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http://dx.doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2019.14.2.117

Effects of Crocodile Breathing Exercise on Pain, Muscle Tone, and Muscle Stiffness in Patients with Non-specific Low Back Pain  

Cho, Yong Ho (Department of Physical Therapy, Daegu Haany University)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine / v.14, no.2, 2019 , pp. 117-124 More about this Journal
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effects of crocodile breathing exercise on pain, muscle tone, and muscle stiffness of non-specific low back pain patients. METHODS: The subjects were 37 patients with nonspecific low back pain. The patients were divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) performed crocodile breathing exercise and the control group (CG) performed chest expansion breathing exercise. The intervention was conducted for 10 minutes every day for a total of eight weeks. Pain was measured using a VAS. Muscle tone and stiffness were measured using Myoton PRO. Two points were measured for muscle tone and muscle stiffness. They were measured at 30mm from the spinous process of the L1 and T10 vertebra. RESULTS: Pain, muscle tone and muscle stiffness at the T10 level showed a significant decrease in both EG and CG. Muscle tone and muscle stiffness in the L1 level area decreased significantly in the experimental group but the control group did not show any difference. The only statistically significant difference was observed in the L1 muscle tone between the pre and post intervention values. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Crocodile breathing is a good method for managing pain, muscle tone, and muscle stiffness in non-specific low back pain patients.
Keywords
Crocodile breathing; Low back pain; Muscle stiffness; Muscle tone; Pain;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 3  (Citation Analysis)
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