Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle thickness changes using the activation ratio during abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) and mobility, and core endurance in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Background: In PD patients, functions of trunk muscles are affected by the specific neurodegenerative processes of the disease. Trunk/core muscles are essential for normal functional activities such as walking. Particularly, TrA is unique in abdominal muscles’ function to promote segmental spinal stability.

Method: The clinical features of nineteen volunteers with PD were determined by using the Modified Hoehn&Yahr scale. The functional disability was assessed by using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS UPDRS) Section III. The TrA muscle thickness during rest and ADIM in supine position was measured with ultrasonography, and the activation ratio (%) was calculated. The patients performed the functional mobility (Timed Up&Go test-TUG, sec), core muscle endurance tests (prone bridge and sit-ups test). For prone bridge test, total duration of holding the test position was recorded. In sit-ups test, the maximum number of correctly completed sit-ups in 30 seconds was also recorded.

Results: Four female, 15 male PD patients with a median age of 65.00 years (58.00-71.00) were included. The median of Modified Hoehn&Yahr and MDS UPDRS Section III scores were 2.00 (1.00-2.50) and 24.00 (18.00-31.00), respectively. A median TUG score was 7.63 sec (6.81-8.06). The median of prone bridge and sit-ups scores were 28.68 sec (16.33-33.23), and 17.00 times (13.00-20.00), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the TrA activation ratio and following core endurance tests: prone bridge score (moderate, rho= 0.484; p=0.036) and sit-ups score (strong, rho= 0.644; p=0.003). A negative correlation was found between the TrA activation ratio and TUG (moderate, rho= -0.484; p=0.036).

Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate the relationship between the TrA activation ratio and functional mobility and core endurance of PD patients. Therefore, we suggest that the ADIM should be used in both assessment and rehabilitation to promote the functions of trunk muscles among patients with PD.

« Back to 2019 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/is-the-activation-ratio-of-transversus-abdominis-associated-with-mobility-and-core-endurance-in-patients-with-idiopathic-parkinsons-disease-a-preliminary-study/