The effect of middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises in upper crossed syndrome.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of strength and stretching exercises on upper crossed syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] After measuring cervical alignment using the Global Posture System, 30 students with forward head posture were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=15) participated in strength and stretching exercises, three times per week for 4 weeks. The control group (n=15) did not participate in the exercises. The exercise program comprised middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises. The temperature of the posterior neck was then measured using digital infrared thermographic imaging. [Results] There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest results in the experimental group, and a significant difference in posterior neck temperature between the two groups. [Conclusion] This study showed that middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises are more effective for upper crossed syndrome.

Comparison of sit-to-stand and static standing balance ability between patients with total knee arthroplasty and elderly healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the functional status of patients after total knee arthroplasty is important. This study aimed to examine the differences in sit-to-stand and static standing ability balance between patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and healthy participants. METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age 70.05 years) who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 20 healthy participants (mean age 69.20 years) participated in this study. To assess the participants' sit-to-stand, the Good Balance System (Metitur Ltd, Finland) was used to measure each participant's mediolateral center of pressure (COP) displacement and time required to complete the sit-to-stand movement. To assess the participants' static standing balance, the Good Balance System was used to measure each patient's mediolateral COP displacement, anteroposterior COP displacement, and velocity moment when standing with eyes open and with eyes closed. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the mediolateral COP displacement and the time required to complete the sit-to-stand movement in the two groups (P< 0.05). A significant difference was also found in the mediolateral and anteroposterior COP displacement and the velocity moment when standing with eyes open and with eyes closed in the two groups (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had total knee arthroplasty showed decreased sit-to-stand and static standing balance ability compared with the control group in the initial period after surgery.