Identifying base position for women’s thoracolumbar fascia ultrasound

Abstract

Background: The role of noncontractile and wide elements of thoracolumbar fascia is miserable. Studies that examine the thoracolumbar fascia in living beings have often been used ultrasound techniques. Because of the variety of positions, we tried to identify base position to carry out these studies. Methods: Fifty three voluntaries entered the study. Then we did sonography in prone, sitting, and quadruped positions, after inspiration and respiration and at both sides at L3 level. Findings: Sonography findings showed that thoracolumbar fascia thickness at the end of inspiration was significantly more than thickness at the end of respiration at prone and sitting positions despite quadruped position at both sides. Therefore, breathing and position factors affected the fascia thickness. Lordosis angle in any of the studied states did not show significant and strong correlation with fascia thickness. Conclusion: The findings show that thoracolumbar fascia behavior is different in various positions; in addition, breathing determines different fascia behaviors. So, ultrasound studies should have particular attention to these two factors. Besides, we suggest that thoracolumbar fascia may have changes by breathing exercises and posture correction at long time. This study introduces the end of exhalation, sitting position, and right side as base position in thoracolumbar fascia ultrasonic evaluation. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.