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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 -
Evaluation of functional outcomes following rectus diastasis repair-an up-to-date literature review.Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Aug 2021Over the last decade rectus diastasis has gained attention as a condition that may benefit from surgery. Numerous surgical techniques have been presented but... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Over the last decade rectus diastasis has gained attention as a condition that may benefit from surgery. Numerous surgical techniques have been presented but scientifically proper studies reporting functional outcome are few and evidence is incomplete. The aim of this up-to-date review is to analyse the outcomes of rectus diastasis repair in recently published papers, focusing on functional changes following surgery.
METHOD
A comprehensive search in PubMed and Web of Science was performed. Suitable papers were selected using titles and abstracts with terms suggesting surgical treatment of rectus diastasis. All abstracts were scrutinised, and irrelevant studies excluded in four stages. Reports providing original data, including outcome assessment following surgery, were included.
RESULT
Ten papers with a total of 780 patients were found to fulfil the search criteria. Study design, surgical procedure, follow-up time, functional outcome and assessment instruments were compiled. All included studies reported improvements in a variety of functional aspects regardless of surgical method. The outcomes assessed include core stability, back pain, abdominal pain, posture, urinary incontinence, abdominal muscle strength and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
The results of this review show that surgical repair of rectus diastasis is a safe and effective treatment that improves functional disability. However, the absence of standardized instruments for assessing outcome makes it impossible to compare studies. Since indications for surgery are relative and related to core function, valid instruments for assessing indication and outcome are needed to ensure benefit of the procedure.
Topics: Abdominoplasty; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Quality of Life; Rectus Abdominis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34302558
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02462-0 -
Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular... Feb 2018The rectus abdominis muscle is innervated by intercostal nerves T7-T12, and most thoracotomies are performed through the fourth to sixth intercostal spaces, so direct... (Review)
Review
The rectus abdominis muscle is innervated by intercostal nerves T7-T12, and most thoracotomies are performed through the fourth to sixth intercostal spaces, so direct nerve damage to the rectus abdominis seems unlikely. However, at least one trocar is inserted below the seventh intercostal space in most multi-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATSs), and injury of the seventh or lower intercostal nerve with related paralysis of the rectus abdominis is possible, albeit rare. Only two cases of rectus abdominis paralysis caused by after VATSs have been reported, and these cases were not permanent injuries. This is the first report of permanent paralysis of the rectus abdominis after VATSs.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Adult; Humans; Intercostal Nerves; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Paralysis; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Pneumonectomy; Rectus Abdominis; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29225301
DOI: 10.5761/atcs.cr.17-00103 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Nov 2017The rectus abdominis is a workhorse flap for perineal reconstruction, in particular after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Laparoscopic and robotic techniques for...
The rectus abdominis is a workhorse flap for perineal reconstruction, in particular after abdominoperineal resection (APR). Laparoscopic and robotic techniques for abdominoperineal surgery are becoming more common. The open harvest of the rectus abdominis negates the advantages of these minimally invasive approaches. (Sentence relating to advantages of laparoscopic rectus deleted here.) We present our early experience with laparoscopic harvest of the rectus muscle for perineal reconstruction. Three laparoscopic unilateral rectus abdominis muscle harvests were performed for perineal reconstruction following minimally invasive colorectal and urological procedures. The 2 patients who underwent APR also had planned external perineal skin reconstruction with local flaps. (Sentence deleted here to shorten abstract.) All rectus muscle harvests were performed laparoscopically. Two were for perineal reconstruction following laparoscopic APR, and 1 was for anterior vaginal wall reconstruction. This was done with 4 ports positioned on the contralateral abdomen. The average laparoscopic harvest time was 60-90 minutes. The rectus muscle remained viable in all cases. One patient developed partial necrosis of a posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap after cancer recurrence. There were no pelvic abscesses, or abdominal wall hernias. Laparoscopic harvest of the rectus appears to be a cost-effective, reliable, and reproducible procedure for perineal with minimal donor-site morbidity. Larger clinical studies are needed to further establish the efficacy and advantages of the laparoscopic rectus for perineal reconstruction.
PubMed: 29263976
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001581 -
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic... Jul 2022The association of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and the medial pectus excavatum was reported. We have been using soft silicone block, sculpted...
The association of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and the medial pectus excavatum was reported. We have been using soft silicone block, sculpted intraoperatively, to correct pectus excavatum. The horizontal access used, 2 cm at a subxiphoid position, allows us to expose the sternum and the rectus abdominis muscles (RAMs). We report a case, male, 31 years presenting medial pectus excavatum and supraumbilical diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle with a width of 35 mm at the costal arches, and 27 mm at 6 cm from the xiphoid process edge. The muscle borders presented a curved lateral deviation up to the insertion in the costal arches. The necessary space for the implant was dissected and the block was sculpted. The medial and superior aponeurosis borders of the RAM were incised at 6 cm from the xiphoid, and the posterior border of the RAM was released. The aponeurosis borders were brought together, promoting a medial and anterior positioning of the RAM. The inferior border of the implant was attached to the raw superior borders of the RAM. The result was considered satisfactory, and a magnetic resonance image 14 months after showed continuity of the implant and the muscles, promoting a uniform body contour. Registry: CAAE63181616.7.0000.0071.
Topics: Funnel Chest; Humans; Male; Prostheses and Implants; Rectus Abdominis; Silicones; Sternum
PubMed: 35640543
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivac147 -
BMC Women's Health Feb 2020Physiotherapists and midwives in primary healthcare often encounter women with an increased separation between the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies after pregnancy, a...
BACKGROUND
Physiotherapists and midwives in primary healthcare often encounter women with an increased separation between the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies after pregnancy, a so-called increased inter recti distance (IRD). There are few studies on the contribution of increased IRD to the explanation of post-partum health complaints, and very little guidance in the literature for health professionals on the management of increased IRD. The aim of this study was to describe how physiotherapists and midwives in primary healthcare perceive the phenomenon of increased IRD and its management in women after childbirth.
METHODS
A purposeful sampling approach was used to select physiotherapists and midwives working in primary healthcare in three large county council healthcare organisations in Sweden having experience of encountering women with increased IRD after pregnancy. Sixteen physiotherapists and midwives participated in focus group discussions. Four focus groups with four participants in each were undertaken. A semi-structured topic guide was used to explore responses to the research questions and the discussions were analysed using qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS
We identified an overarching theme: Ambivalence towards the phenomenon increased IRD and frustration over insufficient professional knowledge. The theme included three categories: Uncertainty concerning the significance of increased IRD as a causal factor for functional problems; perceived insufficient professional knowledge base for the management of increased IRD; and lack of inter-professional collaboration and teamwork in the management of patients with increased IRD. Due to sparse and somewhat contradictory research findings and absence of clinical guidelines, the health professionals lacked basic preconditions for applying an evidence-based practice concerning increased IRD. They obtained their information about increased IRD from the media and fitness coaches, and hence were somewhat unsure about what to believe regarding the phenomenon.
CONCLUSIONS
There was no consensus among the health professionals on how to best approach increased IRD in the clinical setting. Our findings stress the importance of more research to increase the professional knowledge base among physiotherapists and midwives. The findings highlight the urgent need for policies and clinical guidelines advising health professionals in the management of increased IRD and for facilitating inter-professional collaboration and teamwork.
Topics: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Midwifery; Nurse Midwives; Parturition; Physical Therapists; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Primary Health Care; Puerperal Disorders; Qualitative Research; Rectus Abdominis; Sweden
PubMed: 32103753
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-00907-9 -
Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za... May 2021To explore the surgical technique, effectiveness, and safety of muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap vascularized with intercostal artery perforator and...
OBJECTIVE
To explore the surgical technique, effectiveness, and safety of muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap vascularized with intercostal artery perforator and inferior epigastric artery perforator for breast reconstruction.
METHODS
Between December 2016 and February 2019, 6 cases of early breast cancer received modified radical surgery, lower abdominal flap was applied for one- or two-staged breast reconstruction. The average age of the patients was 34.6 years (range, 29-56 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 16 months, with an average of 9.5 months. The tumor was located in the upper outer quadrant in 4 cases and the lower outer quadrant in 2 cases. Pathological examination showed that they were all invasive ductal carcinoma. Four cases of breast cancer were in stage Ⅰ and 2 cases was in stage Ⅱ. During operation, the inferior epigastric artery perforators were found to be close to the upper edge of the flap and/or near the umbilical cord in 4 cases, the inferior epigastric artery perforator vessels were relatively small (<0.3 mm) in 2 cases; and the breast was reconstructed with muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap vascularized with intercostal artery perforator and inferior epigastric artery perforator. The length, width, and thickness of the flap were (28.9±0.2), (12.1±0.4), and (4.4±0.3) cm, respectively. The length of the vascular pedicle was (11.5±0.2) cm and the weight of the flap was (420.5±32.7) g.
RESULTS
All 6 muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps were successful, and the breast incisions healed by first intention. There was no vascular crisis, donor site effusion, hematoma, or infection. All 6 patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 26.8 months). The reconstructed breast had a good shape, good elasticity, and no flap contracture or deformation; only linear scars left at the donor site of the flap, and the abdominal wall function was not affected. During follow-up, there was no breast cancer recurrence and metastasis.
CONCLUSION
When the inferior epigastric artery perforators are too close to the upper edge of the flap and/or near the umbilical cord, the vascularity of lower abdominal flap can be ruined, harvested in form of muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap vascularized with intercostal artery perforator and inferior epigastric artery perforator can efficiently ensure blood supply safety.
Topics: Adult; Epigastric Arteries; Humans; Mammaplasty; Middle Aged; Myocutaneous Flap; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Perforator Flap; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 33998215
DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202011020 -
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 -
Oncology Research and Treatment 2020We aimed to assess patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome in breast cancer patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction.
Skin- and Nipple-Areola-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap and Silicone Implants in Breast Carcinoma Patients.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to assess patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome in breast cancer patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study population comprised 215 patients with histopathologically diagnosed breast cancer. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a diagnosis of breast cancer, a tumor of any size, any stage of nodal metastasis, and a tumor margin >2.0 cm from the margin of the nipple-areola complex. To measure the aesthetic outcome, the Lowery scale was used. After mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction was performed using the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, and by pacing the silicone implant.
RESULTS
Most of the patients were aged between 40 and 51 years. Lymphadenopathy was positive in 87 out of 215 subjects; among these 87 subjects, 61 showed macrometastasis and 26 micrometastasis. A lateral incision was performed for mastectomy in all cases, and immediate breast reconstruction was performed using autologous grafts: the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 83% of cases, and silicone implants in 17% of cases were used for reconstruction. An excellent aesthetic outcome was seen in 70% of the cases, and 22% showed a good outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
NSM is a very safe and technically feasible procedure that provides a high level of patient satisfaction and an excellent aesthetic outcome.
Topics: Adult; Breast Implants; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Myocutaneous Flap; Nipples; Organ Sparing Treatments; Patient Satisfaction; Rectus Abdominis; Silicones; Skin
PubMed: 32570247
DOI: 10.1159/000506841 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2015Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a relatively rare clinical condition, strongly associated among others, with abdominal trauma and anticoagulation. Although well... (Review)
Review
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a relatively rare clinical condition, strongly associated among others, with abdominal trauma and anticoagulation. Although well documented over the years, it still seems to be often misdiagnosed. Estimations of further increase in incidence are made, based on the increasing use of anticoagulants. Thus it was of interest to us to perform a literature review on the available literature of this entity with the aim to facilitate a better understanding and management in primary and secondary care settings. This review intends to present a synthesis on the main topics of this condition such as pathophysiology, epidemiology, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis and basic treatment instructions. The initial search resulted in 146 articles. Additional citations from the reference list of the relevant publication were also included. Every physician in the field of primary/emergency medicine and surgery must be familiar with it, as misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary laparotomy or death. In contrast, faster and more accurate diagnosis can lead to mortality rate reduction and cost containment.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Diagnosis, Differential; Hematoma; Humans; Muscular Diseases; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 25529279
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.12.015