The effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on physical functions and health of low back pain patients with lower limb radiating pain.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on the quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain in the lower limbs accompanied by radiating pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were divided into two groups: a group receiving of lumbar segmental stabilization exercise training including sciatic nerve mobilization techniques, which included 8 males and 7 females, and a group receiving lumbar segmental stabilization exercise training, which included 8 males and 7 females. [Results] There were statistically significant differences in comparison of measurement results between the groups before and after the intervention. [Conclusion] Application of mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves may promote healing of the soft tissues by stimulating the functions of the nervous system to improve nervous system adaptability and decrease sensitivity, helping to alleviate the symptoms.

The effects of gluteus muscle strengthening exercise and lumbar stabilization exercise on lumbar muscle strength and balance in chronic low back pain patients.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exercise to strengthen the muscles of the hip together with lumbar segmental stabilization exercise on the lumbar disability index, lumbar muscle strength, and balance. [Subjects and Methods] This study randomly and equally assigned 40 participants who provided written consent to participate in this study to a lumbar segmental stabilization exercise plus exercise to strengthen the muscles of the gluteus group (SMG + LES group) and a lumbar segmental stabilization exercise group. [Results] Each evaluation item showed a statistically significant effect. [Conclusion] Clinical application of exercise in this study showed that lumbar segmental stabilization exercise plus exercise to strengthen the muscles of the gluteus resulted in a greater decrease in low back pain disability index and increase in lumbar muscle strength and balance ability than lumbar segmental stabilization exercise in chronic low back pain patients receiving the exercise treatments during the same period.

Comparison of abdominal muscle thickness with vaginal pressure changes in healthy women.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the efficacy of a pelvic floor muscle exercise program by comparing subjects' muscle thickness with changes in vaginal pressure. [Subjects] Two groups of female participants without a medical history of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction were evaluated. The mean age of Group I was 33.5 years and that of Group II was 49.69 years. [Methods] The participants were instructed to perform a pelvic floor muscle contraction. While measuring the vaginal pressure of the pelvic floor muscle, biofeedback was given on five levels, and the thicknesses of the transversus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles were measured with ultrasound. [Results] The thickness of the transversus abdominis muscle was significantly increased at 30 cmH2O in Group I, and at 20 cmH2O in Group II. The thickness of the internal oblique abdominal muscle significantly increased at maximum contraction in Group II. [Conclusion] Different abdominal muscles contracted depending on vaginal pressure. The result may be used to create and implement an exercise program that effectively strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.

Effects of kinesio taping in a physical therapist with acute low back pain due to patient handling: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: The paper describes the case of a physical therapist with acute Low Back Pain (LBP) due to patient handling and the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) around the trunk in the treatment of this occupational LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KT was applied around the trunk for 3 days, for an average of 10 h/day. Kinesio tape was applied with 130-140% stretch to the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi muscles, which are activated in the process of lifting. RESULTS: Following the KT application, the 'Visual Analog Scale' and 'Oswestry Disability Questionnaire scores' gradually decreased and active trunk range of motion limited by the LBP increased progressively. The physical therapist no longer complained of LBP and was able to handle patients without any pain. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, continuous application of KT around the trunk may be a supplementary treatment method for acute LBP in physical therapists and enable continuous patient handling without any loss of work time due to occupational LBP. In addition, KT may also be applicable for the prevention and treatment of occupational LBP in other professions involving lifting heavy objects.