Ultrasonography features of abdominal perimuscular connective tissue in elite and amateur basketball players: an observational study.

Carlos Romero Morales,Jaime Almazán Polo,José Luis Arias Buría,David Rodríguez Sanz,Sergio Vázquez González,César Calvo Lobo,Daniel López López

doi:10.1590/1806-9282.64.10.936

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) the perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) and interrecti distance (IRD) between elite and amateur basketball players. A sample of 22 healthy basketball players was included and divided into two groups: elite basketball players from Spanish 1st division (n = 11) and amateur basketball players from an entertainment Spanish division (n = 11). Ultrasound images of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus anterior (RA) and IRD PMCT were measured and analysed by the ImageJ software. Measurements of abdominal wall muscles PMCT present statistically differences (P < .05) for an increase of perimuscular connective tissue of external oblique (PMCTEO), perimuscular connective tissue of transversus abdominis (PMCTTA) of the left side and an increase of PMCTEO on the right side in favor of the elite group. Rather, the study showed statistically differences (P < .05) for a decrease of perimuscular connective tissue between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis (PMCTIO-TA), and a decrease in PMCT total summation of the left side with elite group in respect to amateur group. This study reported an increase of left PMCTEO, left PMCTTAA, right PMCTEO as well as a decrease of left PMCTIO-TA and in PMCT total summation on the left side.

Highlights

Muscles and perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) of the abdominal wall develop an important role stabilizing and supporting the spine.[1]
This study reported an increase of left perimuscular connective tissue of external oblique (PMCTEO), left PMCTTAA, right PMCTEO as well as a decrease of left PMCTIO-TA and in PMCT total summation on the left side
The spine is surrounded in the midline by rectus abdominis (RA), laterally 3 overlapping layers conformed by the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TrAb).[2]

Summary

Introduction

Muscles and perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) of the abdominal wall develop an important role stabilizing and supporting the spine.[1] The spine is surrounded in the midline by rectus abdominis (RA), laterally 3 overlapping layers conformed by the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TrAb).[2] these muscles and PMCT have an important role transferring loads from lower limbs to upper limbs and balancing abdominal pressures.[3] In subjects with lumbopelvic pain (LPP), Whittaker et al.[2] found a thicker abdominal PMCT. DATE OF SUBMISSION: 29-Jan-2018 DATE OF ACCEPTANCE: 16-Feb-2018 CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Carlos Romero Morales hysiotherapy Department; School of Health, Exercise and Sport; European University of Madrid; C/ Tajo s/n, 28670, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; Phone no.: 0034-912-115-268.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion