Muscle In Women Research Articles

Fibularis tertius muscle in women & men: A surface anatomy cross-sectional study across countries.

The fibularis tertius muscle (FTM) is a rare anatomic variation. The prevalence of this exclusively human structure, which is found in the anterior compartment of the leg, is often underestimated, and it is believed that foot and ankle conditions are more difficult to manage in patients with an FTM. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of the FTM palpation and determine whether its presence is associated with an individual’s sex, because the exact prevalence in males and females is unclear. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. The study included 481 people (23.49% men and 76.51% women) with a mean age of 23.51±5.369 years, who were recruited from a Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Clinic (Spain). Data on routine demographic and clinical factors were recorded, and the presence or absence of the FTM was determined based on surface visual or palpated localization of the tendon (using a consistent protocol). The FTM was present in 38.25% (184/481) of the participants. Furthermore, FTM were present in 38.6% (142/481) of females and 37.2% (42/481) of males. The study revealed that the presence of the FTM varies between individuals and does not depend on an individual’s sex. Significant differences in the prevalence of the FTM between countries should be carefully evaluated rather than generalizing the results of this Spanish study to other non-Spanish populations. Larger numbers of participants should be enrolled in future studies in order to meet the statistical criteria.

Genital-Sparing Cystectomy versus Standard Urethral-Sparing Cystectomy Followed with Orthotopic Neobladder in Women with Bladder Cancer: Incidence and Causes of Hypercontinence with an Ultrastructure Study of Urethral Smooth Muscles.

BACKGROUND:Bladder cancer in women is an indication for radical cystectomy (RC) when the tumour is confined muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) of T2 N0M0, or high risk progressive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Radical cystectomy is either genital-sparing cystectomy (GSC) or standard urethra-sparing cystectomy (USC) that is followed with orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB). Post-operative chronic retention “Hypercontinence” had been reported in different series following URS or GSC and ONB. In long-term follow-up, we evaluated the functional outcome of women who developed hypercontinence after USC or GSC and ONB.AIM:An ultrastructure study of female urethral smooth muscle was done to elucidate the underlying causes of hypercontinence.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Retrospective study was conducted on 71 women who underwent RC and ONB, 45women had undergone USC, and 26 women had GSC, follow-up ranged from 5 to 15 years. Ultrastructure studies were done on 5 urethral biopsy specimens from 5 women who had hypercontinence, and 4 biopsies were from a normal control.RESULTS:Follow-up showed that women who had undergone USC and ONB, 28.88% developed hypercontinence, where in the series of GSC and ONB three women out of 26 developed hypercontinence (7.80%). Three women who had hypercontinence following USC and ONB, they developed stones in the ileal pouch. Ultrastructure study of urethral smooth muscles in women who had hypercontinence showed organized collagen fibrils, absent myelin sheath, and non-detected lymphatic vessels. Normal urethra showed collagen fibrils within the interstitial matrix, preserved myelin sheath of nerve fibres, the presence of lymphatic vessels in the matrix.CONCLUSION:The present study shoes that GSC with ONB leads to the minimal incidence of hypercontinence (7.80%), while standard USC lead to higher incidence (28.88%). Ultrastructure changes of the female urethra who had hypercontinence were fibrotic changes, loss of myelin sheath and minimal vascularity, their findings explains the underlying cause of hypercontinence and support the technique of GSC rather than the standard USC.

Activity of Deep and Superficial Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women in Response to Different Verbal Instructions: A Preliminary Investigation Using a Novel Electromyography Electrode

IntroductionVerbal instructions are used clinically to encourage activation of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Whether separate layers of PFM activate differently in response to instructions remains unknown. AimTo test the hypotheses that (i) instructions that aimed to bias activity of a specific muscle layer would increase activation of the targeted layer to a greater extent than the other layer, (ii) activity of individual PFM layers would differ between instructions, and (iii) PFM activity would be symmetrical for all instructions. MethodPFM electromyography (EMG) was recorded using custom-designed surface electrodes in 12 women without PFM dysfunction. The electrode included 4 pairs of recording surfaces orientated to measure EMG from deep and superficial PFM on each side. 3 submaximal contractions were performed for 5 seconds in response to 7 verbal instructions. Root-mean-squared EMG amplitude was calculated for 1 second during the period when participants most closely matched the target activation level. A repeated-measures anova was used to test whether PFM EMG differed between instructions and between regions. The EMG increase of individual muscles relative to that of the reference muscle [deep/right PFM] was compared to no change with t-tests for single samples. Main Outcome MeasurePFM EMG amplitude. ResultsSuperficial PFM EMG was greater than deep PFM for all instructions (P = .039). 2 instructions induced the greatest amplitude of EMG for the superficial PFM: “squeeze the muscles around the vaginal opening as if to purse lips of your mouth” and “draw the clitoris in a posterior direction” (P = .036). Asymmetry was found in the deeper PFM in 3 instructions designed to bias the superficial PFM. Strength & LimitationsThis preliminary study recorded activation of deep and superficial PFM layers in females with a custom-designed novel electrode. Some cross-talk of recording between muscle layers is possible but unlikely to impact the major findings. ConclusionVerbal instructions used to teach PFM contractions can influence their pattern of activity. This study provides preliminary evidence that, in a selection of verbal instructions, the superficial PFM activates more than the deep PFM, and that the deep PFM can have asymmetrical activation.Aljuraifani R, Stafford RE, Hall LM, et al. Activity of Deep and Superficial Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women in Response to Different Verbal Instructions: A Preliminary Investigation Using a Novel Electromyography Electrode J Sex Med 2019;16:673–679.

Anatomic and functional evaluation of the levator ani muscle after an obstetric anal sphincter injury.

To study the relationship between symptoms of anal incontinence (AI) and the anatomy and functionality of the levator ani muscle in women with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). This is a cohort study including patients with OASI from 2013 to 2016. Patients were assessed by a physical examination, endoanal ultrasound using Starck Scale, perineometry and 4D transperineal ultrasound. AI in all patients was measured with the Wexner scale. Correlation between variables has been analyzed in these patients. 72 patients were analyzed: 28 with a IIIA degree tear, 26 with a IIIB, 13 with a IIIC and 5 with a IV. 38 patients showed a residual anal sphincter (AS) defect on endoanal ultrasound with an average Starck score of 6.5 ± 3.7. 21 patients expressed AI, withan average Wexner score of 4.1 ± 2.4. In 27 (37.5%) patients, a levator ani avulsion was observed: 17 unilateral and 10 bilateral. Patients with a levator ani defect had weaker pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. These differences were statistically significant with perineometry (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03) but not for the Oxford test (p = 0.08). Patients with a residual AS defect as well as an injury to the levator ani muscle expressed greater AI symptomatology than patients with residual sphincter injury who maintain the integrity of the levator ani: Wexner 4.9 0.9 vs 3.3 1 (p = 0.02). The PFM has correlation with AI symptom development in patients with a history of OASI. Therefore, we suggest a key role of anatomical and functional assessments of the levator ani muscle in these patients.

Modern methods of assessing function and strength ofpelvic muscles in women

Objective: to provide an overview of modern methods for assessing the function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles in women available for clinical practice. The main provisions. Foreign and domestic sources found in free access Internet databases were analyzed. Visual observation, palpation, perineometry, electromyography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging measure various aspects of the function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Perineometry allows you to accurately measure the force of contractions of the pelvic floor muscles and is an easy and affordable way. Oxford vaginal palpation technologies, biofeedback devices, and ultrasound can be important clinical tools in the practice of a physician to quantify dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Conclusion. The obtained data on methods for assessing the function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles indicate the need for perineometry in clinical practice for the timely diagnosis of pelvic floor insufficiency, which will allow choosing the right rehabilitation method for women of different age groups.

Methodological approaches to botulinum toxin for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, vaginismus, and vulvar pain disorders.

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is increasingly used for pain, especially with muscle spasm. We describe our methodology for BoNT treatment of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women and place it in the context of the literature on techniques for this use. Databases were searched using terms "botulinum toxin," "pelvic pain," and "vaginismus." Reports on vaginismus/vulvodynia/vestibulodynia (included if pelvic floor muscles were injected) were grouped as "vaginismus/vulvar pain disorders" (V/VPD). We analyzed the type of report, condition, toxin serotype/brand, dose/dilution, muscle selection, guidance technique, and anesthesia. Publications from the same authors without unique information were combined for specific analyses. Thirty-eight reports had analyzable information; many lacked complete information. Most were open-label prospective reports; there were four technical reports, one randomized comparison of doses and one placebo-controlled study of efficacy. Pelvic floor muscles were approached transvaginally, transperineally or transgluteally. BoNT brand/dose/dilution varied widely. Muscle localization techniques included anatomical landmarks only, electromyography, electrical stimulation with/without ultrasound, and fluoroscopy/CT scanning. Papers discussing analgesia utilized general anesthesia, conscious sedation with/without topical/local anesthesia, topical/local agent alone or pudendal block before or after injection. Cumulatively, 58-100% of patients with CPP and 71-100% of those with V/VPD improved. Serious adverse events (transient fecal incontinence/constipation, urinary incontinence/retention) were more frequent with higher doses. BoNT can be safely and tolerably injected into pelvic floor muscles in women as an out-patient procedure. This study identifies methodological factors to be considered in future studies and the critical need for high-quality clinical trials for this emerging treatment.

Inglês

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as one of the pillars of the therapeutic modalities forthe gain of muscle strength. Objective: To evaluate the strength gain in the elbow flexor muscles in women after the use of NMES.Materials and Methods: 17 women were selected, randomically separated in 2 groups, (Russian Current and Aussie Current).Aussie current was used with the carrier current parameters of 1000Hz, frequency modulated 50Hz, burst of 2 milliseconds andfor the Russian carrier current it was used 2,500 Hz, modulated frequency of 50 Hz, phase (cycle) of 50% both with up and downparameters of 2 seconds, ON and OFF time of 20 seconds, for a total time of 20 minutes in the brachial triceps muscle, withsufficient intensity to provide visible and tolerable muscular contraction, for a period of 5 weeks. The strength measurement wasdone by means of a portable dynamometer. Results: The paired t-test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis andthe significance level of p = 0.05 was considered. There was an increase in muscle strength in both stimulated arms, with themean gain in the Aussie group being 10.5 pounds and in the Russian Current group of 14.5 pounds, but there was no statisticallysignificant difference between the electric currents. Conclusion: The two currents were effective in gaining muscle strength andthere was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of them, but the groups were different as to the force at the timepre-stimulation.

Comparison of the effects of stability exercise and balance exercise on muscle activity in female patients with chronic low back pain.

Stability exercise (SE) and balance exercise (BE) are generally-applied clinical interventions for back pain. For a proper clinical application, it is necessary to characterize and compare the effects of SE and BE on low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of SE and BE on the activity of trunk muscles in women with chronic LBP. Women with chronic LBP (n=30) who volunteered for this study were randomly divided into two exercise groups of 15 participants. We obtained pre- and postintervention data through application of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and electromyography (EMG). While post-intervention EMG showed decreased activity of the external oblique (EO) in the SE group, the EMG results in the BE group showed increased EO activity (P<0.05). Both groups had increased muscle activity of the erector spinae (P<0.05). Both groups showed significant reductions on the VAS and ODI (P<0.05). Both SE and BE were effective in reducing pain in the study participants. The decrease in EO muscle activity in the SE group seems to be due to the SE inducing cocontraction and distributing the role of the EO to other muscles. In contrast, EO muscle activity was increased in the BE group. It appears that the EO is important in maintaining the center of gravity and base of support during BE. The role of EO seems to maintain trunk stability as it increases muscle activity of EO.

Sex-specific effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on bone mineral density and body composition: A pooled analysis of four clinical trials.

Studies of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) therapy in older adults suggest sex-specific effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition, but the ability of a single study to reach this conclusion was limited. We evaluated the effects of DHEA on sex hormones, BMD, fat mass and fat-free mass in older women and men enrolled in four similar clinical trials. Pooled analyses of data from four double-blinded, randomized controlled trials. Women (n=295) and men (n=290) aged 55years or older who took DHEA or placebo tablet daily for 12months. Twelve-month changes in BMD, fat mass, fat-free mass and serum DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), (17)estradiol, testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Women on DHEA had increases (mean±SD; all P<0.001 vs placebo) in DHEAS (231±164µg/dL), testosterone (18.6±20.9µg/dL), (17)estradiol (8.7±11.0pg/mL) and IGF-1 (25.1±52.3ng/mL), and men had increases in DHEAS (269.0±177µg/dL; P<0.01), (17)estradiol (4.8±12.2pg/m; P<0.01) and IGF-1 (6.3±41.4ng/mL; P<0.05). Women on DHEA had increases in lumbar spine (1.0%±3.4%) and trochanter (0.5%±3.8%) BMD and maintained total hip BMD (0.0%±2.8%); men had no BMD benefit and a decrease in fat mass (-0.4±2.6kg; all P<0.01 vs placebo). Dehydroepiandrosterone therapy may be an effective approach for preserving bone and muscle mass in women. Key questions are (a) the extent to which longer duration DHEA can attenuate the loss of bone and muscle in women, and (b) whether DHEA has a more favourable benefit-to-risk profile for women than oestrogen therapy.

پاسخ ساختاری عضلات شکمی به شش هفته تمرین تقویتی در زنان مبتلا به دیاستازیس رکتی

مقدمه: به فاصله گرفتن دو بخش عضله راست شکمی بیش از 2 تا 7/2 سانتی‌متر، دیاستازیس رکتی گفته می‌شود که می‌تواند فعالیت‌های شکمی مانند تنفس، ادرار کردن و زایمان را تحت تأثیر قرار دهد و ممکن است وضعیت بدنی را تغییر دهد و ناحیه کمری لگنی را مستعد آسیب نماید. با توجه به اهمیت تمرین درمانی در درمان دیاستازیس رکتی، مطالعه حاضر با هدف بررسی تأثیر تمرینات تقویتی عضلات مایل شکم بر فاصله دو عضله راست شکمی و ضخامت عضلات شکمی در زنان مبتلا به دیاستازیس رکتی انجام گرفت. روش‌کار: این مطالعه کارآزمایی بالینی تصادفی شده دارای گروه کنترل‌ در پاییز و زمستان سال 1396 بر روی 32 نفر از زنانی که 6 ماه از زایمانشان گذشته و مبتلا به دیاستازیس رکتی بوده و به درمانگاه فیزیوتراپی حضرت زینب شهرستان نور ارجاع داده ‌شده بودند، انجام شد. فاصله دو بالک عضله راست شکمی و ضخامت عضلات شکم در حالت استراحت قبل از مداخله توسط سونوگرافی تعیین شد. در گروه مداخله، تمرین تقویتی عضلات مایل به مدت 6 هفته در منزل انجام گرفت. گروه کنترل تمرین خاصی انجام نداد. بعد از 6 هفته مجددا سونوگرافی برای تعیین فاصله دو بالک عضله راست شکمی و ضخامت عضلات شکم در وضعیت استراحت انجام گرفت. تجزیه ‌و تحلیل داده‌ها با استفاده از نرم‌افزار آماری SPSS(نسخه 22) و آزمون‌های تی تست، من‌ویتنی، پیرد تی تست و ویلکاکسون انجام شد. میزان pکمتر یا مساوی 05/0 معنی‌دار در نظر گرفته شد. یافته‌ها: فاصله دو بالک عضله راست شکمی بعد از 6 هفته تمرین در گروه مداخله کاهش معناداری نشان داد (بالای ناف 001/0=p، پایین ناف 03/0=p). ضخامت عضلات مایل داخلی و خارجی و عضلات عرضی شکمی دوطرف بعد از 6 هفته در گروه مداخله افزایش معناداری داشت (05/0p<). در گروه کنترل فاصله دو بالک عضله راست شکمی و ضخامت عضلات شکمی تغییر معنی‌داری نداشت. نتیجه‌گیری: تمرینات تقویتی عضلات مایل شکم فاصله دو بالک عضله راست شکمی را کاهش داده و ضخامت عضلات مایل و عضلات عرضی شکم را در زنان مبتلا به دیاستاز رکتی افزایش می­دهد.

The effects of six weeks of Core stabilization exercise on pain, Functional disability and Isometric strength of the trunk and lower extremities Muscle in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Abstract Background and Aim: The knee joint is most common of region for injury and musculoskeletal disorders in lower extremity. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is as a common cause of knee pain in subjects. The purpose of present study was to assess the effect of core stabilization exercises on pain, functional disability andstrength of muscles of thelower Extremity and trunk in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Materials and Methods: Subjects in this study were 20 female with patellofemoral pain syndrome participated. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. 10 Subjects in the experimental group (age 32.13±1.95 yr, height 169.00±7.59 cm, weight 65.50±6.80 kg) and 10 Subjects in the control group (age 31.25±1.58 yr, height 170.00±7.46 cm, weight 67.50±14.39 kg) participated in this study. Then experimental group performed exercises for 6 weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questioners were used to measure rate of functional disability and pain pre and post six weeks in both groups. also was used the dynamometer for measure isometric strength pre and post six weeks. Data using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t test to compare scores at pre-test and post hoc t test to compare pre- and post-test scores) were analyzed. Results: The results showed that Core stabilization exercises has a significant effect on pain reduction in experimental compared with control group (p= 0.003). The mean score of disability test also showed significant improvement in experimental compared with control group (p= 0.001). Also, the results showed that Isometric strenghtening trunk flexor (p= 0.005) and extensor (p= 0.036), hip flexor (p= 0.001) and extensor (p= 0.001), hip abductor (p= 0.001) external rotator (p= 0.019), knee flexor (p= 0.001) and extensor muscles (p= 0.001) improved significantly compared with control group. Conclusion: According to results of this study, core stabilization exercises can reduce pain and improved disability and muscles isometric strength in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Experience of application of the method of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy in the complex treatment of stress urine continuity in women

Background. The article presents the results of applying the method of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy in the complex treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women.&#x0D; Aim. To study and scientifically use the method of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy in the complex treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Research Objective: To study the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy on the manifestations of urinary incontinence by assessing the ability of urinary retention (by the number of absorbent pads used) and quality of life according to the questionnaire of the International Council of Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-SF) in women with stress urinary incontinence.&#x0D; Methods. The study included 40 women whose average age was 53.6 4.8 years with stress incontinence; the disease duration was 5.6 1.1 years, which were divided into 2 groups comparable by clinical and functional characteristics, the main 20 patients who underwent a course of WIFEM therapy, consisting of 67 procedures, which were carried out 23 once a week, the duration of each procedure was 28 minutes and the control ― 20 patients who underwent a course of exercises according to Kegel, daily, for a course of&#x0D; 20 lessons.&#x0D; Results. As a result of the study, it was shown that high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy has a pronounced myostimulating effect on the pelvic floor muscles in women with stress urinary incontinence, which helps to strengthen control over urinary retention, a significant reduction and even complete disappearance of symptoms of urinary incontinence, and an increase in the psycho-emotional background and quality of life in general, as evidenced by a test to determine the amount of absorbent pads used and questionnaire data and for urinary incontinence (ICIQ-SF).&#x0D; Conclusion. High-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy has a pronounced myostimulating effect on the pelvic floor muscles in women with stress urinary incontinence, which contributes to increased control over urinary retention, a significant decrease or even complete disappearance of symptoms of incontinence, as well as an increase in psycho-emotional background and quality of life in general.

TERMINOLOGY VIEW AT LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE VIA HISTORICAL AND MODERN CONCEPTION

Aim - to analyze and summarize the literature data of levator ani muscle, using the terminological approach. Materials and methods. We used literature in anatomy, biology with levator ani muscle description included Medline/Pubmed resources guide. Results. We found 18 terms determined levator ani muscle components in literature. The terms were used to describe diseases, perineal muscles, fascia and pelvic ligaments associated with urinary and fecal incontinence, traumatic injuries during labor in women, operative access to pelvic organs in men with surgical interventions for radical prostatectomy and rectum extirpation. We illustrated schematically levator ani muscle in men and women, supplementing the study by dissecting the perineal region in 3 men and 2 women. The terms defining the components of levator ani muscle in women are following: m. puboperinealis, m. pubovaginalis, m. puboanalis - united in m. pubovisceralis; m. pubococcygeus, m. iliococcygeus. In men, levatorani muscle is represented by the following components: m. puboprostaticus (m. levator prostatae), m. puboperinealis, m. puboanalis, m. puborectalis, m. pubococcygeus, m. iliococcygeus.

Fatigability of the Lumbopelvic Stabilizing Muscles in Women 8 and 26 Weeks Postpartum.

Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with lumbopelvic pain and instability. Fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles after childbirth is unknown, and no clinical tests exist to assess this important metric of muscle function. To compare fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles in postpartum and nulligravid (control) women using the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) Fatigue Task, and to determine if fatigability is associated with inter-recti distance (IRD), physical function, and pain/disability. Longitudinal case-control study. Twenty-nine nulligravid (25.4 ± 9.1 years) and 31 postpartum women (31.4 ± 5.2 years; vaginal delivery n=18) were tested at two time points, 16 weeks apart (postpartum women tested at 8-10 and 24-26 weeks postpartum). Muscular function was assessed with manual muscle testing (MMT), the ASLR Test, and a new ASLR Fatigue Task. Other measures included IRD, rectus abdominis thickness, physical activity, and six-minute walk distance. Postpartum women were 23% more fatigable (p=0.028) and were weaker (MMT) (p<0.001) than controls up to 26 weeks postpartum. The ASLR fatigue task (time-to-failure) was associated with smaller IRD, greater rectus abdominis thickness, higher physical activity levels, greater MMT strength, and further distance walked in six minutes (p<0.05). Postpartum women (up to 6 months) had greater fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles and lower physical function than nulligravid women, suggesting core muscle function and fatigability should be assessed after pregnancy and childbirth. The ASLR Fatigue Task could be a clinically useful tool to determine fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles in women postpartum.

Effect of six-week intervention program on postural stability measures and muscle coactivation in senior-aged women.

ObjectiveThe objective involved the analysis of the efficiency of the Program of Movement Recreation of Elderly People (PMREP) exercise program expressed in terms of the stabilography measures and coactivation of muscles in women in the age group of 60–70 years. The assumption that was assumed stems from theoretical implications that the adequate postural stability is manifested in the decrease of the body sways measured by means of a force plate.Materials and methodsThe study involved a group of 60 females, all members of the active seniors’ association. The subjects were in the age range from 60 to 70 years. The subjects were divided into 2 groups of equal size: control and experimental. Subjects in both groups participated in the rehabilitation exercises: experimental (n=16, PMREP – twice a week/60 minutes), control (n=27, PMREP – only once a week/60 minutes).ResultsThe study demonstrated that the completion of a 6-week PMREP program resulted in a decrease in the variability and velocity as well as indicators representing center of pressure displacement measured in the feet for the exercises performed with closed eyes with subjects standing on a high foam pad located on a force plate (P=0.001). No significant changes in coactivation of the calf muscles were recorded in the subjects.ConclusionThe study concludes that a PMREP rehabilitation plan with an adequate program and frequency leads to an improvement of the vestibular system coupled with proprioception understood as an integrated process of sensor activation in the body. However, in regard to the coactivation of the muscles involved in maintaining postural stability, no significant differences have been observed.

Quadriceps muscle weakness influences the gait pattern in women with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in the population and is characterized by limitation of main functional activities of daily living, as the gait. Muscle strength is a variable that may be related to performance in daily tasks.Therefore, we to analyze the gait pattern in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to determine associations of gait variables with the level of muscle strength of knee extensors.MethodsSixty-seven female volunteers divided into 2 groups, a KOA group (KOAG, n = 36, 66.69 ± 7.69 years) and control (n = 31, 63.68 ± 6.97 years), participated in the study. The volunteers walked on a 10-m platform at their usual gait speed, using 2 pressure sensors positioned at the base of the hallux and calcaneus. The mean step time, support and double support times, swing time and gait speed were calculated. The evaluation of the quadriceps isometric torque was performed in an extensor chair, with hip and knee flexion at 90°. The procedure consisted of three maximal contractions of knee extension. Peak torque was determined by the highest torque value obtained after the onset of muscle contraction. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation were used, with p < 0.05.ResultsThe KOAG had a 54.76% longer support time, a 13% longer step time (p < 0.001), a 30% decrease in swing time (p < 0.001) and a 10.7% decrease in gait speed (p = 0.001) compared with controls. The quadriceps isometric torque was 34% (p = 0.001) lower in the KOAG. There was a correlation between kinematic variables and quadriceps torque.ConclusionWeakness of the quadriceps muscle in women with KOA influences gait pattern, resulting in reduced speed associated with a shorter swing time and longer support time.

Training-Related Changes of EMG Activity of the Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women with Urinary Incontinence Problems

The effects of a six-week training of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) on EMG activity of this muscle group were examined in three groups of young women under conditions of three protocol tasks. Sixtyfour women (mean age 23 ± 3 years) were divided into groups: (i) with urinary incontinence (UI) problems, (ii) without such problems, and (iii) controls. Participants of the former two groups performed the above-mentioned training session, while the control group did not undergo training. Surface EMGs (sEMGs) were recorded from all participants using the Noraxon EMG system and TeleMyo DTS system (USA); recording electrodes were fixed on vaginal probes (Lifecare PR-02, Taiwan). In the group with UI symptoms, the EMG amplitude demonstrated noticeably higher values under conditions of quick PFM flicks (Q test) after the six-weeks-long training session, while electrical activity values remained practically unchanged in the asymptomatic group. The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups also showed higher results in the posttraining measurement under conditions of static hold (STA test). These differences, however, did not reach the significance level (mostly due to high variability of individual measured values). In the symptomatic group, the baseline and relaxation values of the PFM EMG amplitude increased, while the respective values in the asymptomatic and control groups decreased (except for the parameter in relaxation in the control) in the second (posttraining) measurement. The expedience of application of the sEMG technique in the control of the state of the PFM group, the efficiency of the respective PFM training in populations with UI problems, and difficulties met in the respective studies are discussed.

Functional evaluation of the orbicularis oculi muscle of women with unilateral idiopathic chronic dacryocystitis

Functional evaluation of the orbicularis oculi muscle of women with unilateral idiopathic chronic dacryocystitis

Evaluation of pain threshold upon palpation of the masticatory muscles in women with temporomandibular disorder according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria of Temporomandibular Disorders

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the pain threshold upon palpation of the masticatory muscles in women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria of Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted involving the evaluation of pain threshold upon palpation of the extraoral muscles (temporal, masseter, posterior mandibular region, submandibular region) and intraoral muscles (lateral pterygoid area and temporal tendon) in women using the RDC/TMD clinical examination. Results: 60 women were evaluated. Statistically significant differences were found among the muscles evaluated regarding the pain threshold. The lateral pterygoid area, bilaterally, had the lowest pain threshold, followed by the masseter and temporal muscles. Conclusion: this study suggests that the lateral pterygoid muscle, bilaterally, has the lowest pain threshold upon palpation among the masticatory muscles, followed by masseter and temporal muscles, in women with TMD, according to the RDC/TMD evaluation.

Population-based study of age- and sex-related differences in muscle density and size in thoracic and lumbar spine: the Framingham study.

A better understanding of the effect of aging on trunk musculature will have implications for physical function, disability, pain, and risk of injury in older adults. Thus, we determined the age- and sex-related differences in muscle density and size of both thoracic and lumbar trunk muscles. In this cross-sectional study, muscle density and size were measured from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans for 10 trunk muscle groups at different vertebral levels in 250 community-based men and women aged 40 to 90years from the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts. Trunk muscles in men were 20-67% larger and had 5-68% higher density than in women. The relative age-related deficits in muscle size were similar in both sexes, and decreased on average by ~ 8% per decade in both sexes. In contrast, women had greater age-related decreases in muscle density than men (- 17% in women, and - 11% in men, p < 0.01). Age-related declines varied by specific muscle, tending to be greater for outer trunk muscles than for paraspinal muscles, but within a given muscle the age-related changes in muscle density and size were similar among spinal levels. This comprehensive study of trunk muscle deficits with increasing age may have important implications for physical function, disability, pain, and risk of injury in older adults. The greater levels of mobility impairments with aging in women may in part be explained by greater proportion of intramuscular fat tissue and greater age-related fat accumulation in trunk muscles in women than in men.