• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.11-18
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacies of thoracic self-mobilization and strengthening exercise in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults (11 males, 19 females) with thoracic hyperkyphosis. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: thoracic self-mobilization, thoracic strengthening exercise, and control group. The thoracic self-mobilization group performed active dynamic exercises, which included thoracic extension and rotation in supine and standing positions. The strengthening exercise group performed resistance exercises involving the back extensor muscle, with an elastic band and dumbbells. The outcome measures were the thoracic kyphosis angle and forward head posture (craniovertebral angle [CVA] and cranial rotation angle [CRA]). Results: Compared with the baseline values, the thoracic kyphosis angle had decreased while the CVA had increased in both training groups (p<.05), but the CRA was significantly decreased in only the strengthening exercise group. Thoracic self mobilization reduced kyphosis and improved CVA, while thoracic strengthening exercise reduced kyphosis and improved CVA and CRA. Conclusion: This study suggests a promising exercise intervention that can improve posture in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.41-51
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of scapulothoracic exercise and thoracic mobilization on shoulder pain and function in individulas with shoulder partial- thickness rotator cuff tear. Methods : Forty-five subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 subjects each : Scapulothoracic exercise with Thoracic mobilization (STwTM), Scapulothoracic exercise (ST), and Thoracic mobilization (TM) groups. All subjects were assessed for pain and disability of shoulder, thoracic angle base on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Thoracic kyphosis assessment (TKA) using Baseline Bubble Inclinometer. All groups performed 50 minutes of the intervention twice a week for a total of six weeks. These tests were evaluated Three times : prior to the start of the intervention, after three weeks and, after six weeks had passed. Results : The SPADI score showed that pain and dysfunction in the STwTM group decreased compared to those in the other two groups. The TKA score showed a decrease over time in the ST, TM, and STwTM groups, in increasing order. However, the TKA score decreased significantly in the STwTM group compared to that in the oher two groups. Conclusion : ST and TM are effective in improving pain and dysfunction in patients. However, STwTM may be more effective for patients.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.9
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• pp.51-57
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a thoracic mobilization exercise using the Kaltenborn on the convergence lung function. The study was conducted on 20 university students in their 20s over a four-week period. The 20 subjects were randomly selective assigned to a Kaltenborn thoracic mobilization exercise group and diaphragm exercise control group. The experimental group performed a Kaltenborn thoracic mobilization exercise for 30 minutes. The control group performed a diaphragmatic breathing exercise for 30 minutes. Each exercise program was performed three times a week for four weeks. When comparing the breathing capacity of the experimental and controls before and after the experiment, the experimental group showed significant changes in TV, IRV. In testing the differences between the experimental and controls in their changes after the experiment, TV, IRV showed a significant change. Based on the results of this study, a thoracic mobilization exercise using the Kaltenborn thoracic mobilization exercise may have positively affected the extrementals lung function. Therefore, if a thoracic mobilization exercise using the Kaltenborn is combined with a respiratory exercise program in the future, it will likely become a more effective treatment technique.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1393-1397
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combined respiratory physical therapy on respiratory function, spinal curve and spinal mobility for community-dwelling elderlies with restrictive lung diseases. In total, 10 patients participated in an 8-week intervention program of thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination. The results of the study are as follows: for respiratory function, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC), and FEV1/FVC were significantly improved to $.30{\pm}0.31{\ell}$, $.46{\pm}.42{\ell}$, and $18.10{\pm}11.39%$, respectively (p<.05). For spinal curve, the thoracic curve and the lumbar curve were improved significantly to $-2.20{\pm}1.40^{\circ}$ and $-1.20{\pm}1.14^{\circ}$, respectively (p<.01). For spinal mobility, the thoracic flexion ($3.40{\pm}2.99^{\circ}$), thoracic extension ($3.50{\pm}1.43^{\circ}$), lumbar flexion ($4.50{\pm}4.74^{\circ}$), and lumbar extension($-1.50{\pm}1.84^{\circ}$) were all significantly improved (p<.05). These findings indicate that thoracic cage mobilization and breathing exercise in combination improve the respiratory function, spinal alignment, and spinal mobility in elderly people with restrictive lung diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.11-23
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of cervico-thoracic (C-T) mobilization technique and therapeutic exercise on muscle activity, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and neck disability index (NDI) in patients with neck pain. Methods: : A total of 30 patients with neck pain were included and divided into C-T mobilization combined with Pilates group (Experimental group; EG) and thoracic mobilization and self-exercise (Control group; CG) group; each group consisted of 15 patients. The exercises were performed by patients in both groups three times a week, for four weeks. NDI was used to measure functional disability and sEMG was used to measure muscle activity. Results: The EG participants showed significant improvement in the CVA and NDI after the intervention than the CG (p<.05). While both groups presented after intervention decreased muscle activity(upper trapezius), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that thoracic mobilization technique combined with Pilates exercise may have beneficial effects on CVA and NDI in patients with neck pain and forward head posture.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.83-90
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular stabilization exercise and thoracic joint mobilization on scapular position, scapular motion and shoulder pain and disability index(SPADI) in adults with scapular dysfunction. A total 42 subjects were divided into a scapular stabilization exercise group(A, n=14), a thoracic joint mobilization group(B, n=14) and scapular stabilization exercise with thoracic joint mobilization group(C, n=14) and performed exercise and joint mobilization three times per week for four weeks, total 12 times. As for changes in scapular position among the groups, group C showed statistically significant increase(p<.05). In changes of scapular motion among the groups, group C showed statically significant improvement in shoulder abduction 45° and 90° both(p<.05), In changes of SPADI among the groups, group C were showed statistically significant improvement(p<.05). In conclusion, scapular stabilization exercise and thoracic joint mobilization were effective on improving scapular position, movement and SPADI score in adults with scapular dysfunction.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Background: Thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise is commonly used to manage patients with neck pain. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise alone in patients with chronic neck pain. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic self-mobilization using a tool on cervical range of motion (ROM), disability level, upper body posture, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects were 49 patients (21 males, 28 females) with chronic neck pain. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 23) and control group (CG, n = 26). For the EG, thoracic self-mobilization was applied. We placed a tool (made with 2 tennis balls) under 3 different vertebral levels (T1-4, T5-8, T9-12) of the thoracic spine and the subjects performed crunches, which included thoracic flexion and extension in supine position. Five times × 3 sets for each levels, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Cervical pain, disability, upper body posture, FABQ results, and ROM were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. Assessments included the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS); Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ); craniovertebral angles (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) and kyphosis angle (KA) measurements for upper body posture; FABQ and cervical ROM testing. Results: The EG showed a statistically significant improvement after intervention in the QVAS (-51.16%); NPQ (-53.46%); flexion (20.95%), extension (25.32%), left rotation (14.04%), and right rotation (25.32%) in the ROM of the cervical joint; KA (-7.14%); CVA (9.82%); and FSA (-4.12%). Conclusion: These results suggest that, for patients with chronic neck pain, thoracic self-mobilization exercise using a tool (tennis balls) is effective to improve neck pain, disability level, the ROM, and upper body posture.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.278-292
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• 2023

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of thoracic joint mobilization and breathing exercises on diaphragmatic thickness, chest expansion, respiratory function, and endurance in patients with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: The study included 24 chronic stroke patients who were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (12 people) performed 15 minutes of thoracic joint mobility exercises and 15 minutes of breathing exercises, three times a week for 6 weeks, 30 minutes each time. The control group (12 people) received 15 minutes of conservative physical therapy and 15 minutes of breathing exercises, 3 times a week for 6 weeks, 30 minutes per session, the same as the experimental group. The experimental and control groups performed the same breathing exercises. To assess training effectiveness, changes in diaphragm thickness, chest expansion, respiratory function, and endurance were measured. Results: As a result, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in diaphragm thickness, chest expansion, and respiratory function. The endurance mode also displayed significant enhancement (p<0.05), a finding consistent with the control group. However, the experimental group displayed more substantial improvements in non-affected diaphragm thickness and thoracic expansion compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Drawing from these findings, breathing exercise which combine thoracic mobilization, will be actively utilized in addition to physical therapy interventions in clinical trials as an effective intervention method.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.310-319
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combination of progressive scapular stabilization exercises, neck and thoracic spine mobilization, and thermoelectric physical therapy on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and function in patients with acute whiplash injury. Design: A randomized controlled trial design. Methods: A total of 24 subjects were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=12) that performed scapular stabilization exercises, neck and thoracic spine mobilization, and physiotherapy, and a control group (n=12) that only performed neck and thoracic spine mobilization and physiotherapy. The pre-test was conducted before the intervention and consisted of a total of 12 treatment sessions of 60 minutes each, three times a week. A posttest was conducted 4 weeks later. Pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and function were assessed before and after intervention. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference in pain reduction and range of motion and muscle strength improvement in the experimental group, and a significant difference was also found between the experimental group and the control group in terms of functional evaluation. Conclusions: The combination of exercise therapy and joint mobilization technique and physical therapy resulted in greater improvements in pain, range of motion, strength, and function assessment, contributing to improved overall function.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.509-514
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• 2012

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effects of upper backbone joint mobilization and self-stretching exercise in the patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty seven patients with chronic neck pain were divides into self stretching group(SSG, n=18) and mobilization group(MG, n=19). To assess the degree of neck pain, the visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized, and to measure the joint range of motion at the flexion-extension, it was compared and analyzed by using the cervical range of motion (CROM) device. RESULTS: The joint range of motion and visual analog scale of SSG and MG showed significant effects on both groups. In the comparison of groups, there was no significant difference, but it indicated effects on improving the pain and the range of joint motion in MG. CONCLUSION: According to the analysis, not only self-stretching exercise intervening for direct treatment but also upper backbone joint mobilization intervening for indirect treatment are effective to improve the pain and the range of motion.