ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of thigh muscle fatigue caused by walking in a squatted position on biomechanical factors, to evaluate the risk of a job performed sitting in a squatted position for a long period of time. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen right foot dominant women without any injuries in their joints and body in the last 6 months were selected. They walked in a squatted position, and then muscle fatigue was induced by using an isokinetic muscular function measuring device (CSMI, USA). After the CSMI measurement, the participants performed walking in a squatted position again. [Results] After inducing thigh muscle fatigue, the knee joint maximum adduction moment significantly increased and the required duration was reduced. The muscle fatigue index was positively correlated with adduction moment and negatively with the duration. It influenced the changes of maximum adduction moment; 55.0% of the adduction moment change was explained by the degree of fatigue. [Conclusion] A quantitative analysis of working in a squatted position was performed. The thigh muscle fatigue index negatively the knee joint during walking in a squatted position. Therefore, this experiment can be used as an ergonomic analysis tool of general farm work.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] This study evaluated the changes in balance ability and obstacle gait after lumbar stabilization exercise and Nintendo Wii(TM) Sports in elderly at risk for falls. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four elderly women with at risk for falls were randomly divided into the control, lumbar stabilization exercise, and Nintendo Wii Sports groups. Static balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test, dynamic balance by the timed up-and-go test, and obstacle negotiation function by crossing velocity and maximum vertical heel clearance. [Results] Both the lumbar stabilization exercise and Nintendo Wii Sports groups showed significant improvements in obstacle negotiation function after the exercise compared to the control group. Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test scores were greater in the lumbar stabilization exercise group, while the timed up-and-go test time was significantly better in the Nintendo Wii Sports groups. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises and Nintendo Wii Sports improve falling related balance and obstacle negotiation function in elderly women at risk for falls.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of core stability exercise (CSE) on the physical and psychological functions of elderly women while negotiating general obstacles. [Subjects and Methods] After allocating 10 elderly women each to the core stability training group and the control group, we carried out Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and measured crossing velocity (CV), maximum vertical heel clearance (MVHC), and knee flexion angle for assessing physical performances. We evaluated depression and fear of falling for assessing psychological functions. [Results] Relative to the control group, the core stability training group showed statistically significant overall changes after the training session: an increase in POMA scores, faster CV, lower MVHC, and a decrease in knee flexion angle. Furthermore, depression and fear of falling decreased significantly. [Conclusion] CSE can have a positive effect on the improvement of physical and psychological performances of older women who are vulnerable to falls as they negotiate everyday obstacles.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] This study performed a systematic literature review of the ability of lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) to improve the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A systematic review was conducted of four databases. The papers retrieved were evaluated based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) design, a controlled clinical trial; 2) intervention, LSE; 3) outcome, change in balance ability; and 4) year of publication, 2000 to 2013. [Results] The findings of 6 papers were compared to determine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises on stroke patients' balance abilities. The papers had methodological quality scores of 5-8 on the PEDro scale. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercises have a positive influence on stroke patients' balance abilities.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Nintendo Wii exercise program on chronic work-related LBP compared with stability exercise. [Methods] Twenty-four workers participated in this study. All of the participants were diagnosed with chronic LBP by a physician. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (CG), lumbar stabilization exercise group (LSE), and Nintendo Wii exercise group (NWE). Participants were treated 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted 30 minutes. [Results] The results demonstrated that exercise programs improved significantly physical functions related to LBP. In health-related QOL, the Nintendo Wii exercise program significantly improved both the mental and physical health composites, but other groups had significant improvement only in the physical health composite. [Conclusion] The Nintendo Wii exercise program could be a biopsychosocial intervention for work-related LBP in factory workers.
