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Background: Structural muscle injuries are characterized by acute and localized onset of pain. Abdominal muscle injuries are an insidious pathology in overhead athletes. However, only a few cases are reported in literature related to volleyball players, where clinical presentation may not have reflected the severity of the lesion. Case presentation: An elite volleyball player, a 21-year-old Caucasian female, reported the onset of mild abdominal muscular pain, confirmed on clinical evaluation findings and self-reported symptoms. Abdominal muscle ultrasound was performed following 2 weeks of continuing symptoms. This evidenced a more serious structural muscle injury of the rectus abdominis (type 3b). Having this correct diagnosis allowed a personalized rehabilitation program to be instituted to enable a safe return to play. Conclusion: In presence of persistent abdominal muscle pain, even if mild, the possibility of a structural muscle injury must be considered. Clinical evaluation must be complemented by an instrumental evaluation including an ultrasound by an experienced operator for correct diagnosis and the setting of functional recovery related to biological healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to systematically review current literature on the effectiveness of various exercises and modifications on thickness and electrical activity of abdominal muscles using ultrasonography and electromyography in healthy adults. Methods. An electronic search was carried out on PubMed, Web of science, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Science Direct databases covering published studies from inception until December 2022. Fourteen papers were then included according to following inclusion criteria: 1) studies assessing abdominal exercises; 2) containing control and intervention groups; 3) conducted on young and healthy samples; 4) full texts being available in English; 5) containing the analysis of at least one of the four abdominal muscles through electromyography or ultrasonography. Results. The main findings would suggest that stability challenges, rotatory exercise, combination of upper and lower limb movements, sensory cueing and grunting techniques such as Ki-hap make significant improvements in muscle structure and activity. Conclusions. Despite the averagely fair quality of included papers and difficulty to reach a conclusion with inadequate data, our review suggests that new modifications of both traditional and core exercises can cause improvements in abdominal muscle thickness or activity with the aim of focusing on control and coordination of muscles. Study registration. The protocol of the present systematic review is registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42022377864). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was designed to assess the percentage share of musculus obliquus externus abdominis, musculus obliquus internus abdominis and musculus transversus abdominis activity among women suffering from stress urinary incontinence using ultrasound imaging. Material and methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of prospective collected data of 84 women aged 23-62 years. In the study group are women suffering from grade 1 or 2 stress urinary incontinence according to the Stamey classification; the control group consists of women with no micturition disorders. The abdominal muscles' activity was measured by using ultrasound imaging with assessment of muscle thickness. Results: The analysis of musculus obliquus externus abdominis in anterolateral abdominal wall activity shows a statistically significant difference between study and control groups concerning isometric tension of abdominal muscles (p = 0.012) and lower abdomen tension (p = 0.004). Women with stress urinary incontinence present higher activity of the musculus obliquus externus abdominis than women in the control group. In the case of the musculus obliquus internus abdominis, statistically significant differences were found during tension of the lower part of the abdomen (p = 0.024). Comparison of activity of the musculus transversus abdominis between study and control groups shows a statistically significant difference during isometric tension of abdominal muscles (p = 0.018). Conclusions: The pattern of activity of the assessed muscles differs between the study group and the control group. In the study group, the activity pattern concerns the higher activity of the musculus obliquus externus abdominis and the lower activity of the musculus obliquus internus abdominis and musculus transversus abdominis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The muscles of the abdominal wall play a fundamental role in the stabilization of the pelvis and the spinal column, and they must function properly. The simultaneous combination of physical exercise with electrical currents, called dynamic electrostimulation, can have beneficial effects on this musculature in terms of gaining muscle mass and strength. Our research aimed to determine the immediate effects of a single session of dynamic electrostimulation on the thickness of the abdominal musculature and the inter-rectus distance evaluated by ultrasound, as well as on the physiological parameters of heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In addition to the possible differences according to the way of application—local with electrodes placed in the abdominal area or global with whole-body electrostimulation—a total of 120 healthy participants were randomly divided into three groups: WB-EMS, EMS, and control groups. No differences were found in the results of the variables analyzed between the groups, except for heart rate. The EMS group showed a smaller increase in post-intervention heart rate compared to the WB-EMS and control groups. The use of localized dynamic EMS on the abdominal musculature in populations with cardiorespiratory disorders could be of interest, and more research is needed. Dynamic electrostimulation consists of the application of local or global electrostimulation together with physical exercise. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a dynamic electrostimulation session on the thickness of the abdominal musculature, inter-rectus distance, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, and to identify possible differences in its form of application. A total of 120 healthy participants were divided into three groups: the whole-body electrostimulation group, the local electrostimulation group, and the control group without electrical stimulation. All groups performed a single session with the same dynamic exercise protocol. Muscle thickness and inter-rectus distance were evaluated ultrasonographically using the Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging technique both at rest and in muscle contraction (the active straight leg raise test) to find the post-intervention differences. The results showed significant differences in immediate post-intervention heart rate, with a smaller increase in the local electrostimulation group compared to the control and whole-body electrostimulation groups. No significant differences were identified between the groups after the interventions in the rest of the variables analyzed. Therefore, a local application, with the same effects as a global application on the abdominal musculature, has fewer contraindications, which makes its use more advisable, especially in populations with cardiorespiratory disorders, for which more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified the key non-volatile taste components and characteristics in the abdominal muscle (AM) of Eriocheir sinensis under various thermal processing methods: boiling at rising temperature (BO-R), boiling at constant temperature (BO-C), steaming with water vapor (ST) and salt-baked (BK). The results showed that arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), glycine (Gly), glutamate (Glu), 5′-AMP, histidine (His), lysine (Lys), proline (Pro), K+, PO 4 3−, betaine, succinic acid, and lactic acid were the key taste contributors, exhibiting taste activity values (TAV) higher than 1.0. Compared to BO groups, ST and BK group showed higher expression in SFAAs. BK exhibited the highest Arg, 5′-AMP contents, EUC (4.49 g MSG/100 g), and reduced BFAAs. The cluster and correlation analysis demonstrated that Arg, Ala, and His were identified as the primary differential components under various thermal degradation. These findings could deepen the understanding of taste for subsequent studies. • Tri-step IR spectroscopy could monitor the differences in taste components. • Arg, Ala and His are the primary differential components after thermal processing. • Heating duration is a key factor affecting 5′-nucleotides degradation. • BK could perform better in umami and sweetness for E.sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Various positions for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) relaxation are recommended during PFM training in physiotherapy clinics. To our knowledge, there is no study addressing the most effective position for PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of different relaxation positions on PFM and abdominal muscle functions in women with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods: Sixty-seven women diagnosed with UI were enrolled in the study. The type, frequency, and amount of UI were assessed with the International Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and bladder diary. Superficial electromyography was used to assess PFM and abdominal muscle functions during three relaxation positions: modified butterfly pose (P1), modified child pose (P2), and modified deep squat with block (P3). Friedman variance analyses and Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni corrections were used to evaluate the difference between positions. Results: The most efficient position for PFM relaxation was P1 and followed by P3 and P2, respectively. The order was also the same for abdominal muscles (p < 0.001), P1 > P3 > P2. The rectus abdominis (RA) was the most affected muscle during PFM relaxation. The extent of relaxation of RA muscle increased as the extent of PFM relaxation increased (r = 0.298, p = 0.016). No difference was found between different types of UI during the same position in terms of PFM relaxation extents (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Efficient PFM relaxation is maintained during positions recommended in physiotherapy clinics. The extent of PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation varies according to the positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of kinesio taping (KT) over abdominal muscles with different tensions on the components of the lumbopelvic complex. Materials and Methods: This is a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were 44 healthy male athletes aged 18-30 years with increased anterior pelvic tilt (PT). Three intervention groups underwent 15 minutes of KT over rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles with tensions of 100, 115, and 140%, respectively, and one group was considered as the control group with no KT. The PT and lumbar lordosis angles and iliopsoas and hamstring muscle lengths were measured before and after the KT. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the means in the study groups before and after the intervention. Results: The mean of right and left PT and lumbar lordosis angles in groups with 115 and 140% tensions before and after the intervention were statistically different (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean of right and left PT and lumbar lordosis angles showed a significant difference between the groups after the intervention (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in active and passive hamstring lengths on both sides in the group received KT with 140% tension before and after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion: Kinesio taping with high tension on rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles can reduce their PT angle and lumbar lordosis and increase hamstring muscle length in men with increased anterior PT. This issue should be considered in lumbopelvic complex physiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to establish which type of exercise is optimal for Rectus Abdominis (RA) muscle, by measuring thickness and length changes using the extended field of view ultrasonography (EFOV US) during different conditions. The second purpose was to estimate the reliability of EFOV US as a muscle morphology assessment tool.Material and Methods: Segmental muscle thickness and length of 11 young healthy adults was assessed during 1) rest and isometric 2) trunk lifting, 3) leg lifting and 4) combined trunk and leg lifting exercises with the use of EFOV US.Results: RA muscle thickness was significantly greater during exercises compared to rest (p<0.05). It was also observed that proximal and proximal-middle segments showed significantly less thickness and length compared to distal-middle and distal segments (p<0.05). Even though no differences in thickness were observed between the exercises, leg lifting and combined trunk and leg lifting exercises affected more the distal segment of RA muscle (p<0.05). Moreover, no significant differences in length between exercises was found (p>0.05). Further, EFOV US displayed excellent reliability as the ICC values ranged from 0.82 to 0.97.Conclusions: According to our observations it seems that exercises that induce lifting of the legs might be more effective for the distal parts of RA muscle. EFOV appears to be a reliable diagnostic tool for measuring RA muscle thickness during rest and contracting states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of material meats were prepared from a so-called normal muscle part of white croaker ( Pennahia argentata ) containing 0, 4.2 and 8.4% of an abdominal muscle part. Thermally induced gels were then prepared from these materials by pre-heating at 65 °C for 30 or 60 min and subsequent heating at 85 °C for 20 min. The breaking strength and breaking strain rate of thermally induced gels decreased with increasing contamination levels of the abdominal muscle part, in which degradation of myosin heavy chains was observed. The proteolytic activity in the abdominal muscle part homogenate was highest at 62.5 °C. These results suggest that the abdominal muscle part contains proteases that induce the modori phenomenon. Technical experts assume that a contaminated abdominal muscle part leads to quality deterioration in surimi production industries. Our findings will aid the production of high-quality surimi-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Parkinson's disease (PD), abnormal postures are often accompanied, which interfere with rehabilitation and subsequent functional recovery. This study investigated the relationship between clinical characteristics and improvement in abnormal postures of PD patients who received subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS).Methods: Seventy-four PD patients were included in this study. Clinical data were analyzed using the patients' functional status at pre- and post-STN-DBS, including anteflexion vs. non-anteflexion, scoliosis vs. non-scoliosis, improved anteflexion vs. non-improved anteflexion, and improved scoliosis vs. non-improved scoliosis.Results: In patients with anteflexion, UPDRS III motor score at off medication was worse than that of patients with non-anteflexion. Patients with scoliosis presented with more comorbid spinal deformity and longer disease duration than those without scoliosis. Cobb angle of patients with asymmetrical psoas major and erector spinal muscles was more than that of patients without the asymmetry. Patients with improved anteflexion after STN-DBS had thicker abdominal oblique muscle and transverse abdominal muscle than those of patients without improved anteflexion. Patients with improved scoliosis were significantly younger at PD onset than those without improvement.Conclusions: There were only a few prognostic factors recognized in patients with improved postures. The thick abdominal muscle for anteflexion and younger PD onset for scoliosis were significant factors for improvement by STN-DBS. Rehabilitation designed to maintain muscle for correct postures may contribute to the amelioration of abnormal postures by STN-DBS, although multicenter trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Lateral abdominal muscles control the lumbar region and this manages the stability of the trunk through co-contraction. Abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) is the basis method for spine stabilization to restore proper neuromuscular control. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of therapeutic abdominal drawing-in maneuver on abdominal muscle thickness and balance. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group performed a bridging exercise with ADIM whereas the control group performed a bridging exercise without ADIM. The exercise was conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of abdominal muscles. Balance ability was evaluated using Tetrax device. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test for comparison of pre and post values and Mann Whitney U test for comparison between groups were used. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, there was a significant difference in the thickness of TrA between groups (p < 0.05) whereas no significant difference in IO and EO (p > 0.05). In stability values, the experimental group showed significant changes in stability indexes of standing with eyes open (NO) and standing on the pillow with eyes closed (PC) after the exercise period and there was a significant difference in NO between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Performing the bridging exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver is a more effective way to strengthen the abdominal muscles and stabilize the body than bridging exercise only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising consumption of crayfish may lead to the accumulation of essential and toxic trace elements, but relative health risk via crayfish ingestion is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the concentrations and health risks of eight trace elements in crayfish from five different provinces in China, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se). The results showed that trace element levels in crayfish abdominal muscle samples were below limits set by the Chinese food safety standard, whereas 87.9% (51/58) of hepatopancreas samples exceeded the limits. Trace elements in hepatopancreas were generally more abundant than in abdominal muscle (P < 0.001). The highest target hazard quotient (THQ) of As, Cd and Cu in hepatopancreas were 4.589, 1.268 and 1.380, respectively. The probabilistic risk assessment showed that the 95th percentile of THQ value for As in hepatopancreas was 3.240. These findings implied that consuming crayfish hepatopancreas may have a non-carcinogenic health risk. Thus, protective measures should be carried out to reduce trace elements pollution in crayfish cultivating regions. [Display omitted] • Trace element concentrations in hepatopancreas were higher than in muscle. • Trace elements in 87.9% of hepatopancreas in crayfish exceeded the allowance. • Arsenic, cadmium and copper in crayfish hepatopancreas may pose considerable risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Abdominal obesity is recognized as the main reason of metabolic syndrome, which is closely related to disordered skeletal and/or abdominal muscle metabolic functions. Metabolomics is a comprehensive assessment system in biological metabolites. The aim of our present study is to investigate the diet-induced metabolic risk factors by metabolic in the abdominal muscles and clarify the relationship between atheroprotective effects of Resveratrol (Rev) and abdominal muscles metabolic components during the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into three groups including normal group (N), high fat diet (HFD or H) group and high fat diet with Rev treated group (HR). GCMS combined with pattern recognition approaches were employed to obtain comprehensive metabolic signatures and related differential metabolites after 24 week HFD feeding. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy technology (EMT) were employed to detect the size of fatty plaques and intracellular lipid accumulation, respectively. Results: The result indicated that 22 types of metabolites in the abdominal muscles were obviously altered by HFD feeding group. Moreover, Rev treatment obviously increased 11 different kinds of metabolites, most of which were involved in the carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolisms. Importantly, these elevated different metabolites were involved in pathways mainly related to galactose metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism in abdominal muscles. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy showed less lipid accumulation in the lesions and decreased intracellular lipid deposition in the foam cells in HR group. Conclusions: We concluded that Rev produced a beneficial effect partially by modulating multiple metabolism pathways and metabolites in the abdominal muscles, which may provide a new protective mechanism of Rev on the progression of atherosclerosis. These notably changed metabolites might be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets during development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Abdominal obesity is recognized as the main reason of metabolic syndrome, which is closely related to disordered skeletal and/or abdominal muscle metabolic functions. Metabolomics is a comprehensive assessment system in biological metabolites. The aim of our present study is to investigate the diet-induced metabolic risk factors by metabolic in the abdominal muscles and clarify the relationship between atheroprotective effects of Resveratrol (Rev) and abdominal muscles metabolic components during the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: The mice were randomly divided into three groups including normal group (N), high fat diet (HFD or H) group and high fat diet with Rev treated group (HR). GC-MS combined with pattern recognition approaches were employed to obtain comprehensive metabolic signatures and related differential metabolites after 24 week HFD feeding. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy technology (EMT) were employed to detect the size of fatty plaques and intracellular lipid accumulation, respectively. Results: The result indicated that 22 types of metabolites in the abdominal muscles were obviously altered by HFD feeding group. Moreover, Rev treatment obviously increased 11 different kinds of metabolites, most of which were involved in the carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolisms. Importantly, these elevated different metabolites were involved in pathways mainly related to galactose metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism in abdominal muscles. Oil Red O staining and Electron microscopy showed less lipid accumulation in the lesions and decreased intracellular lipid deposition in the foam cells in HR group. Conclusions: We concluded that Rev produced a beneficial effect partially by modulating multiple metabolism pathways and metabolites in the abdominal muscles, which may provide a new protective mechanism of Rev on the progression of atherosclerosis. These notably changed metabolites might be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets during development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) has been recently shown to be associated specifically with maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque of hip extension, although the causal relationship remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate whether IAP has a causal effect on hip extension MVC torque.Methods: IAP during hip extension MVC was changed by controlling the lung volume (i.e., depth of inspiration). Twelve healthy males conducted MVCs of hip extension during breath-hold at full inspiration (inspiratory condition) or expiration (expiratory condition), or during normal breath-hold (normal condition). IAP during MVCs was measured a pressure transducer placed in the rectum.Results: The IAP during hip extension MVC was significantly higher in inspiratory condition (132.0 ± 46.1 mmHg) than in the other two conditions and also higher in normal condition (104.6 ± 35.9 mmHg) than in expiratory condition (77.0 ± 39.1 mmHg). The hip extension MVC torque was significantly higher in inspiratory condition (297.7 ± 82.7 N m) than in expiratory condition (266.4 ± 84.5 N m). In each condition, the hip extension MVC torque correlated with IAP during the MVC task.Conclusion: The current results suggest that IAP has a positive causal effect on hip extension MVC torque and that a sufficient increase in IAP directly leads to an enhancement of hip extension MVC torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), used to relieve pain during delivery, delays labor but the mechanism is unknown. The aim was to investigate the effects of PCEA on uterine and abdominal muscles electromyographic (EMG) activity during the second stage of labor. Methods: This study included 45 nulliparous pregnant women without PCEA, 42 women with standard PCEA treatment given during the first stage of labor and stopped near the end of the first stage, and 22 women with standard PCEA treatment with continued use throughout the first and second stages of labor. The EMG signals were recorded from the abdominal surface using PowerLab hardware and LabChart software (ADInstruments, New South Wales, Australia) and filtered to separate uterine and abdominal EMG. Various EMG burst parameters were obtained. Results: There are no differences (P > .05) in the age, body mass index, fetal weight, and Apgar scores between the patients from the various groups. PCEA (both stopped and continued) inhibits (P < .05) duration, number of bursts, and root mean square of uterine EMG. PCEA also produces statistically significant (P < .001) reductions in abdominal EMG. The decrease in EMG activity is accompanied by a significant (P < .001) prolongation of the second stage duration (PCEA continued = 95.08 ± 8.60 minutes, PCEA stopped = 79.39 ± 6.25 minutes, no PCEA = 61.00 ± 7.23 minutes). Conclusion: PCEA suppresses uterine and abdominal muscle EMG during the second stage of labor but inhibition depends upon the treatment schedule. PCEA prolongs the duration of labor by inhibition of uterine and abdominal muscle and neural activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With regard to unilateral pain in some patients with low back pain (LBP), it is advisable to evaluate asymmetrical thickness of lateral abdominal muscles. This study aimed to compare abdominal muscle thickness asymmetry in patients with non specific unilateral LBP during rest and practicing several stabilizing exercises with hollowing maneuver. Materials and Methods: This research has a case-control design. Sixteen female subjects with left and right unilateral LBP and 8 healthy subjects participated in this study. Internal oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominal muscles thickness were evaluated by ultrasound imaging technique in both sides of the subjects' bodies during rest and hollowing maneuver with 3 stabilizing exercises; bridging, four point kneeling and abdominal crunch. Results: According to the findings, abdominal muscle thickness asymmetry during exercises was more than resting position in two groups but it is not statistically significant. Also, no significant difference was seen between case and control groups regarding abdominal muscle thickness asymmetry. Conclusion: Considering the appearance of asymmetry in healthy subjects, it seems that asymmetry in abdominal muscles cannot be interpreted as pathologic phenomena in LBP subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To record and characterize electromyography (EMG) from the uterus and abdominal muscles during the nonlabor to first and second stages of labor and to define relationships to contractions. Methods: Nulliparous patients without any treatments were used (n = 12 nonlabor stage, 48 during first stage and 33 during second stage). Electromyography of both uterine and abdominal muscles was simultaneously recorded from electrodes placed on patients’ abdominal surface using filters to separate uterine and abdominal EMG. Contractions of muscles were also recorded using tocodynamometry. Electromyography was characterized by analysis of various parameters. Results: During the first stage of labor, when abdominal EMG is absent, uterine EMG bursts temporally correspond to contractions. In the second stage, uterine EMG bursts usually occur at same frequency as groups of abdominal bursts and precede abdominal bursts, whereas abdominal EMG bursts correspond to contractions and are accompanied by feelings of “urge to push.” Uterine EMG increases progressively from nonlabor to second stage of labor. Conclusions: (1) Uterine EMG activity can be separated from abdominal EMG events by filtering. (2) Uterine EMG gradually evolves from the antepartum stage to the first and second stages of labor. (3) Uterine and abdominal EMG reflect electrical activity of the muscles during labor and are valuable to assess uterine and abdominal muscle events that control labor. (4) During the first stage of labor uterine, EMG is responsible for contractions, and during the second stage, both uterine and abdominal muscle participate in labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burst escape speed is an effective and widely used behaviour for evading predators, with burst escape speed relying on several different morphological features. However, we know little about how behavioural and underlying morphological attributes change in concert as a response to changes in selective predation regime. We studied intercorrelated trait differentiation of body shape and burst-swim-mediating morphology in response to a habitat shift-related reduction in burst escape speed using larvae of the dragonfly genus Leucorrhinia. Species in this genus underwent a well-known habitat shift from predatory fish lakes (fish lakes) to predatory fish-free lakes dominated by large predatory dragonflies (dragonfly lakes) accompanied by relaxed selection on escape burst speed. Results revealed that species from fish lakes that possess faster burst speed have evolved a suite of functionally intercorrelated traits, expressing a wider abdomen, a higher abdominal muscles mass and a larger branchial chamber compared with species from dragonfly lakes. In contrast, populations within species did not show significant differences in muscle mass and branchial chamber size between lake types in three of the species. High multicollinearity among variables suggests that traits have evolved in concert rather than independently when Leucorrhinia shifted from fish lakes to dragonfly lakes. Thus, relaxed selection on burst escape speed in dragonfly-lake species resulted in a correlated reduction of abdominal muscles and a smaller branchial chamber, likely to save production and/or maintenance costs. Our results highlight the importance of studying integrated behavioural and morphological traits to fully understand the evolution of complex phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Abdominal strengthening exercises are important for stroke patients; however, there is a lack of research on therapeutic exercises for increasing abdominal muscle activity in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of non-paretic arm exercises using a tubing band on abdominal muscle activity in stroke patients. METHODS: In total, 18 hemiplegic subjects (13 males, 5 females) were recruited. All subjects performed non-paretic arm exercises involving three different shoulder movements (extension, flexion, and horizontal abduction) using an elastic tubing band. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscles bilaterally during non-paretic arm exercises. RESULTS: EMG activities of abdominal muscles during non-paretic arm extension and horizontal abduction were increased significantly versus shoulder flexion when subjects performed the arm exercise in a seated position. Muscle activity of the EO was significantly greater in the paretic than the non-paretic side during non-paretic arm extension and horizontal abduction. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that non-paretic arm extension and horizontal abduction exercises using an elastic tubing band may be effective in increasing abdominal muscle activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The abdominal core muscles (internal and external oblique, rectus and transversus abdominis) play an important role in the baseball activities of pitching and hitting. Proper abdominal muscle activation during throwing and swinging is crucial for generating optimal ball velocity and bat speed. Abdominal muscle strains can result in substantial loss of playing time, and their incidence has never been reported in baseball.Hypothesis: The incidence of abdominal muscle strains in Major League Baseball has been rising over the past 20 years. Injuries contralateral to the dominant arm or batting side are more common and require more time to recover.Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods: Abdominal muscle strains in baseball players were determined by retrospective review of the Major League Baseball disabled list from 1991 to 2010. Player age, position, dominant hand, batting side, and recovery time were recorded.Results: There were 393 abdominal muscle strains in Major League Baseball from 1991 to 2010, constituting 5% of all baseball injuries. At least 92% of these injuries were internal/external oblique or intercostal muscle strains, and 44% of injuries were sustained by pitchers. The reinjury rate was 12.1%. An upward trend was seen from 1991 to 2010, especially in early-season injuries, and the overall injury rate was 22% higher in the 2000s than in the 1990s. Pitchers averaged 35.4 days on the disabled list compared with 26.7 days for position players (P < .01); 78.1% of pitcher injuries were contralateral to their dominant arm, and 70.3% of position player injuries were contralateral to their dominant batting side (excluding switch hitters). Position players missed more time for contralateral than for ipsilateral injuries (28.9 vs 21.2 days, P = .03), whereas pitchers missed more time for ipsilateral injuries (44.5 vs 32.8 days, P = .04).Conclusion: The incidence of abdominal muscle strains in baseball has been increasing over the past 20 years, especially early in the season, and there is a relatively high reinjury rate. This upward trend is in spite of new and more advanced diagnostic procedures, preventive core strengthening exercise programs, and rehabilitation techniques. Injuries contralateral to the dominant arm or batting side are more common. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The abdominal muscles form part of the expiratory pump in cooperation with the other expiratory muscles, primarily the internal intercostal and triangularis sterni muscles. The discharge of abdominal muscles is divided into four main patterns: augmenting, plateau, spindle and decrementing. The patterns tend to be species-specific and dependent on the state of the central nervous system. Recent studies suggest that the abdominal muscles are more active than classically thought, even under resting conditions. Expiratory bulbospinal neurons (EBSN) in the caudal ventral respiratory group are the final output pathway to abdominal motoneurons in the spinal cord. Electrophysiological and anatomical studies indicated the excitatory monosynaptic inputs from EBSN to the abdominal motoneurons, although inputs from the propriospinal neurons seemed to be necessary to produce useful motor outputs. Respiration-related sensory modulation of expiratory neurons by vagal afferents that monitor the rate of change of lung volume and the end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) play a crucial role in modulating the drive to the abdominal musculature. Studies using in vitro and in situ preparations of neonatal and juvenile rats show bi-phasic abdominal activity, characterized by bursting at the end of expiration, a silent period during the inspiratory period, and another burst that occurs abruptly after inspiratory termination. Since the abdominal muscles rarely show these post-inspiratory bursts in the adult rat, the organization of the expiratory output pathway must undergo significant development alterations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Little is known about the impact of whole body vibration (WBV) training on trunk muscles. Thus, this study investigated the acute effects of WBV on back and abdominal muscle activity. Twenty-five healthy subjects (24.7±3.0years, 17 men) conducted eight common static exercises for the back and abdominal muscles in a random order on a vibration platform, with and without vibration. Surface EMG was measured from back and abdominal muscles. Vibration-induced motion artefacts were removed from the EMG signal. Muscle activity with and without vibration was normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and compared. The addition of vibration resulted in significant increases in muscle activity particularly in the exercises for the abdominal muscles of up to 7.2±5.5% MVC (median±semi-interquartile range). In the back muscles, the largest difference by adding vibration was 1.6±1.4% MVC (median±semi-interquartile range). The results of this study indicate a low to moderate increase in trunk muscle activation due to WBV. Presumably, this effect might depend on the distance from the corresponding muscle to the vibration platform and on how much the exercise position challenges body balance. However, the relevance of these findings has to be further investigated in training studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study investigated the potential for stimulation of both motor cortices during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to evoke abdominal muscle responses. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of transversus abdominis (TrA) was recorded bilaterally in eleven healthy volunteers using fine-wire electrodes. TMS at 120% motor threshold (MT) was delivered at rest and during 10% activation at 1cm intervals from the midline to 5cm lateral, along a line 2cm anterior to the vertex. The optimal site to evoke responses in TrA is located 2cm lateral to the vertex. When bilateral abdominal responses were evoked at or lateral to this site, onset of ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were ∼3–4ms longer than contralateral MEPs. The difference between latencies is consistent with activation of faster crossed-, and slower uncrossed-corticospinal pathways from one hemisphere. However, latencies of MEPs were similar between sides when stimulation was applied more medially and were consistent with concurrent activation of crossed corticospinal tracts on both sides. The findings suggest that stimulation of both motor cortices is possible when TMS is delivered less than 2cm from midline. Concurrent stimulation of both motor cortices can be minimised if TMS is delivered at least 2cm lateral to midline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of electromyographic signals in the modeling of muscle forces and joint loads requires an assumption of the relationship between EMG and muscle force. This relationship has been studied for the trunk musculature and been shown to be predominantly non-linear, with more EMG producing less torque output at higher levels of activation. However, agonist–antagonist muscle co-activation is often substantial during trunk exertions, yet has not been adequately accounted for in determining such relationships. The purpose of this study was to revisit the EMG–moment relationship of the trunk recognizing the additional moment requirements necessitated due to antagonist muscle activity. Eight participants generated a series of isometric ramped trunk flexor and extensor moment contractions. EMG was recorded from 14 torso muscles, and the externally resisted moment was calculated. Agonist muscle moments (either flexor or extensor) were estimated from an anatomically detailed biomechanical model of the spine and fit to: the externally calculated moment alone; the externally calculated moment combined with the antagonist muscle moment. When antagonist activity was ignored, the EMG–moment relationship was found to be non-linear, similar to previous work. However, when accounting for the additional muscle torque generated by the antagonist muscle groups, the relationships became, in three of the four conditions, more linear. Therefore, it was concluded that antagonist muscle co-activation must be included when determining the EMG–moment relationship of trunk muscles and that previous impressions of non-linear EMG–force relationships should be revisited. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study addresses the interaction between Ehrlich ascites tumor and skeletal abdominal muscle, presenting quantitative analysis of ascites-induced angiogenesis and inflammation in this tissue of mice bearing-tumor. Time-dependent changes in the muscle (cellular activity, angiogenesis, inflammation and cytokines production) were assessed by morphometric, functional, and biochemical parameters at days 1, 4 and 8 after i.p. inoculation of Ehrlich tumor cells (2.5×107). The number of cells stained with AgNOR technique (argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region) in the muscle, together with MTS assay used as markers of cellular activity increased progressively in parallel with the out flow rate of sodium fluorescein (blood flow index), hemoglobin content (vascular index) and VEGF production. Likewise, the inflammatory process in the muscle, as assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) and n-acethylglucosaminidase (NAG) activities and the levels of the chemokines, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (CXC1-3/KC) and macrophage-chemoattractant protein (CCL2/MCP-1) increased with tumor development. The combination of techniques used to describe angiogenesis and inflammation in a muscle model system has proved to be suited for quantitative measurements of microvascular changes and cellular infiltration occurring in the abdominal muscle wall of ascites-bearing mice. This study holds potential for investigating events and mechanisms associated with skeletal muscle response to neoplasic stimulus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Homonymous and heteronymous reflex connections of the abdominal muscles were investigated by the application of a tap to the muscle belly and observation of surface electromyographic responses. Reflex responses of the following abdominal muscles were investigated both ipsilateral and contralateral to the tap: rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO). Reflexes were evoked in each of the homonymous muscles with latencies and estimated conduction velocities compatible with being evoked by Ia muscle afferents and having a monosynaptic component. Short latency heteronymous excitatory reflex connections were also observed in muscles on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides in response to the same stimulus. The latencies of the crossed responses were only marginally longer than responses evoked in the respective ipsilateral muscle. Moreover, the reflexes evoked in the IO muscle from ipsilateral and contralateral IO muscle afferents were of comparable amplitude, as were those reflexes evoked in ipsilateral and contralateral EO and RA muscles when tapping IO. These similarities in the reflex characteristics on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides suggest that abdominal muscle afferents activate similar pathways to muscles on both sides of the body. It follows that if the homonymous stretch reflex of abdominal muscles have a monosynaptic component, then a similar monosynaptic pathway activates synergistic motoneurones, not only ipsilaterally but also contralaterally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous transneuronal tracing studies conducted in the ferret revealed that a large population of neurons that provides inputs to diaphragm and abdominal motoneurons is located in the ventral magnocellular portion of the medial medullary reticular formation. These observations raise the possibility that the neural substrate underlying respiratory rhythmogenesis may be different in the ferret than in other species in which this circuitry has been explored. In the present study, systematic tracking was conducted through the ferret medulla to map the locations of neurons with activity related to the contractions of respiratory muscles. As in the cat, rat, and rabbit, neurons with respiratory-related discharges were distributed either lateral or ventrolateral to the solitary nucleus (dorsal respiratory group) or in the vicinity of nucleus retroambigualis, nucleus ambiguus and the retrofacial nucleus (ventral respiratory group). Although the general organization of respiratory group neurons appeared to be similar in the ferret to that in other mammals, a difference was that few expiratory neurons were located rostrally in the ventral respiratory group. These data suggest that the ventral magnocellular medullary reticular formation is not essential for respiratory rhythm generation, at least during quiet breathing, but may participate in regulating the excitability of respiratory motoneurons or in coordinating the contractions of respiratory muscles during nonrespiratory responses (e.g. coughing or emesis). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY 1. Changes in posture can affect the resting length of the diaphragm, which is corrected through increases in both diaphragm and abdominal muscle activity. Furthermore, postural alterations can diminish airway patency, which must be compensated for through increases in firing of particular upper airway muscles. 2. Recent evidence has shown that the vestibular system participates in adjusting the activity of both upper airway muscles and respiratory pump muscles during movement and changes in body position. 3. Vestibulo–respiratory responses do not appear to be mediated through the brainstem respiratory groups; labyrinthine influences on respiratory pump muscles may be relayed through neurons in the medial medullary reticular formation, which have recently been demonstrated to provide inputs to both abdominal and diaphragm motoneurons. 4. Three regions of the cerebellum that receive vestibular inputs, the fastigial nucleus, the nodulus/uvula and the anterior lobe, also influence respiratory muscle activity, although the physiological role of cerebellar regulation of respiratory activity is yet to be determined. 5. It is practical for the vestibular system to participate in the control of respiration, to provide for rapid adjustments in ventilation such that the oxygen demands of the body are continually matched during movement and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Accumulation of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in crayfish of China was assessed. • Concentrations of the five elements in muscle were lower than those in hepatopancreas. • Se is highly enriched in the investigated crayfish, carp and crab. • Humans can obtain sufficient Se by consuming crayfish, carp and crab. The red swamp crayfish is an important aquatic food for humans. In this study, the accumulation of trace elements, such as manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) in the hepatopancreas, abdominal muscle, and exoskeleton of red swamp crayfish from four regions in China were investigated. The mean concentrations of Mn (21.01 mg/kg) and Fe (34.85 mg/kg) in the abdominal muscle were remarkably lower than those in the hepatopancreas (236.07 mg/kg and 2517.94 mg/kg) and exoskeleton (274.67 mg/kg and 111.34 mg/kg). The mean concentrations of Cu (19.62 mg/kg), Zn (73.95 mg/kg), and Se (1.04 mg/kg) in the abdominal muscle were remarkably higher than those (16.52 mg/kg, 21.79 mg/kg, 0.38 mg/kg) in the exoskeleton and lower than those (116.85 mg/kg, 124.74 mg/kg, 2.56 mg/kg) in the hepatopancreas, respectively. The concentrations of Cu (23.56 mg/kg) and Se (1.12 mg/kg) in the abdominal muscle of crayfish from the Ensi region were higher those in the other three regions. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the concentrations of Cu and Se in crayfish and those in the environment (r ≥ 0.68, P < 0.01). In addition, Se could be specifically enriched in the red swamp crayfish, and a similar situation was found in bighead carp and Chinese mitten crabs. These results highlight the level of intake of essential elements by humans. Importantly, the consumption of the abdominal muscles of crayfish does not result in the overdose of the five essential elements. Therefore, these findings provide new insights into food nutrition and safety control for the consumption of crayfish and other freshwater animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abdominal wall hematomas are an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain and are often misdiagnosed. They are more common in elderly individuals, particularly in those under anticoagulant therapy. Most abdominal wall hematomas occur in the rectus sheath, and hematomas within the oblique muscle are very rare and are poorly described in the literature. Here we report the case of an oblique muscle hematoma in a middle-aged patient who was not under anticoagulant therapy. Case presentation: A 42-year-old Japanese man presented with a painful, enlarging, lateral abdominal wall mass, which appeared after playing baseball. Abdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography showed a large soft tissue mass located in the patient's left internal oblique muscle. A diagnosis of a lateral oblique muscle hematoma was made and the patient was treated conservatively. Conclusion: Physicians should consider an oblique muscle hematoma during the initial differential diagnosis of pain in the lateral abdominal wall even in the absence of anticoagulant therapy or trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Together, three abdominal wall muscles (external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis) form a tightly bound muscular sheet that has been likened to a composite-laminate structure. Previous work has demonstrated the ability of force generated by these three muscles to be passed between one another through connective tissue linkages. Muscle fibres in each muscle are obliquely oriented with respect to its neighbouring muscles. It is proposed here is that this unique morphology of the abdominal wall muscles functions, through the application of constraining forces amongst the muscles, to increase force- and stiffness-generating capabilities. This paper presents a mathematical formulation of the stress–strain relationship for a transversely isotropic fibrous composite, and establishes a strengthening and stiffening effect when stress can be transferred between the fibrous layers. Application of empirical mechanical properties to this formulation demonstrates this effect for the abdominal wall muscles and, in greater proportion, for the anterior aponeurosis of the abdominal wall. This has implications for increasing the stiffness and passive load bearing ability of the abdominal wall muscles, and has the potential to modulate the whole muscle force–length and force–velocity relationships during contraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to establish a reliable method for measuring transversus abdominis thickness in asymptomatic human subjects in supine lying, standing and walking.Design and methods. This was a single operator reliability study using ultrasound imaging to measure 22 subjects on three separate occasions. A purpose built high-density foam reinforced belt was used to house and position the transducer over the mid-point of the transversus abdominis. Each subject was imaged in supine, standing, and treadmill walking at 3 kph. Intraclass correlation coefficients and standard error of measurement analysis were used to measure the data.Results. The correlation coefficient data analysis resulted in intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.94 (standard error of measurement 0.35) in supine lying, 0.88 (0.66) in standing and 0.88 (0.56) in walking.Conclusion. The method described is a reliable tool for measuring changes in thickness of transversus abdominis in supine lying, standing and walking.RelevanceThis procedure has the potential to detect dysfunctional changes in abdominal muscle activity for patients with low back pain in a functional setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) frequently play online games to achieve satisfaction. Numerous signal processing questions regarding the negative consequences and characteristic respiration in a long-term sitting posture remain unanswered. This study recruited 50 individuals with high-risk and low-risk IGD (HIGD and LIGD); these participants were taught to perform a specific respiration during game-film stimuli. The instantaneous frequencies on abdominal movement (fDF) were calculated with ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). The difference value (ΔfDF) between rest and stimulus statuses was calculated and found that HIGD showed ΔfDF values of 0.060 during positive stimuli and 0.055 during negative stimuli before the exercise but 0.020 and 0.016, respectively, after the exercise. However, the ΔfDF value for those with LIGD during negative stimuli before the exercise was 0.013, and it increased to 0.025 after the exercise. This is the first approach to IGD discrimination toward abdominal response with EEMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]