Background: Previous studies have highlighted the beneficial impact of trunk strength training on gross motor muscle function. Additionally, trunk strength training has been shown to enhance upper limb function and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Although numerous studies have explored dynamic and static balance for children with cerebral palsy, none have yet examined the combined application of kinetic link training (KLT) and bird dog exercise (BDE). Objectives: To investigated the effect of cerebral Palsy on the KLT and BDE. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study involved 30 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. They were randomly allocated to two groups: 15 children in the KLT group and 15 in the bird-dog group. During the intervention, four participants dropped out, resulting in 26 subjects for the final analysis (KLT=11, Bird-dog=15). After randomizing the subjects into two groups, we allocated their general characteristics. Prior to starting the intervention, initial measurements were taken using the Romberg test for static balance and the limit of stability (LOS) test for dynamic balance. Each group participated in KLT and BDE for 30 minutes, three times a week for eight weeks, under the supervision of a therapist. Follow-up measurements of static and dynamic balance were taken at the conclusion of the eight-week period. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS ver. 21.0 program by paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: In the results for static balance, the within-group comparisons indicated a significant reduction in trace length, STD velocity, and velocity postintervention compared to pre-intervention for both the KLT and BDE groups, except for the C90 area (P<.05). Regarding dynamic balance, the withingroup comparisons demonstrated a significant increase in LOS in the forward direction for the BDE group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). Similarly, there was a significant increase in LOS in the backward direction for the KLT group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). The LOS in both the left and right directions showed significant increases in the BDE group from pre- to post-intervention (P<.05). Conclusion: An eight-week intervention involving KLT and BDE exercises improved both static and dynamic balance in children with cerebral palsy.

Background: Balance is the foundation of performing daily activities, and has been proven to be improved by various compression materials. As a new and never-before-seen means, the floss band improves joint range of motion, increases muscle flexibility, and affects balance. Several studies using the short-term application of a floss band to the ankle have been conducted. However, long-term effects of the floss band on the knee warrant further research. Objectives: This study aims to examine the long-term benefits of strength exercises with a floss band applied to the knee for static and dynamic balance. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Methods: A total of 28 participants (four men and 24 women, aged 20–60 years) with no orthopedic knee conditions were recruited and randomized into two groups, with 14 in the group using the strength exercises with floss bands applied to the knee (the floss band group), and 14 in the group using internal rotation of the tibia during mobilization with movements (MWM; the MWM group). A physical therapist with 10 years of clinical experience applied the intervention 10 times, measuring static and dynamic balance before and after the intervention using the Balance Trainer 4. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of ⍺=.05. Results: Statistically significant effects for static balance and dynamic balance were observed in the comparison from pre- to post-intervention between the floss band and MWM groups (P<.05). Additionally, a statistically significant effect for dynamic balance was noted in the pre- to post-intervention comparison in the floss band group (P<.05). Conclusion: The strength exercises with floss bands applied to the knee are expected to have a long-term effect on improving dynamic balance.

Background: Children with cerebral palsy face challenges in maintaining body stability because of structural and functional defects. Their ability for responsive balance control is diminished. While there exist various trunk stabilization exercises such as Kinetic Link training (KLT) and the Bird-dog posture, there is a notable dearth of research that applies KLT specifically to children with cerebral palsy. Objectives: To investigate the effects of KLT and Bird-dog exercise on gross motor function and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Design: Quaxi-experimental study. Methods: The study participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 individuals in the KLT group and 15 in the Bird-dog group. General characteristics were examined, and initial measurements of Gross motor function measure (GMFM) and Pediatric balance scale (PBS) were taken prior to the intervention. Each group engaged in KLT exercises and Bird-dog exercises for 20 minutes, three times a week over an 8 week period. Following the completion of the 8 week intervention, secondary measurements of GMFM and PBS were conducted. Results: In the KLT group, both PBS and GMFM showed a significant increase after the intervention compared to before (P<.05). Similarly, in the Bird-dog group, both PBS and GMFM significantly increased after the intervention compared to before (P<.05). There was a significant difference observed in PBS when comparing the pre- and post-intervention changes between the two groups (P<.05), whereas no significant difference was found in GMFM between the groups when comparing the pre- and post-intervention changes (P>.05). Conclusion: The interventions involving KLT and Bird-dog exercises were observed to effectively enhance PBS and GMFM in children with cerebral palsy. Specifically, it was evident that KLT was more beneficial in improving balance abilities compared to Bird-dog exercise.

Background: The Nordic hamstring exercise is effective as a representative exercise for strengthening eccentric contraction that can activate the hamstring at high levels, improve eccentric contraction strength and ability, and significantly reduce injury rates. Objectives: To investigated a comparison with the lunge exercise to determine the effect of the Nordic hamstring exercise on muscle activity and balance ability in a sample of adult amateurs and football players. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: The subjects of the study were stratified samples of 28 professional and amateur football players and two groups (Nordic hamstring group and lunge group) of 14 people each were studied. Surface electromyography using, was performed to measure the hamstring muscle activity, and the good morning exercise was selected as the measurement exercise. For balance ability, the surface area ellipse and length were measured with BioRescue, while for static balance, the posture of closing the eyes and single-limb standing was measured, and for dynamic balance the one-legged squat was measured. Results: The %MVIC of the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris improved in the Nordic hamstring exercise group and showed statistically significant increase (P<.05). The static and dynamic balance improved in the Nordic hamstring exercise group and showed statistically significant decrease (P<.05). Conclusion: The Nordic hamstring exercise can be useful as an exercise to improve the hamstring muscle activity and balance ability of professional and amateur football players.

Background: The Trunk Stabilization Exercise and Respiratory Muscle Exercise may help address the complex biomechanical and neuromuscular issues that contribute to shoulder joint disorders and can help improve patient outcomes in terms of pain relief, range of motion, and functional ability. Objectives: To investigated the effects of conventional physical therapy, trunk stabilization exercise, and respiratory muscle exercise, on the Range of Motion (ROM), ULF and balance in patients with shoulder joint disorder. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study randomly allocated 18 subjects to the control group, 19 to the trunk stabilization exercise group, and 19 to the respiratory muscle exercise group, while all interventions were performed five times a week for four weeks. The result measurement involved the ROM, the upper limb function test (ULT), and balance tests. Results: The respiratory muscles exercise group indicated significant improvement in ROM and balance tests than the trunk stabilization exercise group and control group. Conclusion: The respiratory muscle exercise is a more effective way to improve ROM and balance ability than trunk stabilization exercise for patients with shoulder joint disorder.

Background: Changes in foot sole shape can result in plantar muscle weakness, lack of proprioception, increased ankle instability, and an inability to balance. Objectives: To investigated whether different floor surfaces influenced the effect that short-foot exercises have on the foot core system of healthy individuals. Design: Pretest-posttest control group experimental design. Methods: This exercise shortens the length of the foot by raising the medial longitudinal arch, strengthening the intrinsic muscle of the sole, and maintaining the shape of the medial longitudinal arch. Results: There was a significant difference in the angle of the medial longitudinal arch in the mat exercise group (MEG) and vibration exercise group (VEG) before and after the intervention (P<.05). As the arch angle decreased, the arch height increased. Post hoc analysis showed that there was no difference between the floor exercise group (FEG) and MEG or between the MEG and VEG (P>.05). In terms of the weight distribution index (WDI, there was a significant difference in the MEG and VEG (P<.05) but not in the FEG before and after the intervention (P>.05). The post hoc analysis results showed that there was no difference between the FEG and MEG (P>.05). Conclusion: Various methods to improve the strength of intrinsic muscles of the sole are more effective than no stimulation, and that short-foot exercise combined with sensory stimulation can be recommended for maintaining and increasing the medial longitudinal arch.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the function of stroke patients could be improved by simultaneously performing bridging and masticating exercises. And, this was tested by examining whether the effects of arousal and cognitive improvement due to mastication muscle activity could affect exercise ability. Objectives: To compare the effects, the movement of the center of pressure and the stability limit change were measured using a balance analysis platform (BT4). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this study, 36 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either single training group of the bridging exercise or combined training group that performed both the bridging exercise and the mastication exercise. The exercise was performed for thirty minutes a day, three times a week, for eight weeks. Results: In both groups, the static balance ability improved after exercise, but the dual-task training group had a better improving effect on the distance and area of the center of pressure while the eyes was open. The dynamic balance ability also improved after exercise, and the dual-task training was more effective in reducing forward, left, and right movements, but not in backward movement. Conclusion: The importance of mastication was recognized in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients, and it can be expected to use mastication to improve balance in stroke patients in the future.

본 연구는 전화코칭을 병행한 운동프로그램이 지역사회 거주 독거노인의 균형능력, 악력 및 우 울에 미치는 효과를 조사하기 위한 단일집단 사전사후 원시실험연구이다. 연구대상자는 경기도 S시에 위치 한 노인복지관에 등록된 독거노인 20명이 참여하였으며, 자료수집기간은 2021년 7월 03일부터 2021년 10 월 14일까지 총 12회기 프로그램을 시행하였다. 프로그램 전후에 대상자 가정에 직접 방문하여 4단계 균형 검사, 근력검사, 악력 및 우울을 측정하였다. 중재 프로그램은 탄력밴드와 악력볼을 이용하여 구성하였으며 매주 전화코칭 중재를 제공하였다. 연구결과, 전화코칭을 병행한 운동 프로그램은 대상자의 4단계 균형기 능(3단계)(t=-2.37, p=.029), 4단계 균형기능(4단계)(t=-2.46, p=.024), 우측 악력(t=-2.18, p=.042), 우울 (t=2.82, p<.001)에서 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 본 연구 결과를 바탕으로 전화코칭을 병행한 운 동프로그램은 독거노인의 균형능력, 악력 향상 및 우울 감소를 위한 간호중재로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기 대된다.

Background: Short foot exercise, which is an intrinsic foot muscle exercise proposed by the foot core system, is used to improve the strength of intrinsic foot muscles and sensory input and function of the foot. However, there is a lack of studies that assessed the improvement in foot function after short foot exercise in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Objectives: To investigate the effects of short foot exercise on intrinsic foot muscle cross-sectional area and balance ability in patients who had undergone a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Design: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen patients who were undergoing ankle rehabilitation exercises following the modified Broström operation were randomized into two groups. General physical therapy, short foot exercises, and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the experimental group (n=8), whereas general physical therapy and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the control group (n=8). For outcome measures, the intrinsic muscles of the foot were imaged using the Sonimage HS1 musculoskeletal ultrasound system. The Y-balance test and RS-foot scan system were used to confirm dynamic balance ability and static balance ability. Results: The cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis and dynamic balance ability significantly improved in the experimental group that underwent short foot exercise compared to the control group (P<.05). In contrast, static balance ability was not significantly different between the two groups (P>.05). Conclusion: Short foot exercise successfully increased the cross-sectional area of the abductor muscle and improved dynamic balance after a modified Broström operation

Background: Although the Schroth exercise is widely used in idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping is not. And, little research has examined their effectiveness. Objectives: To investigate the effect of Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping on idiopathic scoliosis. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants with hamstring tightness were allocated into the Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping group (SETG, n=12) and the schroth exercise group (SEG, n=11). Participants groups performed Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping or Schroth exercise according to group assignment. To identify changes in spine alignment and balance were performed at pre- and postexercise. Results: Significant changes occurred in spine alignment, balance ability (X mean, LOS forward, LOS right) after exercise in SETG (P<.05). SETG was a significant difference in balance ability (LOS right) than SEG. Conclusion: Schroth exercise with kinesiotaping are effective in improving spine alignment and balance ability in idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Stroke patients have weak trunk muscle strength due to brain injury, so a single type of exercise is advised for restoring functionality. However, even after intervention, the problem still lies and it is suggested that another intervention method should be applied with exercise in order to deal with such problem. Objectives: To Investigate the effect of bridge exercise combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) on trunk muscle activity and balance in stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: From July to August 2020, twenty stroke patients was sampled, ten patients who mediated bridge exercises combined with functional electrical stimulation were assigned to experiment group I, and ten patients who mediated general bridge exercises were assigned to experiment groupⅡ. For the pre-test, using surface EMG were measured paralyzed rectus abdominis, erector spinae, transverse abdominis/internal oblique muscle activity, and using trunk impairment scale were measured balance. In order to find out immediate effect after intervention, post-test was measured immediately same way pre-test. Results: Change in balance didn’t show significant difference within and between groups, but muscle activity of trunk was significant difference rectus abdominis and erector spinae within groups I (P<.01), also between groups was significant difference (P<.05). Conclusion: Bridge exercise combined with FES could improve trunk function more effectively than general bridge exercise due to physiological effect of functional electrical stimulation.

Background: Thera-Band, Narrow squats, Kinesiology taping helps in the reduction of loading on the knee joints. Despite the fact that the varus knee negatively affects the alignment of the lower extremities, most of the studies have analyzed each independently. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a complex exercise program consisting of elastic band exercises and squat exercises on the distance between the inner knees and balance in young adults with genu varum. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: The complex exercise group performed resistance exercises using an elastic band. The taping group used kinesiology tape on the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris. To select those to be included in the study, we measured the distance between the knees using digital Vernier calipers and to measure the balance ability, we used a balance training system. The data were analyzed with the independent t-test and paired t-test. Results: The study indicated a significant difference in the distance between the knees between the two groups, but no significant differences in the dynamic balance between the groups. Also, the static balance comparison between the groups according to the intervention method included the trace length, C90 area, C90 angle and velocity. There were no significant differences in the static balance between the groups. In addition, the complex exercise program was more effective than taping. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the complex exercise program and taping decrease the between both the knee and increase the balance.

Background: If there is a difference in leg length, the center of gravity shifts unilaterally toward the short leg, causing loss of balance and secondary postural imbalance, trunk muscle tone changes, gait abnormalities and pelvic imbalance. Objectives: To investigate effects of self exercise program on leg length, balance in adults with leg-length discrepancy. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-eight participants were selected and divided into resistance exercise, flexibility exercise, and core exercise. Each exercise was performed for 40 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Leg length and balance before and after exercise were measured and analyzed. Results: Following the interventions, resistance exercise group showed significant improvement in balance, but leg length difference did not show significant results. Flexibility exercise group showed significant improvement in leg length difference, but balance did not show significant results. Core exercise group showed significant improvement in leg length difference and balance. There was no significant difference in the comparison between the three groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that customized exercise according to the patient's level is beneficial to the patients.

Background: Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the sports population or during usual daily life activities. The sprain can cause functional ankle instability (FAI), and it is very important to treat FAI. However, the optimum intervention method for FAI has yet to be determined. Objects: This study investigated the impact that virtual reality (VR) training program on balance with ankle kinesio taping for FAI. Methods: Twenty-two people were selected for the study and randomly divided into the experimental (n = 11) and the control group (n = 11). The experimental group had attached kinesio taping on the ankle and then implemented a virtual reality exercise program for 30 minutes a day. Nintendo Wii Fit Plus was used for the VR intervention three times a week for four weeks. The control group performed only two measurements without intervention. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in overall, anterior-posterior (AP), medial-lateral (ML) index of the static balance, and significant differences in overall, AP, ML index of the dynamic balance when taping and VR exercise were applied at the same time (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in overall and ML index of static and dynamic balance compared with before and after assessment between the experimental and the control group, and found differences in AP index of static and dynamic balance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Kinesio taping may not influence the balance of FAI as great as people expected. VR approach does not affect the static balance of FAI, but it influences dynamic balance in overall, AP, ML index. The authors suggest that VR-based exercises can be used as an additional concept in clinicians for FAI or as part of a home program because the exercises still have limitations.

Background: Stroke patients have multiple disorders, but most have problems with balance and gait. Post-stroke rehabilitation exercise has been shown to be very important for functional recovery. Objectives: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of sling exercise (SE) on patients with stroke in studies published in Korea. Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Five databases, namely, RISS, KISS, NDSL, DBpia and Earticle, were used to collect articles on vibration. Keywords such as “Stroke,” “Hemiplegia,” “Sling,” and “Sling Exercise” were used in the search for published articles. Interventions and comparisons were SE and other exercise (OE). Outcome measures were berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up and go (TUG). Consequently, eight studies were selected in the second screening using meta-analyses. Results: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, SE was effective for BBS in the comparison of SE and OE [2.71, 95% CI (1.42, 4.01)]. It was effective for TUG in the comparison of SE and OE [-1.89, 95% CI (-3.01, -0.77)]. Conclusion: Based on eight limited studies, SE improved BBS and TUG over OE, suggesting improved stroke balance and gait. Therefore, more studies and large-scale sample randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical application.

Background: Weakness of the trunk muscles decreases the trunk control ability of stroke patients, which is significantly related to balance and gait. Objectives: To compare the impact of diagonal pattern self-exercise on an unstable surface and a stable surface for trunk rehabilitation on trunk control, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Design: Nonequivalent control group design. Methods: Twenty four participants were randomized into the experimental group (diagonal pattern self-exercise while sitting on an unstable surface, n=12) and the control group (diagonal pattern self-exercise while sitting on a stable surface, n=12). All interventions were conducted for 30 minutes, three times a week for four weeks, and the trunk impairment scale (TIS), berg balance scale (BBS), functional gait assessment (FGA), and G-walk were measured. Results: All groups indicated significant increases in all variables (TIS, BBS, FGA, cadence, speed, stride length) after four weeks. The TIS, BBS, FGA, cadence, gait speed, and stride length group-by-time were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: We found that, in stroke patients, diagonal pattern self-exercise on an unstable surface is a more effective method for improving trunk control, balance, and gait ability than diagonal pattern self-exercise on a stable surface.

본 연구는 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성을 대상으로 12주간의 노르딕 워킹을 통해 신체 기능과 관절염 통증 정도의 개선에 어떠한 효과를 미치는지 규명하는데 목적이 있다. 본 연구의 대상자는 퇴행성관절염으로 진단받은 노인여성 16명(나이: 73.00±3.70year, 신장: 154.30±4.07cm)을 대상으로 무선배정 된 노르딕 워킹 운동그룹(n=9)과 통제그룹(n=7)으로 나누었다. 운동 그룹은 노르딕 스틱을 이용하여 12주간 주 3회, 1회 30분 노르딕 워킹 운동을 실시하였고, 운동 강도는 HRR의 40-60%로 설정하였다. 통제그룹은 동일한 기간 동안 일상생활을 유지하도록 하였다. 종속변인으로 신체조성(체중, 체지방률, 근골격량)과 근력과 유연성(상·하지 근력, 상·하지 유연성), 균형능력(정적균 형, 동적균형) 및 통증정도를 측정하였다. 이러한 지표들의 측정은 운동프로그램을 진행하기 전과 후로 나누어 2번 측정하였다. 자료처리는 SPSS-PC version 25.0을 이용하여 실험집단과 통계집단간의 생리학적 특성 비교를 위해 독립표본 t-test를 사용하였으며, 노르딕 워킹 운동그룹과 통제그룹의 그룹 간, 시기간의 변화를 알아보기 위해 2x2 반복측정 이원배치분산분석을 사용하였다. 연구 결과는 첫째, 12주간의 노르딕 워킹을 통해 신체조성 기능에서 체지방률은 운동 처치 후에 감소하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.004), 집단 간과 시기 간의 상호작용에서도 감소하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.003). 골격근량은 운동처치 후에 증가하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.018), 집단 간과 시기 간의 상호작용에서도 증가하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.005). 둘째, 근력과 유연성은 상지근력과 하지유연성에서 집단 간과 시기 간 상호작용에서 증가하는 결과가 나타났으며(p=.009)(p=036), 하지근력에서는 운동집단과 통제집단 간 개선 효과가 나타났다(p=.006). 또한, 상지유연성은 운동처치 후에 증가하는 결과가 나타났다(p=.020). 셋째, 균형능력 요인은 정적균형에서 운동처치 후 개선 효과가 나타났으며(p=.016), 동적균형에서는 차이가 나타나지 않았다(p>.05). 넷째, 통증정도는 운동처치 후 개선 효과가 나타났으며(p=.022), 운동집단과 통제집단 간에 개선 효과도 나타났다(p=.013). 결론적으로 12주간의 노르딕 워킹은 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성의 신체조성과 근력과 유연성 에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 노르딕 워킹은 퇴행성 무릎 관절염을 가진 노인여성 에게 신체조성과 안정성, 균형성을 높여 주였으며, 무릎 관절의 통증을 낮춰주어 재활 운동 기능 개선에 효과적인 운동방법이라고 사료된다.

Background: Functional ankle instability (FAI) indicating a decrease in muscle strength, proprioception, neuromuscular control, balance and postural control function. Objective: To investigate the effect of jumping exercise on the supporting surface on the ankle muscle thickness, proprioceptive sensation, and balance in adults with FAI. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: Twenty young people with FAI were randomly assigned to the unstable supporting surface jump group (N=10) and the stable supporting surface jump group (N=10). The intervention was conducted three times a week for eight weeks, and for 30 minutes per session. Trampoline was used as an unstable support surface and the stable support surface was carried out on a regular floor. The thickness of the tibialis anterior muscle and medial gastrocnemius muscle was measured by ultrasonography, and the proprioception of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was measured using an electrogoniometer. The dynamic balance was also measured with a balance meter. Results: The the muscle thickness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle was significantly higher in the stable supporting surface jump group than in the unstable supporting surface jump group (p<.05). Furthermore, the plantar flexion proprioception and dynamic balance were significantly improved in the unstable supporting surface jump group than in the stable supporting surface jump group in the intergroup comparison (p<.05). Conclusions: The conclusion has been reached in this study that the jumping exercise on the unstable supporting surface could be a more effective in improving FAI than the regular surface.

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.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercise and joint mobilization on ankle joint range of motion (ROM), plantar pressure, and balance in subjects with stroke. Thirty patients (n=30) were organized into three groups, each of which received different treatments: PNF stretching (n=10), joint mobilization (n=10), and joint mobilization and PNF stretching combined (n=10). Each group received three exercise sessions per week for four weeks. The ankle ROM was measured using a goniometer, and plantar pressure and balance ability were measured using BioResque static posturography. In comparison within each group, the joint mobilization group and the joint mobilization with PNF stretching group showed significant improvements in ankle ROM, plantar pressure, and balance ability (p<.05). In comparison between the groups, a statistically significant difference was found in SECS change between the PNF stretching group, joint mobilization group and the joint mobilization with PNF stretching group. This study found demonstrates that the joint mobilization and joint mobilization with the PNF stretching methods were effective in improving ankle ROM, plantar pressure, and balance ability in stroke patients.