Earticle

Background: Wrist stability is critical for maintaining functional independence in older adults. Age related declines in muscle strength and sensory feedback can lead to joint instability, impaired hand performance, and increased fall risk. Therapeutic taping may augment mechanoreceptor input, support joint alignment, and facilitate neuromuscular activation. This study compared the effects of elastic and non-elastic taping on grip strength, wrist muscle activation, and hand function in healthy elderly adults. Methods: Thirty five community dwelling adults aged 60–80 years were recruited; after two dropouts, thirty two completed a randomized, crossover protocol under three conditions: no tape, elastic tape applied per standard guidelines, and non-elastic tape for rigid support. Grip strength was measured with a hydraulic dynamometer. Surface EMG recorded activation of wrist flexor and extensor muscles during standardized tasks. Hand function was assessed via the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test, timing seven simulated daily activities. Each condition was separated by a five minute rest. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction examined differences at α = .05. Results: Elastic taping produced a significant increase in grip strength compared to no tape (p<.05), while non‑elastic taping did not, and no difference emerged between the two taping methods. Muscle activation did not differ significantly across conditions. Both elastic and non-elastic taping led to significantly faster hand function test completion times compared to no tape (p<.05), with no significant difference between them. Conclusion: Both elastic and non‑elastic taping improve hand performance in healthy older adults, with elastic taping additionally enhancing grip strength. These simple, safe, and low-cost techniques can serve as valuable adjuncts in early rehabilitation, helping to maintain wrist stability and prevent recurrent injury.

Background: Flexible flatfoot is characterized by a reduced medial longitudinal arch and can lead to altered biomechanics, decreased postural stability, and compensatory muscle activity during gait. Low-Dye taping (LDT) has been widely used in clinical practice to provide structural support to the arch and to improve foot function. However, evidence regarding its immediate effects on balance, arch height, and foot intrinsic muscle activity during dynamic tasks remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of LDT compared to placebo taping and no taping in young adults with flexible flatfoot. Methods: Twelve adults diagnosed with flexible flatfoot participated in this randomized cross-over trial. Each participant underwent three testing conditions in random order: LDT, placebo taping, and no taping. Foot intrinsic muscle activity, specifically the abductor hallucis, was recorded using surface electromyography during walking. Postural stability was assessed with the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and arch height was evaluated via the Navicular Drop Test (NDT). Results: LDT application resulted in significantly improved balance performance compared to both placebo taping and no taping conditions. Additionally, the LDT condition demonstrated a smaller change in arch height during weight-bearing and a reduction in abductor hallucis muscle activation during gait, suggesting improved mechanical support and decreased compensatory muscle demand. Conclusion: The findings indicate that LDT provides immediate benefits in enhancing postural stability, maintaining arch structure, and optimizing intrinsic foot muscle activity in individuals with flexible flatfoot. These results support the clinical use of LDT as a simple, cost-effective intervention for functional improvement, particularly in activities requiring dynamic balance and sustained gait performance.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) refer to musculoskeletal injuries induced or aggravated by the enviroment or work where the work is carried out. and It cause increased labor costs and injuries. In particular, hospital workers such as physical therapists and occupational therapists suffer from a high risk of WMSD despite their extensive knowledge in injury prevention and complain of considerable wrist pain. This problem can be solved in many ways, including taping and wrist stabilization exercises. This study examined the effects of Mulligan and Kinesio taping with wrist stabilization exercises on wrist pain, grip strength and daily living skills in hospital workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: The participants were assigned randomly to a mulligan taping group (n=17) or Kinesio taping group (n=17). The Mulligan taping group underwent Mulligan taping and wrist stabilization exercises three times a week for two weeks. The Kinesio taping group underwent Kinesio taping and wrist stabilization exercises three times a week for two weeks. Measurements were taken pre-intervention and post-intervention (after two weeks). Results: The evaluation parameters included the visual analog scale score (VAS), grip strength, and daily living skills (PRWE). Post-intervention comparison within the groups showed that both groups showed significantly improved results for all assessments (p<.05). A comparison of the groups showed no significant differences in all assessments (p>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Mulligan taping with wrist stabilization exercises and Kinesio taping with wrist stabilization exercises reduce wrist pain and increase the grip strength and daily living skills of hospital workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Background: Forward head posture, present in approximately 60% of individuals with neck pain, is commonly associated with muscular imbalances, including weakness of the deep neck flexors and overactivity of the cervical extensors and superficial neck flexors, which may compromise cervical spine stability. This pilot study compared therapist-guided postural correction (using manual or verbal cues) with self-directed exercise on pain, disability, cervical alignment, and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with neck pain. Methods: Twenty-one participants with neck pain were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=7, each): manual guidance (MG), verbal guidance (VG), or self-exercise (SE). All participants completed 12 intervention sessions over four weeks (three sessions per week). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the numeric rating scale for pain, the Korean neck disability index, craniovertebral angle for postural assessment, and the 12-Item short form health survey (SF-12) for psychosocial status. Results: All three groups showed significant improvements in pain and functional disability after the intervention (p<.05). However, CVA significantly improved only in the MG and VG groups, both pre- and post-intervention (p<.05). Additionally, the degree of change in these variables differed significantly among the groups (p<.05), with the MG group showing significantly greater improvements than the SE group (p<.05). Conclusion: All interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving physical function. However, therapist-led exercise relieves pain and improves function, and postural correction—particularly with manual guidance—was associated with a greater tendency toward cervical alignment improvement. These results suggest that professional involvement in postural retraining may provide additional benefits for individuals with neck pain.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of thoracic mobility self-exercise on the shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength recovery in patients undergoing rehabilitation after rotator cuff surgery. Postoperative use of slings often leads to rounded shoulder syndrome, potentially hindering the shoulder function during recovery. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with rotator cuff injuries (mean age: 52.06±16.74 years; BMI: 25.06±3.21 ㎏/㎡), all receiving manual therapy and presenting with rounded shoulder posture, were assigned randomly to an intervention group (n=16) or a control group (n=16). Both groups received manual therapy twice weekly for 30 minutes. The intervention group performed thoracic mobility self-exercises twice daily for 10 minutes. The shoulder ROM and muscle strength were measured before and after the intervention. Independent t-tests were used to compare baseline characteristics and between-group differences in outcome changes, while paired t-tests were used to analyze within-group pre-post differences. The statistical significance was set at α=.05. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in shoulder ROM and muscle strength after the intervention (p<.05). In terms of ROM, external rotation showed a significantly greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<.05), whereas flexion and abduction revealed no significant between-group differences. Regarding muscle strength, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all movement directions compared to the control group (p<.05). CONCLUSION: Thoracic mobility self-exercise, when combined with manual therapy, may function as an effective adjunct intervention during early rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair, particularly in improving shoulder strength and external rotation range of motion.

Background: Low back pain is closely associated with hip muscle dysfunction, particularly weakness of the gluteus medius, which plays a critical role in pelvic and spinal stability. The clamshell exercise is widely used in rehabilitation to strengthen the hip abductors; however, its effectiveness may be limited by compensatory activation of synergistic muscles. This study investigated the effects of ankle joint movement variations on hip muscle activity during the clamshell exercise. Methods: Twenty-four healthy adults with no orthopedic or neurological disorders in the past six months performed five exercise conditions: clamshell exercise (C), clamshell exercise with ankle inversion resistance (CIR), clamshell exercise with ankle eversion (CE), clamshell exercise with ankle eversion and eversion resistance (CEER), and clamshell exercise with ankle eversion and inversion resistance (CEIR). Surface electromyography was used to measure the activities of the gluteus medius (Gmed), tensor fascia latae (TFL), and gluteus maximus (Gmax), normalized to %MVIC. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests was conducted to compare differences between conditions. Results: CEER elicited significantly greater Gmed activity compared with all other conditions (p<.05) and demonstrated the highest Gmed/TFL activation ratio, indicating reduced compensatory TFL involvement. Gmax activity was also significantly greater in CEER than in C (p<.05). CIR and CEIR produced significantly higher TFL activity compared with other conditions (p<.05). Conclusion: The clamshell exercise incorporating ankle eversion with eversion resistance effectively increased Gmed and Gmax activation while minimizing TFL overactivation. This approach may enhance hip muscle recruitment patterns and serve as a targeted rehabilitation strategy for individuals with low back pain or lower extremity dysfunction.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare an experimental group that received extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and IASTM technique together with a control group that received ESWT and self-stretching exercise together to determine which treatment is more effective for muscle pain in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: Twenty subjects with upper trapezius pain due to myofascial pain syndrome participated in the study. They were randomly divided into 10 experimental group and 10 control group. Subjects were conducted for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The experimental group was subjected to radial type extracorporeal shock wave therapy 2000 times at an intensity of 5 Hz, and 2.0 bar once, and graston technique for 15 minutes one day. The control group was subjected to extracorporeal shock wave therapy with same, and upper trapezius self-stretching exercise for 15 minutes one day. All subjects measured and compared shoulder pain index with pressure pain threshold (PPT), Constant and Murley scale (CMS) pain index before and after the experiment. This study statistically analyzed the results of various experiments using Windows SPSS ver. 18.0, IBM, USA. Results: After the experiment, the experimental group decreased significantly in PPT of the neck-shoulder muscle and CMS pain index increased significantly. But control group was no significant difference. Conclusion: Though these results, extracorporeal shock and graston technique was decreased pain. Thus, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and graston technique is expect to be used as a variety of treatments to reduce shoulder pain as a cause of myofascial syndrome.

Background: This study aim to determine whether a myofascial fitness exercise program using a well-being band can improve muscle tone, upper extremity function, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors who have completed surgery and adjuvant treatment. Methods: Twenty-four patients with breast cancer participated in this study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the myofascial fitness exercise program group using a Well-being band (n=12) or the foam roller exercise group (n=12). The experimental group performed myofascial fitness exercises, while the control group performed foam roller exercises, both conducted twice per week over a four-week period. Outcome measures included muscle tone assessed with the Myoton-PRO, upper extremity function level evaluated using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire, and quality of life measured by the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy–breast (FACT-B). All measurements were obtained at baseline and again four weeks after completion of the intervention. Results: The results of this study showed the myofascial fitness exercise program group using the well-being band showed significant differences in muscle tone, upper extremity function, and quality of life (p<.05). The foam roller group showed significant differences in regard to muscle tone and upper extremity function levels, but not in quality of life (p<.05). Conclusion: Both myofascial fitness exercises program and foam roller exercises program were effective for patients with breast cancer, especially when combined with well-being bands and foam rollers, in terms of upper extremity function and quality of life.

Background: This study aimed to compare the relative effects of function-focused intervention (mobilization with movement (MWM) combined with resistance strengthening) and sensory-focused intervention (proprioceptive and balance training) on pain, ankle strength, and balance in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. The goal was to analyze how the composition of early rehabilitation interventions influences recovery patterns. Methods: Forty patients with acute lateral ankle sprains were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The experimental group received MWM targeting ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, followed by resistance band exercises. The control group performed proprioceptive training, including single-leg stance, Airex pad balance, and BOSU ball exercises. Both groups underwent interventions three times per week for eight weeks. Pain (VAS), isokinetic muscle strength (60°/sec and 180°/sec), and balance ability (biodex balance system) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in pain reduction, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength, and balance ability compared to the control group (p<.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited limited improvements in balance and no statistically significant changes in muscle strength. Conclusion: A function-oriented combined intervention incorporating MWM and resistance exercises is more effective than sensory-focused training alone for reducing pain and improving ankle strength and balance in the early stages of rehabilitation for acute lateral ankle sprains. These findings support a more integrated and strategic approach to early rehabilitation to promote faster recovery and prevent recurrent injuries. These results provide important clinical evidence supporting the use of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies in managing acute ankle sprains.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study aimed to investigate changes in knee pain, muscle activity, range of motion (ROM), balance, gait in 40 patients with bent knee joints who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate ankle pumping exercise and quadriceps muscle strength exercise using pressure biofeedback to assess changes in knee pain, muscle activity, ROM, balance, gait. METHODS: Forty patients who underwent TKA were randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. Both groups received 40 mins interventions, three times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The experimental group received general physical therapy, gait training, quadriceps muscle strength exercise using pressure biofeedback. Conversely, the control group received general physical therapy, gait training, quadriceps muscle strength exercise to the knee joint. RESULTS: In terms of pain levels decreased in both groups however, no significant differences were found between the groups. Muscle activity and ROM showed significant changes between the groups, and a significant difference was observed between the two groups in the post intervention comparison. Balance showed significant changes between the groups, with significant differences observed between the pre and post intervention comparisons. Gait showed significant changes between the groups, with significant differences observed between post intervention comparisons. CONLUSION: The experimental group who underwent TKA and performed ankle pumping exercise in the knee joint and quadriceps muscle strength exercise using pressure biofeedback exhibited improvements in muscle activity, ROM, balance, gait. In the future, it is intended to provide basic data for the treatment of patients with knee joint on quadriceps muscle activity after TKA.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of hippotherapy simulator application on balance, pain, and disability in adults in their twenties with low back pain METHODS: This study was conducted from March 18 to April 5, 2024, on 21 adults in their 20s with low back pain at G University who provided informed consent. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG, n=10) or control group (CG, n=11). Pain, balance, and functional disability were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), a stabilometric force platform, and the quebec back pain disability scale (QBPDS). The EG performed hippotherapy-simulator exercise (warm-up mode, speed level 6) for 3 minutes followed by 1 minute of rest, repeated for 3 sets; the CG maintained a seated position on the powered-off simulator for the same duration. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 for Windows. Normality was tested with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Within-group changes were examined using paired t-tests, between-group differences using independent t-tests, and categorical variables using chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p <.05. RESULTS: In the VAS pain index, the CG showed a significant reduction in pain, whereas the EG did not exhibit a significant change. Static balance assessed with the gait checker revealed no significant between-group differences except in anterior–posterior balance. Finally, on the QBPDS, no significant changes were observed in either the EG or CG. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the use of hippotherapy improved the static balance of patients with low back pain, suggesting it may serve as a useful adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for enhancing postural control. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up is warranted to confirm the durability of these effects and clarify impacts on pain and functional disability.