• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.62-74
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study is intended to evaluate the effectiveness and analyse the change on flexibility, muscular volume and pain of university students with low back pain by stabilization exercise using XCO. Methods: The subjects(N=23) with low back pain are recruited from K university located Chungbuck. The subjects which are divided to 2 group as experimental group(N=12) conducted the stabilization exercise using XCO and control group(N=11) conducted the general stabilization exercise. The flexibility, muscular volume and pain were measured before and after intervention. Results: There were no significant differences(p>.05) in sex, age, height and weight among subjects. Also there were no significant differences(p>.05) in muscular volume and pain between of the experimental group and control group. A significant difference(p<.05) in the flexibility, contraction EO(External Oblique), contraction IO(Internal Oblique), contraction TA(Transverse Abdominal) and pain in the experimental group. There was significant difference(p<.05) in the flexibility, contraction EO(External Oblique), contraction IO(Internal Oblique) and pain in the control group. There was a significant difference(p<.05) in the flexibility of the experimental group between the control group. Conclusion: Based on this study, through a variety of age and various intervention period to apply more subjects conducting Stabilization exercise using XCO should continue.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of complex training on injury, flexibility, and muscle stiffness in high school male football players. Methods: A total of 60 football players were included in the study and were divided into three groups viz. the complex training group (CTG), 11+ training group (11+TG), and traditional training group (TTG). Injuries were recorded based on the prospective investigation method after starting the study, and the flexibility and muscle stiffness of the subjects were evaluated. Results: The research results showed that the injury rate per match was significantly lower in the CTG and 11+TG than the TTG. In the CTG, the flexibility of the hamstrings significantly increased and the stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), and tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscles significantly decreased (p<0.05). In the 11+TG, the stiffness of the RF significantly decreased (p<0.05). In the TTG, the flexibility of the hamstrings significantly increased (p<0.05). Hamstring flexibility showed a significantly higher increase in the CTG and TTG compared to the 11+TG (p<0.05). Also, the stiffness of the RF and TFL muscles showed a significantly higher decrease in the CTG compared to the 11+TG and TTG (p<0.05). The stiffness of the BF muscles too showed a more significant decrease in the CTG compared to the TTG (p<0.05). Conclusion: The complex training method of the Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ and self-myofascial release (SMFR) as a warm-up program, prevent injuries, enhance flexibility, and lower muscle stiffness of football players in high school. Thus, it is necessary to ensure the widespread use of the complex training program by instructors and players under the supervision of the Korea Football Association (KFA), given its reliability in preventing injuries and improving the performance of football players.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Background: This study is goal to explore the effects of swiss ball exercise on muscular strength, flexibility, and balance in healthy adults with and without pelvic compression belts. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: This study randomly divided the experimental and control groups in 24 healthy adults wearing pelvic compression belts, and they conducted Swiss ball exercise programs, 5 times for 40 minutes a week during 3 weeks in conclusion 15 times. Results: The results showed that the experimental groups have increased significantly in muscle strength and flexibility (p<.05). Conclusion: This study showed that pelvic compression belts and Swiss ball exercise programs will help health improvements such as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance in normal adults, and it is also thought to be worth applying to patients with back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the duration of hamstring flexibility improvement after 3 stretching interventions in people with limited hamstring flexibility. Twenty-two subjects (12 men, 10 women) with limited hamstring flexibility of the dominant leg received 3 stretching interventions- modified dynamic stretching (MDS), hold-relax (HR), and static stretching (SS)-in a random order. All the subjects received all 3 interventions at intervals of at least 24 hours to minimize any carry-over effect. Modified dynamic stretching was applied as a closed kinetic chain exercise in the supine position by using the sling suspension system (Redcord Trainer(R)). The SS and HR interventions were individually performed in the straight leg raising (SLR) position, and all 3 interventions were performed for 3 minutes. Outcome measures included passive knee extension (PKE) measurements. Five post-test measurements were recorded for all subjects at 3, 6, 9, 15, and 30 minutes after the interventions. MDS was associated with a significant increase in knee extension range of motion even at 30 minutes post-treatment. In contrast, the HR and SS stretching methods showed increased hamstring flexibility for only 6 minutes post-treatment. Improvements in the range of motion of knee extension (indicating enhancement in hamstring flexibility) with MDS were maintained longer than those with the HR and SS interventions. Therefore, MDS may be more effective than the other interventions for maintaining hamstring flexibility.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out which method was efficient to enhance the flexibility of lower back between PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and hamstring stretching. Method : subject were 20 young people between the ages 20 and 25. subjects were randomly assigned to one of 2groups; PNF(n=10), static(n=10). respective group received the same stretching does of 3days per week for 4weeks. Trunk flexion forward a measuring instrument and tapeline were performed to measurement the flexibility of lower back at different times(before starting the exercise, 4weeks after starting). Results : The results of the study were as follows: The lower back flexibility was increased significantly in PNF groups. PNF, static groups showed meaningful defference in trunk flexion forward. The finding indicate that PNF may be preferred technique for improving flexibility and that flexibility training results in on increased consistency of flexibility scores.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.307-315
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on lumbar flexibility onto erector spinae and sacroiliac joint. Methods: Sixty healthy adults (male=36, female=24) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to the experimental group that received kinesio taping onto erector spinae and sacroiliac joint (n=30) or the control group that received X-letter placebo taping onto them (n=30). Lumbar flexibility (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) was measured using back range-of-motion instrument (BROM) II before and after taping. Results: In the change of lumbar flexibility after taping in the experimental group, there were statistically significant difference in flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in extension. There was no significant difference in the change of lumbar flexibility after taping in the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, kinesio taping onto erector spinae and sacroiliac joint improved the joint function. Kinesio taping may reduce the muscle tension and facilitate the circulation of tissue fluid. In light of these results, it is thought that the application of kinesio taping had influence on an increase in lumbar flexibility. Therefore, kinesio taping will be able to be used as the method of the prevention of pain and the treatment in the lumbar region.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2015

Background : The purpose of this study is to identify how the relaxation music listening during exercise influences body flexibility and stress. Methods : Twenty healthy adults 20s and 30s who lack of body flexibility were recruited and each subjects performed exercise during the relaxation music listening or no listening. Bach, aria of linear G was used as the relaxation music. The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks. In this study, PASW ver 18.0 was utilized to perform non-parametric tests for comparisons. Result : The result with respect to the dependent variables are as follows: When non-parametric tests were conducted to compare body flexibility at the test of the right ear touch behind head by left hand and the stretching hands test between the two groups after exercise, they showed significant differences in statistical terms (p<.05). Conclusion : From the above results of the study it was found that the application of the relaxation music during the exercise is effective, it improved the body flexibility of the right ear touch behind head by left hand and the stretching hands more than the exercise without the relaxation music did. The outcome of the experiment may provide basic data for developing an effective way to increase body flexibility.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.77-87
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• 2023

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the flexibility and elasticity of the muscles when the hamstrings were stretched in one direction and when they were stretched in three directions. METHODS: In this study the subjects were divided into two groups, namely the 'one-direction stretching exercise of the hamstring muscle in the neutral position' group (female: 14 people, male: 14 people) and the 'three-way stretching exercise' group (female: 12 people, male: 14 people) considering the positions of the three hamstring muscles. The elasticity and flexibility of the hamstring muscles were measured before and after the self-extension exercise, and the average value of two measurements was noted. To evaluate the flexibility of the hamstring muscle, a 'sit and reach' test was performed, and muscle elasticity was measured using the MyotonPRO® device. RESULTS: After the stretching exercise, flexibility increased in both groups. In terms of muscle elasticity, the body dynamic strength and resonance frequency of the stretching one-direction stretching group decreased after the stretching exercise. CONCLUSION: To alter the muscle characteristics and increase the flexibility when performing a stretching exercise, selecting and stretching only one muscle with the lowest range of motion yields effective results. The ideal technique to be employed appears to be to stretch the entire hamstring muscle in one direction from the neutral position.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.125-131
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• 2023

Purpose: This study examined the acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on the flexibility of the hamstring, dynamic balance ability, and function of the lower extremities in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty participants were assigned randomly to three groups: static stretching group (SSG), basic dynamic stretching group (BDSG), and 5 sec dynamic stretching group (5DSG). SSG performed three sets of 30 seconds of static stretching. BDSG performed a single-leg deadlift (SLD) at the same time as SSG, and 5DSG performed SLD held for five seconds. Hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance ability, and lower extremity function were evaluated before and after intervention. Results: The hamstring flexibility significantly improved in all groups (p<0.05). The dynamic balance ability improved significantly after intervention in all groups except BDSG in the anterior direction (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the posterolateral and posteromedial direction in all groups. The function of the lower extremity showed significant improvement over time only in BDSG (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggested that basic dynamic stretching and 5 sec dynamic stretching positively affect the hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance ability, and lower extremity function. Therefore, it is recommended to include dynamic stretching in a program for improving the hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance ability, and the lower extremity function. In addition, it is recommended to apply it at different times depending on the purpose.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.275-280
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• 2023

Background: Although warm-ups before exercise are widely accepted, research on sex differences in improving hamstring flexibility is limited. Differences in the physical and physiological characteristics between males and females may result in different responses to warm-ups. Objects: This study aimed to examine sex differences in the effects of specific warm-up on hamstring flexibility. Methods: This study included 24 young adults with hamstring tightness. The participants performed five maximal knee extensions and flexions at 90° flexion of the hip, and the maximal knee extension angle was measured in real-time using a smartphone clinometer application. Results: The groups did not significantly affect the maximal knee extension angle but showed a significant effect for repetition (p = 0.002) and group-repetition interaction (p = 0.002). Males had no significant change in hamstring flexibility; however, females showed a significant increase in flexibility in the 5^th trial compared with the 1^st trial (p = 0.041). These results demonstrated sex-specific differences in flexibility improvement over time. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that specific warm-up can successfully improve hamstring flexibility in females. This may be due to various factors, such as muscle stiffness of the lower extremity, estrogen levels, and temperature sensitivity. In clinical settings, specific warm-up might be helpful for females who participate in sports or activities, such as running or jumping, which require a full range of motion in the hip and knee joints.