BACKGROUND This study examined the effects of abdominal draw-in lumbar stabilization exercises (ADIM) with respiratory resistance on women ages 40-49 years with low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-four women ages 40-49 years were screened for participation and were randomly assigned to either a respiratory with resistance exercise group (n=22) or a control group (n=22). Abdominal draw-in lumbar stabilization exercises were administered to both groups, but only the respiratory with resistance exercise group received the respiratory resistance training. The exercise training lasted 50 min per session, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The assessment methods used were the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS), Oswestry disability index-Korean version (ODI-K), diaphragm thickness and contraction rate, and lung capacity test. RESULTS Both groups showed significant differences in the QVAS, ODI-K, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and diaphragm thickness and contraction rate before and after the intervention (p<0.05). In the respiratory resistance exercise group, the ODI-K, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MVV, and diaphragm thickness and contraction rate showed significantly better improvement than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A lumbar stabilization exercise program consisting of ADIM and respiratory resistance resulted in decreased pain, reduced dysfunctions, and increased muscle thickness in contraction, contraction rate, and pulmonary function. Strong contraction of the diaphragm and deep abdominal muscles through breathing resistance increased the pressure in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, this may be an effective clinical exercise method for patients with lumbar instability.

BACKGROUND Neck pain is reported by many laborers who are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders due to muscle stiffness and hypokinetics. This study examined the effects of a lower trapezius exercise program on neck pain patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The design of this study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 neck pain patients participated in this study. Screening tests were performed and assigned to experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=20) using randomization program. Both groups underwent a scapula and thoracic spine stabilization exercise program. In addition, the experimental group implemented the lower trapezius strengthening exercise program. All interventions were applied 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), postural alignment, muscle thickness and contraction rate were compared to evaluate the effect on intervention. RESULTS Both groups showed significant differences in VAS, NDI, and postural alignment before and after intervention (P<0.05). In addition, the experimental group showed more significant difference in the amount of change in NDI and postural alignment values than the control group. The experimental group showed significant improvement in muscle thickness and contraction (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A lower trapezius strengthening exercise program is an effective method with clinical significance for reducing the level of neck dysfunction, and improving the postural alignment, muscle thickness, and contraction rate of the lower trapezius muscle.

BACKGROUND:This study investigated the effects of progressive stabilization exercise program carried out with respiratory resistance in patients with lumbar instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Forty-three patients with lumbar instability were randomly ...

Background: Lumbar stability exercise promotes deep muscle functions, and it is an effective intervention method for increasing proprioceptive sensation. This study aims to explore and compare the effects of lumbar stability exercise with respiratory resistance and whole body vibration on patients with lumbar instability. Methods: This study is a 3-group randomized control trial. Through screening tests, 48 patients with lumbar instability were selected and randomly assigned to SE group (n = 16), stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance (SER) group (n = 16), and stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance and whole body vibration (SERW) group (n = 16). In order to compare the effects depending on the intervention methods, quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS), Functional Ability Roland-Morris low back pain and disability questionnaire ([RMDQ], center of pressure path length, velocity, and area), Korean version of fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire, and Pulmonary Function were used for measurement. Results: All of the groups showed significant improvements in QVAS, RMDQ, Korean version of fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire, and balance abilities before and after the interventions. The SER group and SERW group showed a significant difference in QVAS and RMDQ than the SE group (P < .05). In addition, balance ability showed a significant difference in SERW group (P < .05), where only the SER group showed a significant difference in pulmonary function indexes including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum inspiratory pressure, and maximum expiratory pressure (P < .05). Conclusion: Stabilization exercise program using respiratory resistance and whole-body vibration administered according to the purpose of intervention methods may be effective exercise programs for people with lumbar instability.

BACKGROUND:Physical changes due to aging lead to weakening of respiratory muscles and decreased lung functions that result in increasing risk of chronic respiratory disease. A complex respiratory rehabilitation program is needed to prevent respirator...