• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the pain patterns and factors affecting low back pain in middle-aged women with backache. Method: A descriptive research design was utilized. The participants were middle-aged women who visited to two back pain clinics in Wonju from October, 2006 through February, 2007. A total of 195 low back pain patients agreed to participate in this study, and data from 177 were analyzed. Data were collected using a questionnaire which included a modified short-form Korean pain rating scale, demographic factors, factors related to low back pain and health behavior. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis was utilized in the analysis. Results: The mean score for low back pain was relatively low(M=21.57, SD=11.44). Among pain patterns, scores for dull pain were the highest of all the dimensions. In the regression analysis, significant factors affecting low back pain were found to be age, level of education, religion, BMI, experience of pregnancy, delivery type and exercise. These variables explained 24.8% of variance in low back pain(F=3.79, p<.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that nurses need for assessment and intervention to take into consideration pain patterns as well as factors affecting middle-age women with backache.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.105-112
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• 2022

Objective: Nonspecific low back pain (NS-LBP) causes pain and disability, affecting the neuromuscular system and altering gait patterns. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of improvement of low back pain symptoms through physical therapy on foot pressure and spatiotemporal gait parameters. Design: A pilot study. Methods: Participants received manual therapy and supervised therapeutic exercise, which consisted of 12 sessions for 6 weeks. Participants were assessed for pain intensity (a numeric pain rating scale), disability index (oswestry disability index), and spatiotemporal gait parameters before and after intervention. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the before-and-after differences in a single group. Results: All seven NS-LBP patients completed the study without dropout. After six weeks of physical therapy, the numeric pain rating scale and oswestry disability index showed significant improvement (Z= -2.388, P=0.017). There was no significant improvement in both static and dynamic conditions in foot pressure (P>0.05). However, in the spatiotemporal gait parameters, there were significant differences in all variables except the right stance phase and left mid stance (P<0.05). Conclusions: In our pilot study, 12 sessions of physical therapy in NS-LBP patients improved gait quilty in spatiotemporal gait parameters. Similarly, it has resulted in clinically positive improvements in pain and disability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.123-149
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• 1991

This study has been attempted to be helpful for the back rehabilization of Korean workers by analyzing the general, occupational, social aspects of low back pain and to identify possible risk factors for back pain in White and Blue collar workers. The primary data were collected from 380 workers in Seoul city by means of a Questionnaire with random which was distributed from March 10 to 31, 1990. For the test of statistical significance, chi-square analysis was used to compare the back pain characteristics between above two groups. The results were as follows : 1. The incidence of low back pain in all walkers studied was $79.7\%$. The incidence of Blue collar with low back pain $(87.2\%)$ was higher than that of White collars $(75.0\%)$. 2. With regard to the relationship of back pain to the occupational characteristics, statistically significant differences were observed between workers with and without back pain concerning the job factors on work-time, job satisfaction, mental stress, chair fittness, work posture, work rotation, weight lifting, monotonous repetitive movements, vibration, and heavy noise (p<0.05). 3. With regard to the relationship of back pain to the social characteristics, there were no differences with respect to having car, personality types, drinking habits, and leisure-time activities. However, significant differences were showed between no pain and pain groups for the using bed, sleeping posture, traffic time amount, walking health state, smoking habits, and physical exercise (p<0.05). 4. The comparative analysis of back pain related to work factors showed highly significant differences with respect to mental stress, chair fittness, work posture, trunk rotation, weight lifting, monotonous repetitive work in White collar group (p<0.01) ; and job satisfaction, mental stress, trunk rotation, weight lifting, monotonus repetitive work, exposure to vibration and heavy noise in Blue collar group(p<0.01). 5. The comparative analysis of social factors in two groups showed differences with respect to the using bed, sleeping posture, walking amount, health state, physical exercise, smoking habits in White cellar group (p<0.05) ; and walking amount, traffic time amount, health state, smoking habits, physical exercise in Blue cellar group (p<0.05). 6. In regard to the general aspects of back pain between two groups, there were differences concerning etiolgy of back pain, counselling partners, treatment types, and sick-leaves(p<0.05), except pain duration, and awareness of back pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.109-116
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of an active tailored exercise program on pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) among workers with musculoskeletal symptoms of the lower back in an automobile parts manufacturing company. METHODS: Twenty-two workers with musculoskeletal symptoms of the lower back were included in the study. The experimental group was composed of 15 workers and a control group of seven workers. The experimental group was provided an active tailored exercise program and education on the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. The control group was only provided ergonomic education. The exercise program, which consisted of movement pattern correction, muscle stretching and strengthening, and postural correction exercises, was applied twice a week for two months for one hour a day. Pain, which was determined using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the ODI were measured before and after exercise. RESULTS: After applying the exercise program for two months, the VAS and ODI of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<.05). In the experimental group, the VAS decreased significantly after one month (p<0.05), and the ODI decreased significantly after two months (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Because active tailored exercise programs are effective in improving the pain and disability indices, it is necessary to actively implement such programs among manufacturing workers with musculoskeletal symptoms of the lower back.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.11-22
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise using a Pilates reformer on the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The study evaluated individuals aged 30 years and above who had been suffering from persistent back pain exceeding three months. The participants were allocated into two groups: an experimental cohort of 15 individuals utilizing a reformer and a control group of 15 individuals engaging in lumbar stabilization exercises on a mat without a reformer for eight weeks. Each exercise session encompassed a 10-minute warm-up, a 30-minute main exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down, totaling 50 minutes. The lumbar stabilization group using the reformer was also subjected to the same level of resistance provided by the springs. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using the VAS, ODI, and quality of life evaluations. RESULTS: Significant disparity existed between the experimental group utilizing the reformer and the control group before and after the intervention in terms of the VAS, ODI change, and quality of life change (p < .05). Furthermore, a significant distinction was observed in the comparison between the experimental and control groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Both cohorts showed a decrease in pain, a decrease in the ODI, and an improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited superior outcomes to the control group regarding pain reduction, reduction in the ODI, and improved quality of life.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.9
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• pp.285-292
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 8 direction incline and rotation exercise on pain and dynamic balance in the patients with chronic low back pain(CLBP). 20 patients who were diagnosed with CLBP were included for the study. 10 patients(experimental group) were treated by modality{Hot Pack(H/P), Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS), Ultra Sound(U/S)} and then performed 8 direction incline and rotation exercise. The other 10 patients(control group) were only treated by modality. The therapeutic intervention was taken three times a week for 6 weeks. Dynamic balance was assessed by Star Excursion Balance Test(SEBT) and pain was assessed by Visual Analog Scale(VAS). VAS scores of both groups were decreased. However, the experimental group was more significantly decreased than the control group. The dynamic balance of both groups was significantly increased in anterior, posterior, medial, lateral direction. But experimental group was more significantly increased than the control group. In conclusion, 8 direction incline and rotation exercise was effective on pain and dynamic balance in CLPB.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.361-368
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to identify influence that integrated PNF(IPNF) on sprinter and skater pattern exercise had an effect on static and dynamic balance in chronic low back pain elderly adult. The subjects of this study were 34 and they were divided into two groups: IPNF exercise group(n=17), swiss ball exercise group(n=17). They were measured static balance ability using Good Balance System (GBS) and dynamic balance ability using functional reaching test(FRT) and timed up and go (TUG) during pre and post exercise. The results of this study were significant differences in groups about pre and post static and dynamic balance tests the greater part(p<.05). There were significant differences in groups according to exercises(p<.05). The above results from this study indicated that integrated patterns of PNF have improved the static and dynamic balance ability. This study will be enough to provide the basic raw material using a integrated PNF.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.110-116
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of study was to investigate the effects of combination patterns exercise of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on unstable surfaces on pain, functional disability, and fear avoidance belief in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: Twenty four patients were assigned to either the experimental group (n=12) or the control group (n=12). Patients in the experimental group performed combination patterns exercise of PNF on unstable surfaces. Patients in the control group performed combination patterns exercise of PNF on stable surfaces. Both exercises were performed for five days per week, for a period of six weeks. Pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Functional disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Fear avoidance belief was measured using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). A paired t-test was used for determination of differences before and after treatment, and an independent t-test was used for determination of differences between treatment groups. Results: In within group comparison, the experimental group showed statistically significant difference for all variables (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, the experimental group showed relatively greater significant difference for all variables (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on such results, it can be said that combination patterns exercise of PNF on unstable surfaces has an effect on pain, functional disability, and fear avoidance belief in patients with chronic low back pain.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to present the IMU sensor based trunk stabilization exercise and to evaluate the changes in the muscle activity and thickness with non-specific low back pain patients (N=30). They were classified into two groups; lumbar stabilization exercise using IMU sensor (ILS), (n₁=20) and general lumbar stabilization exercise (GLS), (n₂=10). By comparing the difference between pre and post intervention via trunk muscle activity and muscle thickness, the significant differences were identified. Muscle activity was measured on external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and multifidus (MF) by using surface electromyography (sEMG). Muslce thickness was measured on external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis (TrA), and multifidus (MF) by using ultrasonography. sEMG activity was recorded at right side-bridge position. Each group performed the proposed lumbar stabilization exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Trunk muscle activity was observed with a significant increase in the IO of ILS (p<.05) and a decrease in the MF of GLS (p<.05). Trunk muscle thickness was significantly increased in left EO and both IO of GLS (p<.05), and also significant increased right EO, both IO, both TrA, and both MF of the ILS (p<.05). In the future, a convergence approach of rehabilitation and engineering is needed to select a sensor suitable for rehabilitation purposes, study the validity and reliability of data, and produce appropriate rehabilitation contents.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.35-38
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• 2021

Bertolotti's syndrome is a congenital abnormality in which the expanded lower lumbar transverse process articulates with the ilium or sacrum. It is an important cause of low back pain in children and adolescents that is frequently misdiagnosed. We describe the case of a 17-year-old girl with low back pain who had a 4-year history of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She subsequently underwent plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging and was eventually diagnosed with Bertolotti's syndrome. She was managed conservatively with 6 weeks of physical therapy and an exercise program, and her pain subsided. This case demonstrates the importance of considering anatomical and structural variants when evaluating low back pain in adolescents.