Effect of pranayama on abdominal muscle strength cardio respiratory endurance and flexibility

The aim of this study was to investigate the 24-week effect of pranayama on abdominal muscle strength, cardio respiratory endurance and flexibility. Only 30 college students (boys) between the ages of 22 and 27 were assigned part- time to train at the Bharati Vidyapeeth College of physical education. Abdominal muscle strength, cardio respiratory endurance and flexibility were measured in this study. Pranayama works five days a week and training classes were held in the evening for a period of 50 minutes. Paired t 'tests were used to investigate the existence of significant differences between the pre- and post-test phases of the 24-week pranayama program. In conclusion the improvement was found after twenty-four weeks of the pranayama system and the differences were statistically significant. Pranayama not only beneficial for mental health but also improves abdominal muscle strength, cardio respiratory endurance and flexibility.

Effect of aquatic treadmill training on bilateral abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of aquatic treadmill training on abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke. MethodsFrom March to October, 2021, 60 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), suspension group (n = 20) and aquatic treadmill group (n = 20). On the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation training, the control group received treadmill training, the suspension group received skyrail suspension walking training, and the aquatic treadmill group received treadmill training in water, for four weeks. The curative effect was evaluated by musculoskeletal ultrasound with muscle thickness of bilateral external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles. And they were assessed with Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patient (PASS) and Timed 'Up & Go' Test (TUGT) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the thickness of external oblique and internal oblique muscles on the unaffected side, the PASS score and the TUGT time improved in all the three groups (|t| > 2.135, P < 0.05); while the thickness of external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles in the aquatic treadmill training group increased (|t| > 5.567, P < 0.001). The PASS score, the TUGT time, and the thickness of external oblique and internal oblique muscles on the affected side improved more in the aquatic treadmill training group than in the control group and the suspension group (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe aquatic treadmill training is more effective in strenghthening abdominal muscle to improve balance function.

Effect Of Abdominal Muscle Exercises On Peak Expiratory Flow Rate In Obese Individuals

Background: Expiration is a passive process with active muscle contraction being used more during forceful activities such as coughing or sneezing. The abdominal muscles are major muscles of diaphragm. So it improves the efficiency of expiration. In obese individuals there is deposition of fat around the rib cage and the chest wall. Studies have shown that there is a decrease in the functional residual capacity and expiratory reserve volume in obese individuals. The expiratory flow limitation is important determinant of breathlessness in obese individuals. Abdominal and thoracic fat have direct effects on downward movement of diaphragm and chest wall. Abdominal muscles are powerful expiratory muscles whose actions help to force the diaphragm back to its resting position. Aim: This present study was done to determine the effect of abdominal muscle exercises on peak expiratory flow rate in obese individuals. Methods: In this experimental study 30 obese subjects with decreased peak expiratory flow rate who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria having a Body mass index of more than 30kg/cm2 were selected for abdominal muscle exercise program for 4 weeks, 2 sets of each exercise, thrice a week for 10 repetitions for each set. The pre and post peak expiratory flow rate were measured by peak expiratory flow meter. Statistical analysis was done using one sample t and Wilcoxon test. Results: There was a significant increase in post peak expiratory flow rate compared to pre peak expiratory flow rate. Conclusion: This study showed that there is significant effect of abdominal muscle exercises on peak expiratory flow rate in obese individuals.

Trial of the contraction method for transversus abdominal muscle with taping: focusing on the muscle thickness of external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominal muscles / 体力科学

Abdominal draw-in is a functional transversus abdominal muscle exercise to acquire the contraction. However, it is difficult for even healthy subjects to selectively contract the deep transversus abdominal and internal oblique muscles without over-contraction of the superficial rectus abdominis and the external oblique muscles. This study examined whether the transversus abdominal muscle is selectively contracted by our taping method. The subjects were 20 healthy males. Using ultrasound, we compared the thickness of external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominal muscle among no taping, kinesio taping and abdominal muscle activation taping in the standing position. The thickness of transversus abdominal muscle significantly increased in the activation taping more than the other methods. This study showed that abdominal musculature activation taping made it possible to contract the transversus abdominal muscle selectively.

Synergism between abdominal and pelvic floor muscles in healthy women: a systematic review of observational studies / Sinergismo da musculatura abdomino-pélvica em mulheres hígidas: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction: The training of the pelvic floor muscles is widely used for treating pelvic floor dysfunctions, like urinary incontinence. During the training, abdominal contractions are avoided; however several studies support the use of the synergy between these muscle groups. Objective: Carrying out a systematic review of studies that seek to identify the presence of synergy between the muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor and its functionality in women without pelvic floor dysfunction. Methodology: To conduct the review, we have followed the recommendations proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration for systematic reviews. The literature search included the databases SCIELO, PEDro, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL and EMBASE, and manual research, the starting date of the databases until August 2013. We included cross observational studies with healthy women who were assessed to find the presence of synergy between the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. Results: We included 10 articles and they all showed the existence of synergy between the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles in healthy women in the supine, sitting and standing positions. Conclusion: Thus, we can conclude that there is synergy between the muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor in healthy women. Better understanding the behavior of these muscles and synergy may favor the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of disorders of the female pelvic floor muscles.

Resumo Introdução: O treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico é amplamente utilizado no tratamento de disfunções do assoalho pélvico, como a incontinência urinária, e durante sua execução evita-se a contração abdominal, entretanto vários estudos defendem a utilização do sinergismo entre estes grupos musculares. Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente os estudos que buscam identificar a presença de sinergismo entre os músculos do abdômen e do assoalho pélvico e sua funcionalidade em mulheres sem disfunções do assoalho pélvico. Metodologia: Para a realização da revisão, foram seguidas as recomendações propostas pela Colaboração Cochrane para revisões sistemáticas. A busca na literatura incluiu as bases SCIELO, PEDro, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL e EMBASE, além de busca manual, do início das bases até agosto de 2013. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais transversais com mulheres saudáveis que foram avaliadas quanto à presença de sinergismo entre os músculos abdominais e do assoalho pélvico. Resultados: Foram incluídos 10 artigos e todos demonstraram a existência de sinergismo entre os músculos abdominais e músculos do assoalho pélvico em mulheres saudáveis nas posturas supina, sentada e em ortostase. Conclusão: Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que há sinergismo entre os músculos do abdômen e do assoalho pélvico em mulheres saudáveis. Conhecer melhor o comportamento dessas musculaturas e do sinergismo pode favorecer a elaboração de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento das disfunções dos músculos do assoalho pélvico feminino.

Correlation between abdominal muscle strength and pulmonary function in subjects with low back pain

Introduction: The diaphragm is man's main respiratory muscle. The role of the abdominal muscles is seen in both quiet and forceful breathing. Abdominal muscle function could be affected in subjects with back pain. Few studies are done about the relation between expiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of abdominal muscle strength with pulmonary function in patients with low back pain. Materials and methods: Sixty subjects with low back pain were included in the study. Subjects with history of acute or chronic respiratory disorders were excluded. Abdominal muscle strength was measured by curl up test and FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured to assess pulmonary functional. Results: Using Spearman test for correlation between abdominal muscle strength and FEV1/FVC (r= - 0.27, p=0.03), and between abdominal muscle strength and PEFR (r=0.34, p=0.007) was seen. Conclusion: There was a weak correlation between abdominal muscle strength and pulmonary function in subjects of low back pain.

Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is one the most common cause of chronic abdominal wall pain. The syndrome is mostly misdiagnosed, treated wrongly and inadequately. If diagnosed correctly by history, examination and a positive carnett test, the suffering of the patient can be relieved by addressing the cause i.e. local anaesthetic with steroid injection at the entrapment site. Conventionally, the injection is done by landmark technique. In this report, we have described 2 patients who were diagnosed with ACNES who were offered ultrasound guided transverses abdominis plane (TAP) injection who got significant pain relief for a long duration of time.

Correlação e reprodutibilidade de testes abdominais em mulheres jovens / Correlation and reproducibility testing abdominals in young women / Correlación y reproducibilidad de diferentes tests abdominales en mujeres jóvenes

O objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar os escores dos testes abdominais de um minuto, de dois minutos com banco, de uma repetição máxima (1RM), de repetições máximas com 70% de 1RM e teste de contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) e verificar a reprodutibilidades dos mesmos em mulheres jovens. A amostra foi composta de 15 mulheres (26,22 ± 4,67 anos) fisicamente ativas. Os testes foram realizados em dias alternados e randomizados, com intervalos mínimos de 48 horas. Após um intervalo de 7 a 10 dias, os testes foram reaplicados. Os resultados sugeriram que os testes abdominais apresentam boa capacidade de reprodutibilidade. Além disso, os testes de um minuto e de dois minutos apresentaram boa relação com o teste de força máxima (1RM), sendo que os testes de CIVM e de repetições máximas a 70% de 1RM não apresentaram correlação com os demais.

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible correlations between the values of 1 minute abdominal tests, 2 minutes with bench, a repetition maximum, a repetition maximum with 70% of 1RM and maximum voluntary isometric contraction test and then, to verify the reproducibility of them in young women. The study was composed by 15 trained women (26.22 ± 4.67 ages). The tests were randomly performed in different days with minimum of 48 hours of interval between collections. After of 7-10 days interval, the tests were performed again. The present results suggested it is possible to conclude that abdominal tests present a good capacity of reproducibility. Besides this, the 1min and 2min tests have presented a good relation with the maximum strength test (1RM), however the maximum voluntary isometric contraction and repetition maximum with 70% of 1RM tests did not presented any correlation with the other tests.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue relacionar la puntuación de los resultados de los siguientes tests abdominales: abdominal en un minuto, abdominal en dos minutos en la banca, una repetición máxima (1RM), repeticiones máximas a 70% de 1RM y test de contracción isométrica voluntaria máxima (CIVM); y evaluar la reproducibilidad de los mismos en mujeres jóvenes. La muestra estuvo constituída por 15 mujeres (26,22 ± 4,67 años) físicamente activas. Los tests se realizaron en días distintos y al azar, con intervalos de 48 horas. Después de 7-10 días los tests fueron aplicados nuevamente. Los resultados sugieren que los ejercicios abdominales muestran una buena capacidad de reproducibilidad. Además, los tests de un minuto y dos minutos mostraron buena relación con la prueba de 1RM, pero los testes de CIVM y repeticiones máximas a 70% de 1RM no mostraron ninguna correlación con los demás.

Clinical Implications caused by the agenesis of the RectusAbdominal Muscle’s (MRA) inferior venter

The rectus abdominal muscle is part of the anterior abdominal wall, having three to six bellies. In only oneof the 106 dissections already made in the “Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais” AnatomyLaboratory was found a male cadaver who did not have inferior venter of this muscle bilaterally. Instead, at theleft side, was found a tendon that measured 5.5 cm laterally and 12 cm medially, and at the right side, therewas the same variation with a 15.5 cm length tendon, rising in the upper branch of the pubis and crest pubis.Despite being a rare variation, individuals who have showed it have increased potential for physiological andsurgical complications, in case they need interventions using inferior rectus abdominis muscle venter’s snips.

Effect of Lumbar Stabilization and Dynamic Lumbar Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises and lumbar dynamic strengthening exercises on the maximal isometric strength of the lumbar extensors, pain severity and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Patients suffering nonspecific LBP for more than 3 months were included prospectively and randomized into lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=11) or lumbar dynamic strengthening exercise group (n=10). Exercises were performed for 1 hour, twice weekly, for 8 weeks. The strength of the lumbar extensors was measured at various angles ranging from 0degrees to 72degrees at intervals of 12degrees, using a MedX. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) were used to measure the severity of LBP and functional disability before and after the exercise. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, lumbar extension strength at all angles improved significantly in both groups after 8 weeks. The improvements were significantly greater in the lumbar stabilization exercise group at 0degrees and 12degrees of lumbar flexion. VAS decreased significantly after treatment; however, the changes were not significantly different between the groups. ODQ scores improved significantly in the stabilization exercise group only. CONCLUSION: Both lumbar stabilization and dynamic strengthening exercise strengthened the lumbar extensors and reduced LBP. However, the lumbar stabilization exercise was more effective in lumbar extensor strengthening and functional improvement in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.

A Case of Pulmonary Paragonimiasis with Involvement of the Abdominal Muscle in a 9-Year-Old Girl

In Korea, many people enjoy eating raw or underkooked freshwater crayfish and crabs which unfortunately may cause paragonimiasis. Here, we describe a case of pulmonary and abdominal paragonimiasis in a 9-year-old girl, who presented with a 1-month history of abdominal pain, especially in the right flank and the right inguinal area, with anorexia. A chest radiograph revealed pleural effusion in both lungs, and her abdominal sonography indicated an inflammatory lesion in the right psoas muscle. Peripheral blood analysis of the patient showed hypereosinophilia (66.0%) and an elevated total serum IgE level (>2,500 IU/ml). The pleural effusion tested by ELISA were also positive for antibodies against paragonimiasis. Her dietary history stated that she had ingested raw freshwater crab, 4 months previously. The diagnosis was pulmonary paragonimiasis accompanied by abdominal muscle involvement. She was improved after 5 cycles of praziquantel treatment and 2 times of pleural effusion drainage. In conclusion, herein, we report a case of pulmonary and abdominal paragonimiasis in a girl who presented with abdominal pain and tenderness in the inguinal area.

Chest Wall Reconstruction with Thoracoabdominal Flap for Large Skin Defects after Mastectomy of Advanced Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: Radical surgical extirpation in advanced breast cancer patients produces extensive loss of skin with large defects requiring plastic surgical procedures for the closure. Many reconstructive methods exist, the choice of which depends upon the characteristic of the wound, extent of resection and patient comorbidities. For adequate coverage of the large skin defects following resection of advanced breast cancer, current authors have performed a thoracoabdominal flap. METHODS: From August 2008 to June 2009, 4 cases of thoraco-abdominal flap were performed for chest wall reconstruction after mastectomy of advanced breast cancer. Flap dissection was entirely performed in a subfascial plane and the flap involving the external oblique abdominal muscle. The flap was rotated clockwise in left chest wall defects and counterclockwise in right chest defects and the donor site was closed directly. RESULTS: Their mean age, 55.7 years and the average follow-up interval was 9 months. Patients' oncologic status ranged from stage IIIc to stage IV, it was classified according to the TNM staging system. Flap dimensions ranged between 15 x 15 and 25 x 25 cm. One flap sustained a partial loss at the distal margin and revision with pectoralis major musculocutaneous island flap. CONCLUSION: Large chest wall reconstructions are usually required after radical excision of advanced cancer stages patients with poor general conditions. Thoracoabdominal flap is a simple, quick single-stage procedure, and offer to patient fast recovery, low complication rate, enabling further concomitant adjuvant therapy.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES OF POSTURAL STABILITY AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY JAPANESE / 体力科学

The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationships between age-related changes of postural stability and physical function in middle-aged and elderly Japanese. The subjects were 640 males and 620 females who had participated in both the baseline and the 4-year follow-up surveys of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging. Postural stability was measured using a force platform. Flexibility, muscle function, reaction time, balance and comfortable and maximal gait performance were also measured as physical function. Postural sway was increased in 4 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlled for age, sex, height, weight and history of diseases revealed significant relationships between decline of postural stability and sit-ups, flexibility, frequency and velocity at comfortable gait and leg extension power at baseline. These results suggest that not only greater abdominal muscle strength and leg power but also quick walking benefit the preservation of postural stability.

Study on anatomical basis of skin flaps based on the blood supply of the rectus abdominis muscle

The investigation was performed in 20 cadavers (dissection in 17 formaldehyde preserved and dye injection in 3 fresh ones). The results of study showed that: average, each rectus abdominal muscle has 4.97 vessel with 0.5-0.6 mm in diameter arising from the anterior gone up through the sheath of abdominal muscle. Among them, 4.56 arising from the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and they concentrate mainly in the paraumbilical area (87.7%). The cutaneous blood supply (dye coloured area) of the DIEA was 19.5 x 14 cm in the supra and infra umbilical regions. The DIEA and the vein form a suitable pedicle for free tissue transfer. The design of different skin flaps patterns was proposed by results.

The Effect of the Kampo-Formula without Shakuyaku on the Palpitation at Rest Due to Imbalance of Ki-distribution / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We treated five patients with palpitation at rest due to imbalance of Ki-distribution, a concept of traditional Chinese medicine in which there is abnormal upward flowing of “Ki, ” who showed rapid improvement after Shakuyaku was excluded from their original regimen or after initiation of treatment with Shakuyaku-free regimens. All these patients shared in common two findings before the initiation of the Shakuyaku-free treatment: first, the absence of strain of the rectus abdominas muscle in the whole abdomen between the hypochondrium and the upper margin of the pubic bones, and secondly, the presence of abdominal pulsation diagnosed as pericardiac, infra-umbilical or sub-umbilical pulsation. We also treated patients who developed palpitation at rest only after Shakuyaku-free regimens were replaced with regimens including Shakuyaku. These findings suggest that there may be many patients in whom Shakuyaku-free regimens may improve palpitation when they have an imbalance of Ki-distribution as an underlying condition.

Respiration Patterns and Abdominal Muscle Activities during Speech Production in Athetoid Cerebral-Palsied Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of the respiration patterns and the abdominal muscle activities during various speech productions in the adults with athetoid cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Subjects were 7 athetoid CPs and 7 healthy controls. Respirography and abdominal muscle activities were recorded by use of the pneumobelt and the surface EMG during their performances of six kinds of non-speech and speech tasks. RESULTS: The followings were observed in the athetoid CP. 1) Respiratory phase was irregular and variable in the intensity and period of revolution. The frequency of the respiratory phase was not different from the control in usual respiration, but higher in deep breathing. The time to persist one vowel phonation was shorter. 2) Inappropriate and frequent inspirations were occurred during speech task and the number of syllables was fewer and irregular for one speech breath. 3) The abdominal muscle activities were abrupt, irregular, inconsistent with the respiratory phase during all kinds of non-speech and speech tasks. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the abnormal respiration patterns and abdominal muscle activities contribute to the abnormal speech production of athetoid CP and their incoordination is similar to athetoid movement of the extremities. We should consider the athetoid speech production as well as the dysarthria in the athetoid CP.