OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of abdominal penetrating moxibustion on strength and endurance of core muscle group in patients with stroke. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with routine basic treatment, acupuncture treatment and rehabilitation training; based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with abdominal penetrating moxibustion, approximately 50 min each time, once a day. The treatments in the two groups were given 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of bilateral transverse abdominis and multifidus of performing sitting-standing and making steps were measured by surface electromyography before and after treatment. The postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), Berg balance scale (BBS) and lower-limb Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) scores were observed before treatment, 2 weeks into treatment and 4 weeks into treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, when performing different postures, the RMS and MF of bilateral transversus abdominis and multifidus in the two groups were increased after treatment ( CONCLUSION The abdominal penetrating moxibustion could effectively improve the strength and endurance of core muscle group, improve the posture control, balance ability and lower-limb motor function in patients with stroke.
Abdominal Muscles ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; Stroke/therapy* ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Treatment Outcome

abdominal muscle and fat areas on computed tomography (CT) images.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fully convolutional network-based segmentation system was developed using a training dataset of 883 CT scans from 467 subjects. Axial CT images obtained at the inferior endplate level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra were used for the analysis. Manually drawn segmentation maps of the skeletal muscle, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat were created to serve as ground truth data. The performance of the fully convolutional network-based segmentation system was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient and cross-sectional area error, for both a separate internal validation dataset (426 CT scans from 308 subjects) and an external validation dataset (171 CT scans from 171 subjects from two outside hospitals).RESULTS: The mean Dice similarity coefficients for muscle, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat were high for both the internal (0.96, 0.97, and 0.97, respectively) and external (0.97, 0.97, and 0.97, respectively) validation datasets, while the mean cross-sectional area errors for muscle, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat were low for both internal (2.1%, 3.8%, and 1.8%, respectively) and external (2.7%, 4.6%, and 2.3%, respectively) validation datasets.CONCLUSION: The fully convolutional network-based segmentation system exhibited high performance and accuracy in the automatic segmentation of abdominal muscle and fat on CT images.]]>
Abdominal Muscles ; Adipose Tissue ; Artificial Intelligence ; Dataset ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Learning ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Muscles ; Sarcopenia ; Spine ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

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

PURPOSE: To improve pulmonary function and decrease in balance ability with increasing forward head position and vertebral curvature, we applied Figure-8 brace to confirm the immediate effect on vital capacity and balance and to see if it is applicable. METHODS: A total of 34 elderly women aged 65 or older and young women in their 20s with FHP were screened to measure vital capacity, measuring the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and measuring the foot pressure to see the change in balance. For statistical analysis, the difference between pre and post values was compared using pared t-test. RESULTS: As a result of vital capacity measurements, there was no significant difference between FEV1 and FVC for women over 65 years old (p>0.05). Young women in their 20s had no significant difference in FEV1 (p>0.05), and FVC had significant differences (p<0.05). In measuring foot pressure to measure balance, both women aged 65 and above and young women in their 20s had a significant decrease in anterior foot pressure, and a significant increase in posterior foot pressure (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study did not positively affect the vital capacity of elderly women with FHP. However, the significant increase in vital capacity of young women in their 20s suggests that contraction of the abdominal muscle is necessary during forced expiration. Therefore, it is believed that proper application and therapeutic interventions should be combined when applying Figure-8 brace.
Abdominal Muscles ; Aged ; Braces ; Female ; Foot ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Head ; Humans ; Posture ; Vital Capacity

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of plank exercise combined with breathing and arm exercises on the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominal muscle thickness. METHODS: Thirty healthy adults consisting of 12 males and 18 females from K area were divided into a plank exercise combined with breathing and arm exercises group (n = 15) and a plank exercise only group (n=15). The changes in muscle thickness before the exercise and four and eight weeks after the exercise were analyzed using a two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set to α=0.05. Post-hoc t-tests were conducted to detect the interactions between the time and groups, and the significance level was set to α=0.01. RESULTS: According to the experimental results, the external oblique abdominal muscle showed significant differences over time (p<0.05). The internal oblique abdominal muscle also showed significant differences over time and in the interactions between the time and groups (p<0.05). The transverse abdominal muscle showed significant differences over time, in the interactions between time and groups, and in the changes between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that plank exercise combined with breathing and arm movement exercises led to increases in the abdominal muscle thickness. These types of exercises may be useful in lumbar stabilization rehabilitation treatment.
Abdominal Muscles ; Adult ; Arm ; Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Rehabilitation ; Respiration

Central hypoventilation syndrome is a rare and fatal condition resulting from various central nervous system disorders that is characterized by a failure of automatic breathing. We report a case of central hypoventilation syndrome following posterior circulation stroke whose pulmonary function was improved by respiratory rehabilitation. A 59-year-old woman with a history of hemorrhagic stroke of the bilateral cerebellum was hospitalized due to pneumonia. A portable ventilator was applied via tracheostomy, recurrent episodes of apnea and hypercapnia impeded weaning. A respiratory rehabilitation program including chest wall range of motion exercise, air stacking exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on abdominal muscles, upper extremity ergometer, locomotor training, high-frequency chest wall oscillator, mechanical insufflation, and exsufflation was employed, as spirometry showed a severe restrictive pattern. A spontaneous breathing trial was started, and a portable ventilator was applied for 8 hours, only during nighttime, to prevent sudden apneic event. After 4 weeks of treatment, follow-up spirometry showed much improved respiratory parameters. This case suggests that respiratory rehabilitation can improve pulmonary function parameters and quality of life in central hypoventilation syndrome.
Abdominal Muscles ; Apnea ; Central Nervous System Diseases ; Cerebellum ; Electric Stimulation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypercapnia ; Hypoventilation ; Insufflation ; Middle Aged ; Pneumonia ; Quality of Life ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rehabilitation ; Respiration ; Respiratory Center ; Spirometry ; Stroke ; Thoracic Wall ; Tracheostomy ; Upper Extremity ; Ventilators, Mechanical ; Weaning

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of postoperative analgesia with low-dose sufentanil combined with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and with sufentanil alone in promoting patients'recovery following laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in our hospital between September, 2016 and August, 2017 were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In group A, the patients were given postoperative analgesia with 1 μg/kg sufentanil, 9.96 mg tropisetronmesylate, and 200 mg flurbiprofen axetil (diluted with 0.9% NaCl solution to 100 mL, pumped at the rate of 2 mL/h) combined with TAP block; in group B, the patients received similar postoperative analgesia but at a higher dose of sufentanil (2 μg/kg) without TAP block. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain at 15 min and at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, and the first off-bed time, the length of postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded in all the patients. RESULTS: Compared with those in group B, the patients in group A had significantly lower VAS scores at 15 min, 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h postoperatively ( < 0.01) with also statistically shorter first off-bed time and postoperative hospital stay ( < 0.01). Two (6.7%) patients in group A had mild PONV, and 6 (20.0%) in group B had PONV (including 4 with mild and 2 with moderate PONV). CONCLUSIONS Lowdose sufentanil combined with TAP block is effective for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic hysterectomy and helps to reduce the incidence of PONV and shorten the first off-bed time and postoperative hospital stay to promote the recovery of the patients.
Abdominal Muscles ; Analgesics, Opioid ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Laparoscopy ; Pain Measurement ; Pain, Postoperative ; Sufentanil

The principal goal of an abdominal wall reconstruction is to repair abdominal defects by restoring the continuity of the myofascial layer, providing functional structural support, and minimizing the risk of recurrence. Ramirez and colleagues originally described the components separation technique in 1990. This technique accomplishes primary fascial closure over the midline through bilateral the external oblique aponeurotomis lateral to the linea semilunaris. Several techniques including the perforator-sparing technique, minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches, and posterior component separation have been developed to improve the outcomes. Managements, such as the use of synthetic and bioloprosthetic mesh, for reinforcement adjunctively have further decreased the rate of complications. Further refinements and prospective studies will be needed to achieve more durable repairs.
Abdominal Muscles ; Abdominal Wall* ; Hernia, Ventral ; Prospective Studies ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Recurrence

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to abdominal muscles and back muscles on postural balance in post-stroke hemiplegic patients. METHODS: Thirty post-stroke hemiplegic patients were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the three groups: core muscle-strengthening exercise (CME) with NMES to abdominal muscles (group A), CME with NMES to back muscles (group B), and CME alone (group C). All subjects underwent their targeted interventions for 30 minutes each day, 5 days per week for 3 weeks under a conventional stroke rehabilitation program. Subjects were evaluated using Korean version of Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Weight Distribution Index (WDI), and Stability Index (SI) just before and 3 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: Changes in K-BBS (p < 0.05) and TIS (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in group A (18.5±8.10, 6.6±1.90) and group B (19.9±5.44, 7.0±2.26) than in group C (8.4±4.14, 3.1±0.99). However, K-MBI, WDI, and SI failed to show any significant difference. No significant difference in all outcomes was observed between groups A and B. CONCLUSION: The effect of NMES to the abdominal muscles was similar to the effect on back muscles in terms of postural balance. This finding indicated that the NMES to the abdominal muscles may be an alternative for post-stroke hemiplegic patients contraindicated for NMES to the back muscles. Additional studies investigating the effects of NMES on abdominal and back muscles are needed.
Abdominal Muscles ; Back Muscles* ; Electric Stimulation* ; Humans ; Postural Balance* ; Prospective Studies ; Rehabilitation ; Stroke

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