Effects of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise on respiratory function and trunk control ability in patients with scoliosis

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise on the respiratory function and trunk control ability of patients with scoliosis. [Subjects] Forty scoliosis patients were randomly divided into the Swiss ball exercise group (n= 20) and resistance exercise group (n = 20). [Methods] The Swiss ball and resistance exercise groups performed chest expansion and breathing exercises with a Swiss ball and a therapist’s resistance, respectively. Both groups received training 30 min per day, 5 times per week for 8 weeks. [Results] Both groups exhibited significant changes in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and trunk impairment scale after the intervention. However, there was no significant change in the forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio after the intervention in either group. Meanwhile, forced expiratory volume in one second and trunk impairment scale were significantly greater in the resistance exercise group after the intervention. [Conclusion] Both Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise are effective for improving the respiratory function and trunk control ability of patients with scoliosis. However, resistance exercise is more effective for increasing the forced expiratory volume in one second and trunk control ability.Key words: Scoliosis, Respiratory function, Trunk control ability     

The effect of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise on balancing ability of scoliosis patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to closely examine the efficiency of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise in improving the on the static balancing ability by applying them to patients with scoliosis and to compare the effects of the interventions. [Subjects] Forty scoliosis patients were divided into a Swiss ball exercise group (SEG, N = 20) and a Resistance exercise group (REG, N = 20) randomly. [Methods] SEG conducted chest stretching, trunk exercise using the Swiss ball. REG conducted chest stretching, trunk exercise with therapist’s resistance. Both groups received training 30 min per day, five times per week, for eight weeks. [Results] Both SEG and REG showed significant differences between pre- and post-mediation in terms of weight distribution, sway area, sway length, sway speed, and limit of stability. Sway speed and limit of stability had increased more significantly in REG than in SEG. [Conclusion] According to the result of this study, both Swiss ball exercise and chest Resistance exercise were effective for improving on the static balancing ability. But we suggest resistance exercise is more efficient to increase of sway speed, limit of stability.Key words: Scoliosis, Swiss ball exercise, Resistance exercise     

The Effects of Combination Patterns of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Ball Exercise on Pain and Muscle Activity of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare two methods for the muscle stabilization of the trunk of patients with chronic low back pain. The methods comprised combination patterns of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and ball exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 40 volunteers who had low back pain. All subjects were randomly assigned to either a group which received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or a group which performed ball exercise. Measurements were taken four times in total, at pre-intervention, two weeks later, four weeks later, and six weeks later. The main measurement methods used were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and electromyography (EMG) for muscle activity. [Results] VAS and EMG activity were significantly reduced in the PNF combination pattern group and the ball exercise group. A comparison of the groups showed significant differences. In VAS and EMG activity; in particular, the combination pattern group using PNF increased EMG activity more than the ball exercise group did after six weeks of intervention. [Conclusion] This study showed that PNF combination pattern training for six weeks was more effective for patients with low back pain than performing ball exercise.Key words: PNF, Ball exercise, Chronic low back pain     

The effects of virtual reality game exercise on balance and gait of the elderly

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ball exercise as a general exercise on the balance abilities of elderly individuals by comparing ball exercise with virtual reality exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty elderly individuals residing in communities were randomly divided into a virtual reality game group and a ball exercise group and conducted exercise for 30 min 3 times a week for 8 weeks. [Results] Step length increased significantly, and the average sway speed and Timed Up and Go time significantly decreased in both groups. A comparison of sway length after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the virtual reality game exercise resulted in a reduction than the ball exercise. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that the virtual reality game exercise may improve balance and gait of elderly individuals in communities.Key words: Elderly, Balance, Virtual reality exercise     

Effects of selective exercise for the deep abdominal muscles and lumbar stabilization exercise on the thickness of the transversus abdominis and postural maintenance

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of selective exercise for the deep abdominal muscles (SEDA) and lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) on the thickness of the transversus abdominis and postural maintenance on an unstable base of support. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 20 male and 10 female adults in their 20s without lumbar pain. They were equally and randomly assigned to a SEDA group and a LSE group. The thickness of the transversus abdominis was measured using ultrasound imaging during rest and drawing-in. The thickness of the transversus abdominis was measured when subjects raised their right and left legs while lying on a Swiss ball. [Results] Initially, there were no differences between the two groups. After the intervention, significant differences were observed in all parameters. A significant interaction between group and period was not found for any parameters. [Conclusion] In conclusion, both SEDA and LSE thickened the transversus abdominis, which is a deep abdominal muscle, thereby adjusting posture, and stabilizing the trunk. These exercises increased the thickness of the deep abdominal muscles. They are important exercises for improving the stability of athletes or patients who need postural adjustment.Key words: Transversus abdominis, Selective exercise, Lumbar stabilization     

The effects of prone bridge exercise on trunk muscle thickness in chronic low back pain patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of prone bridge exercise on trunk muscle thickness. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-seven chronic low back pain patients participated in this study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups, namely, a prone bridge exercise group, supine bridge exercise on a Swiss ball group, and supine bridge exercise group. The thicknesses of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) were measured using ultrasound. [Results] After eight weeks of training, the three groups showed significant increases in the thicknesses of the TrA, IO, and EO. Among the groups, TrA and IO showed significantly different muscle thicknesses. [Conclusion] The prone bridge exercise significantly affected the thicknesses of the TrA, IO, and EO unlike the supine bridge exercises. Based on the results of this study, the prone bridge exercise is a more effective method to improve trunk stability than conventional supine bridge exercises.Key words: Bridge exercise, Muscle thickness, Chronic low back pain     

The Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercise Using an Unstable Surface on the Abdominal Muscle Structure and Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise on the abdominal muscle structure and balance of stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were divided into two groups: an unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise group (n=13), and a stable surface trunk stabilization exercise group (n=11). [Methods] Both groups performed trunk stabilization exercise for 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Abdominal muscle thickness and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at the baseline and after 6 weeks. [Results] There was a significant improvement in the internal oblique muscle thickness, transversus abdominis thickness and balance ability of the unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise group. [Conclusion] The unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise improved the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles and balance ability. These results suggest that unstable surface trunk exercise is useful in the rehabilitation stroke patients.Key words: Unstable surface, Trunk stabilization exercise, Muscle thickness     

The Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercises Using a Sling on the Balance of Patients with Hemiplegia

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of trunk stabilization exercise using a saing on the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a sling exercise group (SEG, n=20) and a mat exercise group (MEG, n=20). [Methods] The SEG conducted the trunk stabilization exercise using a sling, and the MEG performed the trunk stabilization exercise on a mat. [Results] The balance ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the SEG showed a greater reduction in the sway area (SA) and the sway length (SL) of the center of the pressure compared to the MEG. [Conclusion] We recommend trunk stabilization exercise using a sling as a clinical intervention to improve the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.Key words: Hemiplegia, Trunk stabilization exercise, Sling     

Comparison of physical function according to the lumbar movement method of stabilizing a patient with chronic low back pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the changes caused by lumbar stabilization exercises in chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Swiss ball exercise regimen group and sling exercise regimen group exercised for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. The control group was to continue performing their usual daily living activities. [Results] We obtained significant results in both the Swiss ball and sling exercise groups, but not in the control group. The best effect was obtained in the sling exercise group. [Conclusion] The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index and visual pain scale scores of the patients with low back pain decreased in both the Swiss ball exercise group and the sling exercise group, and these patients experienced an increase in waist isometric muscular strength after 12 weeks of exercise compared with those doing no exercise (the control group).Key words: Lumbar stabilizing, Sling exercise, Chronic back pain     

The effect of thoracic spine mobilization and stabilization exercise on the muscular strength and flexibility of the trunk of chronic low back pain patients

[Purpose] To investigate whether thoracic spine mobilization added to stabilization exercises increases the muscular strength and range of motion of the thoracic vertebrae of chronic low-back pain patients. [Subjects] This study enrolled 20 patients with chronic low back pain, who were divided into two groups. Ten subjects were randomly selected for the stabilization exercise group and the remaining 10 subjects received thoracic spine mobilization in addition to performing the stabilization exercises. [Methods] The patients performed stabilization exercises and received thoracic spine mobilization for 12 weeks. The range of motion and isometric muscular strength of the vertebrae of all subjects were measured before and after the intervention. [Results] In the comparison of muscular strength before and after the intervention, the change in muscular strength of the trunk flexors in the stabilization exercise group was 16.0±7.4 Nm, and that of the thoracic spine mobilization group was 34.2±7.6 Nm, a significant difference in each group. In the post-intervention intergroup comparison, the muscular strength of trunk flexors in the stabilization exercise group was 111.1±16.9 Nm, while that of the thoracic spine mobilization group was 125.9±11.3 Nm, a significant difference. Also, the muscular strength of the trunk extensors in the stabilization exercise group was 148.9±31.8 Nm, while that of the thoracic spine mobilization group was 182.9±37.2 Nm, a significant difference. The thoracic spine flexion in the stabilization exercise group was 29.8±9 degrees, while that of the thoracic spine mobilization group was 38.7±6.9 degrees, a significant difference. However, there was no significant difference in lumbar flexion values between the two groups. [Conclusion] Thoracic spine mobilization added to a stabilization exercise increased the muscular strength of patients with chronic low back pain.Key words: Isometric muscle strength, Lumbar stabilization exercise, Thoracic spine mobilization exercise     

Effect of exercise performance by elderly women on balance ability and muscle function

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an exercise intervention on the balance ability and muscle function of elderly women. [Subjects] The subjects were randomly divided into a control group (n=10) and an exercise group (n=10). [Methods] The subjects participated in an elastic band exercise program lasting for 8 weeks, exercising for 40 minutes, four days a week with resting terms of 60 sec. Subjects used a band corresponding to 60% of the strength of the color band with which repetitive exercise was possible up to twelve times. The subjects performed elastic band exercises, with variations to the number of band exercises according to the improvement of their physical fitness levels. When fifteen repetitive elastic band exercises could be performed with no damage of the body, we changed the band for one which was one level up from the former one and subjects used the same band for the upper body and lower body. [Results] Leg muscular strength measured as sit-stand repetitions in 30 s significantly increased in the exercise group after the intervention compared to before the intervention. Leg muscular endurance measured as the number of knee ups in 2 minutes significantly increased in the exercise group after the intervention compared to before the intervention. Balance measured by one-leg standing time with the eyes open significantly improved in the exercise group after the intervention compared to before the intervention. [Conclusion] Balance ability and muscle function significantly improved in the exercise group and showing that the intervention is effective at improving balance, muscle strength, and muscle endurance of elderly women.Key words: Balance ability, Muscle function, Exercise therapy     

The Effect of Swiss Ball Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Bone Mineral Density of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to carry out a 16-week treatment of lumbar stabilization exercise with a ball targeting patients with chronic low back pain and investigate its effect on alleviation of low back pain and bone mineral density. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 36 patients who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain. They were divided into a conservative treatment group (CTG, n=12), floor exercise group (FEG, n=12), and ball exercise group (BEG, n=12). The degree of recovery from pain was looked into using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and DEXXUM T (OsteoSys, Seoul, Korea) which was used to observe the changes in bone mineral density. [Result] Although the VAS score was reduced in FEG and BEG with treatment, it was not reduced in CTG. Also, the bone mineral density was increased in FEG and BEG, while it was reduced in CTG. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises using a ball are thought to be an effective interventional therapy for the alleviation of chronic low back pain and to increase bone mineral density of patients.Key words: Chronic low back pain, Swiss ball exercise, Bone mineral density     

The effects of aquatic exercise on body composition and nonspecific low back pain in elderly males

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic exercises on nonspecific low back pain (LBP) in elderly males. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two elderly men aged 65 or older were recruited and randomly allocated to two groups: aquatic training (3 d/wk for 12 wk) or a control group. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and trunk muscle mass were measured before and after training. [Results] The results suggested that all obesity variables including BMI, WHR, and PBF of the aquatic training group were decreased significantly, while the trunk muscle mass of the aquatic training group was increased significantly. Furthermore, low back pain was decreased in the subjects after the intervention. [Conclusion] The water-based program improved LBP and body composition in the elderly men.Key words: Elderly, Low back pain, Body composition     

Comparison of gait before and after superficial trunk muscle exercise and deep trunk muscle exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of superficial trunk muscle and deep trunk muscle exercise on gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 45 young adults who voluntarily consented to participate. The subjects were divided into a control group, a superficial muscle exercise group, and a deep muscle exercise group with 15 participants in each group. [Methods] Each group performed the exercises 5 times a week for 4 weeks. A Gait Analyzer was used to measure the subjects’ gait. A one-way ANOVA was conducted for analysis between each group. [Results] After 4 weeks, the values from right heel contact to foot flat, left foot flat to heel off, right foot flat to heel off, and left heel off to toe off significantly differed among the groups. [Conclusion] The superficial trunk muscle exercise improved stability, such as the period of mid stance during gait. The deep trunk muscle exercise improved mobility, such as heel contact to foot flat and heel off to toe off during gait.Key words: Superficial trunk muscle exercise, Deep trunk muscle exercise, Gait     

The Effects of Bridge Exercise on an Unstable Base of Support on Lumbar Stability and the Thickness of the Transversus Abdominis

[Purpose] We examined the effects of an abdominal drawing-in bridge exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit on different bases on the thickness of trunk and abdominal muscles, and lumbar stability. [Subjects] Thirty healthy young adults (2 males, 28 females) took part in this study. The subjects were randomly and equally assigned to a stable bridge exercise group and an unstable bridge exercise group. [Methods] The subjects performed bridge exercises using an abdominal drawing-in method on a stable base and on an unstable base, and changes in their abdominal muscle thickness and on the stable and on unstable bases lumbar stability were evaluated. [Results] After the intervention, the stable bridge exercise group showed a statistically significantly increased muscle thickness in the transversus abdominis, and the unstable bridge exercise group showed significantly increased muscle thicknesses of the transversus abdominis and internal obliques in static and dynamic lumbar stability. The unstable bridge exercise group showed significant increase after performing the exercise. [Conclusion] Lumbar stability exercise, with the compensation of the lumbar spine minimized, using an abdominal drawing-in method on an unstable support of base is effective and efforts to prevent the compensation may induce a greater exercise effect.Key words: Bridge exercise, Abdominal drawing-in method, Transversus abdominis     

Effects of the Horse Riding Simulator and Ball Exercises on Balance of the Elderly

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse riding exercise using a horse riding simulator (HRS) and a ball on static and dynamic balance of elderly people. [Methods] Thirty-two elderly people hospitalized in geriatric hospitals were randomly assigned to the HRS exercise group or the ball exercise groups, and they performed exercise for eight weeks. [Results] The length of postural sway during quite standing with and without eyes closed significantly decreased in both groups after the exercises and there was no significant difference between both groups in the Romberg test. In the functional reach test (FRT), there were significant increases in distance in both groups after the exercises, and the distance of the HRS exercise group was significantly greater than that of the ball exercise group. In the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) and Timed 10-meter walk test (10MWT), the time significantly decreased in both groups, and there was a more significant decrease in the HRS exercise group than in the ball exercise group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that HRS and ball exercises may improve the balance and gait ability of elderly people hospitalized in nursing homes or geriatric hospitals.Key words: Elderly, Balance, Hippotherapy     

Effects of Trunk Stabilization Exercises on Different Support Surfaces on the Cross-sectional Area of the Trunk Muscles and Balance Ability

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on stroke patients of trunk stabilization exercise on different support surfaces. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen stroke patients with onset of stroke six months earlier or longer were randomly and equally assigned to group I (exercise performed on a stable support surface) and group II (exercise performed on an unstable support surface). The two groups conducted the trunk stabilization exercises on the respective support surfaces, in addition to existing rehabilitation exercises five times per week for 12 weeks. Changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscles were examined using computed tomography (CT), and changes in the balance ability were assessed using a measuring system and the trunk impairment scale (TIS). [Results] In group I, there was a significant increase in the CSA of the mulifidus muscle on the side contralateral to the brain lesion and in the paravertebral and multifidus muscles on the side ipsilateral to the brain lesion. In group II, there was a significant increase in the CSA of the paravertebral and multifidus muscles on the side contralateral to the brain lesion and on the side ipsilateral to the brain lesion. In terms of changes in balance ability, the sway path (SP) and TIS significantly improved in group I, and the SP, sway area (SA), and TIS significantly improved in group II . [Conclusion] Exercise on the unstable support surface enhanced the size of the cross-sectional area of the trunk muscles and balance ability significantly more than exercise on the stable support surface.Key words: Cross-sectional areas, Trunk control, Balance     

Effects of bridge exercise on trunk core muscle activity with respect to sling height and hip joint abduction and adduction

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of bridge exercise on trunk core muscle activity with respect to sling height and hip joint abduction and adduction. [Subjects] Fifteen healthy adult males participated. [Methods] In the bridge exercise, the height of the sling was set low or high during hip joint abduction and adduction. Electromyography was used to compare the differences between the muscle activities of the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae muscles. [Results] The muscle activities of the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae were significantly higher in the high sling position. Furthermore, the activities of the transverse abdominis and erector spinae were significantly higher during hip joint adduction than abduction regardless of sling height. [Conclusion] A high sling height is the most effective intervention for increasing the muscle activities of the transverse abdominis and erector spinae muscles during hip joint adduction in a bridge exercise.Key words: Bridge exercise, Trunk core muscle, Sling     

EMG Activity in the Abdominal Muscles and the Kinematics of the Lumbar Spine during Unilateral Upper-limb Resistance Exercises under Stable and Unstable Conditions

[Purpose] We investigated the effects of unstable conditions on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) and the transverse abdominis–internal oblique (TrA-IO) muscles, and lumbar kinematics during unilateral upper-limb resistance exercises using elastic tubing bands. [Subjects] Twelve healthy males were recruited. [Methods] The subjects performed isometric left shoulder abduction using an elastic tubing band in a sitting position on a chair, and on a Swiss ball. During this exercise, EMG activities of the RA and TrA-IO were recorded using a wireless EMG system, and a three-dimensional motion analysis system monitored lumbar kinematics. Differences in EMG activities of the RA and TrA-IO, the ratio of TrA-IO to RA activity, and lumbar kinematics were compared between the stable and unstable conditions using the paired t-test. [Results] Under the unstable condition, the EMG activities of both muscles were significantly greater than that under the stable condition; however the ratio of TrA-IO to RA activity did not significantly differ between the conditions. The lumbar angle significantly differed only in the coronal plane. [Conclusions] These findings indicate that trunk posture should be considered when performing exercises under unstable conditions.Key words: Swiss ball, Abdominal muscles, Electromyography     

The effect of cocontraction of the masticatory muscles during neck stabilization exercises on thickness of the neck flexors

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the cocontraction of masticatory muscles during neck stabilization exercises on changes in the thickness of the neck flexors. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty subjects performed neck stabilization only exercise and neck stabilization exercise with simultaneous contraction of the masticatory muscles. Changes in the thickness of the longus colli and sternocleidomastoid were then measured by ultrasound. [Results] The thickness of the longus colli increased significantly fallowing cocontraction of the masticatory muscles and neck stabilization exercise, whereas the exercise method used had no significant effect on the thickness of the sternocleidomastoid. [Conclusion] Cocontraction of the masticatory muscles during neck stabilization exercise is helpful in increasing the thickness of longus colli muscle.Key words: Masticatory muscle, Neck stabilization exercises, Thickness of neck flexors