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Wang L, Yun T, Zhang D, Zhong J, Yi D, Fu W, Li M, Zhang Y, Wang Y. A prospective study of two-dimensional ultrasonography combined with shear wave elastography for pregnancy-related diastasis recti abdominis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1382982. [PMID: 38860113 PMCID: PMC11163132 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1382982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To compare the inter-rectus distance (IRD), rectus abdominis thickness (RAT), and stiffness in women during pregnancy and postpartum and identify the risk and protective factors affecting diastasis recti abdominis (DRA). Materials and methods A total of 171 pregnant women who volunteered to participate in this study were recruited. Using an ultrasonographic diagnostic instrument with shear wave elastography function, IRD, RAT and the Young's modulus of the rectus abdominis muscles were measured at 12 weeks, 37 weeks of pregnancy, and 6 weeks postpartum. Results The IRD at 37 weeks was significantly higher than that at 12 weeks and then decreased at 6 weeks postpartum, but it was still higher than that at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). RAT and Young's modulus decreased significantly at 37 weeks compared with those at 12 weeks and then recovered at 6 weeks postpartum, but they were lower than those at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). IRD at 12 weeks was significantly higher in multiparae than in primiparae (p < 0.001). Moreover, positive correlation between the RAT and Young's modulus of rectus abdominis muscles at 12 and 37 weeks of gestation and 6 weeks postpartum (p < 0.001) was observed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the regression equation was significant (f = 24.856, p < 001). Conclusion Our study identified differences in IRD, thickness and stiffness of the rectus abdominis muscle between early and advanced pregnancy and the postpartum period. The risk and protective factors of DRA may guide pregnant women's protection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Graduate School of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Yun
- Department of Ultrasound, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Orthopedics Department, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianrong Zhong
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Yi
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxi Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Molin Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunshan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Six Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuexiang Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Howe OR. Ethical Risks of Systematic Menstrual Tracking in Sport. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2024:10.1007/s11673-023-10333-9. [PMID: 38762835 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
In this article it will be concluded that systematic menstrual tracking in women's sport has the potential to cause harm to athletes. Since the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) in the United States, concerns regarding menstrual health tracking have arisen. Research suggests that the menstrual tracking of female athletes presents potential risks to "women's autonomy, privacy, and safety in sport" (Casto 2022, 1725). At present, the repercussions of systematic menstrual tracking are particularly under-scrutinized, and this paper seeks to combine novel research in the sport sciences with present ethical debates in the philosophy of sports. Utilizing Beauvoir's feminist philosophy (2011), this paper argues that systematic menstrual tracking may contribute to the wider system of women's oppression by exploiting female athletes, as well as enabling the internalization of submissive behaviour in cultures where athletes are expected to comply unquestioningly. Five policy recommendations are made concerning autonomy, informed consent, education, safeguarding and data access. The overall findings of this paper propose that a more in-depth understanding of the links between data, privacy, and the menstrual cycle are required by sports organizations and governing bodies if athletes are to be protected in a future where systematic menstrual tracking is inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Howe
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, José Martího 269/31, 162 52, Prague 6, Veleslavín, Czech Republic.
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Day JM, Merriman H. Upper extremity soft tissue stiffness measured with shear wave elastography: A between-day reliability study. Shoulder Elbow 2024; 16:159-168. [PMID: 38655409 PMCID: PMC11034466 DOI: 10.1177/17585732231179115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Imbalances in soft tissue stiffness (STS) of the pectoralis and common wrist extensors (CWEs) can adversely alter upper extremity function. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has the capacity to provide precise, repeatable, objective data on STS. The purpose of this study was to determine the between-day intrarater reliability for the pectoralis and CWE tendon stiffness as measured by SWE. Methods STS measured by the shear wave modulus (kilopascals (kPa)) was captured bilaterally on the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and CWE tendon using 2D SWE ultrasound imaging (GE Logiq S8, 9 L transducer) on two separate days. Within examiner intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3, 3)) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of the measure, and minimal detectable changes were calculated. Results The investigators recruited 10 healthy participants (mean age = 23.50 ± 1.43). Between day intrarater reliability values were obtained for the dominant pectoralis major ICC = 0.70 (-0.15, -0.93), nondominant pectoralis major ICC = 0.63 (-0.30, -0.91), dominant pectoralis minor ICC = 0 .72(-0.04, -0.93), nondominant pectoralis minor ICC = 0.75(0.08, -0.94), dominant CWE tendon ICC = 0.75(-0.08, -0.94), and nondominant CWE tendon ICC = 0.75(-0.12, -0.94). Discussion Our data demonstrate acceptable reliability but future studies should include methods that control for variables known to effect STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Day
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Harold Merriman
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Dayton, Ohio, USA
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Saito R, Shagawa M, Sugimoto Y, Hirai T, Kato K, Sekine C, Yokota H, Hirabayashi R, Ishigaki T, Akuzawa H, Togashi R, Yamada Y, Osanami H, Edama M. Changes in the mechanical properties of the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon units during the early follicular and early luteal phases. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1323598. [PMID: 38596640 PMCID: PMC11002163 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1323598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to determine changes in the muscle and tendon stiffness of the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon units during the early follicular and early luteal phases, and check for possible relations between muscle and tendon stiffness in each phase. Methods The sample consisted of 15 female university students with regular menstrual cycles. The basal body temperature method, ovulation kit, and salivary estradiol concentration measurement were used to estimate the early follicular and early luteal phases. A portable digital palpation device measured muscle-tendon stiffness in the early follicular and early luteal phases. The measurement sites were the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), patellar tendon (PT), medial head of gastrocnemius muscle, soleus muscle, and Achilles tendon. Results No statistically significant differences in the thigh and lower leg muscle-tendon unit stiffness were seen between the early follicular and early luteal phases. Significant positive correlations were found between the stiffness of the RF and PT (r = 0.608, p = 0.016) and between the VM and PT (r = 0.737, p = 0.002) during the early luteal phase. Conclusion The present results suggest that the stiffness of leg muscle-tendon units of the anterior thigh and posterior lower leg do not change between the early follicular and early luteal phases and that tendons may be stiffer in those women who have stiffer anterior thigh muscles during the early luteal phase.
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Rodriguez LA, Liu Y, Soedirdjo SDH, Thakur B, Dhaher YY. Oral Contraception Use and Musculotendinous Injury in Young Female Patients: A Database Study. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:511-519. [PMID: 37890119 PMCID: PMC10922414 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to characterize the effect of sex and the influence of oral contraception usage on musculotendinous injury (MTI). Current literature suggests a disparity in the incidence of MTI between males and females. This may be attributed to inherent biological differences between the sexes, such as in the sex hormonal milieu. There is a lack of information associating sex hormone milieu and MTI. METHODS We searched the PearlDiver database (a for-fee healthcare database) for males, females taking oral contraceptives (OC), and eumenorrheic females not taking any form of hormonal contraceptives (non-OC) 18-39 yr old. The three populations were matched by age and body mass index. We queried the database for lower-extremity skeletal MTI diagnoses in these groups. RESULTS Each group contained 42,267 patients with orthopedic injuries. There were a total of 1476 (3.49%) skeletal MTI in the male group, 1078 (2.55%) in non-OC females, and 231 (0.55%) in OC females. Both the non-OC and the OC groups had a significantly smaller proportion of MTI than males ( P < 0.0001), and therefore these groups were less likely (adjusted odds ratios, 0.72 and 0.15, respectively) to experience MTI when controlled for potential covariates. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we show that females are less likely to develop MTI to total injuries, when compared with males, with OC using females being least likely followed by non-OC females. These results are consistent with other epidemiological studies; however, overall results in the literature are variable. This study adds to the emerging body of literature on sex hormone-influenced musculoskeletal injury but, more specifically, MTI, which have not been rigorously investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Rodriguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Yida Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Bhaskar Thakur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Yasin Y. Dhaher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Rodrigues-de-Souza DP, Casas-Castro A, Carmona-Pérez MC, García-Luque L, Alcaraz-Clariana S, Garrido-Castro JL, Alburquerque-Sendín F. Between-sexes differences in lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties of non-climacteric adults: a cross-sectional design. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21612. [PMID: 38062151 PMCID: PMC10703780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) are clinically relevant, but their dependence on sex remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify if lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the sex in a young adult population. Thirty-five healthy nulliparous women and 35 healthy men were analyzed (age range: 18-50). Lumbopelvic MMPs, that is, tone, stiffness, elasticity, relaxation and creep, assessed with MyotonPRO®, and pelvic floor (PF) health questionnaires were compared between-sexes. Intra-group correlations between sociodemographic and clinical data, and MMPs were also determined. The MMPs of PF were different between healthy non-climacteric adults of both sexes, with women showing higher values of tone and stiffness and lower values of elasticity and viscoelastic properties than men (in all cases, p < 0.03). At lumbar level, tone and stiffness were higher for men at both sides (in all cases, p < 0.04), and relaxation was lower at left side (p = 0.02). The MMPs showed few correlations with sociodemographic data within women. However, within males, there were positive correlations for PF stiffness and viscoelastic parameters with age, BMI and function (0.334 < r < 0.591) and, at lumbar level, negative correlations for tone and stiffness ( - 0.385 < r < -0.590) and positive correlations for viscoelastic properties (0.564 < r < 0.719), with BMI. This indicated that between-sexes differences of lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the specific location of assessment in healthy non-obese young individuals. Women show higher tone and stiffness and lower elasticity and viscoelasticity than men, at PF level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Azahara Casas-Castro
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Cristina Carmona-Pérez
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Lourdes García-Luque
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sandra Alcaraz-Clariana
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Garrido-Castro
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, Rabanales Campus, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
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Konrad A, Tilp M, Mehmeti L, Mahnič N, Seiberl W, Paternoster FK. The Relationship Between Lower Limb Passive Muscle and Tendon Compression Stiffness and Oxygen Cost During Running. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:28-35. [PMID: 36876188 PMCID: PMC9982528 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies have reported that a stiff triceps surae muscle and tendon-aponeurosis and also a more compliant quadriceps muscle and tendon-aponeurosis, are related to lower oxygen cost during running. However, to date, no study has investigated in a single experiment how oxygen cost during running is related to the stiffness of the free tendons (Achilles tendon, patellar tendon) and all the superficial muscles of two major muscle groups for running (i.e., quadriceps, triceps surae). Thus, 17 male trained runners/triathletes participated in this study and visited the laboratory on three occasions. On the first day, the participants were familiarized with the tests. On the second day, the passive compression stiffness of the triceps surae muscle (i.e., gastrocnemii), Achilles tendon, quadriceps muscle (i.e., vastii, rectus femoris), and patellar tendon was non-invasively measured using a digital palpation device (MyotonPRO). In addition, an incremental test was applied to test the VO2max of the participants. Thereafter, in the third visit, after at least 48-h of rest, participants performed a 15-min run on the treadmill with a speed reflecting a velocity of 70% VO2max, to assess oxygen costs during running. The Spearman correlation showed a significant negative correlation between passive Achilles tendon compression stiffness and running oxygen consumption, with a large effect size (rρ = -0.52; CI (95%) -0.81 to -0.33; P = 0.03). Moreover, no further significant relationship between oxygen cost during running and the passive compression stiffness of the quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon, as well as the triceps surae muscle, was detected. The significant correlation indicates that a stiffer passive Achilles tendon can lead to a lower oxygen cost during running. Future studies will have to test the causality of this relationship with training methods such as strength training that are able to increase the Achilles tendon stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
- Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Tilp
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, Graz University, Graz, Austria
| | - Leutrim Mehmeti
- Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nik Mahnič
- Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Seiberl
- Department of Human Sciences, Institute of Sport Science, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Florian K Paternoster
- Associate Professorship of Biomechanics in Sports, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Shagawa M, Maruyama S, Sekine C, Yokota H, Hirabayashi R, Togashi R, Yamada Y, Osanami H, Sato D, Edama M. Knee Laxity in the Menstrual Cycle after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Series. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2277. [PMID: 36767641 PMCID: PMC9915399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare anterior knee laxity (AKL), genu recurvatum (GR), and muscle stiffness between reconstructed and contralateral sides in females who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction during early follicular and ovulatory phases. AKL was measured as an anterior displacement of the tibia using a KS measure. GR was measured as the range of motion of knee hyperextension using a hyperextension apparatus. Muscle stiffness was measured for semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BF) using a MyotonPRO. The study investigated eighteen knees in nine females (Age, 20.4 ± 1.5 years; BMI, 21.5 ± 1.5) with normal menstrual cycles at least 1 year after reconstruction using hamstring autograft. E2 (Estradiol) concentration did not differ between the two phases, but AKL on the reconstructed side was lower during the ovulatory phase (8.3 [5.9-9.3] mm) than during the early follicular phase (9.4 [7.3-9.7] mm) (p = 0.044, r = 0.756), whereas there was no significant difference between the two phases on the contralateral side. AKL side-to-side difference, GR, and muscle stiffness (ST and BF) on both sides did not differ in either phase. These results indicate that AKL may behave differently on the reconstructed and contralateral sides during the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuu Shagawa
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Sae Maruyama
- Albirex Niigata Inc. 5-1923-23, Higashiko, Seiro-machi, Kitakanbara-gun, Niigata 957-0101, Japan
| | - Chie Sekine
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Hirotake Yokota
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Ryo Hirabayashi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Ryoya Togashi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamada
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Haruki Osanami
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Mutsuaki Edama
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
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Asymmetries of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Pelvic Floor in Nulliparous and Multiparous Women, and Men: A Cross-Sectional Study. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify if the muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of both sides of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) are symmetrical in different populations of both sexes. Between-sides comparisons of MMPs of PFMs, assessed with manual myotonometry, were performed in three groups, with 31 subjects each, composed of healthy nulliparous women (without any type of delivery or pregnancy), multiparous women (with at least two vaginal deliveries), and healthy adult men. Intra-group correlations between MMPs and age, body mass index (BMI), or clinical state of pelvic floor were also obtained. The nulliparous women and the men showed no between-sides differences in any MMP of PFMs. However, the multiparous women showed that the right side displayed less frequency (−0.65 Hz, 95% CI = −1.01, −0.20) and decrement (0.5, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.01), and more relaxation (1.00 ms, 95% CI = 0.47, 1.54) and creep (0.07 De, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.11), than the left side. Further, MMPs were related to age, sex, and BMI, also depending on the population, with the multiparous women being the only group with some between-sides asymmetries, which in this case were positive and of fair intensity for the left side of the PFMs, between BMI, and frequency and stiffness (rho Spearman coefficient: 0.365 and 0.366, respectively). The symmetry of MMPs of the PFMs could depend on the subject’s condition. Multiparous women show a higher tendency to asymmetries than nulliparous women and men, which should be considered in research and clinical settings.
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