-
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... 2023Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been applied in many rehabilitation settings for muscle strengthening, facilitation of muscle contraction, re-education of muscle...
BACKGROUND
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been applied in many rehabilitation settings for muscle strengthening, facilitation of muscle contraction, re-education of muscle action, and maintenance of muscle strength and size during prolonged immobilization.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of 8 weeks of EMS training on abdominal muscle function and to determine whether the training effect could be maintained after 4 weeks of EMS detraining.
METHODS
Twenty-five subjects performed EMS training for 8 weeks. Before and after 8 weeks of EMS training, and after 4 weeks of EMS detraining, muscle size (cross-sectional area [CSA] of the rectus abdominals [RA] and lateral abdominal wall [LAW]), strength, endurance, and lumbopelvic control (LC) were measured.
RESULTS
There were significant increases in CSA [RA (p< 0.001); LAW (p< 0.001)], strength [trunk flexor (p= 0.005); side-bridge (p< 0.05)], endurance [trunk flexor (p= 0.010); side-bridge (p< 0.05)], and LC (p< 0.05) after 8 weeks of EMS training. The CSA of the RA (p< 0.05) and the LAW (p< 0.001) were measured after 4 weeks of detraining and they were greater than that of the baseline. There were no significant differences in abdominal strength, endurance, and LC between baseline measurements and post-detraining.
CONCLUSION
The study indicates that there is less of a detraining effect on muscle size than on muscle strength, endurance, and LC.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Abdominal Muscles; Muscle Strength; Muscle Contraction; Electric Stimulation; Resistance Training
PubMed: 36872765
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-210335 -
American Journal of Physiology.... May 2006The aims of the present study were to determine in female rats whether abdominal muscle discharges during normal voiding and to describe the effect of bladder irritation...
The aims of the present study were to determine in female rats whether abdominal muscle discharges during normal voiding and to describe the effect of bladder irritation on this visceromotor activity. The sensory pathway of this reflex was also determined. Electromyograms (EMGs) indicated that in awake rats, the abdominal muscle was consistently activated during spontaneous voiding and during voiding induced by saline infusion. Similarly, in anesthetized animals, the muscle discharged during urine expulsion. The abdominal EMG activity was not abolished by hypogastric (Hgnx) or sensory pudendal neurectomy (SPdnx). SPdnx dramatically decreased the intercontraction interval and voided volume. Acetic acid infusion reduced the intercontraction interval and increased bladder contraction duration. It also reduced the pressure threshold for evoking the abdominal EMG response and increased the EMG duration and amplitude. Although SPdnx and Hgnx modified some urodynamic parameters, they did not reverse the acetic acid effect on EMG activity. Thus the afferents activating the visceromotor reflex during normal voiding and the increased reflex in response to acetic acid are probably both carried by the pelvic nerve. Abdominal muscle activity induced by bladder distension has been considered to be a pain marker. However, we conclude that in female rats, the abdominal muscle is reflexively activated during physiological urine expulsion. On the other hand, bladder irritation is marked by an exaggeration of this abdominal visceromotor reflex.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Acetic Acid; Afferent Pathways; Animals; Cystitis; Denervation; Electromyography; Female; Irritants; Muscle Contraction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reflex; Urinary Bladder; Urination; Urodynamics
PubMed: 16373437
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00556.2005 -
Nutrition in Clinical Practice :... Dec 2021A premature infant's discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is dependent on factors such as respiratory stability, adequate growth, and the ability to...
BACKGROUND
A premature infant's discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is dependent on factors such as respiratory stability, adequate growth, and the ability to consume oral feeds. Once infants have achieved respiratory stability, a tool that can better predict age at discharge is desirable. Thus, we conducted a secondary data analysis to assess the association between ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness and postmenstrual age (PMA) at full oral feedings.
METHODS
Forty-nine (n = 49) healthy, premature infants (mean gestational age = 32 weeks) were recruited from the NICU. Anthropometric measurements and ultrasound measurements of the rectus abdominis were conducted when infants were medically stable. Fat-free mass (FFM) was obtained using air displacement plethysmography. The relationship between ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness and PMA at full oral feedings was assessed using linear regression analysis. The relationship between FFM z-scores and PMA at full oral feedings was also assessed for comparison.
RESULTS
When adjusting for gestational age at birth, PMA at measurement, days of positive pressure respiratory support, weight, and length, ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness were independently, negatively associated with PMA at full oral feedings (β estimate: -0.71, P = .03).
CONCLUSION
Preliminary results suggest infants with greater abdominal muscle thickness may reach full oral feedings at an earlier PMA (nearly 1 week per millimeter). Thus, ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness may be helpful in assessing readiness for discharge in healthy preterm infants. Further research is needed for development and validation of a prediction equation.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
PubMed: 34101241
DOI: 10.1002/ncp.10670 -
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 -
Manual Therapy Feb 2015Lateral abdominal wall muscles in children and adolescents have not been characterised to date. In the present report, we examined the reliability of the ultrasound...
Lateral abdominal wall muscles in children and adolescents have not been characterised to date. In the present report, we examined the reliability of the ultrasound measurement and thickness of the oblique external muscle (OE), oblique internal muscle (OI) and transverse abdominal muscle (TrA) at rest and during abdominal drawing-in manoeuvre (ADIM) on both sides of the body in healthy adolescents. We also determined possible differences between boys and girls and defined any factors-such as body mass, height and BMI-that may affect the thickness of the abdominal muscles. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess OE, OI and TrA on both sides of the body in the supine position. Ultrasound measurements at rest and during ADIM were reliable in this age group (ICC3,3 > 0.92). OI was always the thickest and TrA the thinnest muscle on both sides of the body. In this group, an identical pattern of the contribution of the individual muscles to the structure of the lateral abdominal wall (OI > OE > TrA) was observed. At rest and during ADIM, no statistically significant side-to-side differences were demonstrated in either gender. The body mass constitutes between 30% and <50% of the thickness differences in all muscles under examination at rest and during ADIM. The structure of lateral abdominal wall in adolescents is similar to that of adults. During ADIM, the abdominal muscles in adolescents react similarly to those in adults. This study provided extensive information regarding the structure of the lateral abdominal wall in healthy adolescents.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adolescent; Child; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Muscle Contraction; Reproducibility of Results; Rest
PubMed: 25088309
DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2014.07.009 -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Apr 2017This study aims to evaluate the effect of different postural sets on abdominal muscle activity during breathing in healthy subjects. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the effect of different postural sets on abdominal muscle activity during breathing in healthy subjects.
METHODS
Twenty-nine higher education students (20.86 ± 1.48 years; 9 males) breathed at the same rhythm (inspiration: 2 s; expiration: 4 s) in supine, standing, tripod and 4-point-kneeling positions. Surface electromyography was performed to assess the activation intensity of rectus abdominis, external oblique and transversus abdominis/internal oblique muscles during inspiration and expiration.
RESULTS
During both breathing phases, the activation intensity of external oblique and transversus abdominis/internal oblique was significantly higher in standing when compared to supine (p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were found between tripod position and 4-point-kneeling positions. Transversus abdominis/internal oblique activation intensity in these positions was higher than in supine and lower than in standing.
CONCLUSIONS
Postural load and gravitational stretch are factors that should be considered in relation to the specific recruitment of abdominal muscles for breathing mechanics.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Oblique Muscles; Adolescent; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Male; Posture; Rectus Abdominis; Respiration; Young Adult
PubMed: 28532880
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.09.004 -
Human Factors Mar 2015Using ultrasound imaging, the abdominal muscles' response to the back extensor muscle fatigue was assessed in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP). (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
Using ultrasound imaging, the abdominal muscles' response to the back extensor muscle fatigue was assessed in subjects with chronic low-back pain (CLBP).
BACKGROUND
Lumbar muscle fatigue is a common occurrence among workers. Alteration in motor coordination is one consequence of muscular fatigue. According to previous studies, CLBP subjects use their back and abdominal muscles in different ways, but questions remain about abdominal muscle responses to back muscle fatigue in CLBP patients.
METHOD
Thirteen CLBP patients and 15 healthy subjects participated in this study. The thickness of abdominal muscles-including transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique abdominis (IO), and external oblique abdominis (EO) muscles-was measured in standing position with and without axial loads before and after a lifting fatigue task.
RESULTS
The results reveal a significant difference for the main effects of group on percentage of change in TrA thickness (F = 8.9, p = .004). Percentage of change in thickness of TrA was 10% greater in the CLBP group. Although IO thickness displayed greater percentage of change in the CLBP group, the difference between groups was not significant.
CONCLUSION
Abdominal muscle behavior changes with back-muscle fatigue in both healthy and CLBP subjects, but responses were more exaggerated in CLBP patients.
APPLICATION
Ultrasound imaging technique can provide critical information about the effect of fatigue on spinal muscle activation and consequently about the stability of the spine. As a more applicable and easy technique, ergonomists can use ultrasound imaging in musculoskeletal system assessment in worker populations in future studies.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Lifting; Low Back Pain; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 25850152
DOI: 10.1177/0018720814544213 -
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine :... Nov 2015The activity of abdominal muscles mainly produces high expiratory pressure. These include the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse...
OBJECTIVES
The activity of abdominal muscles mainly produces high expiratory pressure. These include the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether maximal expiratory pressure is associated with each abdominal muscle thickness at rest.
METHODS
Thirty-nine healthy male volunteers (mean age ± SD, 20.7 ± 2.7 years) participated in the study. The thickness of the right rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles was measured by B-mode sonography in the supine position. The maximal expiratory pressure was obtained with a spirometer in the sitting position. The correlations between each abdominal muscle thickness and maximal expiratory pressure were determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient.
RESULTS
The correlation coefficient between the rectus abdominis muscle and maximal expiratory pressure was 0.571 (P< .001). Correlation coefficients between the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles and maximal expiratory pressure were 0.297 (P = .066), 0.267 (P = .100), and 0.022 (P = .894), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the rectus abdominis muscle thickness might be more highly correlated with expiratory pressure production than the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscle thickness.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Exhalation; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Male; Organ Size; Physical Exertion; Pressure; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Statistics as Topic; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 26396169
DOI: 10.7863/ultra.14.12006 -
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 -
Journal of Manipulative and... 2020The aim was to assess the abdominal muscle activities during inspiration and expiration at different sitting positions in individuals with and without chronic low back...
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to assess the abdominal muscle activities during inspiration and expiration at different sitting positions in individuals with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP).
METHODS
This study was conducted on 36 participants (18 with CLBP and 18 healthy controls). Ultrasound imaging was used to assess thickness changes of the transverse abdominis, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and external oblique muscles. Muscle thickness was measured during inspiration and expiration under 3 different stability levels: sitting on a chair, sitting on a gym ball, and sitting on a gym ball with lifting the left foot. The muscle thickness measured in these positions was normalized to the actual muscle thickness at rest in supine lying and presented as a percentage of thickness change.
RESULTS
Both groups displayed greater abdominal muscle activities as the stability of the surface decreased during both respiratory phases. However, compared with the healthy controls, the CLBP group showed smaller muscle thickness changes in all abdominal muscles, except the external oblique, in both respiration phases while sitting on a gym ball with lifting the left foot. The CLBP group displayed overactivity of the rectus abdominis muscle relative to the healthy controls while sitting on a chair in both respiratory phases.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study indicate that as the stability of the support surface decreases, individuals with CLBP had more difficulty activating all abdominal muscles in a similar manner compared to healthy controls in both respiratory phases, which might affect both respiration and postural stability.
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Electromyography; Exercise; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Male; Posture; Rectus Abdominis; Sitting Position; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 32747149
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2019.02.013