The effect of exercise therapy as a tool for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among school-aged children: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Children spend a lot of time in school, and there are many ergonomic hazards and postural malalignments that put children at greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among school-aged children. METHOD: This randomised controlled trial included 212 (121 boys and 91 girls) school-aged children aged 13-15 years assigned to treatment (n = 106) and prevention (n = 106) groups, where the treatment group contained individuals with MSDs and prevention group contained individuals without MSDs. In each group, half of the individuals received exercise therapy (50 min per session, four times per week, for an 8-week), and others continued their daily lives. MSDs and physical activity were assessed by the Teen Nordic Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, respectively, at baseline and after the experimental protocol. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of MSDs in the treatment group and occurring MSDs in the prevention group (P ≤ .05). Also, there was significant improvement in all variables of walking, moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and total in intervention groups spatially in students who received exercise therapy (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of exercise therapy in reducing and preventing MSDs and improving physical activity levels among school-aged children aged 13-15 years. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: Ethical Committee of Shahrekord University (IR.SKU.REC.1401.022) (registration date: 31/05/2022). Clinical Trail Registration (IRCT20220705055375N1), (registration date: 29/07/2022).

Effect of Corrective Exercise on Static Balance, Food Consumption, and Body Composition in the Early Period After Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of corrective exercise program applied during the period of rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery on static balance, dietary intake, and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants who had undergone Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) surgery were divided into as Corrective Exercise Group (CEG), and Control Group (CG). CEG underwent a 12-week supervised corrective exercise program. Body composition and static balance of all participants were assessed before and after the study. Their physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated. RESULTS: Following of the corrective exercise program, both groups exhibited significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference-to-height ratio, and visceral adiposity values (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CEG showed increase in lean body mass percentage (p < 0.001). In measurements related to static balance, values for eyes-closed perimeter (p = 0.015), eyes-closed (p = 0.006), eyes-open (p = 0.028) ellipses area, average F-B speed, and eyes-open center of pressure in the X-axis (C.O.P.X.) sway distance significantly decreased in both groups (p = 0.025). However, the difference in eyes-open C.O.P.X. sway distance was found to be higher in the CG (mean difference = 8.67; p = 0.034). Postoperatively, there were significant decreases in energy, protein, fat, CHO (carbohydrate), CHO percentage, fiber, and iron values, while protein percentage (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p = 0.003), and B12 (p < 0.001) values increased. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that the corrective exercise program implemented in the early postoperative period following SG surgery had a positive impact on eyes-open static balance.

The effect of a course of selected corrective exercises on posture, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance of adolescent volleyball players with upper cross syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the effect of a course of selected corrective exercises on posture, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance of adolescent volleyball players. METHODS: 30 adolescent volleyball players with upper cross syndrome were purposefully selected and assigned into 2 control and training groups. The degree of back curvature was evaluated using a flexible ruler, forward head and forward shoulder size by photographic method, scapula-humeral rhythm by Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST), and performance by closed kinetic chain test. The training group performed the exercises for 10 weeks. After the exercises, the post-test was administered. To analyze the data, analysis of co-variance tests and paired t-test at the level of 0.05 were employed. RESULTS: The research results showed that corrective exercises have a significant effect on abnormalities of forward head, forward shoulder, kyphosis, scapula-humeral rhythm and performance. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective exercises can be effective in reducing shoulder girdle and spine abnormalities and improving scapula- humeral rhythm and performance of volleyball players.

The effectiveness of corrective exercises on the KOJI AWARENESS score and activity-related pain intensity.

BACKGROUND: The KOJI AWARENESS� screening test is a self-administered screening tool for assessment of mobility, stability, and strength. It provides corrective exercises corresponding to the individual's answers to the KOJI AWARENESS� test questions. However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of corrective exercises in improving KOJI AWARENESS� screening test scores and activity-related pain. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy subjects (11 female and 15 male ; age 20?50 years) were selected for participation. In a controlled laboratory setting, subjects were administered the KOJI AWARENESS� test and were provided with individualized exercise programs based on the results of this first test. KOJI AWARENESS� results were checked on the first day immediately after the first exercise session, and then again after the two-week program. Pain intensity was also assessed during daily training using a numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Compared to pre-intervention, KOJI AWARENESS� scores were significantly higher immediately after the first corrective exercise session and after 2 weeks of intervention (p<0.001). Moreover, pain intensity was significantly lower after 2 weeks of intervention (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Individualized KOJI AWARENESS� corrective exercises were effective immediately on the first day and also after the two-week program in improving the KOJI AWARENESS� score and reducing pain intensity during daily training. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 208-212, February, 2023.

Biomechanically designed Curve Specific Corrective Exercise for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis gives significant outcomes in an Adult: A case report.

Background: This study presents findings on improvements to the Frontal and Sagittal Cobb angle, Global Spinal balance, and lung function parameters (FEV1, PEF) in an adult male with idiopathic scoliosis suffering from pain during ADL and sports activities who was treated with a biomechanically designed exercise protocol. Case Presentation: The 26-year-old male reported upper and middle back pain which worsened when playing cricket. Whole spine standing x-Ray AP view revealed a right thoracic Scoliosis (Lenke 1 curve) of Cobb angle 48.6° with left lumbar compensatory curve of 24.7°, Thoracic hypo kyphosis of 9.9°, and VAS rating for pain of 8. The patient was treated with myofascial release, stretching, aerobics, strengthening exercises, "Breathing with core" for stabilization, and biomechanically designed curve specific corrective exercises. Results: Re-assessment 32 weeks post intervention demonstrated significant reduction in the major Cobb angle by 13.8°, minor Cobb angle by 9.5°, Thoracic hypokyphosis normalized to 37.8°, Coronal balance improved by 17.4 mm, Sagittal balance regained by 4.2 mm, Spine ROM improved by a total of 6.5 cm, Enhancement of pulmonary function of FEV1 by 7% and PEF by 18 litres/min, and dramatic improvement in aesthetics and pain perception. Conclusion: The biomechanically designed exercise protocol helped straighten the curve through curve specific corrective exercises and stabilized the curve by "Breathing with core". It also treated the associated signs and symptoms of spinal pain syndrome by myofascial release and proper ergonomics, pulmonary dysfunction by aerobics, and muscle tightness and weakness (due to altered length-tension) by stretching and strengthening.

The effectiveness of the comprehensive corrective exercise program on kinematics and strength of lower extremities in males with dynamic knee valgus: a parallel-group randomized wait-list controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a prevalent movement impairment widely regarded as a risk factor for lower extremity disorders such as patellofemoral pain syndrome. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) on kinematics and strength of lower extremities in males with DKV. METHODS: Thirty asymptomatic young men with DKV between the ages of 18 and 28 years participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). The intervention group performed the CCEP for three sessions per week for eight weeks, while the control group only did activities of daily living. Hip external rotator and abductor muscle strength and three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics consisting of knee varus/valgus, femur adduction/abduction, femur medial/lateral rotation, and tibial medial/lateral rotation were measured at the baseline and post-test. The data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: There were significant improvements in all kinematics variables in the intervention group after the 8-week CCEP. Moreover, the strength of abductor and external rotator muscle improved in the intervention group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The CCEP led to substantial improvements in the selected variables of lower extremity kinematics and muscle strength in participants with DKV during a single-leg squat. These results imply that practitioners should adopt a comprehensive approach to pay simultaneous attention to both proximal and distal segments for improving DKV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol has been approved in the Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration N: IRCT20180821040843N1 ) on 2018-12-30.

Three-dimensional corrective exercise therapy for idiopathic scoliosis: study protocol for a prospective non-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Although physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) with or without other conservative treatments may improve scoliotic deformities, the evidence is insufficient. Three-dimensional corrective exercises (TDCEs) for scoliosis are based on the theory of PSSEs and are characterized by a combination of outpatient treatment and home-based exercise. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TDCEs for idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: The participants will be divided into two age- and sex-matched groups: an experimental group (EG) treated with three-dimensional corrective exercise therapy (TDCET) and a control group (CG) receiving generalized exercise therapy. In each arm, mild and moderate IS cases will be reclassified based on the Cobb angle and biopsy results. The primary endpoint is the change in the largest Cobb angle; the secondary endpoints are the sagittal index, forced vital capacity, peak oxygen uptake, and peak oxygen uptake. Sixty-six patients with mild IS and 78 patients with moderate IS will be included. DISCUSSION: This study is the first controlled trial to systematically assess the effectiveness of TDCEs for IS. In addition to TDCET including three-dimensional corrective exercises, family rehabilitation and basic body awareness therapy may help patients adopt supportive attitudes and appropriate behaviours, thus enhancing their compliance with exercises and achieving better outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (number identifier: NCT04539522 ). Registered on August 27, 2020.

Visual Biofeedback and Changes in Lower Extremity Kinematics in Individuals With Medial Knee Displacement.

CONTEXT: Increased frontal-plane knee motion during functional tasks, or medial knee displacement, is a predictor of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury and patellofemoral pain. Intervention studies that resulted in a reduced risk of knee injury included some form of feedback to address aberrant lower extremity movement patterns. Research on integrating feedback into single-legged tasks and the ability to train 1 task and test another is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine if adding real-time visual biofeedback to common lower extremity exercises would improve single-legged landing mechanics in females with medial knee displacement. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four recreationally active females with medial knee displacement were randomized to a visual-biofeedback group (n = 12; age = 19.75 ± 0.87 years, height = 165.32 ± 8.69 cm, mass = 62.41 ± 8.91 kg) or a control group (n = 12; age = 19.75 ± 0.97 years, height = 166.98 ± 6.89 cm, mass = 59.98 ± 6.24 kg). INTERVENTION(S): Individuals in the feedback group viewed a real-time digital model of their body segments generated by Microsoft Kinect. The skeletal model changed color according to the knee-abduction angle of the test limb during the exercise tasks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Participants completed 3 trials of the single-legged drop vertical jump (SL-DVJ) while triplanar kinematics at the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle were collected via 3-dimensional motion capture. The feedback and control groups completed lower extremity exercises with or without real-time visual biofeedback, respectively. After the intervention, participants completed 3 additional trials of the SL-DVJ. RESULTS: At baseline, the feedback group had 3.83° more ankle eversion than the control group after initial contact. After the intervention, the feedback group exhibited 13.03° more knee flexion during the flight phase of the SL-DVJ and 6.16° less knee abduction after initial contact than the control group. The feedback group also demonstrated a 3.02° decrease in peak knee-abduction excursion compared with the baseline values (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time visual biofeedback immediately improved faulty lower extremity kinematics related to knee-injury risk. Individuals with medial knee displacement adjusted their movement patterns after a single training session and reduced their medial knee motion during a dynamic task.

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Corrective Exercise.

We are glad to introduce the Journal Club of Volume Five, fourth Issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last few years in the field of corrective exercise, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share a passion for sport with you, seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

Successful outcome of musculoskeletal injury leads to a reduction in chronic fatigue: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a general term used to describe a number of medical conditions that lead to persistent levels of fatigue and distress. OBJECTIVES: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) combined with shoulder exercises to resolve musculoskeletal sports injury may have also led to a reduction in pain and improved strength with the patient reporting a change in CFS levels. CLINICAL FEATURES: 19-year-old male student, (statue 194cm and mass 80kg) who had played county level cricket and hockey. Presented with a two-year history of left shoulder pain (VAS 8/10) and a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: OMT was performed over four clinical visits throughout a four a month period. Management goal was pain reduction, neural regulation, and facilitation of breathing mechanics to improve lymphatic drainage and restoration of shoulder strength and control. CONCLUSION: Clinically a reduction in pain (VAS 8/10-0/10) over four treatments appeared to correlate with improved shoulder strength. It was also reported that due to pain reduction, CFS might have improved.

Efficacy of corrective exercise strategy in subjects with hyperkyphosis.

BACKGROUND: Age-related hyperkyphosis causes deleterious effects on health, physical function, and quality of life. Recently, health care providers recognized it as a major health concern. OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of corrective exercise strategy on hyperkyphosis and compare it with that of conventional exercise. METHODS: Subjects were randomly categorized into two groups. Each group comprised 30 subjects. Group A received the corrective exercise strategy, and group B received conventional exercises for 8 weeks of the study duration (15 repetitions of each exercise for three sessions/day for a total duration of 45 min and 4 days/week. Pre- and post-interventional hyperkyphosis were analyzed according to posture number using the Posture Pro 8 postural analysis software. In addition, pectoralis minor flexibility was assessed using the ruler scale method in centimeters. RESULTS: Both groups showed highly significant postural alteration and changes in pectoralis minor muscle length (p< 0.001)CONCLUSIONS:The corrective exercise strategy seems to promote scapular stability and produce a more upright posture of the upper thoracic spine.

The Back Squat Part 2: Targeted Training Techniques to Correct Functional Deficits and Technical Factors that Limit Performance.

The back squat is a well-researched and widely used exercise to enhance fundamental movement competency that creates a foundation for optimal mechanical strategies during a broad range of activities. The primary commentary introduced the Back Squat Assessment (BSA): a criterion based assessment of the back squat that delineates 30 potentially observable functional deficits. This follow-up commentary provides a targeted system of training cues and exercises to supplement the BSA to guide corrective intervention. We propose a criterion driven approach to corrective exercise that can support practitioners in their goal to help individuals achieve movement competency in the back squat.