Pressure Muscle Research Articles

Impacts of body positions on the geniohyoid muscle contraction and swallowing difficulty in healthy adults.

Body positions affect swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux. Swallowing impairment is one of the main causes of aspiration pneumonia. To prevent pneumonia, evaluation of body positions on gastroesophageal reflux recommended 30 degrees or higher semi-recumbent positions. The geniohypoid muscle and tongue play central roles in swallowing. However, the effects of body positions on contracting rates in the geniohyoid muscle and tongue pressure are unclear. Moreover, correlations between geniohyoid muscle contracting rates and subjective swallowing difficulties are unclear. This study aimed to identify the proper body positions on contracting rates in the geniohyoid muscle, tongue pressure, and subjective swallowing difficulties. Twenty healthy adults swallowed 15- or 50 ml of water at 90 degrees sitting, 60- and 30 degrees semi-recumbent, and 0 degrees supine positions. We scored the subjective swallowing difficulties and measured the tongue pressure and the number of swallows. An ultrasound evaluated the geniohyoid muscle size and contracting rates. At sitting and 60 degrees semi-recumbent positions, the geniohyoid muscle showed greter contracting rates than at 30 degrees semi-recumbent and supine postions (P < 0.05), which resulted in easier swalloiwng. Greater tongue pressure was weakly correlated with fewer swallows (r = -0.339, P = 0.002), whereas the body positions did not affect. Considering swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux together, a trunk angle of 60 degrees or more might be beneficial for reducing the risk of aspiration.

Differences in Muscle Activity and Mouse Behavior Data of Graphic Design Workers in Moving and Dragging Tasks with Different Targets

Over time, repeated mouse-dragging manipulation may cause discomfort in the upper extremities. This study compared biomechanical parameters, mouse movement data, and the discomfort perception index between 2-min mouse dragging and moving manipulation tasks with higher or normal target objectives. We recruited 20 non-symptomatic graphic design students who frequently engage in intensive mouse-dragging manipulation. We assessed the impact of continued dragging versus non-dragging manipulation using electromyographic data, mouse fingertip pressure data, and mouse trajectory velocity data. We also performed a temporal correlation analysis between EMG, mouse velocity, and fingertip pressure to investigate the relationship between physiological data and mouse movement performance. The study revealed significant differences between the dragging and moving tasks regarding muscle activity, mouse velocity, and fingertip pressure. In particular, the percentage of muscle activation on the right side of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECR) and the lateral head of the triceps brachii (TB) differed significantly between the two tasks, with higher muscle activation levels during the dragging task. Moreover, the average muscle activation of ECR and TB was significantly higher at high target operation levels. In addition, the study revealed that the horizontal, vertical, and mean mouse velocities were significantly higher for the dragging manipulation in the high target task than for the mouse moving manipulation. In the temporal correlation analysis, the correlation coefficients of muscle activation, fingertip pressure, and mouse mean velocity differed between the two mouse manipulation behaviors, with a higher correlation between muscle activation levels and pressure values during the dragging manipulation.

Myoglobin-derived iron causes wound enlargement and impaired regeneration in pressure injuries of muscle.

The reasons for poor healing of pressure injuries are poorly understood. Vascular ulcers are worsened by extracellular release of hemoglobin, so we examined the impact of myoglobin (Mb) iron in murine muscle pressure injuries (mPI). Tests used Mb-knockout or treatment with deferoxamine iron chelator (DFO). Unlike acute injuries from cardiotoxin, mPI regenerated poorly with a lack of viable immune cells, persistence of dead tissue (necro-slough), and abnormal deposition of iron. However, Mb-knockout or DFO-treated mPI displayed a reversal of the pathology: decreased tissue death, decreased iron deposition, decrease in markers of oxidative damage, and higher numbers of intact immune cells. Subsequently, DFO treatment improved myofiber regeneration and morphology. We conclude that myoglobin iron contributes to tissue death in mPI. Remarkably, a large fraction of muscle death in untreated mPI occurred later than, and was preventable by, DFO treatment, even though treatment started 12 hr after pressure was removed. This demonstrates an opportunity for post-pressure prevention to salvage tissue viability.

The effects of inspiratory muscle training with pulmonary rehabilitation on NSCLC patients during radiation therapy: A pilot clinical study.

The effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving radiotherapy (RT) have not previously been reported. This pilot study aimed to determine the effectiveness of IMT with PR on respiratory muscles and exercise capacity of NSCLC patients receiving RT. We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients who underwent RT for NSCLC. The rehabilitation included IMT, stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises three times a week for 4 weeks with concurrent RT. IMT training lasted 10 min, consisting of one cycle of 30 breaths using the Powerbreathe KH1 device in the hospital by a physical therapist. Patients underwent two IMT sessions at home daily at an intensity of approximately 30%-50% of the participant's maximum inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP) using the threshold IMT tool. We analyzed the results from the respiratory muscle strength test, pulmonary function test, 6-min walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary function test, cycle endurance test (CET), Inbody test, grip measurement, knee extensor/flexor strength measurement, Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTCQ-C30), and NSCLC 13 (EORTC-LC13). There were no adverse events during evaluation and IMT with PR. MIP (60.1 ± 25.1 vs. 72.5 ± 31.9, p = 0.005), 6MWT (439.2 ± 97.1 vs. 60.7 ± 97.8, p = 0.002), CET (181.39 ± 193.12 vs. 123.6 ± 87.6, p = 0.001), knee extensor (14.4 ± 5.3 vs. 17.4 ± 5, p = 0.012), and knee flexor (14.0 ± 5.2 vs. 16.9 ± 5.5, p = 0.004) significantly improved after IMT with PR. IMT with PR appears effective on respiratory muscles and exercise capacity without adverse events in NSCLC patients who underwent RT.

Effects of a Senior Musical Program on the Physical Function and Cognitive Abilities of Older Women in the Community.

We aimed to investigate the effects of a community-based senior musical program on the cognitive and physical functions in older women. Older women aged ≥65 years participating in a program at a community welfare center were randomized to experimental (n = 17) or control (n = 17) groups. The control group participated in singing and yoga classes offered at the welfare center, while the experimental group participated in a senior musical program consisting of vocal training, dancing, and breathing training. The effects of the 12-week program (120 min/session, two sessions/week) and the intergroup differences in outcomes were compared using the cognitive impairment screening test (CIST), pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle pressure test (RPT), and static and dynamic balance tests. The experimental group showed significant post-intervention changes in CIST scores, cardiorespiratory parameters, and static and dynamic balance (p < 0.05), but the control group only showed significant changes in some respiratory and balance parameters (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly greater post-intervention changes in the CIST score, PFT and RPT parameters, static balance, and Y-balance anterior (p < 0.05). The senior musical program enhanced older women's cognitive, respiratory, and physical functions and promoted a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction.

A MECHANICAL APPROACH FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COMPARTMENT SYNDROME

In this work, we propose a new quantitative way of evaluating acute compartment syndrome (ACS) by dynamic mechanical assessment of soft tissue changes. First, we have developed an animal model of ACS to replicate the physiological changes during the condition. Secondly, we have developed a mechanical assessment tool for quantitative pre-clinical assessment of ACS. Our hand-held indentation device provides an accurate method for investigations into the local dynamic mechanical properties of soft tissue and for in-situ non-invasive assessment and monitoring of ACS.Our compartment syndrome model was developed on the cranial tibial and the peroneus tertius muscles of a pig's leg (postmortem). The compartment syndrome pressure values were obtained by injecting blood from the bone through the muscle.To enable ACS assessment by a hand-held indentation device we combined three main components: a load cell, a linear actuator and a 3-axis accelerometer. Dynamic tests were performed at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and by applying an amplitude of 0.5 mm.Another method used to observe the differences in the mechanical properties inside the leg was a 3D Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC). Videos were taken from two different positions of the pig's leg at different pressure values: 0 mmHg, 15 mmHg and 40 mmHg. Two strains along the x axis (Exx) and y axis (Eyy) were measured.Between the two pressure cases (15 mmHg and 40 mmHg) a clear deformation of the model is visible. In fact, the bigger the pressure, the more visible the increase in strain is.In our animal model, local muscle pressures reached values higher than 40 mmHg, which correlate with observed human physiology in ACS. In our presentation we will share our dynamic indentation results on this model to demonstrate the sensitivity of our measurement techniques.Compartment syndrome is recognised as needing improved clinical management tools. Our approach provides both a model that reflects physiological behaviour of ACS, and a method for in-situ non-invasive assessment and monitoring.

Impact on the ability of healthcare professionals to correctly identify patient-ventilator asynchronies of the simultaneous visualization of estimated muscle pressure curves on the ventilator display: a randomized study (Pmus study)

BackgroundPatient-ventilator asynchronies are usually detected by visual inspection of ventilator waveforms but with low sensitivity, even when performed by experts in the field. Recently, estimation of the inspiratory muscle pressure (Pmus) waveforms through artificial intelligence algorithm has been proposed (Magnamed®, São Paulo, Brazil). We hypothesized that the display of these waveforms could help healthcare providers identify patient-ventilator asynchronies.MethodsA prospective single-center randomized study with parallel assignment was conducted to assess whether the display of the estimated Pmus waveform would improve the correct identification of asynchronies in simulated clinical scenarios. The primary outcome was the mean asynchrony detection rate (sensitivity). Physicians and respiratory therapists who work in intensive care units were randomized to control or intervention group. In both groups, participants analyzed pressure and flow waveforms of 49 different scenarios elaborated using the ASL-5000 lung simulator. In the intervention group the estimated Pmus waveform was displayed in addition to pressure and flow waveforms.ResultsA total of 98 participants were included, 49 per group. The sensitivity per participant in identifying asynchronies was significantly higher in the Pmus group (65.8 ± 16.2 vs. 52.94 ± 8.42, p < 0.001). This effect remained when stratifying asynchronies by type.ConclusionsWe showed that the display of the Pmus waveform improved the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patient-ventilator asynchronies by visual inspection of ventilator tracings. These findings require clinical validation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NTC05144607. Retrospectively registered 3 December 2021.

The impact of mild hypoxia exposure on myokine secretion in human obesity.

Compelling evidence indicates that myokines act in an autocrine, paracrine and endocrine manner to alter metabolic homeostasis. The mechanisms underlying exercise-induced changes in myokine secretion remain to be elucidated. Since exercise acutely decreases oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in skeletal muscle (SM), the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that (1) hypoxia exposure impacts myokine secretion in primary human myotubes and (2) exposure to mild hypoxia in vivo alters fasting and postprandial plasma myokine concentrations in humans. Differentiated primary human myotubes were exposed to different physiological pO2 levels for 24 h, and cell culture medium was harvested to determine myokine secretion. Furthermore, we performed a randomized single-blind crossover trial to investigate the impact of mild intermittent hypoxia exposure (MIH: 7-day exposure to 15% O2, 3x2h/day vs. normoxia: 21% O2) on in vivo SM pO2 and plasma myokine concentrations in 12 individuals with overweight and obesity (body-mass index ≥ 28 kg/m2). Hypoxia exposure (1% O2) increased secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC, p = 0.043) and follistatin like 1 (FSTL1, p = 0.021), and reduced leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) secretion (p = 0.009) compared to 3% O2 in primary human myotubes. In addition, 1% O2 exposure increased interleukin-6 (IL-6, p = 0.004) and SPARC secretion (p = 0.021), whilst reducing fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) secretion (p = 0.021) compared to 21% O2. MIH exposure in vivo markedly decreased SM pO2 (≈40%, p = 0.002) but did not alter plasma myokine concentrations. Hypoxia exposure altered the secretion of several myokines in primary human myotubes, revealing hypoxia as a novel modulator of myokine secretion. However, both acute and 7-day MIH exposure did not induce alterations in plasma myokine concentrations in individuals with overweight and obesity. This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL7120/NTR7325).

Influence of age and diet consistency on the oral muscle pressure of orthodontically treated and untreated subjects with normal occlusion and comparison of their 3D facial shape.

(1) To investigate the effect of age and diet consistency on maximum lips, tongue and cheek pressure of orthodontically treated and untreated subjects with normal, Class I dental occlusion, (2) to find out whether there is a muscle imbalance between anterior tongue and lip pressure in the same subjects at different ages and (3) to compare the 3D facial shape of treated and untreated individuals. Subjects with normal occlusion were prospectively grouped into orthodontically treated/untreated and in children/adolescents/adults. Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used to record the maximum muscle pressure. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test analysed age-specific differences in muscle pressure. Two-way ANCOVA analysed the effect of diet consistency on muscle pressure. Lips and tongue imbalance was analysed using z-scores and 3D faces using a generalized Procrustes analysis. One hundred thirty-five orthodontically untreated and 114 treated participants were included. Muscle pressure was found to increase with age in both groups, except for the tongue in treated subjects. No differences in the balance between lips and tongue muscle pressure were found, but a higher cheek pressure in untreated adults (p<0.05) was observed. 3D facial shapes showed subtle differences. Untreated subjects with soft diet consistency showed lower lip pressure (p<0.05). Oral muscle pressure of orthodontically treated patients without relapse does not differ from that of untreated patients with Class-I occlusion. This study provides normative lip, tongue and cheek muscle pressure in subjects with normal occlusion, which can be used for diagnosis, treatment planning and stability.

Patient Self-Inflicted Lung Injury-A Narrative Review of Pathophysiology, Early Recognition, and Management Options.

Patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) is a life-threatening condition arising from excessive respiratory effort and work of breathing in patients with lung injury. The pathophysiology of P-SILI involves factors related to the underlying lung pathology and vigorous respiratory effort. P-SILI might develop both during spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation with preserved spontaneous respiratory activity. In spontaneously breathing patients, clinical signs of increased work of breathing and scales developed for early detection of potentially harmful effort might help clinicians prevent unnecessary intubation, while, on the contrary, identifying patients who would benefit from early intubation. In mechanically ventilated patients, several simple non-invasive methods for assessing the inspiratory effort exerted by the respiratory muscles were correlated with respiratory muscle pressure. In patients with signs of injurious respiratory effort, therapy aimed to minimize this problem has been demonstrated to prevent aggravation of lung injury and, therefore, improve the outcome of such patients. In this narrative review, we accumulated the current information on pathophysiology and early detection of vigorous respiratory effort. In addition, we proposed a simple algorithm for prevention and treatment of P-SILI that is easily applicable in clinical practice.

Effect of Quadratus Lumborum Block on Pain and Stress Response after Video Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

There are many surgical and anesthetic factors that affect pain and the endocrine-metabolic response to trauma. The ability of anesthetic agents and neuronal blockade to modify the response to surgical trauma has been widely studied in the last few years. To evaluate if the anterior quadratus lumborum block contributes to improved surgical recovery, using as parameters analgesia, pulmonary function and neuroendocrine response to trauma. We carried out a prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded study, in which 51 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly selected and assigned to 2 groups. The control group received balanced general anesthesia and venous analgesia, and the intervention group was treated under general, venous analgesia and anterior quadratus lumborum block. The parameters evaluated were: demographic data, postoperative pain, respiratory muscle pressure and inflammatory response to surgical stress with the plasma dosage of IL-6 (Interleukin 6), CRP (C-Reactive protein) and cortisol. Anterior quadratus lumborum block induced the slowing of IL-6 cytokine production and a decrease in cortisol release. This effect was accompanied by the significant reduction of postoperative pain scores. Anterior quadratus lumborum block is an important strategy for analgesia in abdominal laparoscopic surgery and contributes to reducing the inflammatory response to surgical trauma with an early return of preoperative baseline physiological functions.

Accuracy of injection pressure measurement at peripheral nerves using high-resolution 40 MHz ultrasound in an anesthetized porcine model

BackgroundFluid injection pressure measurement is promoted as a marker of needle tip position that discriminates between tissue layers. However, clinical ultrasound has insufficient resolution to identify the exact position of...

Comparative evaluation of bite pressure and electromyographic activity of temporalis and masseter muscles between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic patients after prosthetic rehabilitation

Comparative evaluation of bite pressure and electromyographic activity of temporalis and masseter muscles between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic patients after prosthetic rehabilitation

Basic Investigation of the Effect of Insole Shape on Leg Skeletal Muscle Mass and Pressure Changes during Walking

The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on people's ability to exercise and walk. Decreased exercise habit leads to decreased muscle mass, which may hamper social activities. The decline in exercise habit is a particular challenge among older people, as it may lead to frailty. In this paper, we report that creating arches at the cuboid boneand adductor muscles activates toe movement. We examined whether the arches could be built into shoe insole to correct left–right differences in leg skeletal muscle mass. A prototype insole with arches created at the cuboid boneand transverse head of adductor hallucis musclewas designed, and a prospective cohort study was conducted to examine its effects. Plantar pressure during walking was recorded in 10 subjects, and a 3-month intervention study was conducted in 40 subjects. The results showed an increase in toe pressure from before to after wearing the prototype insoles. In addition, leg skeletal muscle mass increased in the group wearing the prototype insole, and a significant difference compared to the control group was detected by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results from this study demonstrate that the prototype insole promotes toe movement and increases leg skeletal muscle mass.

Model-Based Estimation of Inspiratory Effort Using Surface EMG.

The quantification of inspiratory patient effort in assisted mechanical ventilation is essential for the adjustment of ventilatory assistance and for assessing patient-ventilator interaction. The inspiratory effort is usually measured via the respiratory muscle pressure (P mus) derived from esophageal pressure (P es) measurements. As yet, no reliable non-invasive and unobtrusive alternatives exist to continuously quantify P mus. We propose a model-based approach to estimate P mus non-invasively during assisted ventilation using surface electromyographic (sEMG) measurements. The method combines the sEMG and ventilator signals to determine the lung elastance and resistance as well as the neuromechanical coupling of the respiratory muscles via a novel regression technique. Using the equation of motion, an estimate for P mus can then be calculated directly from the lung mechanical parameters and the pneumatic ventilator signals. The method was applied to data recorded from a total of 43 ventilated patients and validated against P es-derived P mus. Patient effort was quantified via the P mus pressure-time-product (PTP). The sEMG-derived PTP estimated using the proposed method was highly correlated to P es-derived PTP ([Formula: see text]), and the breath-wise deviation between the two quantities was [Formula: see text]. The estimated, sEMG-derived P mus is closely related to the P es-based reference and allows to reliably quantify inspiratory effort. The proposed technique provides a valuable tool for physicians to assess patients undergoing assisted mechanical ventilation and, thus, may support clinical decision making.

Post-Intensive Care Unit Multidisciplinary Approach in Patients with Severe Bilateral SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia.

Background: Short and long-term sequelae after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are to be expected, which makes multidisciplinary care key in the support of physical and cognitive recovery. Objective: To describe, from a multidisciplinary perspective, the sequelae one month after hospital discharge among patients who required ICU admission for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Design: Prospective cohort study. Environment: Multidisciplinary outpatient clinic. Population: Patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, post- ICU admission. Methods: A total of 104 patients completed the study in the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic. The tests performed included spirometry, measurement of respiratory muscle pressure, loss of body cell mass (BCM) and BCM index (BCMI), general joint and muscular mobility, the short physical performance battery (SPPB or Guralnik test), grip strength with hand dynamometer, the six-minute walk test (6-MWT), the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue scale (FACIT-F), the European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), the Barthel index and the Montreal cognitive assessment test (MoCA). While rehabilitation was not necessary for 23 patients, 38 patients attended group rehabilitation sessions and other 43 patients received home rehabilitation. Endpoints: The main sequelae detected in patients were fatigue (75.96%), dyspnoea (64.42%) and oxygen therapy on discharge (37.5%). The MoCA showed a mean score compatible with mild cognitive decline. The main impairment of joint mobility was limited shoulder (11.54%) and shoulder girdle (2.88%) mobility; whereas for muscle mobility, lower limb limitations (16.35%) were the main dysfunction. Distal neuropathy was present in 23.08% of patients, most frequently located in lower limbs (15.38%). Finally, 50% of patients reported moderate limitation in the EQ-5D, with a mean score of 60.62 points (SD 20.15) in perceived quality of life. Conclusions: Our findings support the need for a multidisciplinary and comprehensive evaluation of patients after ICU admission for COVID-19 because of the wide range of sequelae, which also mean that these patients need a long-term follow-up. Impact on clinical rehabilitation: This study provides data supporting the key role of rehabilitation during the follow-up of severe patients, thus facilitating their reintegration in society and a suitable adaptation to daily living.

Effect of habitual lumbar curvature on electromyographic activity of trunk muscle and intravaginal pressure during still standing and dynamic task among non-osteoporotic post-menopausal women

The pelvic floor muscles support vital organs like the bladder, colon, and internal reproductive systems. These muscles synergistically function with the abdominal muscle to control continence. Pelvic floor muscle insufficiency results in poor control over continence during various activities. The efficient control of abdominal muscles to support the pelvic floor function require stabilization of the spine which in turn gets affected by the change in the mechanics due to the altered lumbar spine angle. In the present study, we intended to find the effect of lumbar spine angle on trunk muscle tonic activity, and pelvic floor function. A total of seventy-eight non-osteoporotic menopausal continent women were recruited and based on their lumbar lordotic angle, they were allocated to three groups (Hyper, hypo, and normal lordosis). The electromyographic tonic activity of erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), and vaginal pressure was recorded during standing still (SS), maximal coughing (MC), and Valsalva maneuver (VM). The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test. The confidence level was kept at 95%, i.e., p&lt;0.05. We found the trunk muscle tonic activity and vaginal pressure reduced as the lumbar lordotic angle changed to a hyper and hypo lordotic spine.

Overview of risk factors for stress urinary incontinence and strategies in its prevention and treatment

Stress urinary incontinence is a medical problem that afflicts women worldwide. The causes can be mainly divided into 4 parts: increased abdominal pressure and chronic ischemia of pelvic floor muscles, endocrine changes, pelvic structural damages, inflammatory and consumptive states. The choice of prevention and treatment should also be based on a comprehensive assessment of individualized factors. Treatment techniques which are more minimally invasive or even non-invasive than surgery are currently a hot topic of research in the field of pelvic floor and urinary control, including laser and radiofrequency therapy, periurethral injection therapy, exogenous stem cell therapy and technology for activation of endogenous stem cells. They are expected to solve the clinical problem of stress urinary incontinence with a wider scope of application, lower trauma and fewer complications in the future.

Impact of Lumbar Postures on the Functioning of Pelvic Floor Muscles Among Osteoporotic Post-Menopausal Women.

Introduction Maintaining continence and providing support to the abdominal contents and sexual functioning are among the primary roles of pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles work in synergy with the abdominal muscle to perform these functions. Abdominal muscle activation in the sagittal plane is influenced by the lumbar spine posture. As pelvic floor dysfunction is common among post-menopausal women, this study aims to find out the relationship between lumbar posture and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle and vaginal pressure (VP) as a functioning of the pelvic floor muscles among osteoporotic post-menopausal females. Methods A total of 78 osteoporotic post-menopausal women were recruited and allocated into three groups depending on lumbar lordotic angle, namely normal lordosis (n=26) hyperlordosis (n=26), and hypolordosis (n=26). All the subjects were recorded for RA EMG activity and VP for pelvic floor function in the quiet standing (QS) position, and voluntary dynamic tasks such as maximal coughing (MC) and Valsalva maneuver (VM). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis. A 5% probability level was considered statistically significant, i.e., p<0.05. Results The results showed a significant reduction in the RA activity and VP during the dynamic tasks (MC and VM) among subjects with the altered lumbar lordotic angle (p<0.05). The reduction in RA activity and VP was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in subjects with hyperlordotic lumbar spine than in those with hypolordotic lumbar spine as compared to normal lordosis during QS, MC, and VM. Conclusion We conclude that osteoporotic post-menopausal women with different lumbar lordotic angle show variations in RA activity and pressure generated by the vagina as a function of the pelvic floor during voluntary dynamic tasks.

The Effect of the Contraction Pressure of the Hip Adductor Muscles on Thickness of Transversus Abdominis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of the Contraction Pressure of the Hip Adductor Muscles on Thickness of Transversus Abdominis: A Randomized Controlled Trial