We tested the feasibility of stimulating upper-intercostal and abdominal muscles plus the diaphragm by using chronically implanted intramuscular electrodes.During two survival surgeries with six dogs, intramuscular electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the three respiratory muscles. Standard stimulation of the diaphragm was conducted. The dorsolateral and ventrolateral abdominal wall areas w...

In the most recent, authoritative, British text-book of diseases of infancy and childhood10, congenital absence of the abdominal muscles is dismissed in the following words:' Congenital absence of the abdominal muscles has also been recorded. In the case illustrated, the leathery, wrinkled appearance of the skin is seen. On palpation, the abdomen felt like a soft bag. The infant was extremely c...

Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) of the abdominal muscles is increasingly being used in the management of conditions involving musculoskeletal dysfunctions associated with the abdominal muscles, including certain types of low back and pelvic pain. This commentary provides an overview of current concepts and evidence related to RUSI of the abdominal musculature, including issues addressi...

BACKGROUND The major objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise intervention with goals of improving health-related physical fitness in one high-tech company in Taiwan. METHODS This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design. Among the 54 subjects enrolled in the study, 26 subjects of the volunteers agreed to participate in an aerobic exercise ...

The application of engineering control theory to biological systems is a challenge. Often, in initial engineering models or designs of systems to exert control over a certain aspect or part of a biological system, other control loops may be in operation within the biological system that are not accounted for. When the operation of such unconsidered hidden loops reveals themselves, this presents...

The present study was conducted to determine the pattern of activation of the anterolateral abdominal muscles during the cough reflex. Electromyograms (EMGs) of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and parasternal muscles were recorded along with gastric pressure in anesthetized cats. Cough was produced by mechanical stimulation of the lumen of the in...

BACKGROUND Core stabilization has been utilized for rehabilitation and prevention of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries. Previous studies showed that activation of the abdominal core muscles enhanced the hip muscle activity in hip extension and abduction exercises. However, the lack of the direct measurement and quantification of the activation level of the abdominal core muscles during the ex...