• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2006

To evaluate the functional status of ovarian cyst in Korean native cows, progesterone ($P_4$) and estrogen ($E_2$) level of cystic follicular fluid, ultrasonography for measuring the cystic diameter and thickness of cystic wall, and histological findings were investigated in cystic ovaries from slaughtered Korean native cows. Ovarian cysts were classified as single follicular cyst 51 cows (59.3%), multiple follicular cysts 19 cows (22.1%), single luteal cyst 13 cows (15.1%) and multiple luteal cysts 3 cows (3.5 %) by anatomical and ultrasonography. Ovarian cysts were classified as follicular cysts (54 cows), luteal cyst (16 cows) and non-functional ovarian cyst (16 cows) by hormone analysis, anatomical finding and ultasonography The luteal cyst was accurately diagnosed by cystic wall thickness, but follicular cysts was misdiagnosed 16 cows of 70 cystic cows The cystic fluid $P_4$ concentration was 3.3 ng/ml in follicular cysts and 30.1 ng/ml luteal cysts. There was significantly positive correlations between cystic wall thickness and serum $P_4$ concentration in follicular ($r^2=0.59$, p<0.001) and luteal cysts ($r^2=0.65$, p<0.001). These results indicated that ovarian cysts had various stages of degeneration and luteal cyst was accurately diagnosed measurement of cystic wall thickness by ultrasonography, but follicular cysts were not diagnosed only cystic diameter and cystic wall thickness.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.309-317
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• 2023

Purpose: This study set out to investigate the effects of prone hip extension with knee flexion (PHEKF) exercises according to external load on the thickness of the gluteus maximus (Gmax) and biceps femoris (BF). Methods: Twenty-three healthy men participated in this study. All subjects randomly practiced PHEKF under the burden of external loads created by sandbags (0 kg, 1 kg, and 2 kg). Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) was used to measure the thickness of the Gmax and BF during the PHEKF with different external loads. Results: The thickness of the Gmax was highest during the 2 kg resistance exercise and lowest at 0 kg. The thickness of the Gmax was significantly increased at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg and significantly increased at from 1 kg to 2 kg (p < 0.05). The thickness of the biceps femoris was highest at 0 kg and lowest at 2 kg. The thickness of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly reduced at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 kg and 2 kg (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The thickness of the Gmax was increased by applying PHEKF with a higher external load, whereas the muscle thickness of the biceps femoris decreased. These results suggest that the application of external loads during PHEKF exercises may be an effective method for selective strengthening of the Gmax.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.107-113
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• 2021

PURPOSE: Selective strengthening of the transverse abdominis muscle (TrA) during abdominal hollowing makes an important contribution to the stability and control of the spine. This study examined the effects of abdominal hollowing exercise (AHE) according to the visual feedback method on the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were assigned randomly to an AHE with visual feedback from real-time ultrasound image (group A, n = 10), AHE with visual feedback with pressure biofeedback unit (group B, n = 10). Both groups underwent 20 min of AHE with visual feedback once daily, five days/week for two weeks. The changes in the muscle thickness of the TrA, internal oblique abdominal muscle (IO), and external oblique abdominal muscle (EO) were measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The thickness of TrA was changed significantly in both groups (p < .05). However, the lowest minimal detectable changes were achieved in Group A. The thickness of the IO and EO muscles in group A was changed significantly, but there were no significant changes in group B. CONCLUSION: Both visual feedback methods were effective for strengthening the TrA muscles selectively. Nevertheless, AHE with visual feedback using real-time ultrasound images may be more useful in trA muscle contraction.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.426-430
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• 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging and static ultrasound imaging do not indicate some cases of partial thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon. The authors observed a partial thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon that was not found using other imaging tools but was observed by resisted scaption in shoulder extension position dynamic ultrasound in several cases. This paper outlines this technique is reported by describing two cases.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.218-224
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• 2019

Objective: This reliability study examined the effects of applying varying induced inward pressures using a transducer placed at 0° neutral ankle position (NEU) and 15° ankle dorsiflexion (DF) on tibialis anterior (TA) muscle thickness using a custom-made device with a force indicator during rehabilitative ultrasound imaging. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-four healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Two examiners measured the muscle thickness of the TA at 0° NEU and 15° DF in 3 conditions of inward pressures (1.0 N, 2.0 N, and 4.0 N) using a custom-made holder. The muscle thickness was measured three times for each of the conditions arranged in random order. For intra- and inter-rater reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and coefficient of variation were analyzed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted for investigating changes of TA muscle thickness according to the inward pressures of the transducers. Results: The intra-rater reliability of TA muscle thickness measurement was excellent (ICC_3,1: 0.92-0.96) for all conditions (at both ankle joint angles per varying inward pressure). Likewise, the inter-rater reliability of TA muscle thickness measurement was excellent (ICC_2,1: 0.89-0.97) under same conditions. The mean of TA thickness showed the trend of decreasing significantly with increased inward pressures at all ankle joint angles (p<0.05). Conclusions: Use of this custom-made device with a force indicator is useful to accomplish the high intra- and inter-rater reliability of TA muscle thickness measurement at both ankle joint angles in reducing the measurement error.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2015

Objective: Prone bridge exercise is one of the core strengthening exercise for improving abdominal, lower and upper extremity muscles. In addition, coactivation of the trunk muscles and extremities is important for treatment of low back pain. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the thickness, cross-sectional area of the target muscle, and endurance during prone bridge exercise. Our hypothesis was that an increase in muscle thickness is positively related to the hold time for the static prone bridge exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fourteen healthy university students (8 men and 6 women) voluntarily participated in the study at Sahmyook University. Hold time for the prone bridge with one and both legs was measured. The resting and contracted thickness of the lateral abdominal, rectus femoris, and triceps muscles was measured using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging. The correlation between muscle thickness and endurance for maintenance time was evaluated. Results: The prone bridge with both legs and the contraction thickness of the triceps muscle showed a positive correlation (r=0.692, p<0.05); the prone bridge with one leg and the contraction thickness of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles showed a positive correlation (r=0.545, 0.574, p<0.05, 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Endurance for the prone bridge exercise with a stable support surface is correlated with the contraction thickness of arm muscles; the prone bridge exercise with an unstable support surface is correlated with the contraction thickness of the deep abdominal muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.44-50
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• 2015

This study compared the effects of the initial head position (i.e., a HHP versus a relaxed head position) of subjects with and without a FHP on the thickness of the deep and superficial neck flexor muscles during CCF. The study recruited 6 subjects with a FHP and 10 subjects without a FHP. The subjects performed CCF in two different head positions: a HHP, with the head aligned so that the forehead and chin formed a horizontal line, and a relaxed head position (RHP), with the head aligned in a self-selected comfortable position. During the CCF exercise, the thickness of the longus colli (LCo) and the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) were recorded using ultrasonography. The thickness of each muscle was measured by Image J software. The statistical analysis was performed with a two-way mixed-model analysis of variance. The thickness of the SCM differed significantly (p<.05) between the subjects with and without FHP. According to a post $h^{\circ}C$ independent t-test, the change in thickness of the SCM increased significantly during CCF in the subjects with FHP while adopting a HHP compared to that in the subjects without FHP. The change in thickness of the SCM was not significantly different between the two positions in subjects without FHP, and there was no significant change in thickness of the LCo muscle during the CCF exercise according to the initial position in both subjects with and without FHP. The results suggest that CCF should be performed in RHP to minimize contraction of the SCM in subjects with a FHP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.415-424
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to compare changes in abdominal muscle thickness in different standing postures with a handheld load between subjects with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty subjects with CLBP and 20 controls participated in this study. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the changes in the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles. Muscle thickness in three different standing postures (standing at rest, standing with loads, standing with lifting loads) was compared with the muscle thickness at rest in the supine position and was expressed as a percentage of change in the thickness of the muscle. Results: While standing with loads, the change in IO muscle thickness in the CLBP patients increased more significantly than in the pain-free controls (p < 0.05). The standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant increase in the change in thickness of the TrA compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). In addition, the standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant decrease in the change in the thickness of the EO when compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The automatic activity of the IO muscle in subjects with CLBP increased more than that of the pain-free controls in the standing with loads posture. These findings suggest that IO muscle function may be altered in those with CLBP while standing with loads. Additionally, TrA the activation level was found to be associated with increased postural demand caused by an elevated center of mass.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2019

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the jaw. TMD patients generally prefer to chew on the unaffected or less-affected side, and this tendency often results in asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were divided into two groups: A TMD group ($n_1=19$) and a control group ($n_2=20$). The jaw opening range and laterotrusion were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The masseter muscle thickness was examined in both the resting state and the maximal clenching state using ultrasonography. The absolute asymmetry indices calculated based on the laterotrusion and masseter muscle thickness of the respective right and left sides. A two-way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant different was found in the masseter muscle thickness between the TMD and control group. A significant difference was found in the absolute asymmetry indices of mandibular laterotrusion between the TMD and control groups (p<.05). Furthermore, the ranges of jaw opening were significantly different between males and females (p<.05). The absolute asymmetry index values of masseter muscle thickness at rest and during maximal clenching were also significantly different between males and females (p<.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the subjects with TMD had a larger degree of asymmetry in laterotrusion than those without TMD. Therefore, a physiotherapy program needs to be designed to restore normal laterotrusion capacities for TMD subjects. These results also showed that female subjects had greater absolute asymmetry indices in masseter muscle thickness than male subjects. Therefore, more training is needed to promote bilaterally balanced chewing among women.