Effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points combined with sling exercise therapy on clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to ascertain the effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in combination with sling exercise therapy (SET) on the clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CRS). METHODS: Eighty patients with CSR were divided into Group A and Group B. Group A was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs, and Group B was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET. The cervical spine function, pain level, cervical spine biomechanics and the occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis scores, cervical forward flexion angle, posterior extension angle, left lateral flexion angle, right lateral flexion angle, left lateral rotation angle, and right lateral rotation angle of the Group B were raised, and the Neck Disability index, Visual Analogue Scale scores, and Neck Pain Questionnaire scores were reduced versus those of the Group A. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET promotes functional recovery of the cervical spine, reduces pain, and improves cervical spine biomechanics in patients with CRS.

Effect of sling exercise therapy on ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction in patients with mechanical ventilation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the intervention effect of sling exercise therapy on ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) in patients with mechanical ventilation, and to provide the reference for prevention and treatment of VIDD.Methods:By a prospective randomized controlled study method, a total of 74 mechanical ventilation patients in Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from July 2022 to July 2023 were convenient selected, they were divided into the experimental group and the control group according to the random number table method with 37 cases in each group. Both groups were given routine nursing care, the control group carried out early rehabilitation exercise, the experimental group implemented sling exercise therapy. The diaphragm function, respiratory function after the different time of intervention, and outcome events were compared between two groups.Results:Finally, the experimental group included 34 cases, 22 males and 12 females, aged (55.50 ± 12.03) years old. The control group included 36 cases, 25 males and 11 females, aged (54.78 ± 12.81) years old. There was no significant difference in the diaphragm function, respiratory function before intervention(all P>0.05). After 7 d of intervention, the diaphragmatic excursion, diaphragm thickening fraction were (1.59 ± 0.21) cm, (45.90 ± 5.20) % in the experimental group, which were higher than those in the control group (1.49 ± 0.21) cm, (42.78 ± 5.51) %, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.13, 2.44, both P<0.05). After 5, 7 d of intervention, the rapid shallow breathing index was (81.47 ± 6.97), (77.29 ± 8.91) times. min -1.L -1 in the experimental group, which were lower than those in the control group (88.36 ± 9.04), (84.67 ± 9.64) times.min -1.L -1; after 3, 5, 7 d on intervention, the oxygenation index was (230.79 ± 44.79), (241.59 ± 23.79), (258.56 ± 23.09) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the experimental group, which were higher than those in the control group (197.25 ± 21.21), (212.72 ± 21.81), (242.75 ± 24.37) mmHg, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.78-5.30, all P<0.05). The mechanical ventilator time and the length of stay in ICU were (225.29 ± 47.31) h, (12.47 ± 3.71) d in the experimental group, which were lower than those in the control group (260.53 ± 56.32) h, (14.64 ± 4.53) d, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.83, 2.18, both P<0.05). The incidence rate of VIDD was 5.9%(2/34) in the experimental group, which was lower than that in the control group 22.2%(8/36), and the weaning success rate was 91.2%(31/34) in the experimental group, which was higher than that in the control group 72.2% (26/36), the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.18, 4.15, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Sling exercise therapy can effectively promote diaphragm function and respiratory function, shorten mechanical ventilator time and the length of stay in ICU of patients with mechanical ventilation, and reduce the occurrence of VIDD.

Modeling and control of a bedside cable-driven lower-limb rehabilitation robot for bedridden individuals.

Individuals with acute neurological or limb-related disorders may be temporarily bedridden and unable to go to the physical therapy departments. The rehabilitation training of these patients in the ward can only be performed manually by therapists because the space in inpatient wards is limited. This paper proposes a bedside cable-driven lower-limb rehabilitation robot based on the sling exercise therapy theory. The robot can actively drive the hip and knee motions at the bedside using flexible cables linking the knee and ankle joints. A human-cable coupling controller was designed to improve the stability of the human-machine coupling system. The controller dynamically adjusts the impedance coefficient of the cable driving force based on the impedance identification of the human lower-limb joints, thus realizing the stable motion of the human body. The experiments with five participants showed that the cable-driven rehabilitation robot effectively improved the maximum flexion of the hip and knee joints, reaching 85° and 90°, respectively. The mean annulus width of the knee joint trajectory was reduced by 63.84%, and the mean oscillation of the ankle joint was decreased by 56.47%, which demonstrated that human joint impedance identification for cable-driven control can effectively stabilize the motion of the human-cable coupling system.

Core stability training applying the sling exercise therapy pattern can significantly improve the balance of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the impact of core stability training in the sling exercise therapy pattern on the balance of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group ( n=30) and an experimental group ( n=30). In addition to routine rehabilitation training, the control group received traditional core stability training, while the experimental group underwent core stability training applying the sling exercise therapy pattern. Before and after 4 weeks of training, the standing balance of both groups was evaluated using the Prokin balance trainer, with the length and area of motion recorded when performing the balance test with the eyes open and closed. Surface electromyography was used to record the average EMG (AEMG) values of the bilateral erector spinae and multifidus muscles during the balance testing. Results:After the 4 weeks of training the length and the area of progression of the center of the pressure were both significantly smaller for both groups than before the training with the eyes both open and closed. The average length and area in the experimental group were significantly less than among the controls. The AEMG values recorded during the balance tests were significantly higher than those before the intervention for both groups, with the multifidus muscle averages on the affected side significantly greater in the experimental group than among the controls when performing the balance test with the eyes closed.Conclusion:Core stability training in the sling exercise therapy pattern is superior to conventional core stability training because it can better improve the balance of stroke survivors.

Immediate effect of sling exercises combined with mechanic vibration and oscillation mobilization in chronic nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study determined whether the combined application of sling exercises (SE) with targeted vibration and oscillations using a device called the Vibraoscillator (VO) is effective in reducing pain intensity, increasing range of motion (ROM), and enhancing back-related functions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six participants were randomized into experimental (SE + VO) and control (SE) groups. Both groups received the intervention twice a week for 4 weeks. The pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), ROM was measured using the Modified-Modified Schober's Test (MMST), and the level of disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Scale (ODI). In addition, the global perceived effect (GPE) was determined. RESULTS: NRS and ODI scores significantly improved after the intervention in the experimental group. Only lumbar spine extension improved significantly in the case of ROM. The GPE satisfaction rate was 14.5% higher in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings obtained in this study, the combined use of VO and SE in patients with CNLBP was effective in reducing pain, improving ROM, and reducing physical disability in comparison with the treatment of only SE.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChronic nonspecific low back pain is a major public health problem because it affects almost every person at least once in their lifetime.A new device called a Vibraoscillator generates horizontal vibrations and vertical oscillation movements targeted to a specific area of treatment to promote the neurofacilitation of the targeted zone, aiming for a more focused treatment than general vibrations.This device, in combination with sling exercises, is hypothesized to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the targeted zone and back-related functions in these patients.Based on our findings, the combined use of these interventions twice a week for 4 weeks was effective in reducing pain and improving the range of movement, which consequently reduced physical disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Sling Exercise Can Drive Cortical Representation of the Transversus Abdominis and Multifidus Muscles in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: The transversus abdominis (TrA) and multifidus (MF) muscles are essential in preventing chronic low back pain (CLBP) recurrence by maintaining segmental stabilization and stiffness. Sling exercise is a high-level core stability training to effectively improve the activities of the TrA and MF muscles. However, the neural mechanism for sling exercise-induced neural plasticity change in the primary motor cortex (M1) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of sling exercise in the reorganization of the motor cortical representation of the TrA and MF muscles. Methods: Twenty patients with CLBP and 10 healthy individuals were recruited. For map volume, area, the center of gravity (CoG) location (medial-lateral location and anterior-posterior location), and latency, two-way ANOVA was performed to compare the effects of groups (the CLBP-pre, CLBP-post, and healthy groups) and the two muscles (the TrA and MF muscles). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and postural balance stability were assessed at baseline and at the end of 2 weeks of sling exercise. Linear correlations between VAS or ODI and CoG locations were assessed by Pearson's correlation test. Results: 2 weeks of sling exercise induced both the anterior-medial (P < 0.001) and anterior-posterior (P = 0.025) shifts of the MF muscle representation at the left motor cortex in patients with CLBP. Anterior-medial (P = 0.009) shift of the TrA muscle representation at the right motor cortex was observed in patients with CLBP. The motor cortical representation of the two muscles in patients with CLBP after sling exercise (TrA: 2.88 ± 0.27 cm lateral and 1.53 ± 0.47 cm anterior of vertex; MF: 3.02 ± 0.48 cm lateral and 1.62 ± 0.40 cm anterior of vertex) closely resembled that observed in healthy individuals (TrA: 2.83 ± 0.48 cm lateral and 2.00 ± 0.43 cm anterior of vertex; MF: 2.94 ± 0.43 cm lateral and 1.77 ± 0.48 cm anterior of vertex). The VAS and the ODI were reduced following the sling exercise (VAS: P < 0.001; ODI: P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that sling training can drive plasticity changes in the motor system, which corresponds with the reduction in pain and disability levels in patients with CLBP. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2100045904, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=125819). Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100045904.

Effect of sling exercise therapy combined with Tuina on nerve conduction of upper extremities after radicular cervical spondylosis / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect sling exercise therapy (SET) and Tuina on radicular cervical spondylosis. Methods From August, 2015 to December, 2016, 72 patients with radicular cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into control group (n = 36) and trial group (n = 36), who accepted traction and SET+Tuina, respectively, for four weeks. They were measured F-wave conduction velocity with electromyogram from median nerve and ulnar nerve, somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), and current perception threshold (CPT) before and after treatment. The clinical ratio of improvement was calculated. Results The ratio of improvement was 83.33% in the trial group more than 58.33% in the control group (Z = 2.093, P < 0.05). F-wave conduction velocity increased in both groups after treatment (t > 12.059, P < 0.001), and increased more in the trial group than in the control group (t > 3.266, P < 0.01); while the latency of SEP decreased in N9 and N13 in both groups (t > 7.061, P < 0.001), and decreased more in the trial group than in the control group (t > 8.033, P < 0.001); the grade of CPT decreased in both groups (t > 8.895, P < 0.001), and decreased more in the trial group than in the control group (t = 8.913, P < 0.001). Conclusion The combination of SET and Tuina can promote the repair of nerve conduction of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Effects of Sling Exercise for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of sling exercise on pain intensity, disability, and health-related quality of life in adults with neck pain. METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and 6 other databases were searched from inception to July 2020. The reference lists of relevant articles to identify additional trials were also screened. Randomized controlled trials were included if they investigated the effects of sling suspension therapy in patients with neck pain, including mechanical neck disorders, cervicogenic headache, and neck disorders with radicular findings. Studies were required to be published in English or Chinese. The methodological quality and levels of evidence of studies were assessed using the PEDro scale and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, respectively. The random-effects model was used to perform meta-analyses. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included (n = 595). The mean total PEDro score was 4.64 (SD = 1.21) of 10, which indicated a fair methodological quality. The intervention groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity (SMD = -1.23; 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.58) immediately postintervention compared with the control groups. No significant effects were found for disability, cervical range of motion, and health-related quality of life. However, sensitivity analyses revealed significant short-term improvements in pain intensity, disability, and cervical range of motion and sustained effects on disability at intermediate-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Sling exercise appears to be beneficial for improvements in pain intensity (moderate- to low-level evidence) among patients with neck pain. However, no definitive conclusion could be made regarding the effect of sling exercise for neck pain due to methodological limitations and high heterogeneity in the included studies. IMPACT: This review provides overall moderate- to very low-level evidence for health care professionals who may consider including sling exercise in the intervention program for patients with neck pain.

The effects of sling exercise program on balance and body activities in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the static and dynamic balance and body activities after administering a trunk stability exercise program using a sling for children with spastic cerebral palsy of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-IV. This study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental study design. Six of the study participants were assigned to the control group and six were assigned to the experimental group using simple random sampling. Both groups underwent a double-blind clinical trial study in which exercise therapy was performed for 40 min twice a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group underwent the sling exercise program and the control group underwent neuro-developmental treatment. The results showed that static and dynamic balance were significantly different before and after intervention in both the experimental and control groups (P<0.05), and there was also a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Gross motor function and activities of daily life showed significant improvement before and after intervention in the experimental group (P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the control group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Therefore, the sling exercise program can be used as an effective treatment for improving balance and physical activity in children with cerebral palsy of GMFCS levels III-IV who have difficulty walking. In addition, such exercise will have a positive impact on the independence of such children and help them to participate in social activities.

Long-term Effect of Sling-massage Exercise on Cervical Spondylopathy / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of sling-massage exercise on neck type cervical spondylopathy (NTCS). Methods:From June, 2020 to February, 2021, 68 patients with NTCS from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into control group (n = 34) and observation group (n = 34). The control group accepted routine massage, while the observation group accepted sling exercise and massage based on weak link test, for four weeks. They were assessed with McGill Pain Qusetionnaire (MPQ) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before and after treatment, and measured median frequency (MF) of the upper trapezius muscle on the affected side with electromyography biofeedback before treatment, after treatment, two weeks after treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Results:Four cases in the control group and three cases in the observation group dropped down. The scores of MPQ and NDI decreased in both groups after treatment (|Z| > 4.879, P < 0.001), while MF increased (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in scores of MPQ and NDI between the two groups after treatment (|Z| < 1.100, P > 0.05), while MF was less in the control group than in the observation group (t = 2.184, P < 0.05). MF decreased more in the control group than in the observation group, and was continually less in the control group than in the observation group after treatment (t > 3.770, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Sling-massage exercise is as effective as massage on NTCS immediately, and for more time.

Effects of Pelvic Floor Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Sling Exercise Training on Diastasis Recti Abdominis after Parturition / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of pelvic floor neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and sling exercise training (SET) on diastasis recti abdominis after parturition. Methods:From September to December, 2019, 90 patients with rectus abdominis separation > 2 cm and pelvic floor muscle strength above grade III were randomly divided into three groups, accepting simple pelvic floor NMES (group A), pelvic floor NMES and SET (group B), and simple SET (group C), respectively, for four weeks. The separation distance of rectus abdominis was measured before treatment, two weeks and four weeks after treatment, and four weeks follow-up. Results:The separation distance of rectus abdominis decreased in each group after treatment (F > 8.327, P < 0.01); and it was the least in group B (F > 8.327, P < 0.01), while the multiple comparison results showed that there was no significant difference between group A and group C (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Both pelvic floor NMES and SET can similarly relieve the diastasis recti abdominis after parturition, and it is more effective in combination.

Treating nonspecific low back pain by SET sling exercise therapy combined with tropical herb-Rattan Moxibustion liquid external rubbing therapy

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of tropical Eucommia ulmoides compound-Rattan Moxibustion liquid external rubbing therapy which is from medicine of Li Nationality in Hainan combined with SET sling exercise therapy technique and lumbar-abdominal muscle training program on treating nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) as well as its influence on serum 5-hydroxytryptamine and beta-endorphin levels. Methods: From June 2016 to June 2018, 42 NLBP patients were admitted to the outpatient and ward of Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, who were randomly divided into control group (n=21) and experimental group (n=21). On the basis of traditional massage manipulation, the control group adopts lumbar and abdominal muscles training, while Rattan Moxibustion liquid external rubbing therapy combined with SET sling exercise therapy was used in the experimental group. The treatment was given once every other day, three times a week and 20 min each time for 8 weeks. Then ODI index and VAS scale of low back pain, as well as serum 5-HT and beta-EP levels were observed and detected. Results: The improvement in low back pain index ODI index of the experimental group were better than that of the control group (control group from 21.23±1.57 to 4.78±0.86 while experiment group from 21.27±1.36 to 2.75±0.64 after 8 weeks' treatment)(P<0.05). VAS scale decreased significantly in the experiment group compared with control group (control group from 6.62±1.51 to 2.71±0.92 while experiment group from 6.71±1.55 to 1.83±0.79 after 8 weeks' treatment)(P<0.05). Serum 5-HT in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group [control group from (70.15±20.64) ng/mL to (127.34±40.59) ng/mL while experiment group from (68.72±19.18) ng/mL to (142.65±38.72) ng/mL after treatment](P<0.05) and beta-EP level ameliorates compared with control group [control group from (180.63±51.87) pg/mL to (225.76±57.63) pg/mL while experiment group from (172.39±50.72) pg/mL to (251.26±62.89) pg/mL after treatment](P<0.05). Conclusions: Tropical herb-Rattan Moxibustion liquid external rubbing therapy combined with SET sling exercise therapy technology shows significant effects on NLBP. The mechanism may be related to the improved serum 5-HT and beta-EP levels.

Effects of Sling Exercise Therapy on Muscle Strength of Pelvic Floor for Patients with Postpartum Stress Urinary Incontinence / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effects of sling exercise therapy on muscle strength of pelvic floor in patients with postpartum stress urinary incontinence. Methods:From February, 2018 to February, 2019, 90 patients diagnosed as postpartum stress urinary incontinence 42 days after delivery were randomly divided into control group (n = 45) and observation group (n = 45). The control group received Kegel training, and the observation group received sling exercise therapy, for a month. The electromyogram of pelvic floor was measured before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated at the end of the treatment. Results:The electromyogram of pelvic floor increased in both groups after treatment (t > 3.879, P < 0.01), and increased more in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of improvement was 93.33% in the observation group, which was more than 75.56% in the control group (χ2 = 13.83, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Sling exercise therapy can more effectively improve the muscle strength of pelvic floor for patients with postpartum stress urinary incontinence, and relieve the symptoms of overfall.

Effect of Sling Exercise Therapy on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of sling exercise therapy on chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods:From February, 2017 to February, 2018, 84 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 42 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with the combination of the sling exercise therapy and acupuncture, and the control group only received acupuncture. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before treatment, one month after treatment and at three-month follow-up. Results:Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of VAS and ODI between two groups (t < 1.638, P > 0.05). One month after treatment and at three-month follow-up, the scores of VAS and ODI decreased in both groups (P < 0.01). Compared with one month after treatment, the scores of VAS and ODI increased in the control group at three-month follow-up (t > 2.219, P < 0.05), however, no difference was found in the observation group (t < 1.738, P > 0.05). One month after treatment, the scores of VAS and ODI were lower in the observation group than in the control group (t > 3.535, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Sling exercise therapy combined with acupuncture is superior to simple acupuncture in treating chronic nonspecific low back pain, and the curative effect is persistent.

Effects of Sling Exercise Therapy Combined with Kinesio Taping on Balance and Walking for Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effects of sling exercise therapy combined with Kinesio Taping on the balance and walking for stroke patients. Methods:From October, 2017 to August, 2018, 66 patients after stroke were randomly divided into routine group (n = 22), sling group (n = 22) and combined group (n = 22). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the sling group accepted sling exercise therapy based on routine group and the combined group accepted sling exercise therapy and Kinesio Taping. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), and their gait parameters were measured with Motion Analysis, before and four weeks after treatment. Results:There were obvious improvements in the BBS score, FMA-LE score and gait parameters in all the groups after treatment (P < 0.05), and it was ranked from better to worse as the combined group, the sling group and the routine group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Sling exercise therapy combined with Kinesio Taping may further improve balance and walking for stroke patients.

Effects of Sling Exercise Therapy Combined with Kinesio Taping on Balance and Walking for Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effects of sling exercise therapy combined with Kinesio Taping on the balance and walking for stroke patients. Methods:From October, 2017 to August, 2018, 66 patients after stroke were randomly divided into routine group (n = 22), sling group (n = 22) and combined group (n = 22). All the groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the sling group accepted sling exercise therapy based on routine group and the combined group accepted sling exercise therapy and Kinesio Taping. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), and their gait parameters were measured with Motion Analysis, before and four weeks after treatment. Results:There were obvious improvements in the BBS score, FMA-LE score and gait parameters in all the groups after treatment (P < 0.05), and it was ranked from better to worse as the combined group, the sling group and the routine group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Sling exercise therapy combined with Kinesio Taping may further improve balance and walking for stroke patients.

Effects of 12-week lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 29 chronic low back pain patient women who were selected among participants in exercise class at K Region Health Promotion Center in South Korea and were randomly assigned to the lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=10), sling exercise group (n=10), and the control group (n=9). Both lumbar stabilization and sling exercise programs were executed for 60 minutes, three times a week, for 12 weeks. Before and after exercise we measured lumbosacral region angle (lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle, sacral inclination angle), lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale in all subjects. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted to analyze experimental data. In order to analyze the interaction effect, we conducted paired t-test before and after treatment. [Results] Lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercises group did not affect lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle and sacral inclination angle. Whereas the lumbar flexion muscle strength and lumbar extension muscle strength significantly increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The flexibility increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The pain scale decreased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. [Conclusion] Both lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercises are useful therapeutic approaches to chronic back pain.

Change of Pain, Lumbar Sagittal Alignment and Multifidus after Sling Exercise Therapy for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of sling exercise therapy on vertebral alignment, VAS, muscle activity, and multifidus of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Simple random sampling was used to divide the patients (n=116) into the sling exercise therapy group (SETG) and conservative physical therapy group (CPTG), with each group provided a intervention program in 3 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), lumbar intervertebral disc angle (LIVDA) for vertebral alignment, lumbar muscle activity, and multifidus atrophy were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: SETG showed significant changes in LLA, LIVDA of rate of change (delta score), and in relieving pain. The right-left balance gap for the lumbar dynamic muscle activity decreased after the intervention. The SETG showed significant changes in the grade of lumbar multifidus atrophy. CONCLUSION: The sling exercise therapy program is an effective exercise therapy method on vertebral alignment, muscle activity, recovery from multifidus atrophy, and pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.

Advance in Sling Exercise Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Sling exercise therapy, as a new treatment technique of rehabilitation, is widely applied in clinic. This article elaborated its mechanism, and introduced its application in improving walking function, balance function, upper limb motor function and activity of daily living of stroke patients.

Effects of Sling Exercise Therapy on Postpartum Low Back Pain / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the clinical effect of sling exercise on postpartum low back pain (PLBP). Methods From February, 2017 to February, 2018, 66 PLBP patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 33) and observation group (n = 33). The control group received routine rehabilitation physiotherapy and American chiropractic, and the observation group was supplemented with sling exercise therapy additionally. They were evaluated with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the thickness of transversus abdominis before and six weeks after treatment. Results Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the scores of NRS, ODI and the thickness of transversus abdominis between two groups (P > 0.05). Six weeks after treatment, the scores of NRS and ODI significantly decreased (t > 14.579, P < 0.001), and the transversus abdominis thickness significantly improved (t > 15.855, P < 0.001) in both groups. All the above indexes were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (t > 4.818, P < 0.001). Conclusions ling exercise therapy, combined with American chiropractic treatment and routine rehabilitation physiotherapy, can further relieve pain in patients with PLBP, and improve the function and the quality of life.