Background: Pressure biofeedback may facilitate selective rotator cuff activation during shoulder external rotation, but training effects and structural changes are unclear. Objectives: To examine the effects of a 4-week external rotation program with pressure biofeedback on shoulder muscle activity and rotator cuff thickness. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy adults were randomized to experimental (n=15) or control (n=15). Both performed seated external rotation at 30° with an elastic band (3×12 reps, 4 sessions/week, 4-week); the biofeedback group maintained 40 mmHg scapular adduction pressure. Surface EMG (%MVIC) and ultrasound muscle thickness were assessed pre/post. Paired and independent t-tests were used (α=.05). Results: In the experimental group, teres minor and infraspinatus activity increased, whereas middle and posterior deltoid activity decreased (P<.05). Post-intervention, rotator cuff activity was higher and posterior deltoid activity was lower versus control (P<.05). Muscle thickness showed no significant changes. Conclusions: A 4-week pressure biofeedback training program changed muscle activation during shoulder external rotation by increasing rotator cuff activation and decreasing compensatory deltoid activity. These findings indicate meaningful neuromuscular adaptations during the external rotation task.

Background: Plank exercises are widely used for core stabilization, but the effects of applying instability to different support surfaces on trunk muscle activation remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of support surface instability on the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles including the rectus abdominis, internal oblique and transversus abdominis, multifidus, and longissimus during the plank exercise. Design: This study is quasi-experimental design. Methods: Thirty healthy university students performed plank exercises under four conditions: stable surface, unstable elbows, unstable feet, and unstable both. Muscle activity was measured using wireless EMG. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc tests. Results: The rectus abdominis showed a statistically significant increase in muscle activation when both elbows and feet were placed on an unstable surface compared with the stable condition (P<.05). Conclusions: Unstable support surfaces during planks significantly enhance rectus abdominis activation, increasing global muscle recruitment for postural control. Conversely, stable surfaces may be preferable for training deep stabilizers without excessive superficial muscle dominance.

Background: Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested core stabilization exercise as a conservative treatment approach for scoliosis. Objectives: To investigate the effects of sling exercise and unilateral core exercise on the angle, balance ability, and muscle tone in individuals with scoliosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-one students in their twenties with mild scoliosis were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to one of three groups: a sling exercise group (n=7), a unilateral core exercise group (n=6), and a combined sling and unilateral core exercise group (n=6). Two participants dropped out during the study. Each group performed its designated exercise program individually, three times per week for five weeks. Measurements of scoliosis angle, balance, and muscle tone were taken before and after the intervention. Results: The sling exercise intervention significantly reduced the scoliosis angle (P<.05) and significantly increased muscle tone on the convex side (P<.05). In the combined sling and unilateral core exercise group, a significant improvement in static balance ability was observed (P<.05). Conclusion: Among the core stabilization exercises applied to scoliosis, sling exercise may be considered a potential intervention for mild scoliosis.

Background: Core muscles provide important dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine. The twist sit-up can simultaneously stimulate the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of knee angles during twist sit-up exercises and determine the most efficient knee angle for performing this exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study recruited 30 students from S University regardless of gender. The subjects performed a total of 10 twist sit-ups at five different knee angles (0, 40, 65, 90, and 105 degrees), divided between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. The thickness of abdominal muscles (EO, IO, and TrA), was measured using ultrasonography on rest position and full contraction position for each angle of knee flexion and compared between angles. Results: There were significant differences in the ipsilateral EO, IO, and TrA muscle thickness at different knee flexion angles (P<0.5). There was a significant difference in the thickness of EO between 0 and 105 degrees and between 40 and 105 degrees (P<0.5), a significant difference in the thickness of IO between 0 and 105 degrees (P<0.5), and a significant difference in the thickness of TrA between 0 and 105 degrees, 40 and 90 degrees, and 65 and 90 degrees (P<0.5). Conclusion: In conclusion, the muscles involved in axial rotation i.e., EO and IO, maximally contract at a knee flexion angle of 105 degrees. Therefore, this may be the most optimal angle to perform twist sit-ups.

Background: Weakness of gluteus medius (Gmed) is related with musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals who experience weakness in the Gmed may activate the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) as a compensatory mechanism. Application of isometric hip extension (IHE) with Thera-band may affect the activities of the Gmed, gluteus maximus (Gmax), and TFL, and the activity ratio of Gmed/TFL during side-lying hip abduction (SHA). Objects: To determine the influences of IHE during SHA on Gmed, Gmax, and TFL activities in participants with Gmed weakness. Methods: Three types of SHA exercises were performed: 1) traditional SHA in the frontal plane (SHA-T), 2) SHA with IHE applying Thera-band in the frontal plane (SHA-IHE), 3) and SHA with isometric hip flexion (IHF) applying Thera-band in the frontal plane (SHA-IHF). Results: SHA-IHE significantly showed higher Gmed and Gmax activities than SHA-T and SHA-IHF. SHA-IHF significantly showed higher activity of TFL than SHA-T or SHA-IHE. The activity ratio of Gmed/TFL was significantly higher in the SHA-IHE, SHA-T, and SHA-IHF, in that order. Conclusion: The SHA-IHE resulted in higher activities of Gmed, Gmax and a higher muscle ratio of Gmed/TFL.

Background: Child care center teachers are exposed to musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive movements at low heights due to the nature of their jobs. Self-myofascial release (SMFR) improves flexibility, pain, and functional performance. Pectoralis minor self-stretching (PMSS) improves muscle flexibility and postural alignment. PMSS has been commonly used to correct a rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Objectives: To examine the shoulder height, muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and muscle elasticity for women child care center teachers with RSP. Design: Randomized study. Methods: The participants were 20 women child care center teachers with RSP. They were randomly assigned two groups: SMFR group (n=10) and PMSS group (n=10). They performed each exercise for 20 min, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. They measured shoulder height, muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of upper trapezius before and after exercise. Results: In the shoulder height, there was no significant difference between two groups. There were significant decreases within both groups. In the muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, there was no significant difference between two groups and within two groups. Conclusion: SMFR using a hard massage ball and PMSS have a positive effect on posture correction for child care center teacher with RSP.

Background: Most patients with chronic stroke have difficulty walking, and various exercise methods are used clinically to improve the disability. Among them, various methods are being applied to improve walking through torso movement. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Maitland vertebra joint mobilization exercise and Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercise on the walking ability of patients with hemiparesis due to chronic stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this study, 30 chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia were divided into 15 patients in the Maitland vertebra joint mobilization group (MVJMG) and 15 in the Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercise group (ETMSEG), and the intervention was conducted for 3 weeks, 5 times a week, 30 minutes a day. After the intervention, walking ability was measured using a gait analyzer. Results: In terms of walking ability, there was a significant increase in walking rate, walking speed, and stride length following the intervention in both the MVJMG and ETMSEG groups (P<.05). When comparing the difference in walking ability between the two groups, there was no significant difference in walking rate. Conclusion: The study found that both Maitland vertebra joint mobilization and Evjenth trunk muscle stretching exercises were effective for improving walking function in chronic stroke patients. However, there was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two interventions.

Background: The serratus anterior (SA) is a muscle that performs protraction of the scapulothoracic joint and plays a role in stabilizing the scapula. Imbalances or weaknesses in SA activation are associated with a variety of shoulder dysfunctions, making selective SA strengthening important for rehabilitation. Objects: We aimed to compare the muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM), SA, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise with isometric hip adduction (HA) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Methods: Nineteen healthy male participants performed three PUP exercises: standard PUP, PUP with ADIM, and PUP with HA. Surface electromyography was used to measure and analyze the muscle activity for PM, SA, EO, and IO. Results: PUP with HA showed the lowest PM activity and highest SA activity, and no significant difference was observed between PUP and PUP with ADIM. PUP with ADIM showed significantly the highest EO and IO activity, followed by PUP with HA and PUP. Additionally, PUP with HA showed the lowest PM/SA ratio, and no significant difference was noted between PUP and PUP with ADIM. Conclusion: PUP with HA was able to show high SA muscle activity while reducing PM muscle activity. In addition, PUP with HA can lead to higher EO and IO muscle activity than standard PUP. This exercise could be used as a practical exercise method to selectively strengthen SA and improve scapular muscle stability during early shoulder rehabilitation.

Background: Interventions for acute low back pain include exercise therapy such as stretching, aerobic exercise, and sling exercise. Another treatment method for back pain is soft tissue release. Soft tissue release is a relaxation method that improves balance while allowing tension tissues to relax as much as possible. Objectives: To investigated the effect of acute low back pain on the massage ball exercise. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The twenty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to the Massage ball exercise with TENS group (MBETG, n=14) and the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (TG, n=14). For MBETG, massage ball exercise (BALLance Dr. Tanja Kühne method) was applied for 25 minutes followed by TENS for 15 minutes. The TG group applied TENS for 40 minutes. Each group conducted the intervention three sessions. The results were analyzed by measuring the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), surface electromyography (%MVIC), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and after the intervention in each group. Results: Significant reduction was observed for NPRS and ODI in the MBETG (P<.05). And Significant higher was observed for %MVIC of the Erector spinae in the MBETG (P<.05). The NPRS and ODI in the MBETG were decreaed than the TG (P<.05). Conclusion: Massage ball exercise to patients with acute back pain will be effective in reducing pain, increasing muscle activity, and improving functional disability.

본 연구의 목적은 알츠하이머질환(Alzheimer’s disease: AD) 동물 모델을 대상으로 트레드밀 운 동(Treadmill exercise: TE)과 환경강화(environmental enrichment: EE) 처치가 인지기능, 근 기능, 및 밀 착연접 단백질 발현에 미치는 영향을 확인하는데 있다. AD 동물 모델을 제작하기 위해 aluminum chloride(AlCl3)를 90일간(40mg/kg/하루) 투여 하였으며 동시에 TE(10-12m/min, 40-60min/day) 혹은 EE에 노출시켰다. 그 결과 AlCl3 투여에 의한 인지기능 저하와 근 기능 감소가 TE와 EE에 의해 완화된 것 으로 나타났다. 또한, TE와 EE는 AD 질환에서 나타나는 β-amyloid(Aβ), alpha-synuclein 및 tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) 단백질의 발현 증가를 감소시킨 것으로 나타났다. 게다가 TE와 EE는 AlCl3 투여에 의해 감소된 밀착연접 단백질(Occludin, Claudin-5 및 ZO-1)의 발현을 통계적으로 유의하게 증가시킨 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 Aβ 단백질과 밀착연접 단백질과의 상관분석을 실시한 결과 부적 상 관관계(Occludin: r=-0.853, p=0.001; Claudin-5 : r=-0.352, p=0.915; ZO-1 : r=-0.424, p=0.0390) 로 나타났다. 따라서 이를 종합해 보면 TE 혹은 EE 처치는 AD에 나타나는 병리학적 특징들을 일부 완화 시켜 인지기능과 근 기능을 일부 개선 시킬 수 있는 효과적인 운동 방법이라고 생각된다.

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: The gluteus maximus (GM) muscle comprise the lumbo-pelvic complex and is an important stabilizing muscle during leg extension. In patients with low back pain (LBP) with weakness of the GM, spine leads to compensatory muscle activities such as instantaneous increase of the erector spinae (ES) muscle activity. Four-point kneeling arm and leg lift (FKALL) is most common types of lumbopelvic and GM muscles strengthening exercise. We assumed that altered hip position during FKALL may increase thoraco-lumbar stabilizer like GM activity more effectively method. Objects: The purpose of this study was investigated that effects of the three exercise postures on the right-sided GM, internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and multifidus (MF) muscle activities and pelvic kinematic during FKALL. Methods: Twenty eight healthy individuals participated in this study. The exercises were performed three conditions of FKALL (pure FKALL, FKALL with 120° hip flexion of the supporting leg, FKALL with 30° hip abduction of the lifted leg). Participants performed FKALL exercises three times each condition, and motion sensor used to measure pelvic tilt and rotation angle. Results: This study demonstrated that no significant change in pelvic angle during hip movement in the FKALL (p > 0.05). However, the MF and GM muscle activities in FKALL with hip flexion and hip abduction is greater than pure FKALL position (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our finding suggests that change the posture of the hip joint to facilitate GM muscle activation during trunk stabilization exercises such as the FKALL.

Background: Inspiratory muscle training can improve inspiratory strength and endurance through threshold loading. In addition, trunk stabilization exercises can improve trunk strength and respiratory function. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of application of inspiratory muscle training and trunk stabilization exercise on pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle activation in college students. Design: Randomized controlled trials. Methods: In this study, 24 college students were randomly divided into two groups: inspiratory muscle training and trunk stabilization exercise (experimental group, n=12), and trunk stabilization exercise (control group, n=12). Inspiratory muscle activity was measured using a surface electromyography. Pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer and a peak expiratory flow meter. Results: In the experimental group, the muscle activity of both upper trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles increased significantly after the intervention. In the experimental group, both upper trapezius muscle activity was significantly increased than in the control group. In the experimental group, all the pulmonary function significantly increased after the intervention. Conclusion: In this study, when the inspiratory muscle training was additionally applied to the trunk stabilization exercise in college students in their twenty, it was possible to improve the inspiratory muscle activity and pulmonary function.

Background: Shoulder external rotation exercises are commonly used to improve the stabilizing ability of the infraspinatus. However, during exercise, excessive activation of the posterior deltoid compared to the infraspinatus causes the humeral head to move anteriorly in an abnormal position. Many researchers have emphasized selective activation of the infraspinatus during shoulder external rotation exercise. Objects: This study aims to delineate the optimal exercise method for selective activation of infraspinatus by investigating the muscle activities of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid according to the four shoulder exercise methods and two forearm positions. Methods: Thirty healthy individuals participated in this study. The participants were instructed to perform shoulder external rotation exercises following four exercise methods: sitting external rotation (SIER); standing external rotation at 90° abduction (STER); prone external rotation at 90° abduction (PRER); side-lying external rotation (SLER), and two forearm positions (neutral, supinated). The electromyography (EMG) signal amplitude was measured during each exercise. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and biceps brachii. Results: EMG results of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid in PRER, were significantly higher than that of the other exercises (p < 0.01). The EMG ratio (infraspinatus/posterior deltoid) in SIER was significantly higher than that of the other exercises. EMG activation of the posterior deltoid in SIER, PRER, and SLER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the EMG of the infraspinatus in SIER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.01). The EMG ratio (infraspinatus/ posterior deltoid) in SIER was significantly higher in neutral than in supinated (p < 0.05.) Contrarily EMG ratios in PRER and SLER were significantly higher in supinated than in neutral (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that clinicians should consider these exercise methods and forearm positions when planning shoulder external rotation exercises for optimal shoulder rehabilitation.

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

Purpose: 본 연구의 목적은 4주기간동안 횡격막 호흡을 적용한 기구 필라테스 운동이 20대 성인의 유연성, 복부 근 두께, 근육량, 체지방, 호흡에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보고자 하는 것이다. Methods: 근골격계 질환이 없는 대상자 35명을 대상으로 수행하였으며, 횡격막 호흡을 하는 그룹과 횡격막 호흡을 하지 않는 그룹으로 나누었으며, 두 그룹 모두 필라테스를 수행하였다. 실험에 사용한 기기로는 Ultrasonography(US), Pulmonary function tests(FEV1 / FVC), Bioeletic Impedance Analysis, Sit and reach test를 사용하였다. 정규성 검증을 실시한 후, 반복측정분산분석 (repeated measures of ANOVA)를 사용하여 운동 전, 호흡을 적용한 운동, 호흡 비적용 운동을 비교하였다. 사후 분석을 위해 Fisher’s LSD를 실시하였다. Results: 필라테스 운동은 복근의 두께와 유연성에 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤습니다. SaR test는 운동 전과 호흡을 적용한 운동과 호흡을 적용하지 않은 운동 사이에 유의한 유의성을 보였다(P <0.05). 근육두께 측정 TRA, EO, IO 모두 운동 전보다 호흡 적용 운동과 비호흡 운동에서 유의한 차이가 있었고(P <0.05), TRA와 IO에서는 추가 시간 사이에 유의한 차이가 없었다. 호흡하지 않는 운동(P >0.05). 그러나 EO에서는 호흡운동을 추가한 시간과 호흡운동을 하지 않은 시간 사이에 유의한 차이가 있었다( P <0.05). Conlusion: 결론적으로, 횡격막 호흡을 이용한 필라테스 운동과 횡격막 호흡이 없는 필라테스 운동은 복근의 두께와 유연성에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 횡격막 호흡과 비횡격막 호흡 사이에는 큰 차이가 없었다.

Purpose: 본 연구의 목적은 본 연구의 목적은 2주간의 회전근개의 강화운동이 회전근개의 근육 두께, 견봉하 공간, 어깨 불안정성에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하는 것이다. Methods: 근골격계 질환이 없는 대상자 35명을 대상으로 수행하였으며, 횡격막 호흡을 하는 그룹과 횡격막 호흡을 하지 않는 그룹으로 나누었으며, 두 그룹 모두 필라테스를 수행하였다. 실험에 사용한 기기로는 Ultrasonography(US), Pulmonary function tests(FEV1 / FVC), Bioeletic Impedance Analysis, Sit and reach test를 사용하였다. 근골격계 질환이 없는 대상자 20명이 실험에 참여하였다. 근력 강화 운동은 2주 동안 주 5세트, 총 50세트 실시하였으며, 운동은 풀캔, 빈캔, 외회전 운동으로 진행하였다. 초음파를 이용하여 극상근과 극하근의 근육 두께와 견봉하 공간의 변화를 확인하였다. CSMI는 가시위근과 가시아래근의 근력을 평가하는 데 사용되었다. 정규성 검증을 실시한 후, 반복측정분산분석 (repeated measures of ANOVA)를 사용하여 운동 전, 1주후, 2주후를 비교하였다. 사후 분석을 위해 Fisher’s LSD를 실시하였다. Results: 근력의 비교에서 운동 2주 후 측정 시 내회전에서 유의한 차이가 있었다 (P <0.05). 외회전에서는 유의한 차이가 없었다 (P >0.05). 근육두께에서는 가시위근과 가시아래근의 근육 두께는 유의한 차이가 없었다 (P >0.05). 또한 봉우리밑 공간에서도 유의한 차이가 없었다 (P >0.05). Conlusion: 결론적으로, 빈캔 운동과 풀캔 운동, 측면 외회전 운동은 어깨관절 안쪽돌림의 근력 강화에 긍정적인 효과가 있었다

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 rectus femoris (RF) eccentric training and static stretching (SS) have been reported effectively on lumbar flexibility, and muscle architecture, most studies are results using machines and long-term effects. Therefore, we want to investigate the effect of Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise (RNHE), a self-eccentric training, by immediately comparing it with SS. Objectives: To compare the RNHE and SS of RF to show the effects of lumbar flexibility, and fascicle length (FL). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 30 study subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental group(Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercise) and a control group(Static Stretching). Before and after the intervention, the subject performed fingertip to floor test (FFT) to evaluate the flexibility of the lumbar spine and measured FL through the SONON 300L (Healcerion Inc., Seoul, South Korea). Results: There was a significant effect on lumbar flexibility within both groups (P<.05), also there were clear results between the two groups (P<.05). FL showed a significant increase in RNHE (P<.05), but not in SS, and there was a no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: RNHE is effective in improving lumbar flexibility, and FL of RF muscle.