Background: Bird dog exercise (BDE) is one of the lumbar stabilization exercises that rehabilitate low back pain by co-contraction of the local and global muscles. Previous studies have reported the effect of various type of BDEs (for example, practicing the exercises on various surfaces and changing the limb movement) for muscle co-contraction. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of knee joint flexion position of the raised lower limb on abdominal and back muscle activity during BDE in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Thirteen males participated in this study (age: 32.54 ± 4.48 years, height: 177.38 ± 7.17 cm). Surface electromyographic (SEMG) data of the internal abdominal oblique (IO), external abdominal oblique (EO), lumbar multifidus (MF), and thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT) were collected in two knee joint flexion positions (90° flexion versus 0° flexion) during BDE. The SEMG data were expressed as a percentage of root mean square mean values obtained in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Greater muscle activity of the IO (p = 0.001), MF (p = 0.009), and ICLT (p = 0.021) of the raised lower limb side and the EO (p = 0.001) and MF (p = 0.009) of the contralateral side were demonstrated in the knee joint flexion position compared to the knee joint extension position. Greater local/global activity ratios of the abdominal muscle (i.e., IO and EO) of the raised lower limb (p = 0.002) and the back muscle (i.e., MF and ICLT) of the contralateral side (p = 0.028) were also noted in the knee joint flexion position. Conclusion: BDE with a knee joint flexion position might be recommended as an alternative lumbar stabilization exercise to enhance muscle activity in both the raised lower limb and the contralateral sides of the trunk for individuals with CLBP

The purpose of this study was to utilize the K-MBI (Korean Modified Barthel Index) and subscales of K-MBI in predicting the length of hospital stay (LOS) and the discharge destinations for stroke patients. The study population consisted of 97 stroke patients (57 men and 40 women) admitted to the Seoul National University at the Bundang Hospital. All participants were assessed by K-MBI at admission and discharge after rehabilitation therapy and the information available was investigated at admission. The data were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U test, the stepwise multiple regression and the logistic regression. The median LOS was 30 days (mean, 32.8 days; range, 22 to 43 days). The K-MBI score at initiation of rehabilitation therapy (p<.001), the type of stroke and living habits before a stroke were the main explanatory indicators for LOS (p<.05). Within the parameters of K-MBI measured at initiation for rehabilitation, feeding and chair/bed transfer were the explanatory factors for LOS prediction (p<.01). Confidence in the prediction of LOS was 20%. Significant predictors of discharge destination in a logistic regression model were the discharge K-MBI score, sex and hemiplegic side. Dressing in items of discharge K-MBI was the significant predictor of discharge destination. The K-MBI score was the most important factor to predict LOS and discharge destination. Knowledge of these predictors can contribute to more appropriate treatment and discharge planning.