Effect of Different Types of Foam Rollers on Self-Myofascial Release of the Quadriceps Femoris

Purpose@#This study investigates the impact of self-myofascial release using a foam roller on the quadriceps femoris for pelvic stability.We further compare the effects of a GRID surface Foam Roller (GFR), a Non-Vibration Foam Roller (NVFR), and a Vibration Foam Roller (VFR). @*Methods@#Thirty healthy adults (15 males, 15 females) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to one of three conditions:GFR, NVFR, or VFR. Participants walked at self-selected speeds with an arm sling before and after foam roller stretching. The analyzed gait parameters included pelvic tilt, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation. @*Results@#In the NVFR and VFR groups, there was a Significant differences were obtained in the pelvic tilt between pre-test and post-test values (p 0.05). Comparing the amount of change between the three groups exhibited a significant decrease in pelvic tilt in the NVFR and VFR groups compared to the GFR group (p 0.05) in all groups. @*Conclusion@#While walking, the use of a VFR for self-myofascial release results in pelvic alteration by reducing the anterior pelvic tilt. We propose that a foam roller can be utilized to enhance pelvic stability during gait.

A Comparison of Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scores with Stability Index and Fourier Harmony Index in Healthy Individuals

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to determine whether the degree of dizziness affects static balance due to the disruption or absence of the senses involved in balance. To this end, the correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), which objectively evaluates dizziness, the Fourier Index (FI; Frequency bands of postural oscillation, F1, F2-4, F5-6, F7-8) and the Stability Index (ST), which evaluates static balance ability, were examined. @*Methods@#This study investigated balance and dizziness issues in 30 healthy young adults. Participants underwent multiple tests like the DHI and tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax) under different conditions (eyes open/closed, standing on a foam-rubber pillow, and with the head in various orientations). @*Results@#We found that F1 exhibited a weak positive correlation with dizziness under normal conditions, as well as when the eyes were closed (r= 0.396, p< 0.05) and the head was tilted back (r= 0.375, p< 0.05). Meanwhile, F5-6 showed a moderate positive correlation with dizziness in both head-back (HB: r= 0.471, p< 0.05) and head-forward postures (r= 0.404, p< 0.05). Lastly, both F7-8 and ST demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with dizziness when the head was in a forward posture (F7-8: r= 0.483; ST: r= 0.403, p< 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The study results indicate that the severity of dizziness affects sensory systems and balance. It also suggests that head movements, especially forward and backward, further stimulate the vestibular system, intensifying dizziness, and balance problems in affected individuals.

Recognition of Physical Activity between Physical Therapy

Purpose@#This study was to the investigate recognition of physical activity between physical therapy students (PTS) and non-physical therapy students (NPTS) by measuring the level of physical activity using International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). @*Methods@#A cross-sectional survey was completed by 191 university students. The IPAQ with an additional question (Is physical activity necessary for your future job?) was used to evaluate the recognition and the amount of physical activity. The collected data were calculated as MET-minutes scores and were classified as walking, moderate, and vigorous level of physical activity. The students were analyzed by dividing them into those who had a part-time employment (16 PTS and 12 NPTS) and those who did not have a part-time employment (80 PTS and 83 NPTS). @*Results@#In students with a part-time employment, no significances were observed between the PTS and NPTS, in terms of MET, frequency and time of physical activity, and sitting time (p > 0.05). In students without a part-time employment, the NPTS was significantly higher than the PTS for the MET and frequency of physical activity in a vigorous level (p 0.05). In the additional question, the PTS showed a slightly higher than the NPTS (p < 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The physical therapy students did not remarkable barrier to recognition of physical activity, but there was a difference in their recognition of the vigorous level of physical activity. Therefore, the understanding of physical activity for PTS would play an important role in the recognition of how physical activity can be promoted.

Changes in Lower Limb Muscle Activity during Lunge according to the Different Angle of Ankle Joint

Purpose@#This study compared the muscle activity of the lower limb according to the three types of fixed angles of the ankle joint during a lunge exercise. @*Methods@#Twenty healthy subjects performed the lunge motion in a trial including the three types of fixed angle. The lunge motion with a neutral, 20° dorsiflexion, and 20° plantarflexion of the ankle joint were randomized and measured repeatedly. The muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) was measured by surface electromyography. @*Results@#In the change in ankle joint angle, the RF, VL, BF, and ST muscle activity showed significant differences (p<0.05). In the 20° dorsiflexion position, the muscle activity of VL, BF, and ST showed a significant decrease compared to that in the neutral position (p<0.017). The muscle activity of RF and VL in the neutral position was greater than that in the 20° plantarflexion position (p<0.017). Only the muscle activity of the BF in the 20° plantarflexion position was significantly greater than the 20° dorsiflexion position (p<0.017). @*Conclusion@#These results revealed a difference in the muscle activity of lower extremities in the proximal region according to the angle of the ankle joint during the lunge.

Changes in Lower Limb Muscle Activity during Lunge according to the Different Angle of Ankle Joint

Purpose@#This study compared the muscle activity of the lower limb according to the three types of fixed angles of the ankle joint during a lunge exercise. @*Methods@#Twenty healthy subjects performed the lunge motion in a trial including the three types of fixed angle. The lunge motion with a neutral, 20° dorsiflexion, and 20° plantarflexion of the ankle joint were randomized and measured repeatedly. The muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) was measured by surface electromyography. @*Results@#In the change in ankle joint angle, the RF, VL, BF, and ST muscle activity showed significant differences (p<0.05). In the 20° dorsiflexion position, the muscle activity of VL, BF, and ST showed a significant decrease compared to that in the neutral position (p<0.017). The muscle activity of RF and VL in the neutral position was greater than that in the 20° plantarflexion position (p<0.017). Only the muscle activity of the BF in the 20° plantarflexion position was significantly greater than the 20° dorsiflexion position (p<0.017). @*Conclusion@#These results revealed a difference in the muscle activity of lower extremities in the proximal region according to the angle of the ankle joint during the lunge.