Abdominal Thickness Research Articles

The Effect of Maximal Expiration with Plank Exercise on Abdominal Muscle Thickness in Health Subjects

Objective: The research compares the muscle thickness change of abdominal muscles according to respiration in plank exercise. Method: The participants performed plank exercise with maximal expiration and natural breathing. The thickness of the transverse abdominis(TrA), internal oblique(IO), external oblique(EO) muscle were measured using ultrasonography. Results: The results indicated that maximal expiration resulted in significantly greater muscle thickness increases of the TrA, IO and EO than the natural breathing(p<.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that plank exercise combined with maximal expiration led to increases in the abdominal muscle thickness. These types of exercises may be useful in lumbar stabilization rehabilitation treatment.

Are There Any Differences in Abdominal Activation between Women and Men during Hypopressive Exercises?

This study analyzes the effects of hypopressive exercises on the abdominal thickness of healthy subjects and compares the performance between women and men. We conducted a transversal observational study in 98 subjects (63% women). The muscle thickness is analyzed in transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, and rectus abdominis with ultrasound imaging at rest and during the hypopressive exercise (HE) in supine and standing position. Comparisons between rest and hypopressive exercise are carried out in the two different positions and between women and men. In the supine position, there is a significant activation of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique during hypopressive exercise (p < 0.001), and it is similar in both sexes, the external oblique is only activated significantly by men (p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis had no significant activation (p > 0.05). Our results show that standing transversus abdominis and external oblique significantly increased their thickness during HE with higher effects in men. Internal oblique also increased significantly, but with higher effects in women, and rectus abdominis had no significant increase. Men had similar effects to women during HE, with an activation of the deepest abdominal muscles. The unequal anatomy and the position could explain the different results obtained between the sexes.

Interventional benefit of Pilates using Oov and mat on middle-aged women with lower urinary tract symptoms: emphasis on abdominal muscle thickness and muscular function.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been considered as clinically prevalent symptom in women, and can be ameliorated by the change of abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscle (PFM). This study investigated the efficacy of Pilates program using Oov and mat on the change of abdominal muscle thickness, PFM function, and LUTS clinical score. 53 women experiencing LUTS were randomly assigned to Oov Pilates exercise group (OPEG) (n=20), mat Pilates exercise group (MPEG) (n= 16), and symptomatic control group (SCG) (n=17), respectively, and two groups using Oov and mat participated in 8-week Pilates program. Thickness of abdominal muscle, functional movement of PFM, and LUTS clinical score were measured from all groups. Thickness of rectus abdominis, internal oblique abdominis, transversus abdominis was significantly improved in OPEG (P<0.05), however, MPEG showed a significant change only in transversus abdominis (P<0.05). In all abdominal muscles, OPEG had a significantly improved abdominal muscle thickness compared to SCG (P<0.05). Functional movement of PFM in OPEG was significantly decreased (P<0.005), but not in MPEG and SCG. In LUTS clinical score, OPEG and MPEG showed a significantly abated symptoms in degree of voiding-related symptoms and discomfort (P<0.005), but not in SCG. Our study highlighted that Pilates using Oov can be an effective intervention to ameliorate the quantitative quality of abdominal muscle thickness and PFM, which ultimately provides the satisfied self-clinical index in degree of voiding-related symptoms and discomfort.

Lateral Abdominal Muscles Shear Modulus and Thickness Measurements under Controlled Ultrasound Probe Compression by External Force Sensor: A Comparison and Reliability Study.

The aim of this study was to perform a reliability and agreement analysis and to compare lateral abdominal muscles (LAMs) thickness and elasticity results obtained by an experienced operator, by a non-experienced operator, and in an ultrasound imaging probe compression controlled (PCC) condition with minimal force necessary to obtain a proper ultrasound image. The sample consisted of 39 adolescents. An Aixplorer ultrasound scanner was used to evaluate the LAM. The probe in PCC condition was positioned in a prepared probe holder coupled with a pressure sensor. The LAM thickness and elasticity measurements were significantly (p < 0.05) different in the ultrasound PCC condition, compared to results obtained by both examiners. The abdominal oblique external and internal muscle thickness measurements were underestimated and all LAM shear moduli were overestimated during measurements without controlling the probe compression by an external sensor. The intra-class correlation coefficient was excellent in all conditions, but the smallest detectable differences were approximately 43–60% lower during the measurements collected in PCC condition. Differences in LAM measurements between PCC and ‘on-hand’ conditions may be clinically irrelevant when the force applied by the probe is consciously controlled by the examiner. However, during ultrasound measurements of the LAM morphology, the potential under/over estimation should always be considered when measurements are performed without controlling probe compression by an external sensor.

Ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness are associated with postmenstrual age at full oral feedings in preterm infants: A preliminary study.

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. 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. 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). 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.

Abdominal Muscle Use During Spontaneous Breathing and Cough in Patients Who Are Mechanically Ventilated: A Bi-center Ultrasound Study

Ultrasound may be useful to assess the structure, activity, and function of the abdominal muscles in patients who are mechanically ventilated. Does measurement of abdominal muscle thickening on ultrasound in patients who are mechanically ventilated provide clinically relevant information about abdominal muscle function and weaning outcomes? This study consisted of two parts, a physiological study conducted in healthy subjects and a prospective observational study in patients who were mechanically ventilated. Abdominal muscle thickness and thickening fraction were measured during cough and expiratory efforts in 20 healthy subjects, and prior to and during a spontaneous breathing trial in 57 patients being ventilated. In healthy subjects, internal oblique and rectus abdominis thickening fraction correlated with pressure generated during expiratory efforts (P< .001). In patients being ventilated, abdominal muscle thickness and thickening fraction were feasible to measure in all patients, and reproducibility was moderately acceptable. During a failed spontaneous breathing trial, thickening fraction of transversus abdominis and internal oblique increased substantially from baseline (13.2%[95%CI, 0.9-24.8] and 7.2%[95%CI, 2.2-13.2], respectively). The combined thickening fraction of transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and rectus abdominis measured during cough was associated with an increased risk of reintubation or reconnection to the ventilator following attempted liberation (OR, 2.1; 95%CI, 1.1-4.4 per 10%decrease in thickening fraction). Abdominal muscle thickening on ultrasound was correlated to the airway pressure generated by expiratory efforts. In patients who were mechanically ventilated, abdominal muscle ultrasound measurements are feasible and moderately reproducible. Among patients who passed a spontaneous breathing trial, reduced abdominal muscle thickening during cough was associated with a high risk of liberation failure. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03567564; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

A Deep Learning Localization Method for Measuring Abdominal Muscle Dimensions in Ultrasound Images.

Health professionals extensively use Two-Dimensional (2D) Ultrasound (US) videos and images to visualize and measure internal organs for various purposes including evaluation of muscle architectural changes. US images can be used to measure abdominal muscles dimensions for the diagnosis and creation of customized treatment plans for patients with Low Back Pain (LBP), however, they are difficult to interpret. Due to high variability, skilled professionals with specialized training are required to take measurements to avoid low intra-observer reliability. This variability stems from the challenging nature of accurately finding the correct spatial location of measurement endpoints in abdominal US images. In this paper, we use a Deep Learning (DL) approach to automate the measurement of the abdominal muscle thickness in 2D US images. By treating the problem as a localization task, we develop a modified Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) architecture to generate blobs of coordinate locations of measurement endpoints, similar to what a human operator does. We demonstrate that using the TrA400 US image dataset, our network achieves a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.3125 on the test set, which almost matches the performance of skilled ultrasound technicians. Our approach can facilitate next steps for automating the process of measurements in 2D US images, while reducing inter-observer as well as intra-observer variability for more effective clinical outcomes.

Ultrasound assessment of muscle mass in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in cardiovascular patients

Aim. To study the advantages of ultrasound versus anthropometric assessment of muscle mass for early diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients &gt;45 years of age.Material and methods. The study included 79 patients aged 4589 years with coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, class 1-3 obesity. Diagnosis of hypertension was carried out according to the European (2018) and Russian (2019) guidelines; CAD — according to Russian Society of Cardiology (2020) guidelines. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to 2010 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria and 2018 EWGSOP2 guidelines. Muscle mass (MM) was determined by two methods: 1 — by measuring the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) thickness using the ultrasound; 2 — by measuring the arm and lower leg circumference. Muscle strength was determined by wrist dynamometer. Muscle function was assessed using the 4-m gait speed test.Results. The study showed that in patients aged &gt;45 years admitted to the emergency cardiology department, the body mass index exceeded 25 kg/m2 in 88,6% of cases. The incidence of sarcopenia of varying severity was 55,7% (n=44). The differences in RAM thickness, arm and lower leg circumference between the groups of patients with/without sarcopenia were significant (p&lt;0,001), but were less than the threshold only for RAM thickness. RAM thickness levels progressively decreased with increasing severity of sarcopenia and significantly differed at all stages compared to patients without sarcopenia (p&lt;0,001), regardless of body mass index. A decrease in lower leg circumference below the threshold values determining a MM decrease was observed only in severe sarcopenia, and arm circumference — in both men and women only in severe sarcopenia. There were no significant differences for arm and lower leg circumference depending on sarcopenia stages in overweight and obese patients.Conclusion. MM assessment by measuring RAM thickness with ultrasound in comparison with the anthropometric method makes it possible to diagnose sarcopenia in patients &gt;45 years of age with cardiovascular diseases and obesity at earlier stages and to promptly recommend preventive measures.

The influence of rotational movement exercise on the abdominal muscle thickness and trunk mobility – Randomized control trial

BackgroundTrunk rotations are important functional movements which form the foundations of human motion pattern, especially in the functions of walking and running. They prevent the functional impairments and structural lesions resulting from axial overloading in static positions such as sitting. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotational movement training exercises on the abdominal muscle thickness and spinal mobility range. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. MethodsThe study involved 73 individuals aged 18–45. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (TG) comprised 40 people who performed rotational movement exercises over the period of 4 weeks (16 training sessions). In the control group (CG) the training was not applied. Changes in the thickness of selected abdominal muscles on ultrasound imaging were evaluated, as well as trunk mobility, based on the trunk lateral flexion test. ResultsThe analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the thickness of the abdominal internal (IO) (p < 0.05) and external oblique muscles (EO) (p < 0.001) in the study group (TG) between measurements I and II, and measurements I and III. A similar increase in the thickness was found in the summation measurement of TrA + IO + EO. Bilateral increase in the trunk lateral flexion range in the frontal plane has also been noted. ConclusionsRotational movement training of the trunk leads to an increase in the thickness of the abdominal oblique muscles. Rotational movement exercise training increases trunk mobility in the frontal plane.

Effect of preoperative graduated abdominal exercises and Russian stimulation on muscle strength after abdominoplasty: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives. To investigate the effect of preoperative graduated abdominal exercises and Russian stimulation on the strength of abdominal muscles after abdominoplasty. Methods. Sixty patients before abdominoplasty were enrolled in this study after the assessment of their eligibility, their age ranged from 20 to 45 years, they were randomly distributed into four equal groups. The ultrasonography was used to evaluate abdominal muscle thickness as an indicator for muscle strength on 4 occasions, initial assessment, pre-operative assessment, 2 Months post-operative assessment, and finally 4 Months post-operative assessment. For study group (A); received only graduated abdominal exercises, group (B); received only Russian stimulation on abdominal muscles, group (c); received graduated abdominal exercises and Russian stimulation on abdominal muscles, all participants in the study groups received the treatment protocol for 30 min., 3 times/week for 6 successive weeks preoperatively for control group (D); were instructed to presume in normal activities of daily living preoperatively. Results. Post-treatment findings, revealed a statistically significant increase in abdominal muscle strength preoperatively and postoperatively in the three study groups compared to the control group in favor of group C. Conclusion. The pre-operative graduated abdominal exercises and Russian current stimulation has a significant effect in strengthening abdominal muscles after abdominoplasty.

Clinical Impact of Portal Vein Distance on Computed Tomography for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Pancreatic fistulas remain a significant concern after pancreatectomy owing to the associated high risk of mortality and high costs. It is not possible to perform preoperative risk stratification for all patients. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the measurement of portal vein (PV) distance as a predictive indicator of pancreatic fistula development after pancreatoduodenectomy and compare it with the usefulness of other indicators such as body mass index (BMI), and abdominal fat area. Patient characteristics, preoperative laboratory data, radiographic findings, and their association with pancreatic fistula development after pancreatoduodenectomy were analyzed for 157 patients who underwent resection during 2011-2017. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPF) were defined as Grade B or C fistulas based on the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) 2016 consensus. CR-POPF developed in 38 patients (24.2%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that PV distance and BMI were potential candidates for predictive models for pancreatic fistula development, and small pancreatic duct diameter, diabetes mellitus development, and pathology of non-pancreatic cancers were independent factors for CR-POPF. When comparing the two risk models (PV distance- and BMI-based models), the PV distance-derived risk model was compatible to the BMI-based stratification models (area under the curve 0.831 vs. 0.830). PV distance was confirmed to be a useful risk predictor for CR-POPF. This research highlighted the efficacy of abdominal thickness measurement, which is simple and easily applicable in the clinical setting.

Rectus abdominis muscle thickness as a predictor of peritoneal catheter dysfunction in emergency-start peritoneal dialysis patients.

Percutaneous insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDc) is an alternative to open surgical techniques, and the anatomical characteristics of the abdominal wall may predict PDc dysfunction. We evaluated the role of rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) thickness as a predictor of PDc dysfunction. A prospective cohort of emergency-start PD patients (EmPD) who had their first percutaneous PDc insertion were included. PDc failure was defined as the removal of a PDc due to mechanical failure within the first 30 PD fluid exchanges. Clinical variables were recorded. The skin to parietal peritoneum depth and RAM thickness were determined by abdominal ultrasound. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to test associations between clinical parameters and PDc dysfunction. Over 6 months, 119 patients underwent PDc insertion; 73 (61.3%) were males, with a mean age of 46.0±17.8 years. The mean skin-to-peritoneum depth was 2.5±1.0 cm, the RAM thickness was 0.91±0.3 cm, and catheter implantation was successful in 116 (97.4%) patients. Insertion failed in 3 (2.5%) cases, and 30 (25.8%) patients presented with catheter dysfunction. Univariate analysis indicated that RAM thickness ≥1.0cm, skin-to-peritoneum depth >2.88cm, abdominal waist >92.5cm, and skin-to-RAM fascia distance >2.3cm were associated with PDc dysfunction; in multivariate logistic regression analysis, only greater RAM thickness remained a significant predictor (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.38 - 1.88, p<0.001). In EmPD patients, RAM thickness is associated with PDc dysfunction and could aid in identifying patients at risk for PDc dysfunction in emergency settings. Additional adequately powered studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The reliability of rehabilitative ultrasound to measure lateral abdominal muscle thickness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundVariations in rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) protocols may alter lateral abdominal muscle (LAM) thickness measurements. A standardised protocol is required for clinicians to accurately compare LAM thickness changes. ObjectiveIn healthy and lower back pain (LBP) populations, to assess the 1) overall reliability of RUSI to diagnose LAM thickness via meta-analysis, 2) reliability of ultrasound variables to diagnose LAM thickness via systematic review, and 3) propose a RUSI protocol for the LAM using variables associated with excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] >0.9). DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. MethodDatabases were searched from January 2000 for studies reporting the reliability of RUSI on the LAM at rest. Title, abstract and full-text screening were performed. Reference lists of reviews and included full-text articles were scanned for further articles. Study characteristic, ultrasound procedure and reliability data were extracted, and article quality assessed. Data was synthesised using meta-analysis to determine the overall reliability for RUSI in different subgroups; calculation of the mean ICCs and standard error of measurements of protocol variables; and narrative synthesis of protocols to contrast those of differing reliability. ResultsTwenty-seven articles, involving 884 participants were included. Reliability ranged from good-to-excellent (ICC 0.859–0.958) in all subgroups. Protocols ranged in subject selection and position, examiner experience, transducer position with the comprehensiveness of protocol description the main limitation of the reviewed literature. Based on the findings an ultrasound protocol was proposed. ConclusionsRUSI variables for the LAM at rest show moderate-to-excellent reliability; future research should explore reliability following the proposed protocol.

Breathing Exercise Called the Maximal Abdominal Contraction Maneuver.

Background and objectives: The maximal abdominal contraction maneuver (MACM) was designed as an effective and efficient breathing exercise to increase the stability of the spinal joint. However, it has not been determined whether MACM is more effective and efficient than the maximal expiration method. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate whole abdominal muscle thickness changes after MACM. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (17 males and 13 females) participated in this study. An experimental comparison between MACM and the maximal expiration task was conducted by measuring the change of abdominal muscle thickness such as the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO) and rectus abdominis (RA) using ultrasound images. Results: The results indicated that MACM resulted in significantly greater muscle thickness increases of the TrA and RA than the maximal expiration exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MACM provided better exercise than the maximal expiration exercise in terms of increasing spine stability, at least from a co-contraction perspective.

Recovery of Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Contractile Function in Women after Childbirth.

Abdominal muscles may be both morphologically and functionally affected by pregnancy. Dysfunction of the muscles can lead to persistent postpartum low back pain. The recovery process of the abdominal muscles following childbirth is not well understood. This study aimed to demonstrate the changes in the thickness and contractile function of abdominal muscles during the first six months postpartum. Nine perinatal and 15 nulliparous females participated. The thicknesses and contraction/relaxation thickness ratios of the rectus abdominis (RA), external abdominal oblique (EO), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were measured using ultrasound images from 36–39 weeks’ gestation until six months postpartum. The RA, IO, and TrA muscles were thinner in perinatal females than controls at 36–39 weeks of gestation (4.8 vs. 9.47 mm (RA), 5.45 vs. 7.73 mm (IO), 2.56 vs. 3.38 mm (TrA), respectively). The thinner IO muscle persisted for six months after delivery. The decreased TrA thickness ratio persisted until four months post-delivery. Abdominal muscle thickness and contractile function decreased in the postpartum period. Therefore, abdominal muscle exercises might help prevent postpartum symptoms; however, because deterioration of muscle function is significant in the first four months, careful attention should be paid to exercise intensity. The study limitation was a relatively small sample size, thus future studies should involve more participants.

Effects of progressive neuromuscular stabilization exercise on the support surface on patients with high obesity with lumbar instability: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background:Intensive neuromuscular stabilization exercise on highly obese patients with low back pain results in positive effects of body fat decline and prevention of complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of progressive neuromuscular stabilization exercise on unstable surface on pain, motor function, psychosocial factors, balance, and abdominal contraction with highly obese patients with lumbar instability.Methods:This study is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. A total of 46 highly obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) with lumbar instability were assigned randomly to experimental group (n = 23) and control group (n = 23). The control group performed the intensive progressive exercise on a stable surface and the experimental group on an unstable surface.Result:Significant differences were shown for BMI, QVAS, K-ODI, FABQ, and balance ability for both groups before and after the intervention (P < .05), and only the experimental group showed significant difference for transverse abdominis muscle thickness in contraction and contraction rate (P < .05). Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant difference (P < .05) in the amount of changes for QVAS, K-ODI, balance ability, transverse abdominis muscle thickness in contraction, and contraction rate.Conclusion:Progressive neuromuscular stabilization exercise program on unstable surfaces demonstrated to be an effective and clinically useful method to decrease pain level, increase motor function, balance, and transverse abdominis muscle thickness in contraction and contraction rate for highly obese patients with lumbar instability.

The effects of abdominal hollowing and bracing on abdominal muscle thicknesses and pelvic rotation during active straight leg raise

BACKGROUND: Active straight leg-raise (ASLR) is often performed to strengthen abdominal muscles. The correct execution and maximum benefit of the ASLR can be achieved using abdominal hollowing (AH) and abdominal bracing (AB) exercises. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of AH and AB on transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) thicknesses, as well as on the pelvic rotation angle, in healthy women during active ASLR. METHODS: The participants in this study were assigned randomly to either the AH (n= 15) or AB groups (n= 15). During ASLR, abdominal muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound and pelvic rotation was measured using a Smart KEMA device. Each trial was repeated three times for 5 s each. RESULTS: The thickness of the TrA was significantly greater during ASLR with AH than during ASLR with AB (p&lt; 0.001). In contrast, there was no respective significant change in the thickness of the EO (p&gt; 0.311) or IO (p&gt; 0.818). Pelvic rotation angle was significantly reduced during ASLR with AB, compared with ASLR with AH (p&lt; 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that AH be performed for the selective contraction of TrA during ASLR, and that AB be performed for the prevention of the pelvic rotation during ASLR. Therefore, AH and AB should be separately done in stabilization exercises.

Effects of inner muscle resistance exercise on stress urinary incontinence: a randomized clinical controlled trial.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of co-contraction resistance exercises of the transverse abdominal and pelvic floor muscles in middle-aged females with stress urinary incontinence. [Participants and Methods] We included 32 females with stress urinary incontinence and divided them into two groups: the inner muscle training group and the pelvic floor muscle group. The thickness of the transverse abdominal muscle was measured during four tasks: (1) rest, (2) maximum contraction of the transverse abdominal muscle, (3) maximum contraction of the pelvic floor muscle, and (4) maximum co-contraction of the transverse abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. In the latter three tasks, measurements were obtained while the participants performed resistance movements using a Thera-band®. A home program was conducted in both groups, and the intervention lasted for 8 weeks. [Results] The cure rates for SUI were 87.5% and 68.8% in the inner muscle training and pelvic floor muscle groups, respectively. After the intervention, the thickness of the transverse abdominal muscle significantly increased in the inner muscle training groups performing maximum co-contraction of the transverse abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and maximum contraction of the transverse abdominal muscle. [Conclusion] Inner muscle training exercises are more effective than pelvic floor muscle exercises in improving inner muscle function and urinary incontinence in middle-aged females.

Erken/Hafif Evre Multipl Skleroz Hastalarında Karın Kasları Sertliğinin ve Kalınlığının Araştırılması: Birincil Çalışma

Objective: Loss of strength in abdominal muscles causes functional problems. Morphological features such as thickness and stiffness of the muscle give an idea about muscle strength. The morphological features of the abdominal muscles of early/mild multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are unknown. The study aimed to compare the thickness and stiffness of the abdominal muscles of early/mild MS patients with healthy individuals. Material and Methods: Seventeen patients with MS between the ages of 19-56 years and 17 healthy individuals between the ages of 22-50 years participated in this study. The disability level was determined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Thickness and stiffness of lateral abdominal muscles consisting of external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TrA) muscles were evaluated with ACUSON S3000 (Siemens Medical Solution, Mountain Wiew, CA, USA) ultrasonography device using linear ultrasonography probe (9L4, 4-9 MHz). The stiffness measurements of the muscles were evaluated by shear wave elastography (SWE) method. Results: The thickness of the IO (p=0.892), EO (p=0.260), and TrA (p=0.865) muscles were similar in both groups. In addition, IO (p=0.317), EO (p=0.357), TrA (p=0.573) muscle stiffness were found to be similar in both groups. Conclusion: In early / mild MS patients, the thickness and stiffness of the IO, EO and TrA muscles were similar to healthy individuals. There was no change in the morphological features of the lateral abdominal muscles of early/mild MS patients.

Effects of Posture Differences on the Thickness of Abdominal Trunk Muscles in the Final Range of Continuous Vocalization

Effects of Posture Differences on the Thickness of Abdominal Trunk Muscles in the Final Range of Continuous Vocalization