Abdominal Performance Research Articles

Estimation of Spinal Muscle Performance in Work From Home Information Technology Professionals of Karad, India in 2021.

It is seen that information technology (IT) professionals are at higher risk of developing mechanical low back pain due to numerous factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, attaining inappropriate posture for a prolonged period of time, work stresses, and inadequate exercise which lead to overload on the back musculature. Working from home has become the new normal for these professionals in which they attain abnormal posture which leads to pressure on the muscles and thus there is a need to estimate and analyze spinal muscle performance among IT professionals. Our main objectives were to estimate the spinal muscle performance in work-from-home IT professionals of Karad and to find the association between spinal muscle performance with respect to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 IT professionals working from home were selected for this study by simple random sampling. Written consent was taken and a detailed outcome assessment was done by using the static and dynamic abdominal test, extensor test, internal/external oblique test, and back rotators test. Also, functional performance was measured using the back performance scale. SPSS version 20 was used to carry out the analysis of data and results were obtained. In participants of sample size 120 (100%), 27 (26%) were normal, 30 (32%) good, 24 (20%) fair, 21 (14%) poor, 18 (8%) trace; whereas, static extensor strength was 16 (12%) normal, 9 (18%) good, 24 (28%) fair, 18 (36%) poor, 3 (6%) trace. For oblique's, static strength was 10 (20%) normal, 12 (24%) good, 15 (30%) fair, 9 (18%) poor, 4 (8%) trace; whereas, for back rotators strength was 10 (20%) normal, 17 (34%) good, 15 (30%) fair, 8 (16%) poor. The mean number of repetitions for the dynamic endurance test for extensors was 11, for abdominals wase 24 and for obliques was 12. A back performance scale was found with a minimum score of 6 and a maximum score of 11 for activity limitation. There was statistically significant found to be between spinal muscle performance and age (P = 0.041), BMI (P = 0.027). In this study it was found that spinal muscle performance was decreased in IT professionals. It was concluded that there was a significant reduction in static extensor performance compared to static abdominal muscle performance. Also, the spinal muscle performance of extensors was less as compared to that of abdominals. The data also revealed that there was a remarkable association that was seen between spinal muscle performance and age as well as spinal performance and BMI.

Performance on a Motor Control Test in an Asymptomatic Adolescent Population.

BackgroundLow back pain is a condition present during both adulthood and adolescence. Adolescents with low back pain may benefit from treatment focused on improving abdominal muscle performance and motor control. The supine double leg lowering test (SDLLT) may be a reliable measure to assess core stability in adults, but adolescent performance on the SDLLT has not yet been established in the literature.PurposeTo examine performance on the SDLLT in healthy adolescents ages 13 to 18 years and describe influences of gender, age, body mass index, and participation in sport.Study DesignCross-Sectional StudyMethodsFour licensed physical therapists administered the SDLLT with a Stabilizer pressure biofeedback cuff and inclinometer in 90 adolescents without low back pain (females = 41, males = 49) from three schools in a mid-western metropolitan area. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, two-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients were utilized to analyze the data.ResultsAverage SDLLT score was 72.36 +/- 12.54 degrees. A significant difference between SDLLT score was present between genders with males performing better than females. No interactions between performance and involvement in sport were demonstrated.ConclusionsFemale and male adolescents appear to perform differently on the SDLLT with a stabilizer and appear to perform worse than scores recorded for adults. The SDLLT may be used to measure motor control in adolescents, but clinicians should utilize age-appropriate data for clinical decision making.Levels of EvidenceLevel 2c

Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Thickness in Postpartum Women Who Have Undergone Cesarean Delivery as Compared With Vaginal Births: A Pilot Study

Background: Insufficient stability of the lumbopelvic region has been reported as an underlying cause of lumbopelvic pain in postpartum women. Women early postpartum have been shown to have decreased ability to contract the deep abdominal muscles; however, differentiation has not been made between women who deliver via cesarean delivery versus those who have vaginal births. Objectives: To compare deep abdominal muscle performance in women who delivered vaginally versus those who delivered via cesarean delivery. The secondary purpose was to determine the reliability of the testing protocol using ultrasound imaging. Study Design: Case-control design. Methods: Twenty postpartum women (10 vaginal births and 10 cesarean delivery births) who had given birth within the past 12 months completed the study. Muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique abdominis (IO) muscles was measured using ultrasound imaging while the participant performed the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Percent change of muscle thickness was used for statistical analysis as follows: Percent Change = [(Contracted–Rest)/(Rest)] × 100%. Results: There was no significant difference between groups for the percent change of muscle thickness for the TrA (P = .53) or IO group (P = .80). Interrater reliability was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.97 for both the TrA and IO groups, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed no differences in the percent change of deep abdominal muscle thickness during ADIM between women who delivered vaginally and those who delivered via cesarean delivery, indicating that the cesarean delivery surgical procedure may not further decrease abdominal muscle performance.

Comparison on Selected Fitness Indicator and Golf Performances among Elite and Non-Elite University Golfers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the differences of physical fitness between elite and non-elite golfers in the National Golf Academy, UUM. The two groups were compared based on their physical fitness (leg power, muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance and abdominal muscle performances) and golf performances (handicap, 5-iron ball speed, 5-iron clubhead speed, 5-iron carry distance, average score, greens in regulations, and putts per round). Significant differences were found on handicap and predicted Vo2max variables (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found on non-dominant leg vertical jump (20.6 ± 4.5 vs. 14.7 ± 5, p < 0.05) and push up performances (27.9 ± 10.1 vs. 16.4 ± 11.2, p < 0.05) between the elite and non-elite groups. Elite golfers have better performances in static balance (both dominant and non-dominant leg) and abdominal muscle performance where the significant level was found to be less than 0.05. While for golf performances, the difference between those two groups were found on the 5-iron clubhead speed, 5-iron ball speed, 5-iron carrying distance and average score (p < 0.05). These results can be used for developing training programmemes, as well as for the development of talent identification programmemes.
 Keywords: golf, fitness, performance, comparison, elite, university

Responsiveness of the Double Limb Lowering Test and Lower Abdominal Muscle Progression to Core Stabilization Exercise Programs in Healthy Adults

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent and expensive health care problems in the United States. Studies suggest that stabilization exercise may be effective in the management of people with LBP. To accurately assess the effect of stabilization programs on muscle performance, clinicians need an objective measure that is both valid and reliable. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the double limb lowering test (DLLT) and lower abdominal muscle progression (LAMP) can detect a change in abdominal muscle performance after stabilization exercises. Eleven healthy participants (4 men and 7 women) were randomly assigned to either a specific stabilization exercise (SSE) or general stabilization exercise (GSE) group and were evaluated by the DLLT and LAMP before, during, and at the end of 8 weeks of training. Subjects attended exercise sessions twice per week over 8 weeks. No significant difference in pretest performance existed between the 2 groups. No significant difference was detected with the DLLT for either the SSE or GSE over time or when groups were combined. The LAMP detected a significant difference for the combined groups and GSE but not SSE over time. These data indicate that the LAMP is sensitive to change after a spinal stabilization program, whereas the DLLT does not detect a change after these programs. Furthermore, the GSE was more effective in producing these changes. Additional testing of these assessments is necessary to further validate these tests and to identify specific populations for which these tests may be most appropriate.

초음파 영상을 통한 뇌졸중 환자의 외측복부근 근수축의 비대칭성 연구

Purpose : This study aimed to identify the asymmetry observed in the rehabilitative ultrasound imaging of lateral abdominal muscle thickness and performance between the affected and unaffected side during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), an exercise used to facilitate activation of selectively TrA to stabilize the trunk prior to limb movement. Methods : The Participants were twenty one patients with post-stroke hemiplegia in this study. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure amount of changes in thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrA). A Paired t-test was used to compare relaxed muscle thickness to contracted muscle thickness of all 3 muscles between the affected and unaffected sides. Results : The outcome measures included side to side differences of absolute thickness, contraction ratio among the lateral abdominal muscles. There was no significantly difference in between the affected and unaffected side at rest. But, there was a significantly difference in absolute muscle thickness between the affected and unaffected side of only TrA muscle. Also contraction ratio was a significantly difference between the affected and unaffected TrA muscle. Conclusion : These findings support the asymmetrical activation of TrA muscle during abdominal muscle contraction in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Further studies are warranted for confirming this outcome.

Investigation of Abdominal Muscle Performance in Women during the Early Post Partum Phase: A Cross Sectional Analysis

Investigation of Abdominal Muscle Performance in Women during the Early Post Partum Phase: A Cross Sectional Analysis

Neuromuscular Efficiency of the Rectus Abdominis Differs With Gender and Sport Practice

The purpose of this investigation was to distinguish the abilities of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle according to gender and sport training by means of neuromuscular parameters extracted from electromyography (EMG)-torque relationships. Thirty-eight healthy students, divided into 4 groups (i.e., 8 male runners, 10 female gymnasts, 12 male controls, and 8 female controls) were asked to perform 6 seconds of isometric trunk flexions at 20%, 25%, 75%, and 100% of their maximal voluntary contraction. Flexion torque and surface EMG of the RA muscle were recorded simultaneously to construct a EMG-torque relationship. Under maximal and submaximal conditions, an index of neuromuscular efficiency (NME) was determined to characterize the capacity of the RA muscle to develop a torque. At each level of contraction, the area of data scattering (ADS), reflecting torque and EMG fluctuations, was computed to express the capacity to maintain a constant target torque. Flexion torque, NME, and ADS values differed significantly between genders, but when data were related to anthropometric characteristics, no difference was observed. Although runners were not distinguished from male controls, gymnasts had higher flexion torque, higher NME, and lower ADS values than female controls had. These differences should reflect neural and muscular adaptations linked to the specificity of gymnastic training. These findings revealed different functional abilities of the RA muscle, according to gender and sport practices. The indices of neuromuscular capacities used in this study could constitute complementary tools to athletic trainers and professionals in sports medicine for evaluating and following, during sport-specific training programs, the abdominal muscle performance implied in force transfers with a lower cost and lower risks of back pain.

TC16A THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF FIRST ONSET DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSIS COMPARED TO MANIC PSYCHOSIS

Krause DA, Youdas JW, Hollman JH, Smith J. Abdominal muscle performance as measured by the double leg-lowering test.To describe abdominal muscle performance as measured by the double leg-lowering test (DLLT) in healthy subjects.Repeated measures.Academic laboratory.A sample of 100 healthy volunteers (50 men, 50 women; age range, 18–29y).Not applicable.Repeat measurements of the DLLT to determine reliability and performance standards and to identify variables that predict performance.The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) for repeated measures of the DLLT was .98. The mean value ± standard error of the mean for abdominal performance for men was 15.4°±2.3° from a horizontal reference, and for women it was 36.9°±3.4°. A significant difference was found between men and women on performance of the DLLT (t98=−5.3, P<.001). A linear regression model found sex (t=−3.2, P=.002) and age (t=−4.6, P<.001) to be significant predictors of performance on the DLLT.The DLLT has excellent intratester reliability. We also found a sex difference in the performance of the DLLT.

Abdominal Muscle Performance as Measured by the Double Leg-Lowering Test

Abdominal Muscle Performance as Measured by the Double Leg-Lowering Test

Abdominal Muscle Performance as Measured by the Double Leg-Lowering Test

Krause DA, Youdas JW, Hollman JH, Smith J. Abdominal muscle performance as measured by the double leg-lowering test. Objective To describe abdominal muscle performance as measured by the double leg-lowering test (DLLT) in healthy subjects. Design Repeated measures. Setting Academic laboratory. Participants A sample of 100 healthy volunteers (50 men, 50 women; age range, 18–29y). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Repeat measurements of the DLLT to determine reliability and performance standards and to identify variables that predict performance. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 3,1) for repeated measures of the DLLT was .98. The mean value ± standard error of the mean for abdominal performance for men was 15.4°±2.3° from a horizontal reference, and for women it was 36.9°±3.4°. A significant difference was found between men and women on performance of the DLLT ( t 98=−5.3, P<.001). A linear regression model found sex ( t=−3.2, P=.002) and age ( t=−4.6, P<.001) to be significant predictors of performance on the DLLT. Conclusions The DLLT has excellent intratester reliability. We also found a sex difference in the performance of the DLLT.

DIFFERENCES IN CORE STABILITY BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL ATHLETES AS MEASURED BY TRUNK AND HIP MUSCLE PERFORMANCE

The role of lumbo-pelvic hip complex strength (often referred to as core stability) in lower extremity injuries has received recent attention. Female athletes have been shown to be at greater risk for lower extremity injuries compared to their male counterparts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if differences in trunk and hip muscle performance exist between male and female collegiate basketball athletes. Prior to the beginning of the organized season, a series of tests designed to measure core strength were conducted on 75 female and 25 male varsity collegiate basketball athletes. Endurance time of the back extensor (BE) muscles was tested using a modified Biering-Sorensen test. A side bridge (SB) test was used to measure endurance time of the quadratus lumborum and lateral trunk flexors. Abdominal (AB) muscle performance was assessed in degrees with the straight leg-lowering test. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure isometric strength for hip external rotation (ER) and abduction (Abd). Isometric force measurments were normalized to body weight for comparisons between individuals. Student t-tests were used to compare muscle performance between males and females. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine relationships among the various muscle performance measures. Results showed that males performed significantly better than females for all of the activities tested. (See Table) Significant correlation was found between external rotation and abduction strength (r = .64). Side bridging was significantly correlated with external rotation strength (r = .58) and back extension endurance (r = .64). Weakness of key muscles of the lumbopelvic-hip complex may be related to increased risk of lower extremity injury, particularly in female athletes. This study is currently being extended to determine if athletes who perform poorly on these tests are more likely to be injured during the season.Table

Lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination of asymptomatic adults.

We examined the association between pelvic inclination and lumbar lordosis during relaxed standing and eight variables thought to contribute to lordosis. Ninety subjects (45 men, 45 women) without back pain or a history of surgery were examined. The mean age was 54.8 years (SD = 8.5) for male subjects and 58.9 years (SD = 8.8) for female subjects. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to assess the association of pelvic inclination and size of lumbar lordosis in a standing position with age, gender, body mass index, physical activity level, back and one-joint hip flexor muscle length, and performance and length of abdominal muscles. Abdominal muscle performance was associated with angle of pelvic inclination for women (R2 = .23), but not for men. Standing lumbar lordosis was associated with abdominal muscle length in women (R2 = .40), but it was multivariately associated with length of abdominal and one-joint hip flexor muscles and physical activity level in men (R2 = .38). No correlation was found between angle of pelvic inclination and depth of lumbar lordosis in a standing position. Neither univariate nor multivariate regression models account for variability in the angle of pelvic inclination or size of lumbar lordosis in adults during upright stance; no correlation was found in standing between these two variables. The use of abdominal muscle strengthening exercises or stretching exercises of the back and one-joint hip flexor muscles to correct faulty standing posture should be questioned.

Seasonal variations in Palaemon serratus abdominal muscle metabolism and performance during exercise, as studied by 31P NMR

Seasonal variations in Palaemon serratus abdominal muscle metabolism and performance during exercise, as studied by 31P NMR

Seasonal variations in Palaemon serratus abdominal muscle metabolism and performance during exercise, as studied by 31P NMR

Seasonal variations in Palaemon serratus abdominal muscle metabolism and performance during exercise, as studied by 31P NMR

Relationship Between Hip Extension Range of Motion and Postural Alignment

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between hip extension range of motion (ROM) and three determinants of postural alignment: standing pelvic tilt, standing lumbar lordosis, and abdominal muscle performance. The subjects were 25 healthy adults ranging in age from 21 to 49 years. The Pearson product-moment correlation of hip extension ROM with pelvic tilt was -0.04, with lumbar lordosis -0.09, and with abdominal muscle performance 0.09. These results indicate that these variables are not related. This study demonstrates that the hypothetical correlation among these clinical parameters needs to be reassessed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;12(6):243-247.

Relationships between lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between measurements of lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance during normal standing. In addition, the reliability of the measurements used in this study was examined. Measurements of lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle performance were taken of 31 healthy adults aged 20 to 33 years. Each measurement was taken twice, and the measurements were shown to be reliable. The Spearman's rho correlation of the abdominal muscle performance measurements with pelvic tilt was .18 and with lordosis was .06. The Pearson product-moment correlation of lordosis with pelvic tilt was .32. The results indicate that lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and abdominal muscle function during normal standing are not related. This study demonstrates the need for a reexamination of clinical practices based on assumed relationships of abdominal muscle performance, pelvic tilt, and lordosis.

ASSESSMENT OF ABDOMINAL MUSCLE EXERCISES IN NON-PREGNANT, PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM SUBJECTS, USING ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

The purpose of this study was to analyse, by electromyographic technique, abdominal muscle activity in exercises commonly advocated as being effective in improving abdominal muscle performance. In general exercises from the lying position were found to involve the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles more than those exercises from standing, sitting or kneeling positions. Further, among exercises from lying, 'trunk on legs' and 'trunk plus legs' involved these muscles more than 'legs on trunk' exercises. With pregnancy and in the puerperium there was a change in the pattern of abdominal muscle involvement in exercises from the lying position, suggesting that the traditional division of exercise lists into 'antenatal' and 'postnatal' is not optimal: the demarcation "circumnatal" (around the time of birth) and "abnatal" (remote from the time of birth) would appear to be more appropriate. Details are given of the method of assessment of exercises, data analysis and interpretation of results. The findings have implications for the selection of exercises for clinical Use in obstetric physiotherapy.

Restriction and pain during forward bending in concrete reinforcement workers.

Two hundred and ninety-five male Finnish concrete reinforoement workers, aged 19-64 years and engaged in heavy physical work including prolonged stooping, were clinically examined in a cross-sectional study. Restriction of lumbar flexion was found in 38% of the men, and pain during forward bending in 19%. Restriction of lumbar flexion was strongly related to age, while pain during forward bending showed a weaker association. A history of sciatica was more common in the men with restriction during forward bending (chi 2 =6.0, P&lt;0.05) and in the men with pain during forward bending (chi 2 =17.2, P&lt;0.001) than in the men without. Restricted lumbar flexion was related to diminished back muscle performance capacity (chi 2 = 18.7, P&lt;0.001) and straight abdominal muscle performance capacity (chi 2 = 28.0, P&lt;0.001). Pain during forward bending was also related to diminished back muscle (chi 2 =25.3, P&lt;0.001) and straight abdomina,l muscle (chi 2 = 21.2, P&lt;0.0(1) performanoe capacity. The prevalence of radiologically detectable lumbar disc degeneration was associated with restricted lumbar flexion (chi 2 = 20.2, P&lt;0.001). Comparison of the occurrence of restricted lumbar flexion and pain during forward bending to length of reinforcement work experience showed no relation I3fter adjustment for age. When reinforcement workers were compared to computer technicians, restricted lumbar flexion was equally common in both groups, while the occurrenoe of pain during forward bending was morecommon among reinforcement workers (chi 2 = 8.6, P&lt;0.01).

Diminished dynamic performance capacity of back and abdominal muscles in concrete reinforcement workers.

The dynamic performance capacoty of back and straight abdominal muscles was clinically examined examined in 295 male Finnish concrete reinforcement workers aged 19 to 64 years and engaged in heavy physical work including prolonged stooping. In 24% of the men both back and straight abdominal muscle performance capacity was reduced, in 18% only the capacity of the straight abdominal muscles, and in 4% only the performanoe of the back muscle. The prevalence of diminished trunk muscle performance capacity increased rapidly with age. Diminishhed back muscle performance capacity was associated with a history of sciatica (chi 2 = 16.9, P&lt;0.001) and diminished performance capacity of the straight abdominal muscles with a history of lumbago (chi 2 = 5.9, P&lt;0.02) after adjustment fur age. Diminished back muscle performance was assocated with backache (chi 2 = 16.9, P&lt;0.001) and sharp pain. In the back (chi 2 = 4.5, P&lt;0.05) during an ordinary workday, as was also dominished performanoe of the straight abdominal muscles (chi 2 = 23.8, P&lt;0.001 and chi 2 = 7.3, P&lt;0.01, respectively). No association between length of exposure to the back loads in reinforcement worikand the prevalence of dimfinished trunk muscle pedormance capacity could be established.