Spinal-Related Musculoskeletal Factors and Functional Abdominal Bloating in Females: A Case Control Study in a Population-Based Prospective Cohort

Abstract

Background and purpose: Functional abdominal bloating (FAB) is defined as a subjective sensation of increased abdominal pressure and is more common in females. Due to the proximity to the abdominal wall spinal related factors of curvature, abdominal muscle function may be related to FAB. This study aimed to compare spinal-related musculoskeletal factors between females with and without FAB. Methods: This was a case-control study of 90 females aged 18-60 years categorized as FAB (n = 45, mean age 39.24 +/- 7.40 years) and control (n = 45, mean age 38.56 +/- 7.45 years) groups. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures, abdominal muscle force and endurance were measured and compared between the groups. Independent t-test was used to compare the musculoskeletal variables between groups. A logistic regression model was used to determine which variables associated with FAB. Results: Spinal curvatures did not differ between groups (p > 0.05), but abdominal muscle force and endurance were lower in the FAB group than the control group (p < 0.05). Abdominal muscle force was associated with FAB (p = 0.03). Discussion: This case-control study reported decreased abdominal muscle force and endurance in females with FAB and identified abdominal muscle force as a potential significant contributor to FAB. Further investigation of abdominal muscle strength as a possible target for managing FAB is warranted.