• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of two types specific exercise intervention (deep and superficial abdominal muscle exercises) in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Design: A randomized, comparative, repeated-measures. Subjects: Twenty-four patients with CLBP (at least for 3 months), mean $age{\pm}SD=51.58{\pm}16.21$ (yrs). Methods: Twenty-four patients with this condition were assigned randomly to two treatment groups. Both first and second group underwent 3 weeks specific exercise treatment program. The first group specific trained for the deep abdominal muscles. The second group specific trained for the superficial abdominal muscles. Results: After intervention, the first group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability levels (p<.05). The second group showed no significant change in these parameters after intervention (p>.05). Conclusions: According to results, a "deep abdominal muscle exercises" treatment approach appears more effective than a "superficial abdominal muscle exercises" treatment in patients with CLBP.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.444-449
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to observe the change in the thickness of abdominal muscles when electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is applied to the abdomen during rest and abdominal muscle exercise to investigate the effect of EMS applied to the abdomen on the superficial and deep muscles thickness. Design: Cross sectional design. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. Subjects were performed resting position, resting position with EMS, curl-up and curl-up with EMS. The electrode of the EMS belt is attached to the abdominal wall between the 12th rib and iliac crest. The thickness of abdominal muscles including rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were captured in each position by ultrasound image during expiration. All subjects were performed four positions randomly. Data were analyzed using repeated ANOVA with the level of significance set at 𝛼=0.05. Results: The muscle thickness of RA, EO, IO and TrA were significantly different at each position (p<0.05). The thickness of all abdominal muscles increased significantly when curl-up than curl-up with EMS. Both RA and EO thickness were significantly increased at resting position than resting position and EMS were combined(p<0.05). But IO and TrA thickness were decreased at resting position when EMS were combined. Conclusions: The results suggest that EMS activates superficial abdominal muscles RA and EO. Therefore, abdominal strengthening exercise combined EMS can activate abdominal muscles and can be applied to various patients and rehabilitation in clinical practice.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.32-39
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• 2013

Abdominal curl-up exercise may excessively increased superficial neck flexor such as sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. Also, the muscle activity of the abdominal muscles haven't investigated during abdominal curl-up with craniocervical flexion (CCF). Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine the effect of CCF on the muscle activity of the abdominal and SCM muscles during abdominal curl-up. Twelve healthy subjects (six men and six women) with no history of abdominal or lower back pain within 6 weeks were recruited. Surface electromyographic signals were collected on SCM, rectus abdominis (RA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles bilaterally during performing the traditional abdominal curl-up and the abdominal curl-up with CCF. Paired t-tests were used to compare the differences in the muscle activity of the bilateral SCM, RA, EO, and IO muscles between the traditional abdominal curl-up and the abdominal curl-up with CCF (p<.05). There was significantly lower electromyogram (EMG) activity of the both SCMs during the abdominal curl-up with CCF (Right SCM, $39.50{\pm}15.29%MVIC$; Left SCM, $38.24{\pm}17.31%MVIC$) than with the traditional abdominal curl-up (Right SCM, $54.85{\pm}20.05%MVIC$; Left SCM, $53.18{\pm}26.72%MVIC$) (p<.05). The activity of abdominal muscles were not significantly different between the traditional abdominal curl-up and the abdominal curl-up with CCF. The abdominal curl-up with CCF requires significantly less muscle activity of SCM. Consequently, the abdominal curl-up with CCF is recommended to prevent excessive activation of superficial cervical flexors during abdominal curl-up exercise.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.231-238
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out the thickness variation of the superficial and deep abdominal muscles by measuring the thickness of the abdominal muscles. METHODS: 35 young, healthy adults(24 mens and 11 womens) participated in this study. The first, when only bridge exercise we had measured the thickness of their abdominal muscles by the ultrasound. The second, when the abdominal drawing-in during maintaining the bridge exercise we had measured the thickness of their abdominal muscles by the ultrasound. A pared t-test was used to determine a statistical significance for the thickness variation of the superficial and deep abdominal muscles. RESULTS: Results of before and after comparative analysis. The surperficial muscles(rectus abdominis, external obilique) statistically significantly reduced in the thickness and the deep muscle(transeverse abdominis) statistically significantly increased in the thickness. CONCLUSION: We have shown that the abdominal drawing-in exercise during maintaining the bridge exercise was effective to increase in strengthening abdominal deep muscle selectively.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-42
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• 2015

Lat. abdominal wall hematoma with active bleeding is very rare but need prompt bleeding control. We report successful treatment by angiographic embolization of superficial circumflex iliac artery rupture caused by blunt trauma. A 60-year-old woman presented painful, enlarging, lat. abdominal wall mass with ecchymosis caused by blunt abdominal trauma. Contrast leakage of superficial circumflex iliac a. within the lt. ext. oblique m. hematoma was confirmed by abdominal computed tomography. Angiographic embolization was performed successfully. Patient was discharged at 4th day after trauma without complication. Angiographic embolization is important treatment option of lat. abdominal wall hematoma with active bleeding replacing emergency surgery.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.1-32
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to understand the interrelation between 'Foot three yang meridian-muscle' and 'muscular system'. Methods : We have researched some of the literatures on Meridian-muscle theory, anatomical muscular system, myofascial pain syndrome and anatomy trains. And especially we have compared myofascial pain syndrome to anatomy trains and researched what kind of relationship is exist between them. Results : It is considered that Foot taeyang meridian-muscle includes Abductor digiti minimi m., Gastrocnemius m., Biceps femoris m., Longissimus m., Omohyoid m., Occipital m., Frontal m., Orbicularis oculi m., Trapezius m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Sternohyoid m., Zygomaticus m. Foot soyang meridian-muscle includes Dorsal interosseus m., Tendon of extensor digitorum longus m., Extensor digitorum longus m., Iliotibial band, Vastus lateralis m., Piriformis m., Tensor fasciae latae m., Internal abdominal oblique m., External abdominal oblique m,, Internal intercostal m., External intercostal m., Pectoralis major m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Posterior auricular m., Temporal m., Masseter m., Orbicularis oculi m. Foot yangmyung meridian-muscle includes Extensor digitorum longus m., Vastus lateralis m., Iliotibial band, Iliopsoas m., Anterior tibial m., Rectus femoris m., Sartorius m., Rectus abdominis m., Pectoralis major m., Internal intercostal m., External intercostal m., Sternocleidomastoid m., Masseter m., Levator labii superioris m., Zygomatic major m., Zygomatic minor m., Orbicularis oculi m., Buccinator m. and the symptoms of Foot three yang meridian-muscle are similar to the myofascial pain syndrome. Superficial back line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot taeyang meridian-muscle. Lateral Line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot soyang meridian-muscle. Superficial Front Arm Line in anatomy trains is similar to the pathway of Foot yangmyung meridian-muscle. Conclusions : There is some difference between myofascial pain syndrome and meridian-muscle theory in that the former explains each muscle individually, while the latter classifies muscular system in the view of integrated organism. More studies are needed in anatomy and physiology to support the integration of muscular system of Foot three yang meridian-muscle in aspect of anatomy trains.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.295-300
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the abdominal muscles, which are the major lumbar stabilizers along with the respiratory muscles, are affected by smoking. We compared abdominal muscle activity between smokers and non-smokers during the sit-to-stand movement. Methods: A total of 28 healthy adult males (14 smokers and 14 non-smokers) in their 20s-30s voluntarily participated in the study. The subjects performed the sit-to-stand movement, and then their abdominal muscle activity was measured. The surface electromyography system was employed to measure the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) values of the subjects' rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominal, internal oblique abdominal, and transversus abdominis muscles. Then, the values were quantified into %MVIC. Results: The activity of the rectus abdominis muscle was higher in the smokers than in the non-smokers. Conversely, the activity of the internal oblique abdominal and transversus abdominis muscles, which are deep abdominal muscles, was higher in non-smokers than in smokers, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Smoking can inhibit the activity of smokers' deep abdominal muscles and increase the activity of their superficial muscles, thus making it detrimental to their musculoskeletal system.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was carried out to observe the foot gworeum meridian muscle from a viewpoint of human anatomy on the assumption that the meridian muscle system is basically matched to the meridian vessel system as a part of the meridian system, and further to support the accurate application of acupuncture in clinical practice. Methods: Meridian points corresponding to the foot gworeum meridian muscle at the body surface were labeled with latex, being based on Korean standard acupuncture point locations. In order to expose components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle, the cadaver was then dissected, being respectively divided into superficial, middle, and deep layers while entering more deeply. Results: Anatomical components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle in human are composed of muscles, fascia, ligament, nerves, etc. The anatomical components of the foot gworeum meridian muscle in cadaver are as follows: 1. Muscle: Dorsal pedis fascia, crural fascia, flexor digitorum (digit.) longus muscle (m.), soleus m., sartorius m., adductor longus m., and external abdominal oblique m. aponeurosis at the superficial layer, dorsal interosseous m. tendon (tend.), extensor (ext.) hallucis brevis m. tend., ext. hallucis longus m. tend., tibialis anterior m. tend., flexor digit. longus m., and internal abdominal oblique m. at the middle layer, and finally posterior tibialis m., gracilis m. tend., semitendinosus m. tend., semimembranosus m. tend., gastrocnemius m., adductor magnus m. tend., vastus medialis m., adductor brevis m., and intercostal m. at the deep layer. 2. Nerve: Dorsal digital branch (br.) of the deep peroneal nerve (n.), dorsal br. of the proper plantar digital n., medial br. of the deep peroneal n., saphenous n., infrapatellar br. of the saphenous n., cutaneous (cut.) br. of the obturator n., femoral br. of the genitofemoral n., anterior (ant.) cut. br. of the femoral n., ant. cut. br. of the iliohypogastric n., lateral cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T11), and lateral cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T6) at the superficial layer, saphenous n., ant. division of the obturator n., post. division of the obturator n., obturator n., ant. cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T11), and ant. cut. br. of the intercostal n. (T6) at the middle layer, and finally tibialis n. and articular br. of tibial n. at the deep layer. Conclusion: The meridian muscle system seemed to be closely matched to the meridian vessel system as a part of the meridian system. This study shows comparative differences from established studies on anatomical components related to the foot gworeum meridian muscle, and also from the methodical aspect of the analytic process. In addition, the human foot gworeum meridian muscle is composed of the proper muscles, and also may include the relevant nerves, but it is as questionable as ever, and we can guess that there are somewhat conceptual differences between terms (that is, nerves which control muscles in the foot gworeum meridian muscle and those which pass nearby) in human anatomy.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.189-196
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate electromyographic (EMG) activity of deep and superficial trunk muscles during trunk stabilization exercises with and without stabilization maneuvers. Methods: The relative muscle activity ratios and local muscle activities of 25 healthy males were measured using the 8 channel surface EMG system (Myosystem 1400A, Noraxon Inc., U.S.A). The surface EMG activities were tested during performing abdominal hollowing maneuver (AHM), abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) and no stabilization maneuver (NSM) in random order. Data were analyzed using $1{\times}3$ repeated measures ANOVA. Results: During bridging exercises, the EMG activity ratio of transverse abdominis/internal oblique abdominis relative to rectus abdominis was significantly lower in NSM than in AHM and ABM. During bridging and kneeling exercises, the EMG activity ratio of multifidus relative to erector spinae was significantly higher in AHM than in NSM. Conclusion: The AHM can be clinically used by the physical therapist to activate selectively the trunk muscles when designing selective training programs for patients.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.9-15
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine contraction of abdominal muscles on surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of superficial cervical flexors, rib cage elevation and angle of craniocervical flexion during deep cervical flexion exercise in supine position. Fifteen healthy subjects were participated for this study. All subjects performed deer cervical flexion exercise with two methods. The positions of two methods were no volitional contraction of abdominal muscles in hook-lying position with 45 degree hip flexion (method 1) and 90 degrees hip and knee flexion with feet off floor for inducing abdominal muscle contraction (method 2). Surface EMG activities were recorded from five muscles (sternocleidmastoid, anterior scaleneus, recuts abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique). And distance of rib cage elevation and angle of craniocervical flexion were measured using a three dimensional motion analysis system. The EMG activity of each muscle was normalized to the value of reference voluntary contraction (%RVC). The EMG activities, distance of rib cage elevation. and angle of craniocervical were compared using a paired t-test between two methods. The results showed that the EMG activities of sternocleidmastoid and anterior scaleneus during deep cervical flexion exercise in method 2 were significantly decreased compared to method 1 (p<.05). Distance of rib cage elevation and angle of craniocervical flexion were significantly decreased in method 2 (p<.05). The findings of this study indicated that deep cervical flexion exercise with contraction of abdominal muscles could be an effective method to prevent substitute motion for rib cage elevation and contraction of superficial neck flexor muscles.