• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.264-268
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects on muscle thickness and balance ability after performing plank exercise on various surface types. Methods: In this study, there were thirty healthy participants. Participants were randomly distributed into three groups, a control group (n=10), sling group (n=10), and ball group (n=10). All participants performed plank exercises three times a week for four weeks. Plank exercises consisted of five sets of 30 seconds each with a one minute break between each set. Muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) was measured using an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and balance was measured using I-balance. Results: Evaluation of muscle thickness revealed that the IO and EO muscle of the ball group changed significantly relative to the control group (p<0.05). However, there were no significant changes in balance. Conclusion: The results revealed that performing plank exercise on a ball is more effective among various types of surfaces.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the duplicate effect of thread-embedding therapy against obesity. Methods : 5 women from 20 to 30 with obesity were treated with thread-embedding therapy and compared the results with physical measurement, body composition tests and fat thickness measured by ultrasound. Results : The thread-embedding therapy locally reduced body size and fat thickness and had a cumulative effect, but showed the greatest effect in the abdominal region. It didn't affect to the overall change of body composition. Conclusions : The duplicate procedure of thread-embedding therapy for obesity had a cumulative effect, but it depended on the treatment region.

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

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

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.238-243
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• 2019

A 6-year-old, spayed female Maltese was presented with the condition of a chronic recurrent abscess formation in the left flank region. Despite the antibiotics and drainage therapy given to the dog, the lesion formed a continued serosanguineous to the point that a purulent discharge was evident. In the meantime, an abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of a well-defined mass with a hypoechoic outer margin, and a hyperechoic inner rim in the cranial of the kidney. A fistula was noted as being present with a connection between the subcutaneous lesion of the left flank and the abdominal mass. It is emphasized that CT scans revealed the existence of a soft tissue dense mass with low attenuation area, as seen in some internal areas and also a peripheral contrast enhancement was noted within a nonenhancing central region. There was additional nonenhancing fluid found dorsal to the inflammatory tract passing under the epaxial muscles and at the peritoneum. Likewise, the tract exited the skin surface in the left flank. A tentative diagnosis of an abdominal abscess with spontaneous cutaneous fistula was made based on the ultrasonographic and CT appearances. A foreign body such as surgical gauze should always be considered a potential cause of draining tract in small animals, as was considered to be the problem in this case.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.481-483
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• 2017

A 2-year-old neutered male Bengal cat presented with a 6-month history of weight loss and chronic vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound revealed increased thickness of the pylorus and ascending duodenum with concurrent enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Histologically, branching and anastomosing trabecular pattern of dense collagen was the characteristic feature, and large populations of spindle cells were also observed. These large spindle-shaped cells were positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin on immunohistochemical examination. Based on these findings, the cat was diagnosed with feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic slcerosing fibroplasia (FGESF), and immunosuppressive therapy was initiated immediately. Unfortunately, the cat's condition deteriorated despite treatment; the cat died 56 days after initiation of therapy. This is the first report of FGESF in South Korea.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.87-92
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• 2020

Background: Bridging exercises are used to enhance the functional stability of the lumbopelvic region in clinical settings. Although most of the studies on bridging exercises have compared the complete activation of the trunk muscles, some recent studies have examined the functional stability of the trunk and the lumbopelvic region and assessed the appropriate recruitment of the local and global muscles during different task levels. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in muscle thickness in the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles during a common bridging exercise on an unstable surface and to determine whether these changes differ based on the surface used. Methods: Twenty-five healthy young adults (8 males, 17 females) were recruited. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the exercise progression with a sling bridge group or the ball bridging exercise progression group, each with three stages of increasing difficulty. Each position was measured three times with an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system, and the mean values were recorded for analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed between the TrA, IO, or EO muscle thickness ratios between the sling and ball exercise groups (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in the EO muscle thickness ratios between the tasks irrespective of whether the sling or ball was used. However, the TrA and IO thickness ratios in both groups were significantly greater during stages 2 and 3 compared to stage 1. Conclusion: The results suggest that the use of slings and balls during bridging exercises is effective in activating the deep abdominal muscles.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.53-63
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the changes in the thickness of the abdominal muscles, including the transversus abdominis, according to the set pressure applied by a pressure biofeedback unit during contractions of the hip adductor muscles. METHODS: After randomizing 40 healthy adult males in their 20 s and 30 s, the participants were instructed to match the pressure gauge indication of the pressure biofeedback device to continue contracting the hip adductor while maintaining it at 10 mmHg (low), 40 mmHg (medium), or 70 mmHg (high). The measurement was taken over five seconds using an ultrasound device. RESULTS: According to the contractile pressure applied to the hip adductor muscle, there was a significant difference in the muscle thickness change of the transverse abdominis muscle between 10 mmHg and 70 mmHg and between 40 mmHg and 70 mmHg. The muscle thickness ratio of the external oblique/abdominal muscle was significantly different between 10 mmHg and 70 mmHg and between 40 mmHg and 70 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Increased contraction pressure on the hip adductor muscle increases the muscle thickness of the abdominal transverse muscle. Interbody stability exercise with contractions of the hip adductor muscle is expected to help increase in the muscle thickness of the hip adductor muscle.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.100-106
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• 1998

Purpose: Ceftriaxone, a potent parenteral third-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin is widely used for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections in both children and adult. Review of recent data indicates that ceftriaxone treatment has been associated with the development of reversible biliary pseudolithiasis and that is thought by many to be a benign process. Despite, several reports describe patients with ceftriaxone pseudolithiasis who required cholecystectomy for presumed acute cholecystitis. In this study we evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of gallbladder pseudolithiasis after ceftriaxone treatment. Methods: Between march, 1997 and January, 1998, any child admitted to the Children's hospital of National University of Seoul and prescribed ceftriaxone for probable or definite bacterial infection were eligible for the study. 21 of them had ultrasound examination on the 2~12 days later after the start of ceftriaxone treatment, 8 of whom documented gallbladder precipitates or pseudolithiasis during treatment by serial abdominal ultrasound. Repeat abdominal ultrasound was performed 10~80 days later after the end of ceftriaxone treatment. The children with underlying liver disease or decreased renal function were excluded in this study. Results: 1) 21 children had ultrasound examinations of gallbladder during ceftriaxone treatment and 8 (38%) of them acquired pseudolithiasis. 2) The patients who developed gallbladder pseudolithiasis were significantly older ($6.3{\pm}2.9$ yr. vs $2.2{\pm}3.1$ yr.)(p<0.05), and older than 24 months were probably the significant risk associated with this phenomenon (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in sex, type of infection, fasting, and ceftriaxone treatment regimen (dose, duration of therapy). 3) The abnormality found on gallbladder ultrasonography was a strikingly hyperechogenic material with post-acoustic shadowing in 5 patients without post-acoustic shadowing in 3 patients 4) Follow up of gallbladder ultrasound was performed in 6 patients after cessation of ceftriaxone treatment. Sonographic abnormalities completely resolved within 14 days post cessation of therapy in 2 patients; 30 days, 1 patient; 80 days, 3 patients. Conclusions: We suggest that routine abdominal ultrasound should be considered in all children who received high dose ceftriaxone in more than 24 months of age and developed hepatobiliary symptoms during or just after ceftriaxone treatment.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to provide more effective interventions for elderly men with weak core muscles by measuring the thickness of the muscles according to the five core stabilization exercise and comparing the thickness differences in muscles in each posture. Methods : The study selected 29 elderly men aged 65 to 80 years old among outpatient patients at S Medical Center in B city, and measured the muscle thickness by exercise posture once. In order to find out the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles were measured by using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) in five exercise conditions. Results : A significant change in the thickness of the EO muscles in each group was measured by the method of motion, followed by the abdominal crunches (1.67±0.15), the lower body rotations (1.54±0.07). As a result of measuring the thickness of the IO muscles of each group according to the exercise method, the bridge group (1.14±0.22) was the highest, followed by the abdominal drawing group (1.05±0.03). As a result of measuring the thickness of the TrA muscles of each group according to the exercise method, the abdominal crunches (0.98±1.00) were the highest, and the bridge group (0.57±0.05) were higher in order of magnitude. Conclusion : Consequently, the five core stabilization exercises all affect changes in abdominal thickness and are expected to continue to require training studies on muscle posture.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.398-404
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a non-elastic fixation belt on the balance ability and fall prevention in elderly women. Elderly women experience reduced balance ability and an increased risk of falls due to a weakening of the surrounding sacroiliac joint and pelvic muscles during childbirth and menopause. On the other hand, specific studies are still needed. The subjects were allocated randomly to two groups: control (n=20) and experimental (n=20). The experimental group used a non-elastic fixation belt, whereas the control group had no fixation belt. The balance ability and the fall index were measured in all subjects using a balance measurement device, and the low abdominal muscle thickness was determined in the experimental group using ultrasound imaging for the exact application of the non-elastic fixation belt. The following statistical analysis was performed: an independent t-test for the general characteristics of the subjects, $2{\times}2$ analysis of variance with repeated measures for the balance and fall index score, and a paired t-test for the abdominal muscle thickness. The group ${\times}$ time interaction effect showed significant improvement in the General Stability Index (F1,38=47.24, p=0.001), Fourier Harmony Index (F1,38=88.83, p=0.001), Weight Distribution Index (F1,38=50.21, p=0.001), and Fall Index (F1,38=21.59, p=0.001). The thicknesses of the transverse abdominal (p=0.001) and internal oblique (p=0.001) muscles were increased significantly in the experimental group after using the non-elastic fixation belt. Overall, the application of a non-elastic fixation belt could be effective in improving the balance ability and fall prevention in elderly women.