Superficial Muscles Research Articles

Assessment of Neuromuscular and Psychological Function in People with Recurrent Neck Pain during a Period of Remission: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses.

The aim of this study was to examine for the presence of differences in neuromuscular and psychological function in individuals with recurrent neck pain (RNP) or chronic neck pain (CNP) following a whiplash trauma compared to healthy controls. A secondary aim was to examine whether neuromuscular characteristics together with psychological features in people with RNP were predictive of future painful episodes. Multiple features were assessed including neck disability, kinesiophobia, quality of life, cervical kinematics, proprioception, activity of superficial neck flexor muscles, maximum neck flexion and extension strength, and perceived exertion during submaximal contractions. Overall, those with RNP (n = 22) and CNP (n = 8) presented with higher neck disability, greater kinesiophobia, lower quality of life, slower and irregular neck movements, and less neck strength compared to controls (n = 15). Prediction analysis in the RNP group revealed that a higher number of previous pain episodes within the last 12 months along with lower neck flexion strength were predictors of higher neck disability at a 6-month follow-up. This preliminary study shows that participants with RNP presented with some degree of altered neuromuscular features and poorer psychological function with respect to healthy controls and these features were similar to those with CNP. Neck flexor weakness was predictive of future neck disability.

Pelvic floor anatomy

: The pelvic floor is a complex mechanical apparatus composed by the levator ani, superficial perineal muscles, pelvic nerves, endopelvic fascia, and ligaments. The pelvic anatomy is somewhat challenging to both surgeons and anatomists. It is a narrow and deep region that encompasses intestinal, gynecologic, and urologic viscera, vessels, nerves, and fascial attachments. It is designed for content suspension and to promote coordinated action during bladder and rectal emptying. Support for the pelvic organs originates from connections to the pelvis and associated muscles. The pelvic muscles encompass five groups: levator ani, anal sphincter complex, pelvic sidewall, and anterior perineal muscles. Damage to structural and functional interactions of the pelvic floor can potentially lead to multi-compartmental dysfunction. Also, debilitating pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence are usually related to injuries and deterioration of muscles, nerves, and ligaments that support and maintain normal pelvic function. The anorectum and pelvic floor are interconnected by the fascia and ligaments, which provide support for endopelvic viscera. In females, the pelvic floor is considered part of the birth canal and stretching and tearing of these structures during vaginal delivery are often underestimated causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. In addition, pelvic floor function can be affected by variation in bowel habits, particularly chronic excessive straining. Understanding pelvic floor anatomy is essential to fully diagnose and adequately treat these dysfunctions.

The Effect of Prevention and Management Protocols on Low Back Pain in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder reported in the community, leading to chronic pain and disability. This review aims to determine the effectiveness of prevention and management protocols on LBP in athletes. Methods: Searches were conducted from 2010 to 2022 from international databases, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed using keywords related to back pain in athletes. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) presenting the prevention and management protocol for back pain of athletes were included in this review. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale was used to check the quality of articles. Results: Finally, 16 articles with 1,317 subjects met the inclusion criteria. These studies have mainly focused on the effect of taping, cognitive functional approach, movement patterns, conditioning, lifestyle, motor control, segmental motion, isokinetic, core stabilization, virtual reality training, dynamic and static stretching, Mézières method, functional movement screen, and semi-customized exercises in athletes at risk of LBP. The positive effect of stability and cognitive exercises were documented. Conclusion: The deep and superficial muscle integration exercises by correcting the body posture and correct muscle calling had the greatest effect on the balance of the muscles.

Neurology of Rheumatic Diseases

This review examines the neurologic complications of several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and related diseases, vasculitis, spinal osteoarthritis and spondylosis, and primary Sjögren syndrome. Tables describe the categories of neurologic complications of lupus, the prevalence of neurologic manifestations among patients with lupus, distribution of nerve involvement among patients with mononeuritis multiplex caused by microscopic polyangiitis, sensitivity of combined superficial peroneal nerve and peroneus brevis muscle in patients with suspected vasculitis, sites of central nervous system involvement among patients with parenchymal neuro-Behçet syndrome, and localization of cervical radiculopathy. Figures include a radiograph of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, magnetic resonance imaging showing diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and the cervical patient with lupus, and photographs of a muscle biopsy of a patient with vasculitis nephropathy and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to temporal arteritis. This review contains 5 figures, 6 tables, and 77 references Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, vasculitis, spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis, Sjögren syndrome, neurologic deficit, radiculopathy, Sciatica

Evaluating Electromyography and Sonomyography Sensor Fusion to Estimate Lower-Limb Kinematics Using Gaussian Process Regression

Research on robotic lower-limb assistive devices over the past decade has generated autonomous, multiple degree-of-freedom devices to augment human performance during a variety of scenarios. However, the increase in capabilities of these devices is met with an increase in the complexity of the overall control problem and requirement for an accurate and robust sensing modality for intent recognition. Due to its ability to precede changes in motion, surface electromyography (EMG) is widely studied as a peripheral sensing modality for capturing features of muscle activity as an input for control of powered assistive devices. In order to capture features that contribute to muscle contraction and joint motion beyond muscle activity of superficial muscles, researchers have introduced sonomyography, or real-time dynamic ultrasound imaging of skeletal muscle. However, the ability of these sonomyography features to continuously predict multiple lower-limb joint kinematics during widely varying ambulation tasks, and their potential as an input for powered multiple degree-of-freedom lower-limb assistive devices is unknown. The objective of this research is to evaluate surface EMG and sonomyography, as well as the fusion of features from both sensing modalities, as inputs to Gaussian process regression models for the continuous estimation of hip, knee and ankle angle and velocity during level walking, stair ascent/descent and ramp ascent/descent ambulation. Gaussian process regression is a Bayesian nonlinear regression model that has been introduced as an alternative to musculoskeletal model-based techniques. In this study, time-intensity features of sonomyography on both the anterior and posterior thigh along with time-domain features of surface EMG from eight muscles on the lower-limb were used to train and test subject-dependent and task-invariant Gaussian process regression models for the continuous estimation of hip, knee and ankle motion. Overall, anterior sonomyography sensor fusion with surface EMG significantly improved estimation of hip, knee and ankle motion for all ambulation tasks (level ground, stair and ramp ambulation) in comparison to surface EMG alone. Additionally, anterior sonomyography alone significantly improved errors at the hip and knee for most tasks compared to surface EMG. These findings help inform the implementation and integration of volitional control strategies for robotic assistive technologies.

A Preliminary Study on the Use of HD-sEMG for the Functional Imaging of Equine Superficial Muscle Activation during Dynamic Mobilization Exercises.

Simple SummaryAn evidence-based approaches to assess the effect of rehabilitation protocols is currently under investigation in animal physiotherapy. Research aimed to identify objective outcome measurements are of major importance in this field. Functional muscle assessment remains challenging during the application of specific exercises to activate core muscles in horses. This study introduces for the first time the use of bi-dimensional High-Density Surface Electromyography (HD-sEMG) in horse as a non-invasive tool that provides a functional imaging of superficial skeletal muscle activation, and contraction. Using a 32 and/or 64 surface EMG electrode grids positioned on two superficial core muscles, a colour scale image obtained from recorded signals allowed visual assessment of muscle activation. The exercises used to test this technology were the destabilization exercise, the “chin-to-lateral” bending and the “chin-to-knees” flexion exercise. Our results support the use of HD-sEMG in equine physiotherapy to obtain an immediate biofeedback of muscle activation and objectively tracking the physiotherapy treatments.Superficial skeletal muscle activation is associated with an electric activity. Bidimensional High-Density Surface Electromyography (HD-sEMG) is a non-invasive technique that uses a grid of equally spaced electrodes applied on the skin surface to detect and portray superficial skeletal muscle activation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of HD-sEMG to detect electrical activation of skeletal muscle and its application during rehabilitation exercises in horses. To fulfil this aim, activation of the superficial descending pectoral and external abdominal oblique core muscles were measured using HD-sEMG technology during dynamic mobilization exercises to induce lateral bending and flexion/extension tasks of the trunk. Masseter muscle was instrumented during mastication as a control condition. A 64 surface EMG channel wireless system was used with a single 64 electrode grid or a pair of 32 electrode grids. HD-sEMG provided unique information on the muscular activation onset, duration, and offset, along each motor task, and permitting inferences about the motor control strategy actuated by the central nervous system. Signals were further processed to obtain firing frequencies of few motor-neurons. Estimation of electromyographic amplitude and spectral parameters allowed detecting the onset of muscular fatigue during the motor tasks performed. HD-sEMG allows the assessment of muscular activation in horses performing specific motor tasks, supporting its future application in clinical and research settings.

Concurrent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of The Core Stability Test Using Ultrasound Imaging and Electromyography Measurements

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To establish the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the formal test. <h3>Design</h3> Two-group test-retest reliability design. <h3>Setting</h3> 1) A certified physical therapist uses a formal test as a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) to classify the participants into core stability groups and instability groups. 2) Perform a formal test on each group and measure the thickness of abdominal muscles with real-time ultrasound (US). 3) Investigate the correlation between the thickness of abdominal muscles and PBU pressure. 4) Re-measure after 24 hours to verify test-retest reliability. <h3>Participants</h3> 11 young adults with core instability (8 men and 3 women) were able to successfully perform the formal test three consecutive times and completed the abdominal draw-in maneuver core stabilization training augmented by PBU-US-EMG feedback, for 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week, over two weeks.11 young adults with core stability (8 men and 3 women) were unable to successfully perform the formal test three consecutive times. <h3>Interventions</h3> No intervention. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> 1) Real-time US and surface EMG to measure the thickness of deep abdominal and superficial trunk muscle activity. 2) PBU pressure under the abdomen. <h3>Results</h3> The Pearson's correlation analysis showed an excellent correlation between transverse abdominal (TrA) thickness and PBU pressure as well as internal oblique (IO) thickness and PBU pressure, ranging from r=0.856 – 0.980, P < 0.05. The test-retest reliability was good, ICC1,2 = 0.876 for the core stability pressure measure and ICC1,2 = 0.939 to 0.989 for the abdominal muscle thickness measure. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our findings demonstrate that the formal test, using a PBU and real-time US imaging without confirming the minimal contraction of superficial trunk muscles, as evidenced by EMG, leads to incorrect results. For example, such results in adults or individuals with core instability pathology ultimately influence rehabilitation programs designed to improve core stability. Therefore, the combination of a PBU, real-time US, and surface EMG measurements may help obtain more reliable results from the formal tests and better understand the neuromuscular control mechanisms of core stability. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There are no conflicts.

Linear relationship between electromyography and shear wave elastography measurements persists in deep muscles of the upper extremity

Recent works have demonstrated a linear relationship between muscle activation and shear modulus in various superficial muscles. As such, it may be possible to overcome limitations of traditional electromyography (EMG) methods by assessing activation using shear wave elastography. However, the relationship has not been wholly validated in deep muscles. This study measured the association between squared shear wave velocity, which is related to shear modulus, and activation within superficial and deep muscles. This relationship was also compared between surface and intramuscular EMG electrodes. We simultaneously recorded EMG and shear wave velocity in one deep (brachialis) and one superficial (brachioradialis) muscle in ten healthy individuals during isometric elbow flexion across a wide range of contraction intensities. Muscle activation and squared shear wave velocity demonstrated good reliability (ICC > 0.75) and showed a linear relationship (P < 0.05) for all muscle/EMG electrode type combinations (study conditions) after down-sampling. Study condition was not a significant within-subject factor to the slope or intercept of the relationship (P > 0.05). This work demonstrates that activation of both superficial and deep muscles can be assessed noninvasively using ultrasound shear wave elastography and is a critical step toward demonstrating elastography’s utility as an alternative to EMG.

Review of needle electromyography complications in thrombocytopenic cancer patients.

Needle electromyography (EMG) is understood to be a relatively safe procedure based on clinical experience. There are no evidence-based guidelines for EMG procedures in thrombocytopenic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an increased risk of bleeding complications associated with needle EMG in patients with thrombocytopenia. This retrospective study included patients with a primary cancer and thrombocytopenia who underwent needle EMG between January 1, 2016 and October 30, 2020. Patients' medical records were reviewed for demographics; diagnoses; platelet counts within a 7-day period of EMG examination; concurrent use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications; number of sites sampled by needle EMG, including anatomical differentiation of paraspinal and both deep and superficial limb muscles; and associated complications not limited to bleeding within 30 days of EMG examination. The initial data search identified 198 patients with a documented diagnosis of thrombocytopenia; 124 met these criteria and were included in the study. A total of 1001 muscle sample sites were documented, with 111 sites in paraspinal muscles, 876 sites in superficial limb muscles, and 14 sites within deep limb muscles. Five patients were concurrently using therapeutic anticoagulation and 3 were using antiplatelet medications. There were no clinically significant complications, but five minor incidents were documented in the medical records within 30 days post-EMG examination. Our findings suggest that bleeding complications from standard needle EMG in oncology patients with documented thrombocytopenia are rare. Testing of high-risk muscles in this patient population appears to be safe.

Pain threshold in selected trigger points of superficial muscles of the back in young adults.

BackgroundMonitoring of pain threshold is the basis for verification of the effectiveness of therapy or assessment of the patient’s condition. This study aimed to determine the pain threshold of selected superficial muscles of the back taking into account trigger point activity in young and healthy males and females, with the evaluation of intrarater reliability of algometric measurements.Material and methodsThe study examined 30 young adult participants (15 males and 15 females) aged 26.23 ± 3.21, and BMI of 23.80 ± 3.43. The Pain Test FPX Algometer (Wagner) was used for the study. Trigger points on the levator scapulae and trapezius muscles (superior and inferior portion) on both sides were examined. It was also verified whether the trigger points studied are active or inactive. Furthermore, an author’s survey questionnaire was used.ResultsWithin the trigger points of the right (p = 0.04) and left (p = 0.02) superior trapezius muscle and the left (p = 0.04) levator scapulae muscle, the pain threshold values were higher in the male group. There was a statistically significantly higher number of active trigger points in the female group compared to that in the male group (2.49 ± 1.51 vs. 1.07 ± 1.16, respectively), p = 0.01. For all muscles tested, mean pain threshold values were significantly higher for inactive trigger points. A greater number of active trigger points is associated with lower pain thresholds at these points (left: the superior trapezius, r = −0.597, the inferior trapezius, r = −0.609; the levator scapulae, r = −0.746; right: the superior trapezius, r = −0.610, the inferior trapezius, r = −0.604; the levator scapulae, r = −0.747). The evaluation of the intrarater reliability showed excellent agreement between the first and second measurements, ICC > 0.987 for all examined trigger points.Conclusions(1) Women who reported pain more than once a week in the studied muscles showed a greater number of active trigger points. (2) A greater number of active trigger points in female is related to a lower pain threshold (which is associated with greater pain sensitivity) in female than in male. (3) A sample size of 30 people seems sufficient to detect variations in the pain threshold at active and inactive trigger points of selected back muscles, especially when the frequency of occurrence of both types of points is comparable.

Effect of Proprioceptive Exercises along with Ergonomic Intervention on Middle Deltoid and Serratus Anterior Fatigue in Dentists with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain

There are several risk factors in dentistry that among them repetitive movements, being in a position for a long time due to muscle imbalances, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders which can cause problems such as limited mobility, fatigue, job loss or even changing jobs. Muscle imbalance between the stabilizers and mobilizers of the neck and shoulders in dentists leads to increased work-related disorders, superficial muscle fatigue, and deep muscle atrophy, which in turn, leads to many health problems such as neck pain and disability. To prevent such disorders, a high endurance of the cervical stabilizer muscles is essential for repetitive movements in the distal and shoulder region. In this study, the exercise program, including postural exercises, simultaneous training of shoulder-neck, scapular movements, and co-contraction were designed for 48 dentists. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant decrease in the median frequency slope of the middle deltoid muscle (p = 0.004) and for the group who received the proprioception training along with posture correction exercises and exercise therapy (p = 0.004). Neck pain increased in the control group who received no exercises, after six weeks (p = 0.165). Six weeks of corrective exercises with ergonomic intervention balance muscles activity and can be used to decrease musculoskeletal disorders and muscle fatigue in person with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain.

Особенности эмбрионального развития скелетных мышц у кур пород Брама и Юрловская голосистая

The article presents the histological and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscles (quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscle) in meat (Brama) and egg (Yurlovskaya golosistaya) chickens of productivity on the 14th day of embryonic development: formed muscle fibers combined in bundles, as well as endomysium and perimysium, in the absence of transverse striation. The quadriceps femoral muscle of the Brama breed (meat productivity direction) surpasses the Yurlovskaya golosistaya (egg productivity direction) due to thicker muscle fibers collected in compact bundles and thin connective tissue components. The superficial pectoral muscle has no significant differences in most of the studied micromorphological parameters (thickness of muscle fibers, endomysium, area of muscle tissue and the number of muscle fibers in the field of view) in both breeds of chickens. The exception is the thickness of the bundles of muscle fibers in the superficial pectoral muscle of the Brama compared to the Yurlovskaya golosistaya, as well as a well-developed perimysium. The results obtained are basic in the formation of the concept of histogenesis of skeletal muscles in the embryonic period of development of the organism of poultry of various productivity directions and can be used.

Особенности развития скелетных мышц у кур породы Юрловская голосистая в эмбриогенезе

The article presents the histological and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscles (quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscle) in chickens of the egg production direction of the Yurlovskaya Golosistaya breed on the 14th and 20th days of embryonic development. By the 14th day of embryogenesis, formed muscle fibers combined into bundles, as well as endomysium and perimysium, in the absence of transverse striation, were noted in the studied muscles. Skeletal muscle tissue by the 20th day of embryogenesis is characterized by a close to definitive structural organization – in muscle fibers, transverse striation is clearly visible, their bundles are identified, as well as endomysium and perimysium. The superficial pectoral muscle in most of the morphometric parameters studied (the thickness of muscle fibers, their bundles and the representation of the connective tissue component) exceeds the quadriceps, with the exception of the thickness of the endomysium, which on the 20th day prevails in the quadriceps femoral muscle compared to the superficial pectoral muscle. The results obtained are basic in the formation of the concept of skeletal muscle histogenesis in poultry of egg productivity and can be used by specialists in improving the technologies of breeding work.

Формирование поверхностной грудной мышцы и четырехглавой мышцы бедра у кур мясного направления продуктивности в эмбриогенезе

Morphological and histological characteristics of the quadriceps femoral muscle and the superficial pectoral muscle in chickens of the meat productivity direction (Brama and Smena-8) on the 14th day of embryogenesis are shown. In the studied muscles, muscle fibers were identified, delimited by the endomysium and combined into bundles, between which the perimysium lies. There is no transverse striation in the muscle fibers. In the structure of the skeletal muscles of the Smena-8 cross, the division of muscle fibers into thin and thick is established. During the study, the thickness of muscle fibers and their bundles, as well as the thickness of the endomysium and perimysium were determined. According to all the studied micromorphometric indicators of the quadriceps femoral muscle and the superficial pectoral muscle, the superiority of the Smena-8 cross over the Brama breed was revealed. The presented results indicate the peculiarities of the formation of skeletal muscles on the 14th day of the embryonic period of development of the organism in chickens of the meat productivity direction, which allows using this information in predicting the productive qualities and genetic potential of crosses and breeds involved in breeding work, including in the comparative aspect. In addition, these data expand the concept of histogenesis of skeletal muscles in various representatives of poultry and can be basic in the issues of their assessment by morphological indicators in certain periods of life.

Evaluation of EMG Activity of Superficial Respiratory Muscles and Vital Capacity Parameters During Different Pelvic Tilts in Standing, Sitting and Lying Postures

Background: Postures such as kyphosis and lordosis of the spine affect the vital capacity parameters. These spinal alignment alterations may enhance the efficacy of the respiratory muscle contraction and the volume of air available in the lung. Aim: To examine the effects of different pelvic tilt positions in varying postures on the vital capacity parameters and respiratory muscles. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional one-way repeated measures design. The study was conducted at MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine, GNDU, Amritsar. Subjects and Methods: Twenty healthy male individuals aged between 18 and 24 years participated in the study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured using Spiro Excel when performing anterior, posterior, and neutral pelvic tilts in standing, sitting, and lying postures, and their superficial respiratory muscle activity was measured with surface electromyography. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures analysis of variance was applied and Bonferroni correction was used for post hoc analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in FVC and FEV1 during standing, sitting, and lying postures in all pelvic tilts, with the highest in sitting. Whereas, FEV1/FVC showed a significant difference when performing anterior and posterior tilts in standing, sitting, and lying, with the highest in standing. Increase in PEF was only seen in posterior pelvic tilt in sitting. External oblique muscle showed a significant activity in standing, lying, and sitting with varying pelvic tilts. Conclusion: The sitting posture could be more effective for pulmonary rehabilitation due to increased vital capacity, followed by standing and lying.

Possibility of a Novel Warm-Up Strategy Using Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer: A Pilot Study

[Purpose] Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRET) is becoming prevalent in sports settings. CRET is effective for improving pain and healing injured tissue; however, its influence on muscle function and morphology is still unclear. This study confirmed the immediate effects of CRET on the duration of muscular stiffness and range of motion (ROM). [Method] This study describes the protocol for a single-arm trial with the non-blinding of participants and researchers. Twenty-four healthy men participated in the study. They received CRET therapy for their low back areas. The muscular stiffness of the multifidus muscle (superficial and deep) and the ROM using the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention (immediately), and 15 and 30 min post-intervention. We compared these parameters using a one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test (multiple comparison tests for subtests). [Results] The muscular stiffness of the superficial and deep multifidus muscles was significantly decreased, and the ASLR test showed a significant increase compared with the test performed pre-intervention. In addition, these effects persisted for 30 min. [Conclusion] Warm-up is vital for improving muscular stiffness and increasing the ROM. CRET is a useful device for achieving these aims, particularly as a passive warm-up method in sports settings.

Jejunal strangulation and incarceration associated with bilateral perineal hernias in a neutered male dog

An 8-year-old 6.8-kg neutered male Dachshund was presented for evaluation of vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and swelling over the right perineal region. The dog had a history of a bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy and castration 14 months prior to presentation. Bilateral perineal hernias were confirmed by digital rectal examination. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of intestine within the right hernia. Three days after admission to the hospital, the region of the right perineal hernia became painful, erythematous, and edematous. Computed tomography revealed jejunal incarceration within the right hernia with dilation of 1 jejunal segment that indicated intestinal obstruction. Abdominal exploratory surgery was performed, during which irreducible small intestinal incarceration was confirmed. Intra-abdominal jejunal resection and anastomosis was performed, and an approximately 13-cm-long section of the jejunum was resected. Bilateral perineal herniorrhaphies with internal obturator and superficial gluteal muscle transposition were performed. Six months after surgery, digital rectal examination of the dog revealed that the repair was intact. The dog had no perineal hernia-related clinical signs at the time of the recheck examination. For the dog of the present report, surgical management of small intestinal strangulation associated with a perineal hernia was successful. Although a portion of the small intestines can frequently be found within perineal hernias in dogs, perineal hernia-related small intestinal strangulation has not been previously described, to the authors' knowledge. Veterinarians and clients should be aware of this potential complication secondary to perineal hernia and be prepared to perform an abdominal surgical procedure to address small intestinal incarceration in affected dogs.

Sex differences in masticatory muscle activity in healthy young adults

Abstract Introduction. Several studies analyzed the gender differences in masticatory muscle activity. Previous scientific reports indicate the predominance of the masseter muscle activity in male subjects and the predominance of the temporalis anterior in women. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing the differences in the activity of the mandibular abduction muscles between men and women. Aim. The presented study evaluated the sex differences in activity within temporalis anterior, masseter, and digastric muscle in healthy young adults. Material and methods. Thirty-six healthy young adults aged 20 to 29 years (mean 22±2.6 years) were qualified for the presented study. The subjects were divided into two equal groups (n=18) in terms of gender. The masticatory muscle activity was recorded within the temporalis anterior (TA), the superficial masseter muscle (MM), and the anterior bellies of the digastric muscle (DA). Electromyographic activity was recorded in three conditions: at rest, during maximum voluntary clenching at the intercuspal position, and during maximum voluntary clenching with cotton rolls between teeth. Results. Significant differences in electromyographic activity between the male and female group were observed within resting activity for the TA-R (Women: 1.98 µV vs. Men: 1.26 µV; p=0.000), TA-L (Women: 2.13 µV vs. Men: 1.33 µV; p=0.000), DA-R (Women: 2.17 µV vs. Men: 1.29 µV; p=0.001), DA-L (Women: 2.13 µV vs. Men: 1.37 µV; p=0.005). Moreover, significant difference in resting activity index was observed within left side (Women: -9.89 % vs. Men: 10.39%; p=0.037), and within right side during clenching with cotton rolls between teeth (Women: 9.83% vs. Men: 25.59%; p=0.016). Conclusions. Women represent higher resting sEMG activity within the temporalis anterior and digastric muscles than men. Electromyographic patterns may be influenced by gender at rest and during clenching tasks.

Efekti vježbi za jačanje mišića poda karlice kod trudnica

The pelvic floor is a complex network formed by deep and superficial muscle structures, the vaginal wall and fascia that provides support to the pelvic organs and maintains continence. Changes in the urinary and muscular system during pregnancy cause pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). By strengthening these muscles, the symptoms of incontinence can be alleviated. The aim of this paper is to prove the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises in the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence in pregnant women through a systematic review of the available literature. Using the keywords "pelvic floor exercises", "urinary incontinence", "pregnancy", "prevention", "prenatal period" and "postnatal period", three independent authors searched database search engines (PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library) for relevant articles from October 2021 to April 2022 using the predetermined criteria, and selected potential papers. The search resulted in 75 works. The papers older than five years, not available in full text, or not written in English were excluded. Ten works that met the criteria were included in the research. The selection was made by using the Jovell and Navarro-Rubio classification of study designs. The classified papers have provided evidence of the importance of prenatal exercises in improving pelvic floor muscle contractility. Structured, supervised training increases the strength of these muscles, reduces urinary symptoms and incontinence. The exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor prevent incontinence, reduce the intensity of symptoms and improve the quality of life during pregnancy and postpartum. Health experts have a significant contribution in the education of pregnant women. It is a priority to develop standardized educational programs through which these exercises will be effectively applied.

Reliability and Validity of a Cervical Muscle Strength Test using a Load-cell-type Strength Measurement Sensor

Background : Cervical disorder is caused by abnormal cervical movement patterns and cervical muscle imbalance, which are interrelated and result in neck pain and forward head position. In individuals with postural problems, measuring cervical muscle strength allows quantitative assessment of musculoskeletal damage and the effects of neck pain. Various devices have been used to measure cervical muscle strength. However, no studies have assessed cervical muscle strength using a load cell capable of measuring muscle strength in various postures and acquiring biofeedback in real time. Objectives : To evaluate the reliability and validity of a device designed to measure cervical muscle strength in the craniocervical and cervicothoracic regions using a load cell device fixed to a support plate. Methods : The participants were 15 individuals with neck pain. Superficial cervical muscle strength in cervicothoracic flexion (CTF) and cervicothoracic extension (CTE), as well as deep cervical muscle strength in craniocervical flexion (CCF) and craniocervical extension (CCE), were measured using an Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and fixed-base isometric (load cell) dynamometry. The reliability and validity of the outcome measures using the two devices (HHD and load cell) in four positions were analyzed using intra-class coefficient (ICC) models 3 and 2. Results : Load cell measurements showed excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. HHD measurements exhibited excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The load cell and HHD measurements showed moderate to excellent validity. Conclusions : The findings revealed excellent validity and reliability of load cell and HHD measurements of muscle strength. Thus, the load cell device can be used as an effective tool for assessing cervical strength. Also, the load cell can express muscle strength in Kilogramme rather than Newton. Therefore, the load cell can be used to measure muscle strength more easily than HHD.