• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1810-1817
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• 2019

Background: Effect of cervical and lumbar tractions on the reduction in the angle of curvature and the effect of a correction exercise or a general traction method on balance, muscle strength, pain, and body alignment, however insufficient research has been undertaken on self traction exercises targeting patients with scoliosis. Purpose: To determine the effect of cervical and lumbar tractions on the reduction in the angle of curvature and the effect of a correction exercise or a general traction method on balance, muscle strength, pain, and body alignment. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial (single blinded) Methods: Twelve adults(20s) with scoliosis were included in this study and performed a traction program that was composed of a 5-min warm-up exercise, a 15-min main exercise, and a 5-min cool-down exercise (25 minutes in total), three times a week for four weeks. The Chiro traction machine was used for the self-traction exercise. Vertebral alignment, muscle strength, and flexibility were compared before and after the intervention using the paired T-test. Results: The scoliosis angle, pelvic torsion, and lumbar extensor were significantly changed by intervention; however, there was no significant difference in flexibility. Conclusion: The results revealed that self-traction exercise activated blood flow through the extension and contraction of muscles, effectively increasing the function of the muscles around the vertebrae.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

Purpose: The grip strength is influenced by various factors, such as position of the upper extremity, characteristics of the hand, and general physical condition. In this study, we investigated whether abdominal muscle activity in combination with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver has any effect on the grip strength in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 31 healthy subjects (16 males, 15 females). We used surface electromyography and pressure bio-feedback unit for this experiment. All Subjects were placed in a cock-lying position with comfort and the grip strength was measured. On the following day, the pressure bio-feedback unit was placed beneath their fifth lumbar vertebra, and the, grip strength was measured again. This time, the measurement was taken while drawing-in their abdomen below the navel gently and gradually, while maintaining a neutral pelvic position. Results: The grip strength was significantly increased when subjects performed the drawing-in maneuver than when they were comfortable (p<0.05). In addition, activations of the rectus abdominal muscles significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the current study, we found that abdominal muscle activity, in combination with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, affected the grip strength, positively. Therefore, we suggest that this result should be considered when evaluating the grip strength.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2023

Background: The gluteus medius (Gmed) plays a critical role in maintaining frontal plane stability of the pelvis during functional activities, such as one-leg lifting. Side-lying hip abduction (SHA) has been used as a dynamic test to evaluate Gmed function. However, the abduction force of the lower leg against the floor is not controlled during SHA. Therefore, hip abduction performance with contralateral adduction in the side-lying position (HAPCA) can be proposed as an alternative method to assess performance of hip abduction. If the number of HAPCA is related to the lateral pelvic shift distance, a new quantitative measurement for hip abductor function may be presented. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of successful HAPCA and the lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting. Methods: Thirty healthy participants were recruited, and lateral pelvic shift distance was measured during one-leg lifting test using two-dimensional analysis. The number of successful HAPCA was counted when participants touched both target bars at the beat of a metronome. Results: There was a negative correlation between the number of HAPCA and lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting (r = -0.630, p < 0.05). The number of HAPCA accounted for 39.7% of the variance in the lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting (F = 18.454, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The number of successful HAPCA is significantly correlated with lateral pelvic shift distance during one-leg lifting. This finding suggests that HAPCA can be proposed as a new measurement for hip abductor performance and more research is needed on its relationship with hip abductor strength.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.7-20
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• 1998

Activity of the trunk muscles is essential for maintaining stability of the lumbar spine because of the unstable structure of that portion of the spine. The central nervous system deals with stabilization of the spine by contraction of the abdominal and multifidus muscles in anticipations of reactive forces produced by limb movement. Recent evidence indicates that the lumbar multifidus muscle and transversus abdominis muscle may be involved in controlling spinal stability. Stabilization training in neutral spine is an integrated approach of education in proper posture and body mechanics along with exercise to improve strength, flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, and coordination of movement.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

This study analyzes how different knee flexion angles affect the abdominal and pelvic muscle activity during supine bridging. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study. We used surface electromyography (EMG) to measure how three different knee flexion angles ($100^{\circ}$, $70^{\circ}$, and $40^{\circ}$) affected the activity of the transverse abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO), external oblique (EO), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles on the dominant side during supine bridging. The one-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance of TrA/IO, EO, BF, RF and GM muscle activity and the GM/BF activity ratio. For the TrA/IO, EO, BF, and GM muscles, supine bridging with different knee flexion angles resulted in significant differences in abdominal and pelvic muscle activity. For the TrA/IO muscles, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $70^{\circ}$; however, there were no significant differences between $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$ or $100^{\circ}$ and $40^{\circ}$. For the EO muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased at $40^{\circ}$ compared to $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$; no significant difference was observed between angles $100^{\circ}$ and $70^{\circ}$. For the BF muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($40^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $100^{\circ}$). For the GM muscle, the post-hoc test demonstrated that muscle activity significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). However, for the RF muscle, there was no significant difference. Additionally, the GM/BF activity ratio significantly increased according to the knee flexion angle ($100^{\circ}$ > $70^{\circ}$ > $40^{\circ}$). From these results, we can conclude that bridging with a knee flexion of $100^{\circ}$ can strengthen the GM muscle, whereas bridging with a knee flexion of $40^{\circ}$ is recommended to strengthen the IO, EO, and BF muscles. We can also conclude that knee flexion angles should be modified during supine bridging to increase the muscle activity of different target muscles.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.257-263
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• 2020

Background: The hip muscle plays various roles. Several types of functional performance tests are used for the assessment of patients with various lower extremity injuries. Hip muscle functions are important to test the performance of maintaining the spine, pelvic, and leg during bridging exercise. We designed a novel functional performance test tool, which we named close kinetic chain dynamic lower extremity stability (CKCLE) test to assess hip muscle functions. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between CKCLE test and hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor strengths. Methods: Twenty-two subjects were recruited in the present study (13 males and 9 females). The hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths were measured using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. When the examiner said "Go", the subject performed the CKCLE test by moving one leg from the floor and touching the opposite knee and then return to the floor while maintaining the bridging position. The subjects attempted as many "touches" as possible in the allotted time (20 seconds) during the maximal tests. The correlation between the hip muscle (extensor, external rotator, and abductor) strength of the supporting leg and the number of CKCLE tests performed in 20 seconds was determined using the Pearson correlation. Results: Hip extensor (r = 0.626, p < 0.05), hip external rotator (r = 0.616, p < 0.05), and hip abductor muscle strengths (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) positively correlated with the number of CKCLE tests performed. Conclusion: We designed a CKCLE test and found that performance in the test correlated with hip extensor, external rotator, and abductor muscle strengths. The result suggests that the CKCLE test can be applied as a performance test to assess the functions of the hip extensor, external rotator, and hip abductor muscles.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.51-60
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• 2023

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) on an unstable support surface on maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and abdominal muscle thickness as a method for effective PFME. Methods : This study was performed on 22 subjects. They were matched and divided into two groups based on body mass index; the experimental group (EG) performed PFME on a foam roller (n= 11), the control group (CG) performed PFME on a stable support surface (n= 11). Kegel exercise was performed with 10 seconds of contraction, 10 seconds of relaxation, and 4 sets of 10 reps per set. Both of group executed the exercise 3 times a week for 2 weeks. MIP and MEP was measured using a spirometer. Abdominal muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound. The paired t-test was used to compare difference on each group and the comparison between groups was analyzed using the independent t-test. A significance level of α= .05 was used to verify statistical significance. Results : The EG showed a significant increase in the MEP (p<.05). The CG showed a significant increase in the MEP (p<.05). There was no significant difference in the two groups (p>.05). The EG showed a significant increase in the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis (p<.05). The CG showed a significant increase in the internal oblique (p<.05). There was no significant difference in the two groups (p>.05). Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, additional research should be conducted to correct the limitations of this study to confirm that PFME performed on a foam roller has a positive effect on respiratory muscle strength and abdominal muscle thickness.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.109-119
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands on the body composition, physical strength, and postural correction of middle-aged women. Methods : The subjects were 28 middle-aged women with no ballet experience. They were divided into an experimental group (n=14; exercise group) and a control group (n=14; non-exercise group) through random sampling. The experimental group underwent an exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands for 50 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group performed no exercise. The subjects in both group had their body composition, physical fitness, and postural angles measured before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-test values within each group, and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed to compare pre- and post-test changes between the two groups. Results : Regarding body composition, statistically significant differences in BMI (p<.05), body fat percentage (p<.001), and muscle mass (p<.001) were observed between the two groups before and after the intervention. For physical fitness, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in quick reflexes (p<.001), muscle endurance (p<.001), and muscle strength (p<.001). For postural correction, the experimental group exhibited statistically significant decreases in all variables: the head (p<.001), shoulder (p<.001), cervical tilt (p<.001), right-left pelvic tilt (p<.001), and anterior-posterior pelvic tilt (p<.001). Conclusion : A combined exercise program using a ballet bar and elastic bands had positive effects on the body composition, physical fitness, and postural correction of middle-aged women.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to compare differences in muscle activities according to distance changes, and success or failure in relation to approaches during a round of golf in order to obtain basic data on golf swings. Methods : To achieve our research goal, we asked eight professional golfers playing for the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (height: $1.76{\pm}0.05m$, weight: $73.87{\pm}9.21kg$, career duration: $12.87{\pm}4.48yr$) to perform approach swings at distances of 30, 50, and 70 m. Results : No differences were observed in the muscle activity of the extensor carpi radialis that were caused by the distance changes. In addition, we found that the wrist extensors seemed unaffected by the increase in approach distance. Also, we found that the powers of the approach shots were driven by efficient movements rather than by the strength of the arms. We confirmed that when the distance of the approach increased, the golfers should perform their back-swing tops and follow-through right from the right to the left pelvic limb. To achieve successful approach swings despite distance changes, golfers should first work on the activity of the erector spinae to prepare for rotatory power in the P1 section. Moreover, golfers should increase the activity of the erector spinae on the left when they need to deal with the distance improvements in the P2 and P3 sections. Conclusion : In the light of the discussion above, we may infer that despite approach distance changes during a round of golf, ideal swings can be realized by consistent activities of the wrist extensor muscles and improved performances of the pelvic limb muscles. Furthermore, this study suggests that golfers should improve the consistency of muscle activities in all the other body parts to achieve the ideal swing.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.1-22
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of moxibustion for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Methods: For relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we searched the following databases from their inception to September 1, 2020: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and National Digital Science Library (NDSL). The key search terms were 'stress urinary incontinence' and 'moxibustion'. Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias were conducted by two authors independently. Results: A total of 11 RCTs were finally included in this systematic review. In all studies, moxibustion treatment was applied as an adjuvant therapy to the conventional treatment, and the most common conventional treatment was pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). The treatment group (conventional treatment plus moxibustion) showed statistically more significant effect than the control group (conventional treatment only) in various evaluation indicators including urinary incontinence frequency, 1 hour urine pad test, quality of life, the clinical efficacy rate, and pelvic muscle strength. Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of moxibustion as an adjuvant therapy for female SUI patients. Further studies are needed to supplement the safety of moxibustion and the evaluation of moxibustion dose.