Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis using Kellgren-Lawrence scores is commonly used to help decision-making during assessment of the severity of OA with assessment of pain, function and muscle strength. The association between Kellgren-Lawrence scores and functional/clinical outcomes remains controversial in patients with knee OA. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between Kellgren-Lawrence scores and knee pain associated with OA, function during daily living and sports activities, quality of life, and knee muscle strength in patients with knee OA. Methods: We recruited 66 patients with tibiofemoral knee OA and determined knee joint Kellgren-Lawrence scores using standing anteroposterior radiographs. Self-reported knee pain, daily living function, sports/recreation function, and quality of life were measured using the knee injury and OA outcome score (KOOS). Knee extensors and flexors were assessed using a handheld dynamometer. We performed Spearman’s rank correlation analyses to evaluate the relationships between Kellgren-Lawrence and KOOS scores or muscle strength. Results: Kellgren-Lawrence scores were significantly negatively correlated with KOOS scores for knee pain, daily living function, sports/recreation function, and quality of life. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between Kellgren-Lawrence scores and knee extensor strength but not flexor strength. Conclusion: Higher Kellgren-Lawrence scores were associated with more severe knee pain and lower levels of function in daily living and sports/recreation, quality of life, and knee extensor strength in patients with knee OA. Therefore, we conclude that knee OA assessment via self-reported KOOS and knee extensor strength may be a cost-effective alternative to radiological exams.

Background: Surgery has been known as an inefficient approach to reduce back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis; therefore, non-surgical treatments are necessary. However, there has been little research to analyze the effect of non-surgical treatments on lumbar spinal stenosis pain. Objective: To identify the effectiveness of 2 physiotherapeutic treatment approaches to relieve pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: The participants were 36 lumbar spinal stenosis patients who were randomized in the joint mobilization group (JMG) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (TENSG). Joint mobilization (JM) was conducted at the posteroanterior joint in the spinous process of the lumbar spine with stenosis. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was applied on the lumbar spine with stenosis at a high frequency and intensity. Results: Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score significantly decreased in both groups, and the VAS value decreased more after JMG than that after TENSG. The pain thresholds of both groups also significantly increased, and that of JMG increased more compared to TENSG. In both the groups, significant improvements in VAS and pain thresholds were found, and JMG showed better results than TENSG. Conclusions: JM and TENS showed significant relief in both pain threshold and painpain, and JM showed more advanced relief compared to TENS.

Background: In some clinical guidelines followed in clinical practice, nonsurgical treatments are recommended as the primary intervention for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, the effect of a therapeutic exercise program based on stabilization of the lumbar spine for treatment of multilevel LDH has not been evaluated thoroughly. Objective: To investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise on pain, physical function, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a patient with multilevel LDH. Design: Case Report Methods: A 43-year-old female presented with low back pain, radicular pain and multilevel LDH (L3–L4, L4–L5, L5–S1). The therapeutic exercise program was conducted. in 40-min sessions, three times a week, for 12 weeks. Low back and radicular pain, lumbar disability, and physical function were measured before and after 6 and 12 weeks of the exercise program. MRI was performed before and after 12 weeks of the program. Results: After 6 and 12 weeks of the therapeutic exercise, low back and radicular pain and lumbar disability had decreased, and lumbar range of motion (ROM) was improvedbilaterally, compared with the initial values. Also improved at 6 and 12 weeks were isometric lumbar strength and endurance, and the functional movement screen score. The size of disc herniations was decreased on MRI obtained after 12 weeks of therapeutic exercise than on the pre-exercise images. Conclusions: We observed that therapeutic exercise program improved spinal ROM, muscle strength, functional capacity, and size of disc herniation in LDH patient.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) causes morphological changes in muscles, reduces muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, negatively affects lumbar stability, and limits functional activity. Plank exercise strengthens core muscles, activates abdominal muscles, and improves intra-abdominal pressure to stabilize the trunk in patients with CLBP. Objects: We investigated the effect of plank exercise on abdominal muscle thickness and disability in patients with CLBP. Methods: We classified 33 subjects into 2 groups: An experimental (n1=17) and a control group (n2=16). Patients in the experimental group participated in plank exercise and those in the control group participated in stretching exercise. Patients in both groups attended 20-minute exercise sessions thrice a week for 4 weeks. Abdominal muscle thickness in each subject was evaluated ultrasonographically, and disabilities were assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: Four weeks later, abdominal muscle thickness showed a significant increase over baseline values in both groups (p<.05). Patients in the experimental group reported a more significant increase in the thickness of the external oblique muscle than that in the control group (p<.05). ODI scores in the experimental group were significantly lower after intervention than before intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: Plank exercise increases the thickness of the external oblique muscle and reduces disability secondary to mild CLBP. Therefore, plank exercise is needed to improve lumbar stability and functional activity in patients with mild CLBP.

Background: Compared to healthy people, patients with chronic lower back pain have reduced balance abilities which may cause proprioception problems, patients with chronic lower back pain avoid physical activities due to pain, and reduced activity levels lead to muscle weakening, which can further exacerbate pain. Recently, there have been many studies on the use of sensory stimulation; and among these studies, interventions that use vibrational stimulation have shown functional improvements in the patients. Objects: This study examined the effects of a stabilization exercise with vibration stimulation on the balance ability and disability in patients with chronic back pain. Methods: The subjects of the study were 30 persons who were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group, with 15 subjects in each. The subjects were evaluated before and after intervention via a balance ability test, the Korean Oswestry disability index (KODI) test, a pain test, and a proprioceptive sensory test. Both groups received general physical therapy. The experimental group performed the stabilization exercise with vibration stimulation, and the control group performed a general stabilization exercise, three times a week for six weeks. Results: After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in the balance ability test, the KODI test, the pain test, and the proprioceptive sensory test. The experimental group showed statistically significant, higher improvements than the control group in the balance ability test, the KODI test, and the proprioceptive sensory test. Conclusions: The stabilization exercise with vibration stimulation for patients with chronic back pain has been reported to provide greater functional improvements than the conventional intervention method. Therefore, the stabilization exercise in a vibration stimulation environment could be a useful intervention for patients with chronic back pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common reason for seeking physical therapy (PT) care. Recent studies suggest that axial loading can have a positive impact on the intervertebral disc by improving its tensile strength. Further, whole body vibration (WBV) appears to improve spinal muscle relaxation. Therefore, this case study describes the use of axial loading using a minitrampoline in a female with chronic LBP. This case report is a single subject design. This patient is a 29-year-old female with a six-month history of low back pain following a motor vehicle accident. MRI found herniated discs at L4 and L5, clinical tests were positive for pain in the L4 and L5 dermatome and myotome the slump test was positive for neural tension, and LBP was constant at 4-6/10 over the past four months. She received axial loading exercises using a mini-trampoline and performed six sessions that were, scheduled twice a week for three weeks. Her Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score improved from 40% at the time of her first visit to 22% at her final visit. Pain measure on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) after the first treatment was 7/10, and her pain after the final treatment was 0/10. These changes in the pain scores are clinically significant and exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). This patient had a significant improvement in her pain using the NPRS and the ODI. This case study suggests that axial loading may be an effective treatment for some individuals with discogenic chronic low back pain.

To examine the changes in pain, the severity of the neck disorder, craniovertebral angle, and muscle activity in young adults with forward head posture. 37 “N” University students in their 20s with forward head posture, including both male and female participants. Measurement of pain, NDI (neck disorder index) craniovertebral angle, and muscle activity were taken before and after the 6 week intervention period. The pain was measured using the visual analog scale. The severity of the neck disorder was measured using the NDI The craniovertebral angle was measured by taking a photo. The muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography. Neck posture correction exercises paired with proprioceptive training is the most effective intervention for reducing pain. Both neck posture correction exercises paired with Kinesio taping or proprioceptive training are effective interventions for addressing neck disability, craniocervical angle, and muscle activity. Neck posture correction exercises paired with Kinesio taping or proprioceptive training are more effective at addressing pain, neck disorder, craniocervical angle, and muscle activity than performing the neck posture correction exercises alone.

Background: Posterior-anterior (PA) vertebral mobilization, a manual therapy technique has been used for relieving pain or stiffness treating in spinal segment for in clinical practice, however evidence to gauge efficacy is yet to be synthesised. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PA mobilization of the thoracic spine on the respiratory function in patients with low back pain (LBP). Methods: The study participants included 30 patients with chronic LBP. They were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The experimental and control groups received PA mobilization of the T1-T8 level of the thoracic spine and placebo mobilization, respectively. All patients received interventions for 35 minutes a day, five times a week, over 2-week period, respectively. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow 25∼75% (FEF25∼75%), and chest wall expansion were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and two-way analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between respiratory function and chest measurement. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25∼75% (p<.05), and chest wall expansion (p<.05) compared with the control group. Conclusion: PA mobilization of the upper thoracic spine may be beneficial for improving respiratory function parameters including FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25∼75%, and chest wall expansion in patients with chronic LBP.

Background: We developed a novel integrative lumbar stabilization technique that combines lumbar extension (LE) exercise with abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) to ameliorate low back pain (LBP) associated with neuromuscular imbalance and instability, based on the collective evidence of contemporary spinal rehabilitation. Objects: The specific aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of LE exercise with and without ADIM on core muscle strength, lumbar spinal instability, and pain, as well as functional characteristics in individuals with LBP using advanced radiographic imaging techniques. Methods: patients with mechanical LBP (N = 40, 6 males; 35.1±7.6 years) were recruited and randomly assigned either to the combined LE and ADIM (experimental group) or the LE alone (control group). Outcome measures included the visual analog scale, the modified Oswestry Disability Index, muscle strength imbalance (MSI), and radiographic imaging. The lumbar intervertebral displacement (LID), intervertebral (IV) and total lumbar extension (TLE) angles were calculated to evaluate the lumbar segmental instability. Results: The experimental group showed significant differences in the L3-L4, L5-S1 LIDs, L4-L5 and L5-S1 IV angles, and TLE angle as compared to the controls (p<.05). Immediate pain reduction and muscle strength imbalance ratio were significantly different between the groups (p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the addition of ADIM significantly increased lumbar spinal stabilization in individuals with LBP, thereby reducing pain associated with functional lumbar flexion during daily activities.

The present study explores two relationships: first, between number of payment and payment option preference, and second, total sum and payment option preference, with pain of payment as a mediator variable. The analyses revealed that consumers who feel higher pain of payment preferred the pennies-a-day pricing to the aggregate pricing when the per-payment price is low. Consumers who experience higher pain of payment prefer to pay in small frequent installments because they feel the small per-payment price can be comparable to daily expense. Consumers who experienced higher pain of payment preferred aggregate pricing to pennies-a-day pricing when the per-payment price was high. When the per-payment price is high, it is no longer comparable to daily expense, thus leading to greater pain of payment among consumers. The study discusses the implications for mechanism of pain of payment on payment option preference.

This study aimed to identify the effects of kinesio taping (KT) applied in a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern on the pain, weight-bearing distribution (WBD), and walking ability of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Thirty women with KOA were randomly allocated to a control group (n=15) with KT at the quadriceps only, and a PNF pattern group (n=15) with KT at the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscle. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale during walking. In addition, WBD, and walking ability were measured before and 30 minutes after KT application. The VAS significantly reduced in both groups after the intervention (p<.05). WBD (p<.05, ES=.32) and walking ability (p<.05, ES=.38) showed a significant change in the PNF pattern group, and in the inter-group comparison, the PNF pattern group showed a significant difference compared to the control groups. These results demonstrate that KT application with PNF pattern effectively attenuate the pain and improves WBD and walking ability in KOA patients.

Background: High string instrument (violin, viola) players are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal problems. In particular, a higher prevalence of shoulder problems has been reported. However, evidence of the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for musicians with this condition is lacking until now. Objects: This case series study investigated the effect of a specific exercise program on shoulder pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestral high string musicians. Methods: Five professional orchestral high string players with shoulder pain participated in this study. A six-week specific exercise program focus on scapular stability for shoulder pain consisted of scapular muscle exercise. Physical examinations for pain and dysfunction, posture were performed, were identified among all subjects before starting the exercise program. Results: The results revealed that shoulder pain decreased by 67.86% and the effect of pain on instrument play decreased by 63.33%. The shoulder pain and disability Index and the performing arts module-quick disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scale decreased by 71.72% and 51.61% respectively. The exercise program improved function and posture. Conclusion: A specific exercise program for high string players was effective in managing shoulder pain. This case series is intended to provide empirical data on the effectiveness of an exercise program aimed at assessing the effect of exercise on pain, dysfunction, and posture of professional orchestra musicians associated with specific instrument groups.

본 연구는 경락마사지가 여성의 어깨 통증에 미치는 효과를 검증하기 위한 목적으로 수행되었다. 이를 위하여 여성 참가자들 45명을 비확률표본추출법 중 편의표본추출법(convenience sampling)과 판단표본추출법(judgemental sampling)에 의해 연구 대상 표본을 추출하였고, 참가자들는 S시에서 어깨 통증으로 인해 경락마사지 치료를 받는 45명의 여성들을 대상으로 주 2회 40분씩 총 16회의 경락마사지 처치를 하였다. 본 실험의 프로그램은 참가자 안정-경락마사지-경혈지압-경락마사지-참가자 안정의 순서로 이루어져 있으며 경락마사지에 적용한 경락은 12경락 중에서 수태음폐경(LU; Lung Meridian)과 수태양소장경(SI; Small Intestine Meridian)만을 처치하였다. 측정도구는 어깨 통증에 대한 주관적인 표현을 기록하는 사상척도(Visual Analog Scale; VAS)에 의한 통증평정지수를 3회에 걸쳐 측정하였으며, 5점 리커트 척도를 자기평가기입법에 의해 시행하였다. 이상의 연구방법을 통하여 경락마사지를 받은 여성의 어깨 통증 감소에 관한 영향력에 대하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻게 되었다. 첫째, 참가자의 배경변인인 연령에 따른 어깨 통증의 감소효과를 알아보기 위하여 횡단면 분석에서는 모두 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 둘째, 경락마사지 치료에 따른 참가자의 어깨 통증감소 효과를 알아보기 위하여 대응표본 T-test 통한 차이 검증에서도 모두 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 셋째, 연령에 따른 어깨 통증감소의 차이를 알아보기 위하여 다변량분산분석(MANOVA) 검증을 실시한 결과 모두 11개의 항목 중에서 10개의 항목에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 문항 6번의 편두통 관련 항목에서만 유의미한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 이러한 연구의 결과를 통해 경락마사지가 여성의 어깨 통증 감소에 유의한 영향을 미치고 있다는 것을 알 수 있었으며 한의학과 결합된 치료방법인 경락마사지가 어깨 통증감소에 적합한 프로그램임을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 이러한 연구의 결과가 향후 여성의 어깨 통증 치료에 긍정적인 기초 자료를 제공할 것으로 기대한다.

Background Our usage of technology and the continuous adoption of technological innovations has implications for our lives that go beyond traditional marketing questions such as product quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. The psychological consequences of new technology affect our lives and our well-being as individuals. A current technological advancement is the ongoing development of automated driving capabilities. The recent advances have led to the diffusion of semi-autonomous driving systems, such as Teslas autopilot or Daimlers DISTRONIC PLUS. These commercially available technologies correspond to the second level of SAE international’s J3016 standard for automated driving, which ranges from 0 (“No Automation”) to 5 (“Full Automation”, no human needed). SAE level 2 (“Partial Automation”) is defined as “the driving mode-specific execution by one or more driver assistance systems of both steering and acceleration/deceleration using information about the driving environment and with the expectation that the human driver performs all remaining aspects of the dynamic driving.” (SEA On-Road Automated Driving (ORAD) committee, 2014). First of all, qualities of mobility such as safety and comfort influence well-being directly and autonomous driving has a potential impact on these qualities. Furthermore, advances in autonomous driving have particularly social but also ecological and economic benefits. On the one hand, social benefits result from increased social participation by improving mobility of the non-driving, elderly or people with travel-restrictive medical conditions (Harper, Hendrickson, Mangones, & Samaras, 2016; Wadud, MacKenzie, & Leiby, 2016). On the other hand, social benefits result from increasing road safety, less congestions as well as from a reduced number of accidents (Fagnant & Kockelman, 2015). Individual social or personal benefits such as improved safety and comfort or reduced stress levels are also widely perceived by potential users (Bansal, Kockelman, & Singh, 2016; Karlsson & Pettersson, 2015). Additionally, ecological benefits can be realized due to more efficient driving of vehicles and a smoother traffic flow (Wadud et al., 2016). Economic benefits are mainly a result of decreased travel times and of the fact that at high automation levels driving time could be used more productively. Accordingly, this research tends to answer the following research questions: • How does automated driving impact consumers’ well-being? • What qualities of mobility (e.g. safety) mediate the impact of automated driving on consumers’ well-being? Conceptual Model As argued above, automated driving potentially has both a direct and an indirect (mediated) impact on well-being. Subjective well-being (SWB) describes one’s well-being through the global evaluation of life satisfaction (LS), positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA) (Diener, 1984). This tripartite concept of well-being has been widely adopted by researchers, even though the relationship of the three aspects remains in question (Busseri & Sadava, 2011). Busseri and Sadava (2011) provide an overview of five prominent conceptualizations: As three separate components, as a hierarchical construct, as a causal system, as a composite, and as configurations of components. We adhere to Diener’s original model that describes LS, PA, and NA as three separate components. Accordingly, the correlations among the three components are not of primary interest in this model. Therefore, the impact of automated driving on LS, PA, and NA is assessed separately in order to provide a full image of SWB. This leads to the following hypotheses: H1a. Semi-autonomous driving has a positive impact on the level of SWB by increasing positive affect. H1a. Semi-autonomous driving has a positive impact on the level of SWB by decreasing negative affect. H1c. Semi-autonomous driving has a positive impact on the level of SWB by increasing life satisfaction. Driving influences subjective well-being through different mediators. One potential mediating factor, discussed quite controversially in literature, is fun. While non-automated driving shows a higher level of fun than automated driving, still a large majority is fascinated by automated driving (Kyriakidis, Happee, & Winter, 2015) and also a discharge from the actual driving could be perceived as fun. The most relevant perceived benefit of automated driving studied in literature is safety, followed by stress (e.g. Bansal et al., 2016; Karlsson & Pettersson, 2015; Kyriakidis et al., 2015). Therefore, we formulate the following hypotheses: H2a. The impact of semi-autonomous driving well-being is mediated by fun. H2b. The impact of semi-autonomous driving well-being is mediated by stress. H2c. The impact of semi-autonomous driving well-being is mediated by security. Design/methodology/approach Our sample comprises of two groups with a total of 259 respondents. Group 1 contains 111 respondents using automated driving while group 2 contains 148 respondents not using automated driving. In a first step, to test hypotheses H1a to H1c, we use ANOVA to analyse the group’s differences regarding positive affect, negative effect, and life satisfaction. We analyse both the aggregated values and the single items for all three aspects of subjective well-being. ANOVA was conducted using SPSS version 25. In a second step, to test hypotheses H2a to H2c, three multiple parallel mediation models were estimated with ordinary least squares path analysis. Each model consisted of one of the aspects of SWB as the dependent variable as well as the three mediators. The models were estimated using PROCESS version 3.0 (Hayes, 2013) and SPSS version 25. Findings ANOVA shows a highly significant interaction between semi-automated driving and well-being for negative affect, but not for positive affect and life satisfaction. Looking at the items that amount to positive affect, we see that drivers with the new technology have more excitement, pride and interest. But these effects are counterweighted by significantly less activity, determination and attention. In the context of semi-autonomous driving, being less active, attentive and determined can be interpreted as a positive thing (driving more relaxed). Therefore, we adjust the positive affect scale and remove these three items to from the scale for further analysis. Cronbach’s alpha for all three aspects of subjective well-being is 0.73 or above, thus indicating adequate convergence. Mediation analysis (process model 4) on positive affect reveals a significant indirect effect of semi-automated driving moderated by fun. There is no significant mediation effect for safety and stress as well as no significant direct effect of semi-automated driving on positive affect. The parallel mediation model using negative affect as the dependent variable, shows a significant direct effect of semi-automated driving as well as significant indirect effects mediated by safety and stress. Semi-automated driving reduces negative affect directly as well as by increasing safety, which reduces negative affect. It also reduces negative affect by decreasing stress, which is positively linked to negative affect. Fun, however, has no significant effect on negative affect. Last, life satisfaction shows a combination of the effects mentioned above: Automated-driving has a significant positive direct effect on life satisfaction. Furthermore, life satisfaction is influenced positively through increased fun, safety, and decreased stress. Implications ANOVA and mediation analysis show a positive impact of semi-automated driving on subjective well-being, thus contributing to the investigation of new technologies on consumers’ well-being. Using Diener’s tripartite model of subjective well-being, analyses revealed that the positive effect is especially driven by reducing negative affect. Further research is needed to investigate the transformative impact of (semi-) autonomous driving more deeply and broadly. Especially investigations differentiating between target groups of the new technology might be an interesting path to follow, since the impact on the different aspects of SWB might differ (e.g. increase of positive affect for early adopters vs. decrease of negative affect for people with reduced mobility). Furthermore, our investigation contributes to the conceptual discussion about the structure of the tripartite model of subjective well-being. The fact that life satisfaction as a dependent variable, to some extent, combines the effects observed for positive and negative affect indicates that the three aspects are causally linked instead of being separate. Researchers have promoted a system where positive affect and negative affect are conceptualized as inputs to life satisfaction before (Busseri & Sadava, 2011). Last, our findings give directions to marketing executives for marketing new technologies in general and (semi-)automated driving specifically. First, practitioners need to think about the well-being impact of their technology, i.e. evaluate if it increases well-being by increasing positive affect or by decreasing negative affect. The two paths lead to different marketing measures and ways to promote the technology. More specifically, for semi-autonomous driving a mixed strategy commends itself. It is essential to demonstrate that the new technology reduces the pains of driving while being fun at the same time.

This study aimed to determine the effect of depression between the healthrelated quality of life and pain in elderly persons with physical disabilities. A total of 111 patients who were treated at hospital B (Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan) participated in the Survey. The SF-36 Health Assessment was used to determine the quality of life of subjects, the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form to assess the level of depression, and Numeric Rating Scale to determine the level of pain. To determine the moderating effect of depression on the relationship between quality of life and pain, simple regression analysis, and the Sobel test were performed. There was a significant negative correlation between health-related quality of life and pain (r<-.3, p<.05), and a significant positive correlation between depression and pain (r=.251, p<.05). Thus, health-related quality of life had a simple regression relationship with depression and pain. Depression also showed a mediating effect between health-related quality of life and pain. The results of this study suggest that depression mediates between pain and quality of life.

Background: A limited hip rotational range of motion (ROM) has been considered to be one of characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in athletes. Although LBP frequently occurs in jiu-jitsu athletes, no previous has compared hip rotational ROM between jiu-jitsu athletes with and without LBP. Objects: The aim of the study was to compare ROM for hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), and total hip rotation between jiu-jitsu athletes with and without LBP. Methods: Jiu-jitsu athletes were recruited for the LBP group (n1=15) and control group without LBP (n2=15). IR, ER, and total rotational range of hip joint were measured using a goniometer. Analysis of variance was used to compare the ROM between groups and sides. Results: The LBP group showed a significantly lower range of passive hip IR, passive total rotation, active IR, active ER, and active total rotation than the control group (p<.05). Dominant side of passive hip IR and active IR had a significantly lower ROM than non-dominant side (p<.05). In passive ER ROM, non-dominant side was significantly greater than dominant side (p<.05). Conclusion: Compared to jiu-jitsu athletes without LBP, athletes with LBP exhibit a loss of hip rotational ROM. Based on these results, clinicians and athletic trainers should measure hip rotational ROM when designing the management plan for jiu-jitsu athletes with LBP.

Background: The continuous co-contraction of the trunk muscles through trunk stabilization exercises is important to patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, intentional abdominal muscle contraction (IAMC) for trunk stabilization has been used only for specific training in the treatment room. Objects: The purpose of this study was to provide feedback to adults with LSS to enable IAMC during activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods: The participants with spinal stenosis were divided into an experimental group of 15 adults and a control group of 16 adults. Electromyographic signals were measured while the subjects kept their both hands held up at 90°. The measured muscles were the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES). Pelvic tilt was measured using a digital pelvic inclinometer. The degree of pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional capacity was measured using the Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (KODI). Results: While the experimental group showed statistically significantly higher activities in the RA, EO, and IO after the intervention compared with the control group. Pelvic tilt was significantly decreased only in the experimental group. Both the experimental and control groups exhibited statistically significant declines in the VAS and KODI (p<.01). In terms of the levels of changes, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant larger decline only in the VAS and the pelvic tilt when compared with the control group (p<.05). Conclusions: The subjects could stabilize their trunks, and relieve their pain and dysfunctions and reduce pelvic tilt by learning abdominal muscle contraction during ADLs.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the thoracic spine manipulation on spinal alignment (Cobb angle), pain, and trunk range of motion (ROM) in a patient with mild thoracic scoliosis. The Cobb angle was 11.0° and there was a right deviation of the thoracic spine. The subject had thoracic and lumbar pain, and had felt stiffness during turning of the trunk for about 3 years. Thoracic manipulation was applied at the upper thoracic spine as a therapeutic intervention three times per week for 5 weeks. After intervention, the Cobb angle decreased from 11.0° to 5.5° and the pain score decreased from 4.0 to 1.5, and the trunk left rotation ROM increased from 30.0° to 41.5°, and trunk right rotation ROM increased from 26.0° to 39.0°. These results suggest that the thrust thoracic manipulation technique had a positive effect on the spinal alignment, pain and trunk rotation ROM in patients with mild scoliosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of central posteroanterior mobilization on the pain, muscle tone, flexibility of trunk flexion, lumbar lordosis in patient with chronic back pain has been studied. The target subject was a 23 year old man, who had chronic back pain without surgical history within six months. The pain has been indicated by the pressure pain threshold, when the subject was pressed his spinous process of L3-L1 by the pressure of grade Ⅳ. The muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness were measured by the MYOTONEⓇ PRO, and the flexibility of trunk flexion was evaluated by the distance from the figure tips to the floor, when subjects flexed their body. The lumbar lordosis was measured from the X-ray picture. The lumbar central posteroanterior mobilization of Maitland orthopedic physical therapy has been applied to the spinous process of L3-L1 in grade Ⅳ by five sets and 10 times for each set. According to the measurement result right after the intervention, the pain decreased from 2/10 to 1/10 based on the visual analogue scale. The flexibility of trunk flexion (distance from the finger tips to the floor) increased The muscle tone decreased from 15.3 to 14.65 and the muscle stiffness also decreased 53.5 from 310 to 256.5. However, the muscle elasticity increased from 0.89 to 1.04 and there was no changed on the lumbar lordosis as 25°. The results of the present study suggest that the central posteroanterior mobilization decrease the pain, muscle tone, and muscle stiffness of the lumbar area, however increase the muscle elasticity and flexibility of the trunk flexion.

This study aims to identify the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and stretching technique on flexibility, muscle tone and pressure pain threshold of a shortened hamstring. A total of 40 patients with hamstring shortening was randomly assigned to either the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group (n=20) or extracorporeal shock wave therapy with stretching technique group (n=20) to identify the effects of the two different forms of physical therapy intervention. All the participants underwent extracorporeal shockwave therapy twice a week for 3 weeks, and the extracorporeal shockwave therapy with stretching technique group performed stretching techniques with the same frequency for 3 weeks. To measure hamstring flexibility before and after intervention, the passive straight leg raising test was performed, and muscle tone and pressure pain threshold were assessed. The flexibility of the hamstrings significantly improved, while the pressure pain threshold increased in both groups. These findings suggest that the effective in improving hamstring flexibility, reducing muscle tone, and increasing pressure pain threshold in adults with hamstring shortening.