Lateral Abdominal Thickness Research Articles

Muscle thickness of lateral abdominal muscles in sitting and standing positions during abdominal drawing-in maneuver and abdominal bracing among healthy adults

Background: Spinal stabilization exercises, such as abdominal drawing maneuvers (ADIM) and abdominal bracing (AB), are crucial in alleviating low back pain, especially in functional positions such as sitting and standing. However, few studies have investigated the contraction patterns of the lateral abdominal muscles during ADIM and AB in these daily living positions (i.e., sitting and standing). Objective: The study aimed to investigate the thickness of transverse abdominis (TrA), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and external abdominal oblique (EO) during ADIM and AB between sitting and standing positions. Materials and methods: Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males, 12 females) without low back pain or other orthopedic conditions were assessed in sitting and standing positions while performing ADIM and AB. Real-time ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of the TrA, IO, and EO during the ADIM and AB. Results: Muscle thickness of TrA and IO was significantly greater during ADIM when compared to AB (p<0.05). TrA thickness during AB was significantly greater in sitting than standing (p<0.05), but ADIM showed no difference in both positions. ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in both sitting and standing positions. Conclusion: ADIM and AB can produce contraction of the LAM in both sitting and standing positions. However, ADIM can activate TrA and IO muscles better than AB. Therefore, clinicians may initially consider using ADIM to teach individuals who need core stability exercises such as low back pain.

Lateral Abdominal Muscles Thickness in Sitting and Standing Positions During Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver and Abdominal Bracing Among Chronic Low Back Pain Individuals

Lateral Abdominal Muscles Thickness in Sitting and Standing Positions During Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver and Abdominal Bracing Among Chronic Low Back Pain Individuals

Lateral abdominal muscle thickness and contractile function in women with and without stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) primarily results from the weakness of pelvic floor muscles, working synergistically with the abdominal muscles. The current study aimed to compare thickness and contractile function of lateral abdominal muscles in women with and without SUI. Thirty-nine women with SUI (SUI group; age: 38.87±8.96 years, body mass index (BMI): 24.03 (5.94) kg/m2) and 42 healthy women (control group; age: 36.21±11.46 years, BMI: 23.90 (5.85) kg/m2) were included. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscle thickness at rest and during abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) were measured with ultrasound imaging in B-mode using a Logiq S7/Expert device and a 9-11 MHz linear transducer. Percentage change in thickness and contractile function of these muscles were also calculated. No significant differences in the thickness of TrA and IO muscles at rest and during ADIM between the groups were found (p>0.05). The percent change in thickness and contractile function of both right and left side TrA muscles and the right side IO muscle were lower in SUI group than control group (p<0.05). The percentage change in thickness and the contractile function of the left side IO muscle did not change (p>0.05). Women with SUI had a smaller percentage change in thickness and contractile function of TrA and IO muscle than women without SUI. However, there was no difference in the morphological features of these muscles between the groups. Considering the lateral abdominal muscle, training may be important for management of SUI.

Lateral abdominal muscle thickness during breathing maneuvers in women with and without stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients predominantly experience involuntary leakage during respiratory functions that induce a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) such as coughing and sneezing. The abdominal muscles have an important role in the forced expiration and modulation of IAP. We hypothesized that SUI patients have different thickness changes in the abdominal muscles compared to healthy individuals during breathing maneuvers. This case-control study was conducted on 17 adult women with SUI and 20 continent women. Muscle thickness changes were measured by ultrasonography at the end of deep inspiration and expiration, and the expiratory phase of voluntary coughing for external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles. The percent thickness changes of muscles were used and analyzed with a two-way mixed ANOVA test and post-hoc pairwise comparison at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05). The percent thickness changes of TrA muscle were significantly lower in SUI patients at deep expiration (p<0.001, Cohen's d=2.055) and coughing (p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.691). While, percent thickness changes for EO (p=0.004, Cohen's d=0.996) and IO thickness (p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.784) were greater at deep expiration and deep inspiration, respectively. The percent thickness changes of abdominal muscles differed between women with and without SUI during breathing maneuvers. The present study provided information regarding the altered function of abdominal muscles during breathing maneuvers; therefore, it is important to consider the respiratory role of abdominal muscles for the rehabilitation of SUI patients.

Effect of Bridge Exercise Duration on Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Gluteus Maximus Activation.

Bridge exercises are extensively used in trunk-strengthening programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bridging duration on lateral abdominal muscle thickness and gluteus maximus activation. Cross-sectional. Twenty-five young males participated in this study. Transversus abdominal (TrA), external and internal oblique ultrasound thickness, gluteus maximus electromyographic activation, and sacral tilt angle were simultaneously measured for every second during 30-second bridging exercise. The contraction thickness ratio and root mean squared signal (normalized to maximum isometric contraction signal) during 6 exercise durations (from 0 to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30s) were also calculated and compared using analysis of variance designs. TrA and internal oblique contraction thickness ratio and gluteus maximus root mean squared increased during the first 8 to 10seconds and remained elevated until the end of the 30-second exercise (P < .05). External oblique contraction thickness ratio declined during exercise (P < .05). Five-second bridging showed less TrA thickness and anteroposterior and mediolateral sacral tilt angle and a lower anteroposterior tilt variability compared with bridges, which lasted more than 10seconds (P < .05). Bridge exercises longer than 10seconds may be better for promoting TrA recruitment than bridges of shorter duration. Clinicians and exercise specialists could adjust the duration of bridge exercise based on the aims of the exercise program.

Morphological alterations of the abdominal wall after open incisional hernia repair with endoscopic anterior and open posterior component separation.

Effects of component separation (CS) on abdominal wall morphology have only been investigated in smaller case series or cadavers. This study aimed to compare abdominal wall alterations following endoscopic anterior CS (EACS) or open transverse abdominis release (TAR). Computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients who had undergone open incisional hernia repair with EACS or TAR. Abdominal wall circumference, lateral abdominal wall muscle thickness, and displacement were compared with (1) preoperative images after bilateral CS and (2) the undivided side postoperatively after unilateral CS. In total, 105 patients were included. Fifty-five (52%) and 15 (14%) underwent bilateral and unilateral EACS, respectively. Five (5%) and 14 (13%) underwent bilateral and unilateral TAR, respectively. Sixteen (15%) underwent unilateral EACS and contralateral TAR. The external oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were significantly laterally displaced with a mean of 2.74cm (95% CI 2.29-3.19cm, P < 0.001) and 0.82cm (0.07-1.57cm, P = 0.032) after EACS and TAR, respectively. The combined thickness of the lateral muscles was significantly decreased after EACS (mean decrease 10.5% (5.8-15.6%, P < 0.001)) and insignificantly decreased after TAR (mean decrease 2.6% (-4.8 to 9.5%, P = 0.50)). The abdominal wall circumference was unchanged after bilateral (mean reduction 0.90cm (-0.77 to 2.58cm), P = 0.29) and unilateral CS (mean increase 0.03cm (-1.01 to 1.08cm), P = 0.95). Postoperative changes in the lateral abdominal wall musculature were different following EACS and open TAR. Either technique seems not to compromise the overall integrity of the lateral abdominal wall.

P-131 SHORT TERM RESULTS OF PREOPERATIVE TOXIN BOTULINUM A IN PREPARATION FOR ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract Aim to report short term outcomes of preoperative toxin botulinum A (TBA) in preparation for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Material and Methods Patient with a hernia width&amp;gt;10cm and/or loss of domain who underwent elective AWR from April 2021 through March 2022 were included. All patients received ultrasound-guided administration of 300 units of TBA prior the surgery. Outcomes of interest included: changes in hernia dimensions and CT-Scan volumetric measurements after treatment, rates of complete fascial closure, postoperative intraabdominal hypertension, unplanned readmission and hernia recurrence. Results Fifteen patients were included (53% males; mean age 61years, mean body mass index 28.9kg/m2). Median hernia width decreased by 2cm (before 15cm [IQR 14–18.5], after 13cm [IQR 10.3–15]; p=0.002) and median abdominal cavity volume increased by 1.4L (before 4.8L [IQR 3.8–11.1], after 6.2L [4.2–9.2]; p=0.594). Thickness of lateral abdominal wall muscles decreased (before 2cm [IQR 1.6–3], after 1.1cm [IQR 1–1.3]; p=0.008 and the Tanaka Index decreased (12% [IQR 3.6–24.2] and 5% [IQR 1.4–16.8]; p=0.066) Complete fascial closure was achieved in 13cases(87%). Three patients did not require component separation. Mean endotracheal pressure was 19mmHg. There were no intraabdominal hypertension. At a median 9months follow-up [range 6.2–11.5] wound morbidity rate was 20%(N=3), N=1 recurrence, N=1 unplanned readmission. Conclusions TBA promotes changes to the lateral abdominal wall with decrease on defect width and thickness of lateral muscles and increase in cavity volume and Tanaka index. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the clinical implication of preoperative TBA in preparation for AWR.

Evolution of Respiratory Muscles Thickness in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19.

Given the long ventilation times of patients with COVID-19 that can cause atrophy and contractile weakness of respiratory muscle fibers, assessment of changes at the bedside would be interesting. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the evolution of respiratory muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound. Adult (> 18 y old) patients admitted to the ICU who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were ventilated for < 24 h were consecutively included. The first ultrasound examination (diaphragm, rectus abdominis, and lateral abdominal wall muscles) was performed within 24 h of intubation and regarded as baseline measurement. After that, each following day an additional examination was performed, for a maximum of 8 examinations per subject. In total, 30 subjects were included, of which 11 showed ≥ 10% decrease in diaphragm thickness from baseline; 10 showed < 10% change, and 9 showed ≥ 10% increase from baseline. Symptom duration before intubation was highest in the decrease group (12 [11-14] d, P = .03). Total time ventilated within the first week was lowest in the increase group (156 [129-172] h, P = .03). Average initial diaphragm thickness was 1.4 (1.1-1.6) mm and did not differ from final average thickness (1.3 [1.1-1.5] mm, P = .54). The rectus abdominis did not show statistically significant changes, whereas lateral abdominal wall thickness decreased from 14 [10-16] mm at baseline to 11 [9-13] mm on the last day of mechanical ventilation (P = .08). Mixed-effect linear regression demonstrated an association of atrophy and neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA) use (P = .01). In ventilated subjects with COVID-19, overall no change in diaphragm thickness was observed. Subjects with decreased or unchanged thickness had a longer ventilation time than those with increased thickness. NMBA use was associated with decreased thickness. Rectus muscle thickness did not change over time, whereas lateral abdominal muscle thickness decreased but this change was not statistically significant.

Gender Differences in Ultrasound Imaging of Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Trunk Mobility

Gender Differences in Ultrasound Imaging of Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Trunk Mobility

Automated ultrasound measurements of lateral abdominal muscles under controlled breathing phases

Background and objectivesA breathing phase during ultrasound measurements of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAMs) are usually indirectly controlled by visual inspection of the position of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle. This is due to the lack of devices to directly control airflow that are connected to the ultrasound in order to automatically and simultaneously freeze ultrasound images at the programmed breathing phase. Such indirect control may be related with potential measurement error because LAMs are respiratory muscles. Thus, the aim of this study was to present a newly developed and automatic measurement procedure to directly control airflow and at the same time automatically collect ultrasound images at the programed breathing phase. Additionally, it was decided to compare LAMs measurements obtained manually by the examiner and with an external device controlling the peak phase of tidal inspiration and expiration and compare the elasticity and thickness measurements between tidal inspiration and expiration in young participants. MethodsThe study was carried out on 10 healthy youth. The thickness and shear modulus were measured by an Aixplorer ultrasound scanner. The measurements were obtained manually by the examiner and with a newly developed external device controlling the peak phases of tidal inspiration and expiration. ResultsA significant difference in external/internal oblique thickness between the expiration and inspiration phases depended on the measurement procedure. The TrA thickness was similar during inspiration and expiration. During inspiration, the TrA shear modulus was higher than during expiration, and the TrA shear modulus depended on the measurement procedure. ConclusionAlthough the raw LAMs thickness and external/internal oblique thickness/shear modulus data were similar, the measurement procedure may affect the interpretation of the results. The TrA shear modulus is the most vulnerable to errors related to the measurement procedure. Construction of this study device controlling airflow and automatically collecting ultrasound images at the selected breathing phase seems to be promising in future studies considering measurements of respiratory muscles in a strictly defined breathing phase.

Ultrasound Shear Modulus and Thickness of Lateral Abdominal Muscles in Different Contractile States in Relation To Self- Reported Hip/Groin Problems in Youth Soccer Players.

To date, no studies have assessed lateral abdominal muscles’ (LAM) elasticity and thickness in relation to hip and groin symptoms in any population. The objectives were to a) assess the relationship between LAM ultrasound measurements (elasticity and thickness) and self-reported subscales of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and b) compare LAM elasticity and thickness between asymptomatic and symptomatic sides. Shear modulus and thickness of the oblique external (OE), internal (OI) and transversus abdominis (TrA) muscles in 25 young soccer players were assessed at rest and during isometric contraction using ultrasound shear wave elastography. HAGOS subscales were used to assess self-reported hip/groin problems. There was a significant (p < 0.05) moderate correlation between allometric-scaled OI resting thickness (mean of right and left) and the Activities of Daily Living (r = 0.40), Sport (r = 0.57) and Quality of Life (QOL) (r = 0.41) HAGOS subscales. Also, a moderate significant correlation was found between allometric-scaled TrA resting thickness and the QOL subscale (r = 0.47). Moderate correlations were found between resting OI shear modulus and the QOL (r = 0.44), between right TrA shear modulus during contraction and Symptoms (r = 0.57), and between the left TrA shear modulus during contraction and Physical Activity (r = 0.41) subscales. No differences were found between the symptomatic and asymptomatic side in thickness and elasticity measurements among soccer players with unilateral symptoms (p > 0.05). The relationships found between LAM and hip/groin problems in youth male soccer players indicate that muscles are thinner and more elastic (less stiff) in more symptomatic athletes.

O50 ALTERATIONS IN THE ABDOMINAL WALL MUSCULATURE AFTER ENDOSCOPIC ANTERIOR AND OPEN POSTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION

Abstract Aim Effects of component separation (CS) on abdominal wall musculature have only been investigated in smaller case series. The study aimed to compare abdominal wall alterations following endoscopic anterior component separation (EACS) or transverse abdominis release (TAR). Material and Methods Computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients who underwent open ventral hernia repair with TAR or EACS. Lateral abdominal wall muscle thickness and displacement were compared with preoperative images after bilateral CS and the undivided side postoperatively after unilateral CS. Results In total, 105 patients were included. The mean defect width was 12.2 cm. Fifty-five (52%) and 15 (14%) underwent bilateral and unilateral EACS, respectively. Five (5%) and 14 (13%) underwent bilateral and unilateral TAR, respectively. Sixteen (15%) underwent unilateral EACS and contralateral TAR. Complete fascial closure was achieved in 103 (98%) patients. The external oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were significantly laterally displaced with a mean of 2.74 cm (95% CI 2.29-3.19 cm) and 0.82 cm (0.07-1.57 cm) after EACS and TAR, respectively. The combined thickness of the lateral muscles was significantly decreased after EACS (mean decrease 10.5% [5.8-15.6%]) and insignificantly decreased after TAR (mean decrease 2.6% [-4.8-9.5%]), mean reduction difference EACS versus TAR 0.22 cm (-0.01-0.46 cm). One (1%) patient developed an iatrogenic linea semilunaris hernia after EACS. The recurrence rate was 19% after mean 1.7 years follow-up. Conclusions The divided muscle was significantly more laterally displaced after EACS compared with TAR. The thickness of the lateral muscles was slightly decreased after EACS and unchanged after TAR.

Hip and knee frontal plane kinematics are not associated with lateral abdominal muscle thickness and trunk muscle endurance in healthy men and women

Hip and knee frontal plane kinematics are not associated with lateral abdominal muscle thickness and trunk muscle endurance in healthy men and women

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.

Shear wave elastography of the lateral abdominal muscles in C-shaped idiopathic scoliosis: a case\u2013control study

Considering that knowledge about lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is still very limited, the aims of this study were: (a) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped IS and non-scoliotic population; and (b) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar IS. A total of 259 adolescents were included in the final analysis; among these, 108 were IS and 151 were non-IS. LAM thickness and elasticity were measured at rest and during isometric contraction by an Aixplorer ultrasound scanner. Out of all LAM, only OE thickness was higher on the convex body side compared to the concave side in lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis. It may be related with muscle’s atrophy/hypertrophy or other tissues displacement rather than different force generated by the muscle on both body sides, because an asymmetry in the elasticity of the LAM between the convex and concave side was not presented. The only TrA was stiffer in lumbar scoliosis compared to thoracolumbar and thoracic scoliosis. LAM elasticity was similar in IS and non-IS adolescents.

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.

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.

Lateral Abdominal Muscle Symmetry And Risk Of Sports Injury In Baseball Players

Lateral abdominal muscles play a significant role in trunk control and rotation during baseball batting. Repetitive and unidirectional baseball batting could lead to asymmetric hypertrophy of lateral abdominal muscles. This adaptive change may subsequently impose abnormal loads on the spine and predispose baseball players to sports injury. No study has examined whether adolescent baseball players present lateral abdominal muscle asymmetry and its relationship with risk of sports injury. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the thickness of lateral abdominal muscles on both sides of the trunk, and to investigate whether asymmetry of lateral abdominal muscle thickness was correlated with risk of sports injury in high school baseball players METHODS: Fifteen position players from a high school baseball team (right-handed batting and throwing; aged 16.0 ± 1.1 years, height 172.6 ± 5.0 cm, weight 73.3 ± 10.8 kg) completed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) testing. B-mode ultrasound images were recorded from the external abdominal oblique (EO), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TA) at the end of expiration in the crook-lying position. The absolute thickness of each lateral abdominal muscle for both sides was determined and compared using paired t-tests. The relationship between the asymmetry ratio (difference between two sides expressed as a percent of the dominant side) and FMS composite score was analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The EO thickness was significantly greater in the dominant side than in the non-dominant side (6.85 ± 1.13 vs. 5.05 ± 1.46 mm, p < 0.001), and the TA thickness was significantly greater in the non-dominant side than in the dominant side (4.21 ± 0.85 vs. 3.49 ± 0.60 mm, p = 0.003). Only the asymmetry ratio of TA was significantly correlated with the FMS composite score (r = 0.54, p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: High school baseball players showed side-to-side thickness asymmetry in the EO and TA. The significant correlation between the TA asymmetry ratio and FMS composite score suggests an increased risk of sports injury. High school baseball teams should consider integrating TA training into players’ routine training program. Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST 108-2410-H-006-098)

The Relationship Between Low Back Pain Incidence and Ultrasound Assessment of Trunk Muscles in Adult Soccer Players: A Cohort Study

Background: Few studies have demonstrated the connection between trunk muscle thickness and low back pain (LBP) in athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to define whether the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) and lumbar multifidus (LM) are related to LBP incidence in elite male soccer players. Methods: In this short-term cohort study, 42 elite male soccer players from professional soccer teams were followed for a season. The muscle thickness of LAM and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LM were assessed. The relation between the incidence of LBP and the aforementioned factors was evaluated after the cohort study. Results: Thirty-seven participants completed the study, and seven participants (18.91%) experienced LBP during the follow-up period. No significant relationship was detected between LBP and the thickness of LAM and CSA of LM (P &gt; 0.05). None of the other variables had any relationship with LBP incidence (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The LAM thickness and CSA of LM during a resting position and drawing-in maneuver was found not to be directly related to LBP incidence in elite male soccer players in the short term. Assessing these muscles’ conditions in more functional positions could be considered for further research.

Intraindividual variation of the transversus abdominis plane block: an exploratory study in healthy volunteers

IntroductionThe transversus abdominis plane block is widely used in postoperative pain management after abdominal surgery. However, large interindividual variation in the cutaneous distribution area of the block has been demonstrated....