PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plank exercises with resistance of one-sided hip adduction on abdominal muscle thickness. METHODS: Thirty subjects were divided into a group that underwent plank exercises with one-sided hip adduction resistance (n=15) and a group that underwent plank exercises only (n=15). Their changes in abdominal muscle thickness before the experiment (n=15) and three and six weeks after the experiment were analyzed using a two-way repeated analysis of variance at a statistical significance level of α=0.05. When there was any interaction between the time of measurement and each group, post hoc t-tests were conducted at a statistical significance level of α=0.01. RESULTS: The results of the experiment showed statistically significant differences in the thickness of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique muscle, and transversus abdominis, depending on the time of measurement and the interaction between the time of measurement and each group (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in the thickness of the external oblique, depending on the time of measurement, the interaction between the time of measurement and each group, and variances between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that plank exercises with resistance of one-sided adduction are effective for increasing abdominal muscle thickness. The study's overall findings will likely be used as basic data for lumbar stabilization exercises and rehabilitation treatment.
Abdominal Muscles ; Exercise ; Hip ; Rectus Abdominis ; Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of activation of the abdominal muscles depending on exercise angles and whether the activation of rectus abdominis differs according to the location, during curl up and leg raise exercises, by measuring the thickness ratio of abdominal muscles using ultrasonography. METHODS: We examined 30 normal adults without musculoskeletal problems. Muscle thickness was measured in the upper rectus abdominis (URA), lower rectus abdominis (LRA), obliquus externus (EO), obliquus internus (IO), and transversus abdominis (TrA), at pre-determined angles (30degrees, 60degrees, 90degrees) and additionally at the resting angle (0degrees). Muscle thickness ratio was calculated by dividing the resting (0degrees) thickness for each angle, and was used as reflection of muscle activity. RESULTS: The muscle thickness ratio was significantly different depending on the angles in URA and LRA. For curl up-URA p=0 (30degrees<60degrees), p=0 (60degrees>90degrees), p=0.44 (30degrees<90degrees) and LRA p=0.01 (30degrees<60degrees), p=0 (60degrees>90degrees), p=0.44 (30degrees>90degrees), respectively, by one-way ANOVA test-and for leg raise-URA p=0 (30degrees<60degrees), p=0 (60degrees<90degrees), p=0 (30degrees<90degrees) and LRA p=0.01 (30degrees<60degrees), p=0 (60degrees<90degrees), p=0 (30degrees<90degrees), respectively, by one-way ANOVA test-exercises, but not in the lateral abdominal muscles (EO, IO, and TrA). Also, there was no significant difference in the muscle thickness ratio of URA and LRA during both exercises. In the aspect of muscle activity, there was significant difference in the activation of RA muscle by selected angles, but not according to location during both exercises. CONCLUSION: According to this study, exercise angle is thought to be an important contributing factor for strengthening of RA muscle; however, both the exercises are thought to have no property of strengthening RA muscle selectively based on the location.
Abdominal Muscles* ; Adult ; Exercise ; Humans ; Jupiter ; Leg ; Rectus Abdominis ; Ultrasonography*

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study compared the muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of the abdominal, thigh, and lower leg muscles between the paretic and nonparetic sides in chronic stroke survivors. METHODS: Thirty-two stroke survivors living in the community participated in this study. The MT and EI, which are indicators of muscle mass and intramuscular fat or connective tissue, were assessed in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus via transverse ultrasound imaging. In addition, a possible indicator of physical activity—the frequency of going out per week—was evaluated. RESULTS: All quadriceps muscles and the tibialis anterior were significantly thinner and the EI values of the vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and soleus were significantly higher in the paretic limb than the nonparetic limb. The MT and EI values of abdominal muscles did not differ significantly between the two sides. The MT values of the paretic rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis were significantly associated with the frequency of going out after adjusting confounding factors. The MT of the nonparetic vastus lateralis was significantly associated with latency from stroke onset after adjusting confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that quantitative and qualitative changes on the paretic side in stroke survivors were the most robust in the thigh muscles, whereas such changes might not occur in the abdominal muscles.
Abdominal Muscles ; Connective Tissue ; Extremities ; Humans ; Leg ; Lower Extremity* ; Muscles* ; Quadriceps Muscle ; Rectus Abdominis ; Stroke* ; Survivors* ; Thigh ; Ultrasonography

No abstract available.
Abdominal Wall* ; Muscles*

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of newborns with severe congenital abdominal wall defects has increased. After successfully addressing life-threatening complications, it is necessary to focus on the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the abdominal wall. METHODS: We performed a chart review of five cases treated in our institution. RESULTS: Five patients, ranging from seven to 18 years of age, underwent the following surgical approaches: simple approximation of the rectus abdominis fascia, the rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap, the placement of submuscular tissue expanders, mesh repair, or a combination of these techniques depending on the characteristics of each individual case. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe congenital abdominal wall defects require individualized surgical treatment to address both the aesthetic and functional issues related to the sequelae of their defects.
Abdominal Muscles ; Abdominal Wall* ; Fascia ; Gastroschisis ; Hernia, Umbilical ; Hernia, Ventral ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Rectus Abdominis ; Survival Rate ; Tissue Expansion Devices

PURPOSE: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap has become a mainstay of breast reconstruction. The chief disadvantage of the TRAM flap is its potential to create a weakness in the abdominal wall. Nowadays true hernia is less frequent, but bulging that appears at the muscle donor site, or at the contralateral side, or at the epigastric area is still remained as a problem. To prevent this complications, we have used synthetic mesh as well as abdominal muscle plication. Now we report the result of our methods. METHODS: We started to use synthetic mesh and muscle plication as supplementary reinforcement for entire abdominal wall, after TRAM flap harvesting, in an attempt to stabilize it and achieve a superior aesthetic result since 2002. We observed complications of TRAM flap donor site, and compared our results (from January, 2002 to January, 2006) with other operator's result (before 2001) at the same hospital in aspect of incidence of abdominal complications. RESULTS: 42 consecutive patients have been performed routine reinforcement with the extended mesh technique and muscle plication from January, 2002 to January, 2006. Mean patient follow up was 25.2 months. No hernia or mesh related infection were encountered and only one patient had a mild abdominal bulging. Nevertheless the our good results, there were no significant statistical differences were observed between two groups. CONCLUSION: We recommend the using of synthetic mesh and muscle plication for donor site reconstruction after TRAM flap breast reconstruction to improve strength as well as aesthetic quality of the abdominal wall.
Abdominal Muscles ; Abdominal Wall ; Breast* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hernia ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mammaplasty* ; Rectus Abdominis ; Surgical Flaps* ; Tissue Donors

Repairing large incisional hernia with abdominal wall reconstruction is a technically challenging problem for surgeons. We report our experience of large midline incisional hernia which was repaired successfully with components separation technique. A patient with incisional hernia, 35 x 20 cm in size, underwent operation following standard components separation technique. The aponeurosis of the external abdominal oblique muscle was longitudinally transected from the rectus sheath, and the external abdominal oblique muscle was separated from the internal abdominal oblique muscle. With further separation of the posterior rectus sheath from the rectus abdominis muscle, closure of the abdominal wall was attained without tension. The post-operative course was uneventful with minor wound seroma. The patient discharged safely, and no further complication in terms of recurrence and wound problem has occurred. Components separation technique could be a possible and effective treatment option for repair of large abdominal wall defect.
Abdominal Wall ; Hernia ; Hernia, Ventral ; Humans ; Muscles ; Rectus Abdominis ; Recurrence ; Seroma

The knowledge of arterial patterns of donor and recipient sites is very important for performing a flap surgery. In order to perform a flap surgery using the rectus abdominis muscle knowledge of the distributions, tributaries, and anastomoses of the inferior epigastric artery is necessary. The aim of this study was to establish the clinical and anatomical characteristics of the inferior epigastric artery for flap surgery in Koreans. Sixteen fresh cadavers were injected bilaterally with a radiopaque dye solution through the brachial and popliteal arteries, radiographic images were obtained after the anterior abdominal wall was removed surgically. Subsequently, the anterior abdominal walls of the cadavers were dissected and measured by using metric and non-metric methods. In a majority of the cadavers (83.9%), the inferior epigastric artery had only one main stem. Between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process, the most common type of the anastomosis was multiple anastomoses (Type IV, in 32.1% of the cases), followed by no anastomosis (Type I) and single anastomosis (Type II) in 25% of the cases, respectively. The intramuscular branch of the inferior epigastric artery originated from below the umbilicus in 60.7% of the cases and above it in 39.3% of the cases. The peritoneal branch was further divided into 3 types: lateral, medial, and umbilical. One of them coexisted with other branch of specimen. The peritoneal branch commonly originated from the intramuscu-lar branch. The perforating branch, with an external diameter of greater than 0.5 mm, was clinically significant, was dis-tributed around the umbilicus. The number of arterial branches directly perforating the rectus abdominis muscle was greater than that of those traveling anteriorly. The results of this study may enhance the anatomical knowledge of clinicians with respect to flap surgery or surgical treatments involving the anterior abdominal wall.
Abdominal Wall ; Cadaver ; Epigastric Arteries ; Humans ; Muscles ; Popliteal Artery ; Rectus Abdominis ; Tissue Donors ; Umbilicus

Lumbar braces, cast jackets and lumbar corsets are commonly prescribed for the relief of low back pain or the prevention of instability of lumbar or lumbosacral vertebrae. These devices have been presumed to achive their effect by (1) decreasing movement at the involved intervertebral joints, (2) shifting a portion of the load from the spine to the rest of the trunk by compressing the abdomen, (3) decreasing lumbar lordosis and therefore, mechanical stress on the spine and (4) providing sufficient support to allow relaxation of the muscles of the trunk. But it is doubtful that lumbar braces or corsets significantly decrease movement between lumbar vertebrae. To maintain the stability of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine, abdominal muscles and intrinsic muscles of the back play an important role. When these muscles weaken the lumbar lordosis becomes exaggerated possibly bringing about degenerative changes in the articular processes and approximation of the spinous processes. In severe cases results in the so-called kissing spine which causes low back pain. The pain may be relieved by use of lumbo-sacral corsets or knight braces, which diminish lordosis. However, there has been no scientific report on adequate types of braces, duration of use or muscle weakness resulting from its use as yet. The prupose of this study is to provide a theoretical braces for, planning adequate prevention and early treatment, so that labour loss from retirement or change of job due to low back pain could be minimized, permitting early return to employment and resumption of activities of daily living. In other words, this study concentrates on the indications for use and selection of which will produce optimum results in the treatment of patients with low back pain. The EMG was taken immediately after admission, and after 3 weeks of bed rest accompanied by pelvic traction with or without heating, and also it was taken after 6 weeks of use of brace. The results obtained from this study were as follows; 1. After bed rest the EMG activities were increased in back muscles, such as longissimus dorsi, multifidus and iliocostalis lumborum and in abdominal muscles of internus abdominis while decreased in rectus abdominis. 2. There has been no significant change after use of corset in acute cases while the muscle activities. were increased after use of lumbar corset in chronic cases. 3. Rectus abdominis was most senstively influenced by bed rest or use of brace both in acute and chronic cases. And it was the last to recover probably because it does not contract in ordinary alow walking. 4. Knight brace was considered to be preferable to lumbar corset in acute cases with evidence of weakness in abdominal muscles by EMG. 5. There was no difference between bed rest and use of brace in patients who had radiculopathy with functional difficulties or not.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Muscles ; Activities of Daily Living ; Animals ; Back Muscles ; Bed Rest ; Braces ; Employment ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Joints ; Lordosis ; Low Back Pain ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscles ; Paraspinal Muscles ; Radiculopathy ; Rectus Abdominis ; Relaxation ; Retirement ; Spine ; Stress, Mechanical ; Traction ; Walking

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the motor innervation of trunk muscles in traumatic brain injury patients. METHOD: Twenty patients (12 men and 8 women) with traumatic brain injury were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 41 years. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were performed on the motor cortex. Electromyographic activities were recorded from the bilateral rectus abdominis muscles, the external oblique abdominal muscles, and the 4th and 9th thoracic erector spinae muscles. The onset latency and amplitude of contralateral and ipsilateral MEPs were measured. All patients were assessed by the Korean version of the Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS) to investigate the relationship between the frequency of MEPs in trunk muscles and gait ability. RESULTS: The mean frequency of ipsilateral MEPs was 23.8% with more damaged hemisphere stimulation, while the contralateral MEPs showed a mean frequency of 47.5% with more damaged hemisphere stimulation in traumatic brain injury patients. The latencies and amplitudes of MEPs obtained from the more damaged hemisphere were not significantly different from those of the less damaged hemisphere. There was no correlation between the manifestation of MEPs in trunk muscles and gait ability. CONCLUSION: The ipsilateral and contralateral corticospinal pathways to trunk muscles are less likely to be activated in traumatic brain injury patients because of direct injury of the descending corticospinal motor tract or decreased excitability of the corticospinal tract from prefrontal contusion.
Abdominal Muscles ; Brain Injuries ; Contusions ; Evoked Potentials, Motor ; Gait ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Cortex ; Muscles ; Pyramidal Tracts ; Rectus Abdominis ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation