Earticle

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effects of trunk stabilization exercise in patients with stroke via searching previous studies and orgarnizing their results on arm function, balance and walking. Literature review was conducted on the domestic journals published from 2010 to 2020. The journals were divided into 3 categories by physical function as follows: upper limb function, balance, and walking ability. 18 journals were finally included and the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) method was used for systematic analysis. 16 of the 18 journals applied the experiment to the experimental group and the control group, while others were carried out in a single group. Regarding the functions, four journals were on both upper limb function and balance, seven journals were on the only balance control, and seven journals were on both balance and gait ability. As a result, journals showed that trunk stabilization exercise has significant improvements in balance and walking ability. We suggested that trunk stabilization exercise may be helpful for improving the upper limb function, balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke.

본 연구에서는 흡연자와 비흡연자를 대상으로 단기 금연 동안 실시하는 몸통 안정화 운동이 단기 금연자의 허파기능, 최대 산소 섭취량, 심장박동수, 회복 시간에 미치는 영향에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 본 연구는 충남 소재 N대학교의 20대 남성 26명으로 흡연자 13명과 비흡연자 13명을 선정하였다. 대상자의 신체적 특성 파악 후 사전 측정 시 허파기능(FVC, SVC, MVV)과 최대 산소 섭취량를 측정하였으며 3일 간 심장박동수와 회복 시간을 측정하였다. 측정 후 3일 금연과 함께 몸통 안정화 운동 프로그램을 실시하였다. 사후 측정으로 허파기능과 최대 산소 섭취량을 측정하였고, 당일 운동 후 즉시 1일차, 2일차 3일차의 심장박동수, 회복 시간을 측정하였다. 본 연구의 자료는 SPSS(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Ver. 23.0 for windows를 이용하여 분석되었다. 몸통 안정화 운동이 흡연자와 비흡연자의 심장허파기능에 미치는 영향을 분석한 결과, 흡연자 집단과 비흡연자 집단 모두 운동 전후 허파기능(FVC, SVC, MVV), 최대산소섭취량, 회복 시간에 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 이는 몸통 안정화 운동이 짧은 기간이라도 비흡연자뿐만 아니라 단기 금연자의 심장허파기능에 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있는 것으로 생각되며, 금연 활동을 더한 몸통 안정화 운동이 심장허파기능 감소 예방 및 향상을 위한 더욱 안전하고 효과적인 방법이 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

This study analyzed the post-exercise cardiopulmonary function, maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate and recovery time through smoker 's short - term smoking cessation and trunk stabilization exercise for 72 hours. We analyzed the effect of trunk stabilization exercise on the cardiopulmonary function of smokers and non-smokers. As a result, it was found that both smokers and non-smokers groups showed significant changes in pulmonary function (FVC, SVV, MVV), maximal oxygen uptake, recovery time Difference. This suggests that the trunk stabilization exercise may have a positive effect on the cardiopulmonary function of short-term non-smokers as well as non-smokers for a short period of time, and a more stable and effective method for preventing and improving the reduction of cardiorespiratory function

This study examined the effects of trunk stabilization exercise on balance and trunk control in children with spastic diplegia. Four children with ambulatory spastic diplegia participated in the trunk stabilization exercise program using a Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) ball, 30 minutes a day, two times a week for eight weeks. Outcome variables included the pediatric balance scale, trunk control movement scale and multifidus thickness using ultrasound image. After trunk stabilization exercise, there was statistically no significant improvement in pediatric balance scale, trunk control movement scale and multifidus thickness. However, individual outcomes were observed with some positive changes. Balance, trunk control movement, and thickness of multifidus were found to be improved. Trunk stabilization exercise using a BOSU ball could improve trunk control and increase the thickness of multifidus in children with spastic diplegia. Further investigation is needed to evaluate subjects according to type of cerebral palsy and to understand the relationship between postural control and gait.

Purpose: The present study was to investigate effects of scapular position and pain on a trunk stabilization exercise with gym ball for patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: Subjects were patients after 2 weeks of rotator cuff repairs. Subjects were randomly assigned to conservative treatment group (CTG, n=10) or trunk stabilization with gym ball group (SBG, n=10), and participated one of those groups for 2 weeks. Measurements about pain and scapular position were assessed in before and after treatment programs. Results: Pain reduced in both rest and night in SBG compared to CTG. In the case of scapular position, decreased scapular retraction (increased protraction) was found in CTG and vice versa in SBG. Reduced scapular anterior tilting was also found on SBG. Conclusion: The present study showed that early performed trunk stabilization with gym ball could bring a scapular alignment that increases subacromial space and reduces pain. This suggests early trunk stabilization with gym ball programs to restore shoulder functions for patients with rotator cuff repair.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercise on static and dynamic balance in older adults. Methods: A total of 30 older adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to the neck and trunk stabilization exercise group (NTSG) (n=15) or the trunk stabilization exercise group (TSG) (n=15). The NTSG performed a trunk stabilization exercise added to a neck stabilization exercise that included biofeedback. Both groups received training for 30 minutes per day three times per week for eight weeks. The anterior, posterior limit of stability and sway length was used to measure static balance ability, while the timed up and go (TUG) test was used to measure dynamic balance ability. Results: Participants showed significant differences in sway length, anterior limit of stability, posterior limit of stability, and the results of the TUG test between their pre- and post mediation evaluations (p<0.05). The NTSG showed a more significant increase than the TSG (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, both exercises effectively improved static and dynamic balance ability. However, the neck and trunk stabilization exercise is more efficient for increasing the balance ability of older adults.

Background: Prolonged sitting, low physical activity, and trunk muscle weakness in university students increase the risk of low back pain (LBP), which can alter gait and lower-limb muscle activation. Purpose: To investigate the effects of a 4-week trunk stabilization exercise program on spatiotemporal gait parameters, lower-limb muscle activation, and functional disability in university students with LBP. Study design: Single-group pre-post intervention study. Methods: Twenty-seven university students with LBP performed 16 trunk stabilization exercises once daily for 40 minutes, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Gait was assessed using a pressure-sensing walkway to obtain stance phase, single-limb stance, and stride length. Surface electromyography recorded activation of six lower-limb muscles during gait and was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Functional disability was evaluated using the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI). Pre-post differences were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Stance phase duration significantly decreased, whereas single-limb stance and stride length significantly increased (p<.01). Soleus and biceps femoris activity increased (p<.01), while rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and popliteus activity decreased (p<.05); gastrocnemius showed a non-significant increase. K-ODI scores decreased from 29.40+/-5.60 to 23.62+/-5.01 (p<.01). Conclusions: A 4-week trunk stabilization program improved gait efficiency, reorganized lower-limb neuromuscular activation, and reduced functional disability in young adults with LBP. Trunk stabilization may be used as a practical, non-invasive intervention in university populations.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a four-week trunk stabilization exercise (TSE) program on the gait parameters, lower-limb joint motion, and pain intensity of university students with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Twenty-seven students with moderate disability levels (Korean Oswestry Disability Index: 21-40%) participated. The TSE program consisted of 16 stabilization exercises performed for 40 minutes per day, five times per week, using video-guided self-training. The gait parameters, including the step length and step width, were assessed using a pressure-sensing walkway system. The lower-limb joint angles during the swing phase were analyzed using smartphone video recordings processed in ImageJ, focusing on the hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion peaks. The pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All measurements were conducted under identical pre- and post-intervention conditions using a standardized fatigue protocol. The pre-post comparisons were analyzed using paired t-tests with effect sizes (Cohen's d). Results: The step length increased significantly, whereas the step width decreased after the intervention, indicating improved gait efficiency and mediolateral stability. Hip flexion during the swing phase increased significantly, while the changes in knee and ankle joint angles were not statistically significant. The pain intensity (VAS) showed a significant reduction. The effect sizes ranged from small to large, with the largest effects observed for the step length and pain reduction. Conclusion: The four-week TSE program effectively improved the gait symmetry, enhanced proximal joint mobility, and reduced pain in university students with LBP. These findings suggest that stabilization-based exercises are an efficient and accessible intervention for restoring neuromuscular control and may help prevent chronicity.

Background: Scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) is a common scapular alignment impairment that causes insufficient upward rotation and muscle imbalance, shortened levator scapulae (LS) and rhomboid, and lengthened serratus anterior (SA) and trapezius. A modified shrug exercise (MSE), performing a shrug exercise with the shoulders at $150^{\circ}$ abduction, is known as an effective exercise to increase scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Previous studies revealed that scapular exercise are more effective when combined with trunk stabilization exercises in decreasing scapular winging and increasing scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Objects: The purpose of our study was to clarify the effect of MSE with or without trunk stabilization exercises in subjects with SDRS. Methods: Eighteen volunteer subjects (male=10, female=8) with SDRS were recruited for this experiment. All subjects performed MSE under 3 different conditions: (1) MSE, (2) MSE with an abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM), and (3) MSE with an abdominal expansion maneuver (AEM). The muscle thickness of the lower trapezius (LT) and the SA were measured using an ultrasonography in each condition. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the LT, LS, SA, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activities. Data were statistically analysed using one-way repeated analysis of variance at a significance level of .05. Results: The muscle thickness of the LT and the SA were the significant different in the MSE, MSE with ADIM (MSE+ADIM) and MSE with AEM (MSE+AEM) conditions (p<.05) In both LT and SA, the order of thick muscle thickness was MSE+AEM, MSE+ADIM, and MSE alone. No significant differences were found in the EMG activities of the SA, UT, LS, and LT in all condition. Conclusion: In conclusion, MSE is more beneficial to people with SDRS when combined with trunk stabilization exercises by increased thickness of scapular stabilizer muscles.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of bridge exercise on the structural characteristics of trunk muscles in patients with lumbar pain by applying the exercise on either a stable or an unstable surface. Methods: Thirty subjects participated in the experiment and were randomly divided into an unstable bridge exercise group (UBEG) and a stable bridge exercise group (SBEG). The exercise program for each group was conducted three times a week over a six-week period. The structural characteristics of trunk muscles were measured by obtaining images using an ultrasound imaging device. Results: The thicknesses of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) and the fiber angle of the erector spinae (ES) in the UBEG and the SBEG showed statistically significant increases in all items measured after the experiment. A comparison of groups conducted after the experiment to determine the effects of the exercise on each group showed no significant differences between groups for any of the measured items. Conclusion: A comprehensive review of the study results showed statistically significant increases in the thicknesses of the EO, IO, and TrA and the fiber angle of ES in both the UBEG and the SBEG. While the comparison of the groups with respect to the effects of the exercise revealed no significant differences, there were relatively larger effects in the UBEG than in the SBEG.

Purpose: In this study experiments were performed during 6 weeks with 40 adults, 20 subjects in the waist stabilization exercise with blood flow restriction group and 20 subjects in the waist stabilization exercise without blood flow restriction group, in order to determine the impact of waist stabilization exercise on White Area Index (WAI) followed by blood flow restriction. Methods: Thickness of external oblique abdominal muscle, internal oblique abdominal muscle, and transversus abdominis muscle, as well as density and WAI of external oblique abdominal muscle were measured, followed by performance of repeated ANOVA. Results: Significant difference in thickness of external oblique abdominal muscle according to periodical difference was observed between groups (p<0.05). Significant difference in thickness of internal oblique abdominal muscle and transversus abdominis muscle according to periodical difference was observed between groups (p<0.05). Significant difference in density and WAI of external oblique abdominal muscle according to periodical difference was observed between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, significant difference was observed after waist stabilization exercise with blood flow restriction. These results can be used as basic data for future research on waist stabilization exercise and blood flow restriction exercise.

Objective: Patients with low back pain can possibly have impaired core muscle function, which is the common cause of low back pain. Spinal stabilization exercises are recommended for prevention and reinforcement. This study aimed to compare the effects of different types of feedback on abdominal and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle recruitment during spinal stabilization exercises. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-seven healthy subjects (sex=male 21/female 36, age=21.28±1.60 years) were divided into three different groups: the control group (n=19), the auditory feedback (AF) group (n=19), and the visual and auditory feedback (VAF) group (n=19). The control group received no feedback, whereas the AF group only received AF during exercises and the VAF group received the AF and visual feedback through the real-time ultrasound images. The main outcome measure was the assessment of the thickness of the abdominal muscles and LM measured by a dual ultrasound. Results: When VAF was applied, the thickness of the transverse abdominis significantly increased rather than when feedback was not applied or with AF only (p<0.05). The VAF group showed significant differences in both the control group and the AF group in the post-hoc test (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the control group and the AF group. Conclusions: With spinal stabilization exercises, VAF should be applied in standing posture for healthy adults to further promote the production of effective contractions.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of general sling-bridge exercise (GSE) and sling-bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique (SER) on trunk muscle endurance and flexibility in adolescents with low back pain (LBP). 30 adolescents who had complaints of LBP were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: the GSE group (n=15) and SER group (n=15). Subjects performed each exercise programs for 4 weeks with the aim of improving trunk muscle stability; GSE group trained general bridge exercise with sling, SER group trained rhythmic stabilization bridge exercise with sling. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance and flexibility were measured before and at the end of the exercise program. The static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance were significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group showed significant difference from the GSE group after the exercise (p<.05). The trunk muscle flexibility was significantly improved in both groups (p<.05) and the SER group were significantly different from GSE group post-exercise (p<.05). The results of this study showed that sling bridge exercise with rhythmic stabilization technique may be appropriate for improving trunk muscle stability in adolescents with LBP.

본 연구에서는 체간 안정화 운동으로 대면, 비대면, 자가로 실시하였을 때 정적균형과 동적균형에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 본 연구는 신체적으로 질병이 없는 건강한 20대 36명을 모집하였다. 대상자들은 무작위로 세 그룹으 로 나뉘어져 체간 안정화 운동을 실시하였으며, 중재 전후 정적균형과 동적균형을 각각 측정하였다. 대면 및 비대면 그룹 에서 중재 전, 후 동적 균형 및 정적 균형이 유의하게 증가하였다. 자가운동군은 동적균형 3방향에서 유의하게 증가하였으 나 정적균형에서는 유의한 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 본 연구 결과, 대면 및 비대면 운동이 체간 안정화 운동이 정적균형과 동적균형 향상에 효과적임을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 결과는 균형 능력 향상을 위한 비대면 운동의 사용 가능성을 지지하며, 균형 능력 뿐만 아니라 다양한 신체 능력에 대한 비대면 운동의 효과에 대해 추가적인 연구가 필요합니다.

Study of the effect of interbody stabilization exercises on the static and dynamic balance of face-to-face, non-face-to-face, and self-group. We recruited healthy young adults The subjects were randomly divided into three groups to perform inter-body stabilization exercises, and static and dynamic balance were measured, respectively, before and after intervention. In the Face to Face Group, dynamic balance significantly increased in the anterior and posteriomedial directions before and after intervention. There was also a significant increase in static balance. In the Non face to face Group, there was a significant increase in the three directions of dynamic and static balance. The self-exercise group significantly increased in three directions of dynamic balance, but there was no significant difference in static balance. No significant differences between groups were found in any variables. The results of this study showed that interbody stabilization exercises are effective in improving static and dynamic balance. In the face-to-face group, the inter-body stabilization exercise was effective in improving dynamic balance and static balance, and in the non-face-to-face group, the inter-body stabilization exercise was effective in improving dynamic balance and static balance. In the self-contained group, it was effective in improving dynamic balance.

This study aimed to identify the effects of trunk stabilization exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on pulmonary function, balance, and walking speed in a patient with subacute stroke. This study employed a single-subject experimental design. A female patient with right hemiplegia, aged 62, with subacute stroke participated in this study. The intervention involved trunk stabilization exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, with ten sessions conducted during the intervention phase, each lasting 50 minutes daily. Before and after the intervention phase, the baseline and follow-up phases included five sessions without intervention. Outcome measures included pulmonary function, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Berg balance scale (BBS), and a 10-meter walk test (10MWT). During the intervention phase, the FVC and FEV1 scores improved compared to the baseline phase (FVC: 1.21ℓ to 1.61ℓ, and FEV1: 1.03ℓ to 1.28ℓ), and these gains were maintained during the follow-up phase. Furthermore, after the intervention phase, the BBS and 10MWT scores improved by 54.84% (31 scores to 48 scores) and 63.93% (0.61m/s to 1.00m/s), respectively. The findings suggest that a trunk stabilization exercise using the PNF techniques may be favorably used to improve pulmonary function, balance, and walking speed in patients with subacute stroke. Further studies with robust designs must be continued to validate our results.

Purpose: This study examined the effect of trunk stabilization exercise upon the lumbar stabilization and foot pressure on an unstable surface with back pain. Methods: The subjects of the study were 10 patients who showed the symptom of back pain with excessive lumbar curve. This study was 4 weeks, 30 minutes per session, three times a week for a total of 12 times as a result of exercise radiation imaging device and foot pressure analyzer. Results: The sacrohorizontal angle was statistically significant(p<0.05). Comparison of the difference between static right and left foot pressure ratio analysis was statistically significant(p<0.05). Dynamic right and left foot pressure comparisons for the difference was statistically significant in the analysis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Trunk stabilization exercise and the reduction of the excessive sacrohorizontal angle, and static and dynamic foot pressure imbalance reduced left and right.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in young adults is increasingly associated with impaired neuromuscular control and reduced gait efficiency. Although trunk stabilization exercise (TSE) is known to improve pain, muscle activation, and functional movement, the integrated mechanisms and predictors underlying gait improvement remain unclear. Design: Prospective pre-post intervention study. Methods: Twenty-seven university students with LBP participated in a 4-week TSE program (40 minutes/day, 5 days/week). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included spatiotemporal gait variables (stride length, stance phase, single-limb stance), lower-limb joint angles, and electromyographic muscle activation (RF, TA, BF, SOL, GCM, POP) during gait. Pain intensity (VAS) and functional disability (K-ODI) were also evaluated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine pre-post changes, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of stride length improvement. Results: The TSE program significantly reduced pain and disability (p<0.001) and improved stride length, stance symmetry, and hip flexion angle (p<0.05). The regression model significantly predicted stride length improvement (Adj.R²=0.629, p=0.009). Baseline stride stability (β=0.78, p=0.001) and pain reduction (β=0.39, p=0.014) were identified as the strongest predictors. Changes in TA activation and disability showed recovery trends but were not statistically significant predictors. Conclusion: A 4-week TSE program effectively improved gait efficiency in young adults with LBP. The findings suggest that baseline gait stability and the magnitude of pain reduction are key determinants of stride length improvement. Clinically, assessing initial gait stability may help predict treatment outcomes and tailor rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of the lower trunk stabilization exercise using neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) on muscle activity in lumbar region and balance in the patients with hemiplegia. Methods: Fifteen participants were allocated in two groups: NDT group (n=8) or control group (n=7). NDT group performed NDT exercise program, while control group conducted walking exercise. Both interventions were given for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks. To measure the muscle activity in rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO), electromyography (EMG) was used. And, Timed-Up and Go (TUG) test and Berg-Balance Scale (BBS) were performed to assess balance before and after intervention. Results: NDT group showed a significant improvement of muscle activity in RA and EO, while control group did not show significant changes in three muscles. Also, there was a significant difference in muscle activity of RA and EO between two groups. In BBS and TUG test, participants in two groups showed significant improvements after intervention. Especially, significant difference was observed in TUG test between two groups (p<.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that NDT exercise is an effective intervention to improve the muscle activity in trunk region and to increase balance in patients with stroke. Thus, we suggested that NDT exercise program would be a treatment intervention in stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose : This study was performed for effects of intervention of mat & ball exercise, sling exercise, and general intervention. The purpose of this study was to know influenced on the change of Oswestry back pain disability index (OBPDI) with chronic low back pain(CLBP) patients. Methods : Three groups of CLBP patients(n=53) were allocated randomly in this study experimental group I (mat & ball exercise group MBE, n=18), experimental group II(sling exercise group SE, n=18) and control group(general intervention, n=17). Intervention was provided 6 weeks(S days a week). Experimental group was provided 3 set a day(10 time/ 1 set, 10sec holding and 10sec resting/ 1 time). The following was the result of the data analysis about OBPDI experiment that had been carried on a week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, S weeks, 6 weeks after, and even comparing with pre-experimental state. Results : The results were as follows. OBPDI about intervention period had decrease in the MBE and the SE groups. but there was no difference in the control group. Among three groups, The MBE and the SE groups had difference compare with control group. This shows that the MBE and the SE groups had effective decrease pain and disability. Conclusion : Therefore, this study shows that trunk stabilization exercise program influenced on the change of OBPDI with CLBP patients.