebells are offered in capacities that vary from 3 pounds to 100 pounds (or more). The kettlebell has a variety of possible clinical applications, including dynamic flexibility exercises and power training. Players' efficacy during the game can be improved by developing their strongest potential prior to exercising and efficiently converting that strength to power as the event draws near. Strengthening has been recommended as an effective means to avoid injuries, build muscle strength, and enhance one's health in relation to performance in the game. This type of training focuses on the hip, thigh, core, and abdominal muscles to help with appropriate lower-limb alignment and the recruitment of muscle patterns. Kettlebell training is a flexible and useful strategy for improving players' performance in a variety of sports. It adds value to athlete training programs by enhancing strength, power, endurance, explosive power, and postural coordination.
PubMed: 38440022
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53497 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Sep 2023A variety of physical complaints have been related to chronic diastasis recti (DR), including back pain, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence. However, its clinical... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A variety of physical complaints have been related to chronic diastasis recti (DR), including back pain, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence. However, its clinical significance is still subject of debate, leaving many patients to feel unheard when experiencing symptoms. This study aims to assess current knowledge on DR, its potential treatments, and the awareness of this condition amongst involved health care professionals.
METHODS
A literature review was performed to analyze current available knowledge on DR and its treatment. Then, a survey was conducted to investigate the awareness on DR amongst general practitioners, midwives, gynecologists, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
RESULTS
Over 500 health care professionals completed our survey, including 46 general practitioners, 39 midwives, 249 gynecologists, 33 general surgeons, and 74 plastic surgeons. Although the majority of respondents (>78% in all groups) reported to encounter DR in daily practice, opinions differed markedly on most significant symptoms, associated physical complaints, best first referral for treatment, and best treatment modality.
CONCLUSION
Current literature is not unanimous on the relation between DR and physical complaints and on its most suitable treatment. This incongruity is corroborated by the variety of responses from involved health care professionals in our survey. More clinical data are needed to provide clarity on this issue.
Topics: Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Clinical Relevance; Urinary Incontinence; Health Personnel; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37413736
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.06.005