• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the effects of stretching and strengthening exercises on the pain, pelvic tilt (PT), functional disability, and balance of patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP). Methods: A total of 42 patients with CLBP were randomly divided randomly into either experimental group I (EG I, n=21), who received stretching exercise, or experimental group II (EG II, n=21), who received strengthening exercise. Both interventions were applied three times a week for eight weeks. Assessments were made with a visual analogue scale (VAS), PT, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Berg's balance scale (BBS) before and after the eight weeks intervention period. A paired t-test was conducted to compare the within-group changes before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used compare the between-group difference. The statistical significance level was set to ${\alpha}=0.05$ for all variables. Results: The EG I and II showed significant within-group changes in the VAS, PT, ODI, and BBS (p<0.05). The changes in VAS, PT, ODI, and BBS were similar regardless of the exercise form. Conclusion: In this study, the application of stretching and strengthening exercise for subjects who complain of CLBP was effective in changing the level of pain, PT, functional disability, and balance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effect of applying neck flexion during elbow flexion exercise on muscle activity of the biceps brachii, the anterior deltoid and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). METHODS: Twenty healthy adults participated in this study. The subjects measured %MVIC (Maximal volumetric control) and collected the maximum electromyography (EMG) values in the biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, SCM. The first action was to sit in a sitting position with the eyes facing front and maintained the weight of each section by performing elbow flexion using a tension gauge. The second action was to sit in a sitting position with the head down and maintained the weight of each section by performing elbow flexion using a tension gauge. Paired T-test was used for comparison of the before-and-after neck flexion to analyze the muscle activity of the Biceps brachii of next flexion and extension, the SCM, and the Anterior deltoid during elbow flexion exercise. The Repeated measured ANOVA was used for comparing %MVIC in each muscle. The significance level (?) was set at .05. RESULTS: Neck flexion during elbow flexion increased the muscle activity of the Biceps brachii and Anterior Deltoid muscle in the maximal muscle strength 50 ~ 60%, 70 ~ 80% and decreased the muscle activity of the SCM (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The applic has been confirmed to reduce the mobilization of the SCM and increase the mobilization of the Biceps brachii and Anterior Deltoid to increase the mobilization. Therefore, it seems effective to apply neck flexion when elbow flexion exercise.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.68-72
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• 2022

Purpose: This study examined the effect of vibration exercise on the thickness of the oblique extrinsic, oblique abdominal, and biceps muscles, which are trunk muscles, targeting children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: The participants in this study were 20 children (8 male and 12 female) with cerebral palsy aged 5-10 years. They were classified into two groups using a randomized allocation method, and the trunk muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound-imaging device before and six weeks after the experiment. A paired t-test was used for the within-group changes, and an independent t-test was used for the inter-group changes. The significance level was set to α=0.05. Results: There was a significant increase in the inter-group change in the experimental group and control group in the intra-group change in the external oblique muscle and internal oblique muscle. After six weeks, there was a significant increase in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Vibration exercise had a positive effect on the trunk muscle thickness of children with cerebral palsy. Vibration exercise produced a significant difference in the changes in the trunk muscle thickness in children with cerebral palsy compared to no vibration exercise. These results may provide basic data for future research and as a training method for strengthening the trunk muscles in clinical trials.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.19-29
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• 2004

Many muscles of the trunk and hip are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine. To have optimal effectiveness, a training program should include dynamic back/stomach/hip exercises. This study was designed to assess the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscle activities during various low back stabilization exercises. Participants were 26 healthy adults (13 males, 13 Females), aged 21 to 28 years. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscles. The recorded signal was averaged and normalized to the maximal electromyographic amplitude obtained during the maximal voluntary contraction. The measurements were taken during 3 low back stabilization exercises. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to examine the difference, and a post hoc test was performed with least significant difference. A level of significance was set at p<.05. The significance of difference between men and women, and between the electromyographic recording sites was evaluated by an independent t-test. The EMG activity for the externus oblique and gluteus maximus muscles had significant differences among 3 exercises (p<.05). In males, the EMG activity for the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased differences during exercises 1 and exercise 2 (p<.05). The gluteus maximus muscle had significantly increased differences during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). In females, the multifidus muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05), the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 1 (p<.05). and the gluteus maximus muscle had significantly decreased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05). The results were that the external abdominal oblique muscle was apparently activated during the curl-up exercise in females and males, and the multifidus muscle was apparently activated during the bridging exercise in females and during the sling exercise in males and females.1)In comparison of the %MVC between males and females, exercise 2 and exercise 3 apparently activated of the multifidus and gluteus maximus muscles in both males and females (p<.05). The EMG activity of the gluteus maximus muscle of the males significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). The EMG activity the multifidus muscle of the females was significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). More research is needed to understand the nature of motor control problems in the deep muscles in patients with low back pain.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.30-37
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• 2020

[Purpose] The present study investigated the effect of endurance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) performed at either 25% maximal oxygen uptake (${\dot{V}}O_2$ max) or 40% ${\dot{V}}O_2$ max) on muscle oxygenation, energy metabolism, and endocrine responses. [Methods] Ten males were recruited in the present study. The subjects performed three trials: (1) endurance exercise at 40% ${\dot{V}}O_2$ max without BFR (NBFR40), (2) endurance exercise at 25% ${\dot{V}}O_2$ max with BFR (BFR25), and (3) endurance exercise at 40% ${\dot{V}}O_2$ max with BFR (BFR40). The exercises were performed for 15 min during which the pedaling frequency was set at 70 rpm. In BFR25 and BFR40, 2 min of pressure phase (equivalent to 160 mmHg) followed by 1 min of release phase were repeated five times (5 × 3 min) throughout 15 minutes of exercise. During exercise, muscle oxygenation and concentration of respiratory gases were measured. The blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately after 15 min of exercise, and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after completion of exercise. [Results] Deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) level during exercise was significantly higher with BFR25 and BFR40 than that with NBFR40. BFR40 showed significantly higher total-hemoglobin (total-Hb) than NBFR40 during 2 min of pressure phase. Moreover, exercise-induced lactate elevation and pH reduction were significantly augmented in BFR40, with concomitant increase in serum cortisol concentration after exercise. Carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation was significantly higher with BFR40 than that with NBFR40 and BFR25, whereas fat oxidation was lower with BFR40. [Conclusion] Deoxy-Hb and total Hb levels were significantly increased during 15 min of pedaling exercise in BFR25 and BFR40, indicating augmented local hypoxia and blood volume (blood perfusion) in the muscle. Moreover, low-and moderate-intensity exercise with BFR facilitated CHO oxidation.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.188-202
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• 2003

The aim of study was to investigate the effects of 12 forms of Sun-style Tai-Chi for arthritis(TCA) on physical symptom(pain, tenderness, swelling fatigue, and blood pressure), physical function(balance, flexibility, grip strength) and social-psychological health status in osteoarthritis(OA) patients and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients. This study was done with one group pretest-posttest design. A total 21 arthritis patients(6 OA patient and 15 RA patient) participated in 60 minute session consisting of warm-up exercise 12-main movement including qigong, and cool-down exercise twice a week for 6weeks. Physiological and social-psychological variables were measured before and after TCA 12 form. The researcher who completed a Tai Chi workshop for exercise leaders in Australia and Seoul taught the Tai Chi movement step by step until the patient felt comfort enough to perform them correctly by themselves during the first 4 weeks. At the last 2 weeks, the subject perform 10-15set of these at a session with traditional music to help patients move in a slow tempo. TCA 12 forms program showed significant improvement in fatigue(p=0.039) of rheumatoid arthritis patient and pain(p=0.006), fatigue(p=0.013), tenderness(p=0.032), flexibility(rt arm up, p=0.014, If arm up, P=0.003), grip strength(rt hand, p=0.002, If hand, P=0.003) of osteoarthritis patients. With assessment by Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 questionnaire(AIMS2), physical component(0.002) and social interaction(0.025) on osteoarthritis patients were significantly improved. Evaluation of the participants about TCA exercise noted that the exercise was fairly easy(23.6%), moderately difficult(57.1%), and fairly difficult(14.3%). Considering the result of this study, TCA exercise program was more effective in pain, tenderness, grip strength, flexibility, and physical and social interaction on osteoarthritis patients than rheumatoid arthritis patients. Tai-Chi for arthritis 12 form was an appropriate intensity exercise for osteoarthritis patients.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2014

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of cervical strengthening exercise on balance ability in healthy adults. Method : The subjects consisted of forty healthy people. The subjects were divided into two group. The control group(n=14) received no exercise and/or stimulation. The cervical strengthening exercise group(n=14) performed therapeutic intervention using cervical exercise for strengthening of cervical spine muscle. The exercise group were accomplished during 6 weeks(2~3set, 5times/week). All tests were completed before and after experiment. The static balance ability was measured by normal standing when subjects open and close their eyes on GOOD BALANCE SYSTEM, respectively. For each case, the experimental data were obtained in 3 items: mean X speed, mean Y speed and velocity moment. Result : The results of this study were as follows; 1. In the exercise group, the statistically significant difference were shown on X speed and Y speed in the case of normal standing when subjects open and close their eyes and X speed, Y speed and velocity moment in the case of normal standing when subjects close their eyes(p<0.05). 2. In control group, the statistically significant difference were not shown on all posture(p>0.05). 3. There were a statistically significant difference in the X speed and Y speed in the case of normal standing when subjects open their eyes between control group and the exercise group(p<0.05). There were a statistically significant difference in the X speed, Y speed and velocity moment in the case of normal standing when subjects close their eyes between control group and exercise group(p<0.05). Conclusion : The above results revealed that therapeutic intervention for muscle strengthening of cervical there were positive changes to balance ability.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.13-21
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects were 14 stroke patients (10 males, 4 females) hospitalized at W rehabilitation hospital in Busan City and randomly assigned to 7 exercise groups and 7 control groups. Exercise was performed in combination with an upper and lower extremity pattern of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Measurements of abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function were made before intervention and 4 weeks after intervention. Abdominal muscle strength was assessed using a digital manual dynamometer, and respiratory function was assessed by spirometry. The collected data were analyzed with a paired t-test and independent t-test and the significance level was set as α =.05. Results : The results showed that applying abdominal muscle strengthening exercise to stroke patients showed a significant increase in abdominal muscle strength and a significant difference between groups (p<.05). Maximal-effort expiratory spirogram (MES) readings were significantly increased in forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), in the exercise group, and there were a significant differences between the groups in terms of FEV1 (p<.05). Slow vital capacity (SVC) was significantly increased in vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), and expiratory capacity (EC), and there were significant differences between the groups in VC, TV, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), EC, and inspiratory capacity (IC) (p<.05). Conclusion : Abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was effective in the abdominal muscle strength of stroke patients, and it was confirmed to have a positive effect on the enhancement of respiratory function. Therefore, it seems that exercise programs for stroke patients with respiratory weakness should include abdominal muscle strengthening exercises.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.210-216
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• 2020

Purpose: This study examined the effects of curl-up using XCO^® on trunk muscle activation in healthy adults. Methods: This study design was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Twelve participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects were instructed to perform curl-up exercise in STCU (straight curl-up), LTCU (left twist curl-up), RTCU (right twist curl-up), TWCU (twist curl-up), and PPCU (power push curl-up). Electromyography was used to assess the percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) muscles. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with a repeated measure. The statistical significance level was set to α=0.05 Results: The IO showed significant differences in the main effect of the group and the interactions between the group and exercise (p<0.05). In particular, the IO represented the interactions between group and exercise in the RTCU and PPCU (p<0.05). The RA, EO, and ES did not show significant interactions between the group and exercise (p>0.05). The RA, IO, and EO showed significant differences in the main effect of the group (p<0.05). The EO showed a significant difference in the main effect of exercise (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that XCO^® can be used to increase the muscle activation of the internal oblique, which is the lumbar stabilizing muscle, when XCO^® is combined in the curl-up exercise with rotation. In the future, research on the intensity, frequency, and duration of XCO^® exercise will be needed according to the individual characteristics and preferences.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of trapezius and serratus anterior strengthening exercise on the shoulder pain and muscle activation of patients with spinal cord injury and functional shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: The study consisted of 10 patients with spinal cord injury who were hospitalized in Rehabilitation Hospital U, Uijeongbu, South Korea. The exercise was implemented three times a week for 10 weeks. In each session, the subjects performed one of a total of five types of exercise at mid-level intensity. The shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to evaluate the patients before and after the intervention. The muscle activation of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and anterior serratus muscle was assessed by surface electromyography (EMG) at the beginning of the experiment and 10 weeks later. Wilcoxon's singed-rank test was conducted to determine differences in the pain index and muscle activation before and after the exercise. The level of statistical significance was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: SPADI scores significantly decreased after the exercise (p<0.05). In comparisons of muscle activation, there was a significant improvement in the upper trapezius at $60^{\circ}$ shoulder joint flexion (p<0.05). There was no significant improvement at $90^{\circ}$ shoulder joint flexion. The middle trapezius showed a significant improvement at $120^{\circ}$ shoulder joint flexion (p<0.05). Conclusion: Trapezius and serratus anterior strengthening exercise reduced pain in spinal cord injury patients with functional shoulder impingement syndrome. The decreased muscle activation of upper trapezius and increased muscle activation of the anterior serratus muscle at $60^{\circ}$ shoulder joint flexion point to positive effects of the exercise on supraduction of the scapula.