• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.60-67
• /
• 2011

Ultrasonography (US) is a recent technique that has proven to be useful for assessing muscle thickness and guiding the rehabilitation decision-making of clinicians and researchers. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the US measurement of transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) thicknesses for different probe locations and measurement techniques. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Muscle thicknesses of the transversus TrA, IO, and EO were measured three times in the hook-lying position. The three different probe locations were as follows: 1) Probe location 1 (PL1) was below the rib cage in direct vertical alignment with the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). 2) Probe location 2 (PL2) was halfway between the ASIS and the ribcage along the mid-axillary line. 3) Probe location 3 (PL3) was halfway between the iliac crest and the inferior angle of the rib cage, with adjustment to ensure the medial edge of the TrA. The two different techniques of thickness measurement from the captured images were as follows: 1) Muscle thickness was measured in the middle of the muscle belly, which was centered within the captured image (technique A; TA). 2) Muscle thickness was measured along a horizontal reference line located 2 cm apart from the medial edge of the TrA in the captured image (technique B; TB). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [3,k]) was used to calculate the inter-rater reliability of the thickness measurement of TrA, IO and EO using the values from both the first and second examiner. In all three muscles, moderate to excellent reliability was found for all conditions (probe locations and measurement techniques) (ICC=.70~.97). In the PL1-TA condition, inter-rater reliability in the three muscle thicknesses was good to excellent (ICC=.85~.96). The reliability of all measurement conditions was excellent in IO (ICC=.95~.97). Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that TA can be applied to PL1 by clinicians and researchers in order to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.175-185
• /
• 2022

Purpose : This study was conducted to determine the effect of Kegel exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) for 2 weeks on maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and abdominal muscle thickness based on previous studies. Methods : The subjects of this study were 20 healthy female students in their 20s. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. Eleven subjects were assigned to the experimental group (EG) and 9 subjects were assigned to the control group (CG). Subjects measured MVV with a spirometer. In hooklying position, transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) of the dominant side were measured using ultrasound. For the measurement value, the average value of three times was adopted. After 2 weeks of intervention, the measurements were measured in the same way. In the EG, pelvic setting training using PBU was performed before Kegel exercise. The PBU was first placed at the waist in the Kegel exercise position and the starting pressure was set at 40 mmHg and adjusted to 60 mmHg through pelvic floor muscle contraction. After performing pelvic control using PBU, Kegel exercise was performed with 8 seconds of contraction, 8 seconds of relaxation, and 3 sets of 10 reps per set. A significance level of 𝛼=.05 was used to verify statistical significance. Results : In the variable of MVV, a significant increase was confirmed in the EG (p<.05). In the abdominal muscle thickness variable, significant increases were confirmed in IO and TrA in the EG (p<.05). In addition, a significant increase in IO was confirmed in the CG (p<.05). Significant increases in IO and TrA were confirmed between groups (p<.05). Conclusion : Based on the previous study, this study confirmed that Kegel exercise using a PBU had a positive effect on MVV and abdominal muscle thickness based on a 2-week intervention.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.278-288
• /
• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of stabilization exercise on whole-body vibration on pain, dysfunction, psychosocial factors, balance ability, and abdominal contraction with patients with low back pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: A total of 34 patients with low back pain were assigned randomly to experimental group (n=17) and control group (n=17). Both groups underwent a neuromuscular stabilization exercise program. In addition, the experimental group implemented the neuromuscular stabilization exercise program using whole-body vibration. All interventions were applied 60 min per session, 3 times per week for total 4 weeks. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Korean version of Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), balance ability, muscle thickness and contraction ratio were compared to evaluate the effect on intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in NRS, balance ability, and muscle thickness in contraction, contraction ratio before and after intervention (p<0.05). In addition, the experimental group showed significant difference in the amount of change in NRS, balance ability and muscle thickness in contraction, contraction ratio values than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Neuromuscular stabilization exercise program combined with whole-body vibration stimulation has been proven to be an effective and clinically useful method to decrease pain, dysfunction, increase balance ablilty, and transverse abdominis muscle thickness in contraction and contraction ratio for patients with low back pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.184-190
• /
• 2020

Objective: Patients with low back pain can possibly have impaired core muscle function, which is the common cause of low back pain. Spinal stabilization exercises are recommended for prevention and reinforcement. This study aimed to compare the effects of different types of feedback on abdominal and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle recruitment during spinal stabilization exercises. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-seven healthy subjects (sex=male 21/female 36, age=21.28±1.60 years) were divided into three different groups: the control group (n=19), the auditory feedback (AF) group (n=19), and the visual and auditory feedback (VAF) group (n=19). The control group received no feedback, whereas the AF group only received AF during exercises and the VAF group received the AF and visual feedback through the real-time ultrasound images. The main outcome measure was the assessment of the thickness of the abdominal muscles and LM measured by a dual ultrasound. Results: When VAF was applied, the thickness of the transverse abdominis significantly increased rather than when feedback was not applied or with AF only (p<0.05). The VAF group showed significant differences in both the control group and the AF group in the post-hoc test (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the control group and the AF group. Conclusions: With spinal stabilization exercises, VAF should be applied in standing posture for healthy adults to further promote the production of effective contractions.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.215-222
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate abdominal local muscle activity during modified bridge exercise. 17 subjects participated in this study. Abdominal muscles measured. External oblique abdominis (EO), internal oblique abdominis (IO), transvers abdominis (TrA), and rectus abdominis (RA) during general bridge exercise and modified bridge exercise, respectively. Electromyogram (EMG) and real-time ultrasound were used to verify alteration of muscles. Activation of RA and EO muscles of non-dominant foot was significantly difference in general bridge exercise group, not modifiedl bridge exercise group. In the modified bridge exercise group, thickness of IO and TrA muscle of non-dominant foot was significantly difference in modified bridge exercise group than general bridge exercise group. Therefore, modified bridge exercise may be apply as more effective exercise for local muscle activity than global muscle.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of a sling suspension exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on the thickness of abdominal muscles. Method: Twenty healthy young women volunteered for this study, and they were randomly assigned to either the control group or experimental group. Subjects of both groups performed the ADIM in standard method. And subjects of the experimental group underwent a structured sling exercises additionally, which consists of bridging exercise on supine, elbow support and trunk control exercise on prone, and trunk flexion exercises. The exercises were performed thirty minutes per day, 3 times a week for a 4-week period. Thickness of abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis; TrA, internal obliques; IO and external obliques; EO) was measured by using real-time ultrasonography. Results: After the intervention, subjects of the experimental group appeared to be significantly increased for the thickness of the TrA (p<.05). However, significant difference weren't found for the IO and EO (p>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that sling suspension exercise with the ADIM may be favorably used to augment trunk stabilizing effort by increasing TrA thickness. Further studies need in this field.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.7-14
• /
• 2022

Purposed: This study was conducted to find out by ultrasonic waves the thickness change of the deep abdominal muscles, such as transverse abdominal, internal oblique and external oblique when performing general bridge exercise on the stable surface (GBE), single-legged bridge exercise on the stable surface (BES), bridge exercise with a sling (SBE) and single-legged bridge exercise with a sling (SBS). Methods: The subject, 33 healthy adults(18 men and 15 women) in their 20s of V university in J city were subjected to take four postures of GBE, BES, SBE, and SBS. When performing each posture, the thickness of transverse abdominal, internal oblique and external oblique were measured by ultrasonic waves and analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA. This significance level was set to be p<.05. Results: Muscle thickness was increased in the order of BES, SBE, and GBE in the external oblique, resulting in statistically significant differences(p<.001). The internal oblique was significantly thicker in SBE and SBS rather than in GBE, and was thicker in SBE and SBS rather than in BES (p<.01). The thickness of the transverse abdominal was significantly increased in SBS than in GBE (p<.01). Conclusion: As the result, it may be more effective for the trunk stabilization exercises to activate the internal oblique and transverse abdominal by applying both-legged or single-legged bridge exercise in slings.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.213-226
• /
• 2015

Objectives : This study was aimed to show the effect of electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture on abdominal obesity without patient dieting, exercise or use of herbal medication. Methods : Women over 85 cm in waist circumference were treated with electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture. Acupuncture points were located at the abdomen ($CV_{12}$, $CV_6$, $ST_{25}$, $ST_{21}$, $SP_{15}$, $SP_{14}$), extremities ($LI_4$, $LI_{11}$, $ST_{36}$, $ST_{44}$) and were stimulated 30 minutes with 2.1~3 Gaus, 500 Hz, tolerable strength. The Interference wave forms were by Whata 153 (Medi Lab, Korea). Two or three treatment sessions per week (five or ten sessions in total) were done. Before treatment, and after the last treatment, we measured waist circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, visceral fat area, free fat mass, body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. We also measured the subcutaneous temperature of the abdomen($CV_{12}$, $ST_{25}(Rt)$, $ST_{25}(Lt)$, $CV_6$) by using digital infrared thermal imaging(DITI). Results : In this study, significant reductions were shown in waist circumference, hip circumference, thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio and body fat mass. There were no significant differences in waist hip ratio, free fat mass or skeletal muscle mass. There were also significant increases of the subcutaneous temperature on $CV_{12}$, $ST_{25}(Rt)$, $ST_{25}(Lt)$. Conclusions : From the above results, electroacupuncture combined with magnetic acupuncture might be an effective treatment for abdominal obesity.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.101-106
• /
• 2014

Objective: To investigate the appropriate position for abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) exercise by rehabilitative ultrasound image. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-eight young adults with no history of low back pain participated in the study. Three positions compared were crook lying position with hip $60^{\circ}$ flexion, standing position with the feet hip width apart and knees straight, and saddle standing positionunsupported with the knees $20^{\circ}$ flexed. Once in the appropriate position, the subjects were verbally cued to draw in their abdominal wall, with the intention of pulling their navel inward toward their lower back. The thickness of each transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles were measured via ultrasound and recorded at the end of inspiration. Results: When compared to the TrA thickness of rest, the TrA thickness was significantly increased in all three positions (crook lying, standing, and saddle standing) during the ADIM (p<0.05). IO thickness was significantly greater in standing and saddle standing than in crook lying (p<0.05). EO thickness was constant in all the three positions. Conclusions: The present study suggests that standing and saddle standing positions could be recommended for the ADIM to maximize recruitment of the TrA and IO activation. Specifically, the saddle standing position with knees flexed to $20^{\circ}$ was observed to increase the TrA activation more than the standing position. These findings should be considered when core stability exercises such as the ADIM are conducted.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.934-939
• /
• 2014

The purpose of this study unit a Quadrupedal position of limbs due to changes in the thickness of the trunk muscles to find out, by comparing the difference in muscle activity fours spinal stabilization devices do you need to choose an effective stance is to provide the data. The subjects C # 29 University students healthy adults were recruited. The Rectus abdominis muscle and the transversus abdominis and internal oblique abdominal muscle, external oblique abdominal muscle should be measured. The results of this study Lt. IO, EO, TrA, Rt. TrA, Muscle showed significant differences among the positions. The study reveals that the exercises in Quadrupedal position can activate trunk muscles and the degrees of muscle activities can vary according to the angle.