• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

This study analyzes how different knee flexion angles affect the abdominal and pelvic muscle activity during supine bridging. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study. We used surface electromyography (EMG) to measure how three different knee flexion angles ($100^{\circ}$, $70^{\circ}$, and $40^{\circ}$) affected the activity of the transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), external oblique (EO), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles on the dominant side during supine bridging. The one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance of TrA/IO, EO, BF, RF and GM muscle activity and the GM/BF activity ratio. For the TrA/IO, EO, BF, and GM muscles, supine bridging with different knee flexion angles resulted in significant differences in abdominal and pelvic muscle activity. For the TrA/IO muscles, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $70^{\circ}$; however, there were no significant differences between $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$ or $100^{\circ}$ and $40^{\circ}$. For the EO muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$; no significant difference was observed between angles $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$. For the BF muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($40^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $100^{\circ}$). For the GM muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). However, for the RF muscle, there was no significant difference. Additionally, the GM/BF activity ratio significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). From these results, we can conclude that bridging with a knee flexion of $100^{\circ}$ can strengthen the GM muscle, whereas bridging with a knee flexion of $40^{\circ}$ is recommended to strengthen the IO, EO, and BF muscles. We can also conclude that knee flexion angles should be modified during supine bridging to increase the muscle activity of different target muscles.

• 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.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.571-576
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• 2010

Purpose: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the foot often requires free-flap transfer. Free muscle flap transfer and skin grafts on the muscle has been an option for these defects. Here we present our experiences of foot reconstruction using an endoscopy-assisted free muscle flap harvest. Methods: Using endoscopy-assisted free muscle flap harvests, four patients with soft tissue defects of the foot were treated with a free muscle flap and skin graft. The gracilis muscle was used for two patients and the rectus abdominis muscle for two. A single small transverse skin incision was placed on the lower abdomen for the rectus abdominis muscle. A small transverse skin incision on the proximal thigh was the only incision for harvesting the gracilis muscle flap. The small incisions were enough for the muscle flap to be pulled through. Results: The flaps survived successfully in all cases. Contours were good from both functional and aesthetic aspects. No breakdowns or ulcerations of the flap developed during long-term follow-up. Resultant scars were short and relatively hidden. Functional morbidities such as abdominal bulging were not noted. Conclusion: Endoscopy-assisted harvest of muscle flap and transfer with skin graft is a good option for soft tissue defects of the foot. Morbidities of the donor site can be minimized with endoscopic flap harvest. This method is preferable for young patients who want a small donor site scar.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.111-117
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• 2008

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the mesenchymal tumors originated from gastrointestinal submucosa. A 10 year-old, male, mixed breed dog with persistent diarrhea, anorexia and lethargy was referred to Haemaru Animal Referral Hospital. Large mass originated from the transverse colon was observed and large amount of ascites and free gas were found on abdominal radiography and ultrasonography. The ascites was septic exudate mixed with bacteria that consisted with intestinal perforation. There was no metastatic lesion. This mass was tentatively diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and lymphosarcoma and surgical resection and histilogical examination were planned. However, according to owner's request, the patient was euthanized and then the necropsy was performed. About 10 cm sized mass originated from the cecum, ascending colon and transverse colon was adhered to surrounding mesentery and the perforation and large amount of ascites were observed. GIST was suspected on histopathologic examination and confirmed according to CD 117 expression in immunohistochemistry. GIST, derived from interstitial cells of Cajal, can be distinguished from LMS and leiomyoma (LM) on the basis of expression of CD117 (KIT) immunohistochemically. GIST has a different biological behavior and clinical course compared with LMS and LM, therefore definite diagnosis for GIST using immunohistochemistry is clinically important to predict the precise prognosis of the patient.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.229-244
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• 1991

A bioassay technique and organ bath study were performed to analyze the effects of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and $Ca^{2+}$-antagonists on endothelium-derived relaxing factor[s][EDRF] released from the endothelial cells of rabbit aorta. Transverse strips with intact endothelium or damaged endothelium were used for the mechanical contraction experiment using organ bath. Long segment including thoracic and abdominal aorta with endothelium [EDRF donor aorta] was perfused with Tyrode solution which was aerated with 95% $O_2-5%$ $CO_2$ mixed gas and kept at 35oC. The perfusate was bioassayed with a transverse strip of thoracic aorta with damaged endothelium. The test strip was contracted with nor-epinephrine and acetylcholine was used to stimulate the release of EDRF from endothelial cells. The results obtained were as follows; 1] The endothelium-dependent relaxation[EDR] induced by acetylcholine was biphasic; an initial rapid relaxation followed by a slow relaxation. 2] EDR induced by acetylcholine was reduced gradually with the decrease in the concentration of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$. The effect of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ on EDR was more prominent in the late slow relaxation phase. 3] EDR to acetylcholine was not altered by acute exposure to organic $Ca^{2+}$-antagonists. Pretreatment with verapamil to the EDRF donor aortic segment did not alter the magnitude of EDR. 4] Among the inorganic $Ca^{2+}$-antagonists $Mn^{2+}$ and $Cd^{2+}$ did not inhibit EDR, whereas $Co^{2+}$ and $La^{3+}$ inhibited EDR. 5] The inhibitory response of $Co^{2+}$ to EDR developed when infused directly on the test strip. That of $La^{3+}$, however, was evoked when added to solution perfusing the donor aortic segment. The above results suggest that $Ca^{2+}$-antagonists do not affect EDR and the inhibitory effect of $Ca^{2+}$ results from influencing the action of EDRF on vascular smooth muscle, whereas that of $La^{3+}$ results from its action on the release of EDRF from endothelial cells.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.85-97
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• 2016

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on the muscle thickness and contraction time using sound wave vibrator and swiss ball. Methods : This study was performed on 20 subjects. 20 subjects were divided into two groups; Lumbar stability exercise using sound wave vibrator exercise(n=10)(Group1), Lumbar stability exercise using Swiss ball exercise(n=10)(Group2). Both of the group performed the exercise 3 times a week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed by the paired t-test to compare before and after difference of factors on each group and the Independent t-test to compare the between groups. Results : Both group were increased muscle contracture time on Straight Leg Rise(SLR) test (p<0.05). It means both group were increased lumbar stability. However, by comparing the between groups, there were no statistically significant difference about muscle thickness of multifidus and transverse abdominal.(p>0.05). Conclusion : As a result of this study, we suggest that the sound wave vibrator may be effective exercise tool for lumbar stability exercise like a swiss ball.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2008

In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2013

Purpose : The purpose of this research was to develop a proposal by investigating the work habits associated with exercise programs for the prevention of chronic back pain. Methods : The symptoms, areas and causes of musculoskeletal patients were analyzed during a three-month period in order to develop and apply prevention programs that stimulate lumbar deep layer muscle movement. Results : The results of this study show that the lumbar and shoulders are primary areas of pain. According to the literature, lumbar and shoulder pain is caused due to long periods in the standing position and unhealthy posture during work. A preliminary program was conducted for one month to study lower back pain prevention. Preliminary results of the program showed a lumbar stabilizing effect caused by the strengthening of abdominal muscles. In addition, the alignment of the spine often leads to effective action. Therefore, action-oriented programs should be implemented in order to induce contractions of the transverse abdominis muscle. Conclusion : The completed program should consider habit and practices of workers within their working environment. The promotion of health through exercise for both employers and workers is expected to bring physical and psychological benefits that will positively affect economic results.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of three pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises on the thickness of PFM and transverse abdominal muscle (TrA), the internal oblique muscle, and the external oblique muscle. The PFM and trunk muscles were measured using ultrasonography in 4 conditions.rest, conventional PFM contraction (Ex A), PFM contraction with hip adductor contraction (Ex B), and PFM contraction with real-time ultrasound imaging (Ex C). The thickness of PFM in Ex C showed a significantly more decrease compared to rest and others (all comparisons, p<.05). The thickness of TrA in Ex C showed a significantly more increase compared to rest and others (all comparisons, p<.05). This study would recommend the use of PFM contraction with real-time ultrasonographic imaging to improve women's incontinence.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.374-378
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• 2013

Background: Incisional pain is particularly troublesome after hysterectomy. A method called transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) has shown promise in managing postoperative pain. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TAPB after hysterectomy at different time points and at each time point separately for 48 hours. Methods: Forty-two patients (ASA I, II) who were electively chosen to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 2 groups, control (group C) and intervention (group I). Twenty-one patients underwent TAPB (group I) and 21 patients received only the standard treatment with a fentanyl pump (group C). Both groups received standard general anesthesia. For patients in group I, following the surgery and before emergence from anesthesia, 0.5 mg/kg of ropivacaine 0.2% (about 20 cc) was injected bilaterally between the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles using sonography. Pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and drug consumption were measured at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after TAPB. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. VAS scores appeared to be lower in group I, although there was no interaction with time when we compared mean VAS measurements at different time points between group I and group C (P > 0.05). The amount of fentanyl flow was consistently higher in group C, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.053). The incidence of vomiting was 10% in group I and 28% in group C. There were no complaints of itching, and sedation score was 0 to 3. There were no complications. Conclusions: This study showed that TAPB did not result in a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores at different time points. TAPB did lead to decreased fentanyl flow, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant.