Search

[Abstract] The effect of different exercises on the position of pelvic organs in women has not been sufficiently assessed. The objective was to analyze the validity and reliability of a new two-dimensional ultrasound algorithm to measure offline the displacement of the bladder base during abdominal exercises. This algorithm could be a useful method to future studies in determine the most appropriate exercises in sports and in rehabilitative program for the pelvic floor in women. All subjects were tested by transverse transabdominal ultrasound. The measurements were conducted offline using a customized code written in MATLAB (Ecolab) for image-processing, and manually on the ultrasound monitor using electronic calipers. The agreement was assessed with a paired t-test, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (r), the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC (A,2) and a Bland–Altman plot. The reliability was confirmed by the interdays intra-rater ICC coefficient. The results were that Ecolab and ultrasound transducer measures did not differ statistically (p = 0.246). Furthermore, both methods showed a very strong relationship, and the Ecolab demonstrated to be a valid and reliable method. We concluded that Ecolab seemed to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the effect of abdominal contractions in the female pelvic floor.

[Abstract] Introduction and hypothesis: The effect of different abdominal contractions on the position of pelvic organs in parous women during postpartum exercises has not been sufficiently assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the displacement of the bladder base (BB) during different pelvic floor and abdominal contractions in parous women compared to nulliparous women. We hypothesised that abdominal and perineal contractions will produce a disparate effect on the position of the BB between groups. Methods: Cross-sectional study including a convenience sample of 63 volunteers (35 nulliparous vs. 28 postpartum women). Transabdominal ultrasound was used in mode B to image the displacement of the BB. The protocol included six different pelvic floor and abdominal contractions commonly used in postpartum rehabilitation. Results: The BB elevated significantly more in the postpartum group compared to nulliparous women when performing submaximal contraction of pelvic floor and transversus abdominis muscles simultaneously with axial elongation of the back (0.93 ± 0.55 cm in parous women vs. 0.66 ± 0.46 cm in nulliparous women). In contrast, the BB was found to descend significantly during a curl-up contraction in both groups (0.93 ± 0.55 cm in parous women vs. 0.66 ± 0.46 cm in nulliparous women). Conclusions: The overall results of this study showed that perineal and superficial abdominal contractions produced different immediate effects compared to deep abdominal contractions on the displacement of BB in parous and nulliparous women. Further research is required to assess the long-term effects of these contractions.

The article presents a proposal for a combination of laboratories in engineering, called hybrid laboratories (LH, for its acronym in Spanish), that is, a mixture of face-to-face (HO), virtual local (LV) and remote (LR) laboratories. To exemplify this proposal was developed a module for teaching processes in manufacturing (CNC machining). From this study we propose the generic characteristics of design, structure and the way of incorporation in a general system. The laboratory experiences are developed through a methodology supported by the tool 'Deployment of the Quality Function (QFD). The characteristics found in these LH laboratories are the basis for a possible general, replicable and scalable modular structure in a flexible laboratory practice development system., El artículo presenta una propuesta de combinación de laboratorios en ingeniería, denominada laboratorios híbridos (LH), esto es, una mezcla de laboratorios presenciales (HO), virtuales local (LV) y remotos (LR). Para ejemplificarlos esta propuesta se desarrolló un módulo para la enseñanza de procesos en manufactura (mecanizado CNC). A partir de este estudio se proponen las características genéricas de diseño, estructura y la forma de incorporación en un sistema general. Las experiencias de laboratorio se desarrollan por medio de una metodología apoyada en la herramienta ‘Despliegue de la Función Calidad (QFD en inglés). Las características encontradas de estos laboratorios LH, son la base para una posible estructura modular general, replicable y escalable, en un sistema flexible de desarrollo de prácticas de laboratorio.

Se propone una modificación de la estructura del predictor de Smith mediante un modelo interno que posibilita aumentar su rechazo al efecto de las per-turbaciones externas no medibles en comparación con la estructura clásica del predictor de Smith. Los resultados obtenidos se aplican en el diseño de un sistema de control del proceso de variación de la temperatura del jugo en los calentadores de una fábrica de azúcar. Los resultados de la simulación del sistema diseñado mostraron su efectividad y robustez en cuanto al rechazo de perturbaciones externas no medibles. Palabras claves: Predictor de Smith, predictor de Smith modificado, rechazo a perturbaciones externas no medibles, robustez de los sistemas de control.