Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging Features of the Abdominal Wall Muscles in Elite and Amateur Basketball Players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) abdominal wall muscle thickness and interrecti distance (IRD) between elite and amateur basketball players. A sample of 32 basketball players (age: 23.0 ± 8.5; height: 1.89 ± 14.25 m; weight: 86.6 ± 15.5 kg; body mass index: 22.8 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) was divided in two groups: professional elite and amateur players. A diagnostic ultrasound tool with a 7-14 MHz range linear transducer was used for B mode ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound images of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), and rectus anterior (RA) muscles as well as IRD were measured and analyzed by ImageJ software. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) with greater height, weight, and Nijmegen scores were shown in favor of the elite basketball players compared to the amateur basketball players. Ultrasound measurements of the abdominal wall muscles showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for increased IRD and left TrAb thickness and decreased right and left EO thickness in favor of the elite versus amateur basketball players. The rest of the measurements did not show any statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Increased IRD and TrAb thickness and reduced EO thickness may be shown in elite versus amateur basketball players.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Wall and Trunk Muscles in Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy versus Healthy Participants

“…To the current knowledge, this study may be stated as the first study detailing the abdominal wall muscles and multifidus muscles in patients with chronic mid-portion AT compared with healthy individuals. Our findings were in line with prior research showing a relationship between Achilles Tendinopathy and morphological muscle architecture changes [16][17][18] and regarding the difference of the core muscles between populations [21].…”

“…Coldron et al [46] reported similar results in postpartum women founding a significantly thinner RA and a wider IRD for the postpartum women. In the same line, Romero et al [21] compared the abdominal wall muscles by USI between elite basketball players and amateur showing a significantly increase for the IRD in favor the elite basketball group with respect group. These results could be related with the high musculoskeletal system demand those who were exposed the elite basketball players due to the multiple training sessions per week.…”

“…In sports populations USI examination of the abdominal wall muscles and the perimuscular connective tissues (PMCT) between elite and amateur basketball players have been performed. Thickness of the TrAb and PMCT were increased in the left (dominant) side in elite basketball players with respect to amateurs [21,22]. Multifidus ultrasound features were studied in healthy populations [23,24] and subjects with low back pain, reporting a decreasing of the CSA [12].…”

Ultrasonography Features of the Plantar Fascia Complex in Patients with Chronic Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case-Control Study

“…Considering the trunk region, Whittaker et al [21] related the architecture of the abdominal wall muscles with lumbopelvic pain. Several authors argued that USI is a non-invasive, safe and valid method to examine soft tissues and musculoskeletal disorders [22,23].…”

Ankle Taping Effectiveness for the Decreasing Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in Elite Soccer and Basketball Players U18 in a Single Training Session: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

“…Elite U18 individuals followed a training schedule of 3 hours-per-day, 5 days-per-week and played 1 to 2 matches in a week [17]. In addition, both groups were composed of individuals who have played at least 1 time with the national team [18]. Subjects were excluded if: they underwent a physical therapy treatment, suffered any musculoskeletal injury the last 6 weeks, had skins allergy and any history of lower limb surgery, did not complete all the training sessions, and had other foot orthoses.…”