Effects of stabilization exercise using flexi-bar on functional disability and transverse abdominis thickness in patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises using flexi-bar (FB) on pain, functional disability, transverse abdominis muscle (TrA) activation capacity and thickness in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven patients were randomly assigned to an experimental (14 patients performing stabilization exercises with flexi-bar (FB)) or control (13 patients performing stabilization exercises) group. The patients in both groups then underwent stabilization exercises with or without FB 30 min/day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The main outcome measures were perceived disability based on the pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), TrA activation capacity and thickness. [Results] Both groups showed improved ODI, VAS, and TrA activation capacity performed for 6 weeks in patients with CLBP, but all outcomes, except for TrA thickness, showed greater improvements in patients following stabilization exercises with FB than following stabilization exercises. [Conclusion] Based on the above results, lumbar stabilization exercises with FB could restoring pain, functional disability and improving TrA activation capacity in CLBP patients.

The effects of three types of piriform muscle stretching on muscle thickness and the medial rotation angle of the coxal articulation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was three kinds of stretching methods and measured the change in the thickness of the piriform muscle in real time using ultrasound images and compared the medial rotation angle of the coxal articulation. [Subjects and Methods] Fourty-five subjects who attend B University in Cheonan, divided into three groups. The subjects in these three groups then underwent stretching with flexion of coxal articulation over 90°, stretching with flexion of coxal articulation under 90°, and muscle energy technique (MET) application. The main outcome measures were piriform muscle thickness and medial rotation angle of the coxal articulation. [Results] All groups showed decreased piriform muscle thickness and increased medial rotation angle of the coxal articulation. [Conclusion] Based on the above results, three kinds of piriform muscle stretching methods are effective of reduce muscle thickness and increase medial rotation angle of the coxal articulation.

Impact of the difference in the plantar flexor strength of the ankle joint in the affected side among hemiplegic patients on the plantar pressure and walking asymmetry.

[Purpose] This study was to examine the changes in the gait lines and plantar pressures in static and dynamic circumstances, according to the differences in the strengths of the plantar flexors in the ankle joints on the affected sides of hemiplegic patients, and to determine their impacts on walking symmetry. [Subjects and Methods] A total of thirty hospitalized stroke patients suffering from hemiplegia were selected in this study. The subjects had ankylosing patterns in the ankle joints of the affected sides. Fifteen of the patients had plantar flexor manual muscle testing scores between poor and fair, while fifteen of the patients had zero and trace. [Results] The contact pattern of the plantar surface with the ground is a reliable method for walking analysis, which is an important index for understanding the ankle mechanism and the relationship between the plantar surface and the ground. [Conclusion] The functional improvement of patients with stroke could be supported through a verification of the analysis methods of the therapy strategy and walking pattern.

The effects of gait velocity on the gait characteristics of hemiplegic patients.

[Purpose] The present study investigated the effects of gait speed on temporal and spatial gait characteristics of hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty post-stroke hemiplegic patients participated in the present study. To enhance the reliability of the analysis of the gait characteristics, the assessments were conducted three days per week at the same time every day. Each subject walked maintaining a comfortable speed for the first minute, and measurement was conducted for 30 seconds at a treadmill speed of 1 km/hour thereafter. Then, the subjects walked at a treadmill speed of 2 km/hour for 30 seconds after a 30-minute rest. The differences in the measurements were tested for significance using the paired t-test. [Results] The measures of foot rotation, step width, load response, mid stance, pre-swing, swing phase, and double stance phase showed significant difference between the gait velocities. [Conclusion] The present study provides basic data for gait velocity changes for hemiplegic patients.

Reliability of ultrasound imaging of the transversus abdominis muscle in asymptomatic subjects.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess intra-rater and inter-rater procedural reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transversus abdominis thickness. [Subjects] Thirty therapists who attended the B Hospital in Hwaseong participated in the study. [Methods] Two examiners assessed transverse abdominis thickness at rest and during contraction. Intra-class correlation coefficient with 95% confidence interval and, standard error of measurement were calculated. [Results] The intra-rater procedural reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transverse abdominis thickness, assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient, was 0.65-0.86 (within-day, 0.65-0.86; between-day, 0.77-0.85). The inter-rater procedural reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transverse abdominis thickness, assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient, was 0.72-0.86 (within-day, 0.72-0.86; between-day, 0.82-0.83). [Conclusion] Ultrasound imaging can be used as a reliable method for measurements of transverse abdominis thickness.

Comparisons of shoulder stabilization muscle activities according to postural changes during flexi-bar exercise.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder stabilization muscle activities according to postural changes during flexi-bar exercise. [Subjects] The subjects included 18 students (10 males, 8 females) at B University. [Methods] The subjects performed the following flexi-bar exercises: 1) medio-lateral oscillation with the 90° shoulder abduction, with the hand in the neutral position; 2) dorso-ventral oscillation with 90° shoulder flexion, with the hand in the neutral position; 3) superior-inferior oscillation with 90° shoulder flexion, with the 80° hand pronation. [Results] The activity of the serratus anterior showed significant differences between each position; however, activities of the upper trapezius and middle trapezius were not significantly different. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that posture control is important for selective strengthening of the serratus anterior muscle during flexi-bar exercises.

Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy for the treatment of pediatric congenital lymphedema: a case report.

[Purpose] We report the case of a pediatric patient with congenital lymphedema treated with complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy. [Subjects and Methods] The patient was a 2 year-old girl who had lymphedema in the left upper limb since birth. Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy were administered for 7 sessions. [Results] The circumferences of the middle of the forearm, elbow joint, wrist, and hand of the left upper limb decreased 0.5, 3, 0.5, and 2 cm, respectively. The moisture content of the left upper limb decreased 70 mL (6.66%), while moisture ratio increased by 0.007%. [Conclusion] Complex decongestive physical therapy and low-level laser therapy are effective for reducing lymphedema in pediatric patients.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: a case study.

[Purpose] We report the case of a breast cancer patient with superficial thrombophlebitis treated with low-level laser therapy. [Case] The patient was a 66-year-old women who developed superficial thrombophlebitis in the left upper limb after chemotherapy. She was administered 6 sessions of low-level laser therapy. [Result] Her pain score decreased by 8 points. Her scores on the Patient and Observer scar Assessment Scale decreased by 18 points for the observer portion and by 26 points for the patient portion. [Conclusion] Low-level laser therapy is effective for the reduction of pain and the size of scar tissue in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation D2 flexion and breathing exercises on lymphedema without a short stretch compression bandage.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) D2 flexion and breathing exercises in a patient with lymphedema (LE). [Subject] This report describes a 57-year-old woman with LE in whom a short-stretch compression bandage (SSCB) could not be used for treatment because of skin itching and redness. [Methods] The patient received complex decongestive therapy without a SSCB. Next, PNF D2 flexion and breathing exercises were conducted three times per week for 14 weeks (36 times). [Results] As a result, the circumference of the armpit was reduced by 0.5 cm; that of 10 cm above the elbow, by 1 cm; that of the elbow, by 0.5 cm; that of 10 cm below the elbow, by 1 cm; and that of the back of the hand, by 0.5 cm. A total of 100 mL (9.4%) of body water was eliminated from the right upper extremity, and moisture ratio was reduced by 0.005%. Finally, range of motion was improved to 20° flexion, 60° abduction, 40° external rotation, and 10° internal rotation. [Conclusion] This study showed that PNF D2 flexion and breathing exercises were effective in reducing LE and improving range of motion.

The effects of squat exercises in postures for toilet use on blood flow velocity of the leg vein.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of squat exercises performed in toilet-using postures on the blood flow velocity of the lower extremities for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 students who were attending B University in Cheonan. They were divided into a group of 14 subjects of sitting toilet users and a group of 14 subjects of squat toilet users. [Methods] The subjects performed squat exercises in different toilet-using postures and we investigated the changes in blood flow velocity. [Results] The variations in blood flow velocities before and after the exercises showed significant differences in both groups but the differences between the two groups were not significant. [Conclusion] Based on the results of this study, we consider squat exercises are effective at improving the variation in lower-extremity blood flow velocity when using a toilet.

Comparison of Upper Trapezius, Anterior Deltoid, and Serratus Anterior Muscle Activity during Push-up plus Exercise on Slings and a Stable Surface.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify effects of push-up plus exercise on different support surfaces on upper extremity muscular activity. [Subjects] The subjects were 28 students (10 males, 18 females) at B University. [Methods] The subjects performed push-up plus exercises either on slings or on a fixed support. [Results] Push-up plus exercises on slings showed significant increases in the muscle activity of the trapezius (upper fiber), deltoid (anterior fiber), and serratus anterior muscles compared with stabilization exercises on a fixed support. [Conclusion] Based on these results, it is considered that performance of the push-up plus exercise on slings will increase scapular muscle activity.

The effects of stretching and stabilization exercise on the improvement of spastic shoulder function in hemiplegic patients.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of stretching and joint stabilization exercises applied to spastic shoulder joints on improving shoulder dysfunction in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Hemiplegic patients were classified into three groups: one group received 30 min of traditional exercise therapy for the spastic shoulder joint; one group received 30 min stretching; and one group received 15 min of stretching and 15 min of joint stabilization exercises. The exercises were performed once a day, five times per week for eight weeks. Changes in the pathologic thickness of tendons and recovery of shoulder function were compared among the three groups. Differences among the three groups before the experiment, at four weeks, and at eight weeks were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] The stretching and joint stabilization exercise therapy group showed greater improvement in shoulder function than the traditional exercise therapy group and the stretching only group. This group also showed greater decreases in the pathologic thickness of tendons, than the other groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that an exercise therapy program that combined stretching and joint stabilization exercise was more effective than other exercises for improvement of spastic shoulder joint dysfunction in hemiplegic patients.

Effects of bridging exercise on different support surfaces on the transverse abdominis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of bridging exercise on different support surfaces on the thickness of the musculus transversus abdominis and lower extremity muscle activities. [Subjects] Thirty-five students of H University. [Methods] The experimental group (n=18) performed bridging exercise on the sling support surface, and the control group (n=17) performed bridging exercise on a general support surface. [Results] Thickness changes in the musculus transversus abdominis were 0.35 cm in the experimental group, and 0.17 cm in the control group, suggesting that the experimental group showed a more significant change. For the lower extremity muscular activity, there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group only in the biceps femoris muscle. [Conclusion] Based on these results, we consider that bridging exercise on a sling support surface would increase the thickness of the transversus abdominis and lower extremity muscle activities in rehabilitation programs for patients with back pain.

The effects of neural mobilization on cervical radiculopathy patients' pain, disability, ROM, and deep flexor endurance.

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a disease of the cervical spine and a space-occupying lesion that occurs because of pathological problems with cervical nerve roots. Nerve root injury to produce functional disability. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of neural mobilization with manual cervical traction (NMCT) compared with manual cervical traction (MCT) on pain, functional disability, muscle endurance, and range of motion (ROM) in individuals with CR patients. METHODS: A blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty CR patients were divided into two groups - those who received NMCT and those who received MCT. The intervention was applied three times per week for eight weeks. It was measured in order to determine the pain and functional disability in patients with CR. The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), ROM, and deep flexor endurance of patients were measured prior to the experiment, four weeks, and eight weeks after the experiment to compare the time points. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences within each group prior to the experiment. And Bonferroni test was performed to examine the significance of each time point. RESULTS: There were significant differences within each group prior to the intervention, four weeks after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention in NPRS, NDI, ROM, and deep flexor endurance (P< 0.05). NPRS and NDI more decreased, and, ROM and deep flexor endurance increased in the NMCT group than the MCT group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the NMCT can pain relief, recovery from neck disability, ROM, and deep flexor endurance for patients with CR.