The effect of lumbar-pelvic alignment and abdominal muscle thickness on primary dysmenorrhea.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify effects of malalignment of the lumbar pelvis, as a passive element, and the thicknesses of abdominal muscles, as active elements, on primary dysmenorrhea. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were divided into a primary dysmenorrhea group and normal group according to Visual Analogue Scale, and ultimately there were 28 subjects in the dysmenorrhea group and 22 subjects in the normal group. Alignment of the lumbar pelvis was measured by using a Formetric 4D analysis system, and the thicknesses of abdominal muscles were measured by using ultrasound imaging. [Result] Scoliosis was 6.7 ± 4.3° in the primary dysmenorrhea group and 3.8 ± 2.0° in the normal group, and the lordotic angles of the two groups were 0.6 ± 0.5° and 0.1 ± 0.3°, respectively. The thickness of the internal oblique was 3.8 ± 1.3 mm in the primary dysmenorrhea group and 6.0 ± 1.9 mm in the thicknesses of the transverse abdominis in the two groups were 2.6 ± 6.8 mm and 3.5 ± 6.1 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the thickness of the normal group, and the external oblique was 4.0 ± 0.8 mm in the primary dysmenorrhea group and 5.4 ± 1.4 mm in the normal group. [Conclusion] This study showed significant differences between the primary dysmenorrhea group and the normal group in lumbar-pelvic alignment and thicknesses of abdominal muscles.

The relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea in general women. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred two females participated in this study. They were divided into a dysmenorrhea group and a normal group based on the results of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessment of pain and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). The survey data was collecting from 5th July to 20th September, 2014. Formetric 4D was used to measure the pelvic alignment, including the values of Trunk Imbalance, Pelvic Tilt, Surface Rotation, Lateral Deviation, Kyphosis Angle, Lordosis Angle. [Results] There was a difference in the spine alignments of each group. The value of pelvic torsion was 2.4 ± 1.8 degree in those with dysmenorrhea, while it was 1.7 ± 1.1 degree in those without. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the results suggest that there is a relationship between menstrual pain and pelvic torsion.

The effect of simulating a leg-length discrepancy on pelvic position and spinal posture.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine how a leg-length discrepancy contributes to the pelvic position and spinal posture. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 20 subjects (10 males, 10 females) were examined during different artificially created leg-length inequalities (0-4 cm) using a platform. The pelvic tilt and torsion and the sagittal deviation of the spine were measured using the rasterstereographic device formetric 4D. [Results] Changes in platform height led to an increase in pelvic tilt and torsion, while no changes in the spinal posture were found with the different simulated leg-length inequalities. [Conclusion] Our study showed that a leg-length discrepancy may cause pelvic deviation and torsion, but may not lead to kyphosis and lordosis. Therefore, we consider that an artificially created leg-length discrepancy has a greater effect on pelvic position than spine position.

Effect of the Push-up Plus (PUP) Exercise at Different Shoulder Rotation Angles on Shoulder Muscle Activities.

[Purpose] Although the Push-Up Plus is a useful exercise method for shoulder stabilization, few studies have examined its effects at different angles of shoulder rotation. Therefore, the present study investigated the most effective exercise method for shoulder stabilization by analyzing muscle activities of the rotator cuff muscles at different angles of shoulder rotation. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy university students in their 20s were the subjects of this study. [Methods] Changes in muscle EMG related to shoulder stabilization were analyzed by performing the Push-Up Plus in shoulder positions of neutral, internal and external rotation. [Results] The highest muscle activity was found in external rotation, and in internal rotation the pectoralis major and levator scapula showed significantly lower activities than the other positions. [Conclusion] Selectively changing the rotation angle of the shoulder for different purposes of the shoulder exercise would be an effective exercise method.

The effects of horse riding simulation training on stroke patients' balance ability and abdominal muscle thickness changes.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of horse riding simulation training on changes in balance ability and abdominal muscle thicknesses of stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty stroke patients with hemiplegia were recruited, and they were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. [Methods] The experimental group performed horse riding simulation training, whereas the control group performed trunk exercises for 8 weeks. Balance ability was measured using a BioRescue system. The thicknesses of subjects' external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles were measured by ultrasonic imaging. [Results] In the experimental group, balance ability was significantly improved after training. Similarly, the thickness of the abdominal muscles on the affected side changed after training in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no statistically significant changes. [Conclusion] We suggest that horse riding simulation training is more effective than trunk exercises at reducing the center of pressure path length and travel speed and improving the asymmetry of the abdominal muscles of stroke patients.

Effect of Circuit Class Training for Eight Weeks on Changes in Ratios of F-Trp/BCAAs and Depression in People with Poststroke Depression.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of circuit class training (CCT) on poststroke depression through changes in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) and free-tryptophan (f-Trp). [Subjects] The study subjects were 40 stroke patients with major depressive disorder. The subjects were group-matched into an experimental and a control group according to sex, age, height, and weight. [Methods] The experimental CCT group performed gradual task-oriented CCT (80 min per session). The control group performed stretching exercises and weight bearing exercises (80 min per session). Both groups performed the exercises three times per week for eight weeks (24 sessions). Blood samples were collected immediately before the exercise (9:10 a.m.) and after the exercise (10:30 a.m.), every two weeks for eight weeks. [Results] The f-Trp/BCAAs ratio in the CCT group showed a significant increase compared to the control group over time. [Conclusion] The results show that the CCT may help to improve depression in people with poststroke depression (PSD).

Differences in Transversus Abdominis Muscle Function between Chronic Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy Subjects at Maximum Expiration: Measurement with Real-time Ultrasonography.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the contraction ability at maximum expiration of the transversus abdominis (TrA) in patients with chronic low-back pain (CLBP) with that of healthy individuals. [Subjects] We studied 15 patients with CLBP and 15 healthy subjects. The subjects were informed of the study's aim and methods, and the experiment was performed after obtaining the consent of the subjects. [Methods] The thickness of the abdominal muscles was measured using a LOGIQ Book XP (GE, USA). The main outcome variable was the ratio of TrA thickness at maximum expiration versus in the relaxed position (TrA activation ratio). [Results] There was a difference between the healthy subjects and the back pain subjects with regard to the thickness of the TrA at rest and the thickness of the muscle during contraction. However, there was no difference in the rate of change in the muscle activity. [Conclusion] In conclusion, CLBP patients exhibited atrophy of the TrA muscle, but voluntary TrA muscle activation was similar to that of the normal subjects.

Comparison of contraction rates of abdominal muscles of chronic low back pain patients in different postures.

[Purpose] This study examined the contraction rates of abdominal muscles in relation to the posture of chronic lumbar pain patients and normal subjects. [Subjects] The subjects were 17 chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients and 17 normal people between the ages of 20 and 59. [Methods] Experimental postures included a supine position, a sitting position, and a standing position. Measurements were taken at rest and during abdominal contraction. The measurement at rest was taken during expiration with comfortable breathing, and the measurement during contraction was taken at maximum expiration of forced expiration. Muscle contraction rates (on contraction and at relaxation) were calculated. [Results] There were significant differences between CLBP patients and normal subjects in the transversus abdominis (TrA) in the standing position. [Conclusion] Changes in contraction rates of the abdominal muscles of normal subjects and CLBP patients were examined in different postures at maximum expiration. It was found that the contraction rate of TrA in CLBP patients in a standing position, is significantly lower than that of normal subjects.