Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

1.9K

An electromyographic study of abdominal muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Saviour K Adjenti1, Graham Louw2, Jennifer Jelsma3

  • 1Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana.

The South African Journal of Physiotherapy
|August 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with spastic-type cerebral palsy (STCP) show different abdominal muscle activation patterns compared to typically developing peers. The rectus abdominis may need support from other muscles for trunk stability in STCP rehabilitation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuromuscular Physiology
  • Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Movement Science

Background:

  • Limited understanding of abdominal muscle recruitment in spastic-type cerebral palsy (STCP).
  • Need to compare neuromuscular activity patterns between children with STCP and typically developing (TD) peers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in abdominal muscle neuromuscular activity (activation patterns) between children with STCP and TD children.
  • To identify specific muscle group variations in activity.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyography (EMG) was utilized to record abdominal muscle activity in individuals with STCP (n=63) and TD individuals (n=82).
  • Activity was monitored during resting and active states.
  • Repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman's rank order correlation were employed for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in neuromuscular activity patterns were observed between STCP and TD groups, except for the rectus abdominis (RA).
  • External oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) muscles showed elevated resting EMG activity in the STCP group.
  • RA muscle activity was similar between STCP and TD groups during resting and active states.

Conclusions:

  • The rectus abdominis (RA) is a potential target for rehabilitation in STCP.
  • Optimal trunk stability in STCP may require synergistic support from the external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) muscles, as RA force alone may be insufficient.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Potential of Massage Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Using Animal Models08:24

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Potential of Massage Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Using Animal Models

Published on: August 11, 2023

2.7K
Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy08:26

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Published on: January 11, 2016

12.6K

Related Concept Videos

Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
2.4K
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography01:20

Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography

Introduction:
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
1.7K
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
17.7K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
306
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers01:48

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
59.5K
Cerebral Hemispheres01:05

Cerebral Hemispheres

The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...
2.5K