External Oblique Research Articles

BHSeP7 Patient case study: rebuilding a patient’s life not just their abdominal wall—experience from a tertiary hernia centre on the impact of abdominal wall reconstruction on quality of life

Abstract Large hernias with loss of domain are challenging to manage surgically and can be debilitating for patients. Pre-operative botulinum toxin injections into the abdominal wall can help chemically relax abdominal muscles to aid fascial closure. The patient presented with a complex incisional hernia following a laparotomy, Hartmann’s procedure and splenectomy for perforated diverticular disease. Their CT scan showed a 16.5 × 17.5 cm defect, with a separate component involving their colostomy and lateral displacement of their muscle complexes. This significantly impacted the patient's quality of life, manifesting as moderate pain that hindered activities. They required dressings and antibiotics due to skin changes over the hernia. Furthermore, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the hernia contributed to the overall burden on the patient. The patient underwent pre-operative botulinum toxin injections prior to their abdominal wall reconstruction. They received 200 units divided equally between internal and external obliques. During their surgery they required a left sided transversus abdominus release and an >5 cm mesh overlap was achieved in all directions. A post-operative CT scan conducted ten days after the surgery revealed no complications. The patient's recovery progressed well, leading to their discharge 12 days post-surgery. The patient was reviewed post-surgery. Expressing high satisfaction with the surgical outcome, they conveyed a profound positive impact on their quality of life. The patient's newfound confidence in the improved cosmesis of their hernia was evident. Overall, the surgery proved transformative, liberating the patient from the burdens of frequent medical appointments and instilling a renewed sense of self-assurance.

PPARγ activation attenuates neonatal CRD-induced visceral pain sensitization and anxiety in male rats by alleviating oxidative stress

BackgroundVisceral pain sensitization and emotional reactions due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occur frequently in the general population. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBS. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has analgesic effects. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether PPARγ activation ameliorates oxidative stress and affects thus nociceptive sensitization and emotional responses in IBS.MethodsThe study utilized male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, that suffered from neonatal colorectal distension (CRD), to assess the effects of various doses of rosiglitazone on visceral hyperalgesia and anxiety. Electromyography (EMG) of the external abdominal oblique muscles was used to evaluate visceral hypersensitivity, and Open Field Test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) were used to evaluate anxiety. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the spinal cord were analyzed by water-soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods, respectively, the expression levels of PPARγ in the spinal cord were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.ResultsNeonatal CRD-induced rats showed visceral pain sensitization and anxiety in adulthood, with down-regulated expression of PPARγ and SOD and elevated MDA levels in the spinal cord. Rosiglitazone alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety by activating PPARγ protein expression and promoting MDA up-regulation and SOD down-regulation in the spinal cord, which were reversed by GW9662, an antagonist of PPARγ.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that rosiglitazone alleviated visceral pain sensitization and anxiety in male IBS rats by alleviating oxidative stress through activation of PPARγ.

An unusual variant of an accessory thoracic muscle.

The anterior thoracic wall musculature presents significant morphological variability. The current literature describes a few accessory thoracic muscles (ATMs) and discusses possible clinical implications. The dissection report describes an unusual ATM variant. The variant case was identified during theroutine dissection of a 78-year-old female donated cadaver. An accessory previously unknown muscle was identified on the right anterior thoracic wall in the intermediate plane of the pectoralis major and minor muscles (PM and Pm). It originated from the external oblique muscle (at the level of the fifth rib), and in its distal attachment, the muscular belly became aponeurotic and fused with the axillary fascia. The insertion was located anteriorly to the axillary neurovascular structures but was not closely related. On the left anterior thoracic wall, the musculature was presented as typical. The variant case could not be classified as a previously reported variant due to its origin in the external oblique muscle. The proposed name for the accessory muscle is the "abdomino-fascialis" muscle. Surgeonsoperating in the axilla and the anterior thoracic wallmust acknowledge these variants, which can significantly complicate several procedures.

Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Activity of External Oblique Muscle in Low Back Pain

Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Activity of External Oblique Muscle in Low Back Pain

Evaluation of Trunk Oblique Muscle Activities in Baseball Batters Using T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Yanaka, T, Imawaka, T, Kojima, C, Otomo, M, Ohnishi, T, and Hoshikawa, M. Evaluation of trunk oblique muscle activities in baseball batters using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 48-53, 2025-This study investigated abdominal oblique muscle activity using T2-weighted imaging in baseball batting. For this purpose, 17 baseball batters (21.6 ± 2.7 years, 173.9 ± 4.0 cm, 77.5 ± 7.6 kg) performed 100 toss-batting trials. Before and after toss-batting, 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to obtain the T2 values of the 4 abdominal external and internal oblique muscle pairs. The results showed that the T2 values of all abdominal oblique muscles were significantly increased after the 100 trials ( p < 0.05), with no differences in these increases between the muscles. The rate of change in the T2 values was 1.0 ± 3.9% and 4.2 ± 5.2% for the external and internal oblique muscles on the pitcher's side and 3.2 ± 5.1% and 0.9 ± 2.5% for the external and internal oblique muscles on the catcher's side, respectively. These findings indicate that the activity levels of all abdominal oblique muscles during baseball battings are similar and lower than those of the agonist muscles used during resistance exercise and sprinting. These findings suggest that baseball batting is a low-intensity exercise of the abdominal oblique muscles, but adequate training of each abdominal oblique muscle may improve batting performance and prevent injury.

Influences of upper limb orthosis on trunk muscle activity during static and dynamic sitting tasks for hemiparetic stroke.

We aimed to clarify the immediate effect of wearing the Omo Neurexa upper limb suspended orthosis (Ottobock Japan, Tokyo, Japan) on trunk muscle activity during seated tasks. Fifteen participants with upper limb hemiparesis were included. Surface electromyography of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae and the external oblique muscles was performed. All participants performed static sitting, repetitive lateral reaching, and maximum lateral reaching tasks with or without the orthosis. The paired t-test was performed to compare the trunk muscle activity with and without the orthosis. During static sitting, the activity of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscles on the non-paretic side was significantly greater with the orthosis than without it (p=0.025 and p=0.047, respectively). The time required to complete five repetitive lateral reaching was significantly shorter with the orthosis than without it (p=0.030). However, the orthosis did not affect during f repetitive lateral reaching and maximum lateral reaching task. The upper limb orthosis may influence the activity of the trunk muscles of patients who had had a stroke during static sitting and improve the sitting reaching performance. Our results suggest that the effects of upper limb orthoses on trunk muscle and sitting performance should be further explored for the treatment of sitting disabilities after hemiparetic stroke. (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN 000044629).

M-mode ultrasound evaluation of lateral abdominal muscle postural response to load: an exploratory study.

There is a need to evaluate the tissue deformation index of lateral abdominal muscles using M-mode ultrasound in a cohort of healthy subjects to establish a convenient reference point for clinical reasoning in patients. The aim of the study was to assess differences in the tissue deformation index between individual lateral abdominal muscles regardless of body side, compare these differences in the tissue deformation index on the right and left sides of the body, and evaluate side-to-side differences in the tissue deformation index within individual lateral abdominal muscles. In a group of 126 healthy volunteers (59 females), the postural response of lateral abdominal muscles to external perturbation in the form of rapid arm abduction with load was recorded on both sides of the body, and the tissue deformation index was calculated. The mean values of the tissue deformation index form an increasing gradient from deep to superficial lateral abdominal muscles: 0.06%/ms for the transversus abdominis, 0.084%/ms for the internal oblique and 0.151%/ms for the external oblique (p <0.001). Side-to-side intra-muscle differences were significant only for the transverse abdominis (right: 0.047%/ms; left: 0.070%; p <0.01). The tissue deformation index values differ significantly among individual lateral abdominal muscles and form a characteristic gradient: transversus abdominis < internal oblique < external oblique. The transversus abdominis muscle shows significant asymmetry in the tissue deformation index between the left and right sides of the body.

Augmented Effect of Combined Robotic Assisted Gait Training and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-irradiation Technique on Muscle Activation and Ankle Kinematics in Hemiparetic Gait: A Preliminary Study

Background Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) alone has limited effectiveness in restoring gait, while robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) improves motor relearning through repetitive, task-specific movements. Combining PNF with robotic gait training (PRGT) may enhance locomotor recovery by promoting proprioceptive awareness and muscle activation alongside repetitive gait retraining in stroke patients. Objective This study compares the immediate effects of PRGT and RAGT on ankle dorsiflexion and muscle activity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients and healthy controls. Methods Thirty participants, including 15 stroke patients and 15 healthy controls, were randomly assigned to PRGT or RAGT for a single 30-min session. Muscle activity (pectoralis major, external oblique, internal oblique/transverse abdominis, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior) was measured using electromyography, while ankle dorsiflexion angle was assessed using a dual-axis inclinometer. Results PRGT significantly increased muscle activations compared to RAGT in stroke patients ( p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion between RAGT and PRGT in both groups ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion PRGT demonstrated superior immediate effects on muscle activation and ankle movement, suggesting that combining PNF with robotic-assisted gait training is beneficial for chronic stroke rehabilitation.

Pilot Study on the Relationship Between Different Lower Limb Raising Velocities and Trunk Muscle Contraction in Active Straight Leg Raise.

The active straight leg raise requires intricate coordination between the hip, knee, pelvis, and spine. Despite its complexity, limited research has explored the relationship between lower limb raising velocity and trunk muscle motor control during an active straight leg raise in healthy individuals. This study aimed to explore the potential effects of increased lower limb raising velocity on core muscle contractions during active straight leg raises. Six healthy adult men (mean age: 24.5 ± 2.5 years) participated in this study. Electromyography signals were recorded using surface electrodes placed on the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles. The participants performed active straight leg raises at three different velocities: 3 s, 2 s, and as fast as possible (max). The electromyography data were analyzed from 250 ms before to 1000 ms after movement initiation, with muscle activity expressed as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Statistical analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests, including the Friedman test for overall differences, followed by pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). During the 250 ms before movement initiation, the internal oblique/transverse abdominis, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles showed greater activity in the max condition compared to the 3 s and 2 s conditions (Friedman test, p < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in pairwise comparisons (Wilcoxon test, p > 0.05). Similarly, during the 500 ms after movement initiation, internal oblique/transverse abdominis activity was higher in the max condition, with no significant pairwise differences observed. Faster lower limb raising velocities during active straight leg raise may enhance core stability by activating anticipatory and sustained internal oblique/transverse abdominis, external oblique, and rectus abdominis activity on the raised limb side. Training to promote this activation could improve dynamic stability in rapid or asymmetric movements.

Ultrasound measurement of abdominal and low back muscle symmetry in adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis: A case-control study

Background Individuals with adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis (ADLS) have underlying biomechanical alterations along the trunk muscles. However, few studies have evaluated trunk muscles in ADLS. Objective To quantify and evaluate the symmetry, thickness, and stiffness (shear modulus) of the abdominal and back muscles in ADLS participants. Methods This was a case-control study with participants aged 60–79 years with ADLS (n = 37) and without ADLS (n = 37). Radiographic examination data were collected from the participants. Ultrasound thickness and shear modulus measurements were performed to compare differences in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis (TrA), multifidus, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum muscles in the supine, prone and standing positions in the ADLS (n = 37) and control groups (n = 37). Thicknesses and shear modulus were compared. Results The absolute thickness of the TrA in ADLS group was significantly greater on the convex side than on the concave side in both the supine (2.978 ± 0.552 vs. 2.556 ± 0.513, p = 0.041) and standing positions (2.671 ± 0.475 vs. 2.054 ± 0.401, p = 0.034). The percentage changes in both sides of the shear modulus of the TrA were significantly greater in the ADLS group than in the control group for the supine position ( p = 0.019), and standing position ( p = 0.039). Conclusions Compared with those in the control group, only the absolute muscle thicknesses and percent change in the shear modulus of the TrA in the ADLS participants were more asymmetric.

The Effect of Physical Yoga Poses on Anterior and Posterior Myofascial Chain Activity in Elderly Individuals

Objective: The structures in the human body are biomechanically and anatomically interconnected. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of the Chair Pose, Sage Marichi Pose C (c), Warrior 2 Pose, and Extended Triangle Pose on Adductor Longus (AL), External Oblique (EO), Biceps Femoris (BF), and Latissimus Dorsi (LD) muscle activity in young, older, and elderly individuals. Methods: Six elderly individuals were included in the study. Participants’ myofascial chain activity evaluated with surface electromyography (EMG) during Utkatasana, Virabhadrasana II, Utthita Trikonasana and Marichyasana C pose. Results: The participants’ Adductor Longus, External Oblique, Biceps Femoris, and Latissimus Dorsi % maximum voluntary isometric contraction values did not show significant difference. During the Utkatasana pose, the Latissimus Dorsi showed greater electromyography (EMG) activity compared to AL, EQ, and BF. During the Virabhadrasana II pose, EQ had greater EMG activity compared to AL, LD, and BF. During the Utthita Trikonasana pose, LD had greater EMG activity compared to AL, EQ, and BF. During the Marichyasana C pose, BF had greater EMG activity compared to LD, EQ, and AL. Conclusions: This study showed with biomechanical data that muscle groups containing anterior and posterior myofascial chains work more effectively in different yoga poses and emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in elderly individuals.

A Case of Open Zone Ⅰ Extensor Tendon Rupture Reconstructed by External Oblique Muscle Aponeurosis with Perifascial Areolar Tissue

A Case of Open Zone Ⅰ Extensor Tendon Rupture Reconstructed by External Oblique Muscle Aponeurosis with Perifascial Areolar Tissue

Male Patient having a Spigelian Hernia, Prince Osman Digna Referral Hospital, Port Sudan City, Red Sea State, Sudan; 2024: A Case Report

Background: Spigelian hernia is a rare type of abdominal hernias; it occurs through a defect in Spigelian aponeurosis of transverse abdominis (Spiegel's fascia). Methods: A 65 years old male, presented to our refer clinic at Prince Osman Digna Referral Hospital; Port Sudan City; Red Sea State; Sudan, on July 2024, complaining of lower abdominal swelling for 2 months without features of obstruction or strangulation; following heavy lifting, obvious during standing and walking, disappear when lying down; and was not associated with gastrointestinal track disturbances. Patient had history of recurrent repaired right inguinal hernia, para-umbilical hernia, and transurethral resection prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. No family history of similar conditions. Result: Abdominal examination showed: positive visible cough impulse revealed reducible mass at the left lower abdomen, oval in shape about 15*15cm, without features of peritonism. CT abdomen showed: left lower lateral abdominal wall hernia defect lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle measuring (3*3.7 cm) with hernia sac lie between the external and internal oblique muscles containing bowel loops. Patient diagnosed as Spigelian hernia and planned for mesh hernioplasty. Intra-operative findings revealed: the hernia sac passed through the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles, it contained sigmoid colon which released smoothly, sac excised, external oblique aponeurosis sutured by nylon 2, prolene mesh fix onlay, no intraoperative complications. Post-operative course was smooth. Conclusion and recommendations: Spigelian hernia has to be suspected among patients having repeated abdominal hernias. Early diagnosis using CT Abdomen and urgent surgical intervention for such cases were highly recommended.

Multiple Serratus- and High-Oblique LipoTransfer guided by Ultrasound (Multi-SHOT): Cadaveric and Clinical Study

Abstract Background Body contouring procedures are now increasingly popular among male patients who desire a lean and athletic appearance. Dynamic Definition Liposculpture (HD2) employs a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to achieve natural-looking results. Several authors have highlighted the efficacy and safety of fat grafting techniques in body contouring, which are strategically applied to enhance muscle definition. Objectives We are reporting our experience with ultrasound-guided intramuscular fat grafting to the serratus anterior muscles and the superior third of the internal and external oblique muscles (Multi SHOT) in addition to High Definition Liposculpture. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study across 2 specialized plastic surgery centers. Our study included adult male patients with ectomorph and mesomorph body biotypes who underwent Multi SHOT in addition to HD2. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to summarize demographic, surgical, and clinical variables. Given the sample size, high satisfaction rates, and low complication rates, no bivariate analysis was performed. Results A total of 81 consecutive male patients underwent High Definition Liposculpture combined with the Multi-SHOT technique. Mean age was 40.27 years (SD = 8,34 years), and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.79 kg/m2 (SD = 2,47 kg/m2). Additional fat grafting of trunk muscles was performed to enhance the aesthetic outcomes. No complications associated with the technique were reported. Conclusions Our findings provide valuable insights about the safety and efficacy of the Multi-SHOT technique to enhance the athletic and muscular appearance of the male anterior torso. Further studies with greater sample size are required to support our findings.

Comparisons of functional movements and core muscle activity in women according to Pilates proficiency.

This study aims to investigate the differences in functional movements and core muscle activities between experienced and novice practitioners during Pilates exercises. Thirty-eight participants were recruited for the study, comprising 19 experienced and 19 novice Pilates practitioners. Participants performed functional movement screening (FMS) tests and six Pilates exercises at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to measure muscle activity at four sites: right rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), multifidus (MU), and longissimus (LO). Mean EMG activity, co-contraction indices, and duration of core muscle activation were analyzed using independent t-tests to examine the differences between groups. Cohen's d was used to calculate effect sizes based on the standard deviations of the groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The experienced practitioners scored significantly higher in total FMS scores and in four sub-units of the FMS scores compared to the novice group (p ≤ 0.01). Mean EO EMG activity was also significantly greater in experienced practitioners during all Pilates exercises (p < 0.05). Additionally, the RA/EO co-contraction index was higher in experienced practitioners during the 'double leg stretch' exercise (p = 0.02). The results suggest that experienced Pilates practitioners have superior functional movement abilities and greater core muscle activation, particularly in the EO muscle group, compared to novice practitioners. These findings may assist Pilates instructors in refining instructional strategies to cater to different skill levels and enhance training effectiveness.

Research on the promotion effect of personalized training program based on biomechanics on the physical health of college students

Biomechanics-based personalized training programs can significantly improve physical health among college students, but there is limited evidence on how these programs affect spinal twist stretch function and overall health, despite previous research demonstrating the potential benefits of such programs. In this study, the influence of a biomechanics-based personalized training program investigates the physical health of a college student population. This study involved 68 college students, divided into two groups: 34 participants undergoing a personalized biomechanics-based training program (Group A) and 34 participants following a standard exercise regimen (Group B). The training program included exercises designed to enhance spinal twist stretch activation and stability. The participants’ core muscle activation was recorded through EMG from rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, and external obliques, while kinematic data were obtained from a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The assessments were done pre and post-8-week structured nutrition and physical activity modification period. These data are stimulated using SPSS, to compare pre and post-test measurements within each group and to determine the differences between spinal twist stretch and global physical health gains using paired t-tests, analyze of variance (ANOVA) descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis. The result demonstrated that Group A significantly improved spinal twists, stretch, and physical health among college students. Exercises targeting specific biomechanical principles exhibited more pronounced spinal twist stretch activation. The program improved trunk stability and movement accuracy, with a moderate correlation between muscle activation and overall physical health improvements. This approach improved core stability and muscle function but also led to better overall health outcomes compared to standard exercise regimens.

Morphological Changes in the Lumbar and Abdominal Muscles in Individuals with Sacralization

Although sacralization is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the spine, its effect on surrounding muscles is still not well known. This study was conducted to determine the size of the lumbar and abdominal muscles of the individuals with sacralization and to compare with the control group. Eighty-five participants with sacralization phenomena and fifty-six asymptomatic participants were included in this study. Sacralization was classified according to the Castellvi classification. The cross-sectional area of the multifidus lumborum, erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscles, and the section thicknesses of external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles were measured bilaterally on axial computed tomography images at the L1-2 and L4-5 levels. ANCOVA revealed that there is no any significant group*side interaction effect regarding muscles sizes in terms of two groups in L1-L2 and L4-L5. In addition, ANCOVA revealed a both side effect [(P=0.020; η2p=0.038)] and group*side interaction effect [(P=0.010; η2p=0.049)] regarding length of the L5 transverse process (P˃0.05). Regardless of low back pain, muscle sizes are not associated with the sacralization phenomenon.

Correlation between self-reported low back pain and morphological changes in abdominal wall muscles.

Morphological changes in the abdominal wall muscle in diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) patients with low back pain (LBP) symptoms and whether there is a wider interrectus distance (IRD) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between DRA severity and LBP and the morphological differences in abdominal wall muscles between patients who presented with symptoms of LBP and those who were asymptomatic. A total of 57 postpartum DRA patients were enrolled, including 21 without LBP, 36 with LBP, and 30 healthy nulliparous women. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to evaluate the degree of LBP. The IRD and muscle thickness of the abdominal muscles were measured via an ultrasonography device at the end of a natural breathing cycle. The abdominal muscles of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique muscle (EO), and transversus abdominis (TrA) in the DRA patients were significantly thinner than those in the control group (p< 0.05), whereas the difference in the internal oblique muscle (IO) was not significant (p> 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in abdominal muscle thickness or the IRD regardless of whether the patients with DRA had LBP symptoms, with similar findings between the NRS score and DRA severity (P> 0.05). In DRA patients within one year postpartum, no significant difference was found in the severity of DRA or abdominal muscles, regardless of whether they were complicated by LBP symptoms. Shortening the IRD alone may not be beneficial for improving LBP symptoms in DRA patients. The relationship between DRA and LBP and the role of the abdominal muscles in postpartum LBP should be interpreted with caution.

Spinal muscle characteristics during three different types of locomotion activities among college students with idiopathic scoliosis

Background contextPhysical activities such as walking and climbing stairs are pervasive in human daily life. Individuals with scoliosis frequently encounter dysfunction in their muscle recruitment. Multiple studies have corroborated the presence of muscle dysfunction in individuals diagnosed with scoliosis. However, there is currently a noteworthy research gap regarding the exploration of changes in muscle characteristics and disparities from those observed in individuals without scoliosis during everyday activities, specifically stair climbing.PurposeThis study aims to examine the unique patterns of muscle activity during daily life in individuals with scoliosis and distinguish the specific differences between scoliosis patients and the healthy controls. The findings of this study are significantly important for the future accurate assessment of scoliosis and the development of rehabilitation treatment plans.Study designCase–control study.Sample sizeTwenty eight idiopathic scoliosis patients and twenty eight controls.Outcome measuresRoot Mean Square(RMS), Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction(MVIC)%, RMS ratio(RMS convex / RMS concave).MethodsThe surface electromyography (sEMG) device used in this study was the Delsys Trigno, with a sampling frequency of 1500 Hz. It recorded the activation level, peak contraction, and average activation level of the erector spinae (at T6, T10, and L3 levels), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during three different types of locomotion for both the 28 individuals with idiopathic scoliosis and the 28 control participants.ResultsThe movement patterns of the idiopathic scoliosis patients significantly differ from those of the normal population during level walking and ascending or descending stairs. In level walking, there is an asymmetry in the activation levels of the T6 and L3 erector spinae muscles, with lower activation on the convex side compared to the concave side. Similarly, during stair ascent, the activation of the T6 and T10 erector spinae muscles is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side. Moreover, during stair descent, the activation of the T6 erector spinae muscle is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side.ConclusionsDuring level walking and stair activities, idiopathic scoliosis patients exhibit pronounced abnormal movement patterns that significantly differ from those of the control group. Under different activity conditions such as level walking, ascending and descending stairs, idiopathic scoliosis patients demonstrate abnormal muscle activation in different segments of the spine. It is crucial for clinicians to prioritize the symmetry of muscle activation in the spinal region of idiopathic scoliosis patients and consider incorporating symmetry training for these muscles.

The investigation of ultrasound to assess lateral abdominal wall activation with different types of core exercises

BackgroundCore training is the foundation of physical exercise. The activation of the lateral abdominal wall (LAW) muscles in the core muscles, particularly the transversus abdominal (TrA) muscles, has a stabilizing effect on the chest and abdomen. Therefore, we need to focus on the training effect of the TrA. There are many ways to measure the LAW. Ultrasound can assess the effect of training in real time and intuitively. Therefore, we intend to evaluate the activation of the LAW in different types of core training using ultrasound, to determine the best movements that can activate the TrA and train the core muscles.Methods22 healthy subjects (male 10, female 12, age 22.82 ± 0.98, BMI 20.78 ± 2.27) were included. The subjects were given the following instructions to perform breathing exercises at different positions: calm breathing and deep breathing at 0° hip flexion and 0° knee flexion; calm breathing, deep breathing, abdominal crunches and ball crunches at 45° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion; and calm breathing, deep breathing, abdominal crunches and ball crunches at 90° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion. The muscle thicknesses of the bilateral transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and LAW muscles were measured using ultrasonography at the end of expiration during the above movements.Results(1) The action with the greatest contraction ratio of the TrA was deep exhalation, which was significantly greater than crunch and ball crunch; (2) During deep exhalation, the TrA had the greatest contraction ratio, significantly greater than the IO and EO. (3) The TrA was thinnest during deep exhalation at 90°, followed by 45° and 0°.ConclusionIn healthy young people, deep expiration with 90° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion was the optimal action for activating the LAW, especially the TrA.