• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of abdominal muscle strengthening exercises and back muscle stretching on the flexibility of spinal column. Methods: The subjects were consisted of healthy adults ( 28 of females, 32 males; mean aged 21.6) from 18 to 29. All subjects randomly assigned to the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group. back muscle stretching group received back muscles stretching for 20 minutes, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group received abdominal muscle strengthening exercises for 30 minutes per day and 3 times a week during 3 week period. Spine motion analyzer (Spinal Mouse) was used to measure the flexibility of spinal column. All measurement of each subjects were measured at pre-experiment, after 10 days, and after 21 days. Results: The results of this study were summarized below 1. The sacral tilt angle of the hip joint of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the sacral tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group. 2. The thoracic vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 3. The lumbar vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 4. The spinal tilt angle of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the spinal tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group(p<0.5). 5. The length of the spinal column of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days (p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the length of the spinal column significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group(p<0.5). Conclusion: these data suggests that 3-week abdominal muscle strengthening exercises and back muscle stretching improved the flexibility of sacrum, spinal column, and also improved spinal column lengthening. Additional randomized controlled trials to more fully investigate treatment effects and factors that may mediate these effects are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.25-34
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• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to investigate that the Effects of Pain, Lumbar Flexibility and Abdominal Obesity of Patient with Low Back Pain and Abdominal Obesity after Lumbar Strengthening Exercise. Methods : The selected subjects of this study were 17 patients who had diagnosis on low back pain and body mass index was more than $25kg/m^2$ and lumbar length was more than 90cm. They divided into a control group with 10 patients doing lumbar stabilization exercise and an experimental group with 7 patients ding simple lumbar strengthening exercise in order to compare degrees of oswestry disability index and lumbar stability, lumbar length was measured before the exercise, in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after exercises respectively. Result : lumbar strengthening exercise on patients with low back pain and abdominal obesity affected improving function of lumbar and decrease of pain with abdominal obesity. Conclusion : Then lumbar stabilization exercise than simple strengthening exercise affected decrease of Visceral fat tissue on abdominal obesity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2017

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of core and abdominal muscle-strengthening exercises on muscle activity in the lower extremity on unexpected perturbation. Methods: Twenty subjects were randomly divided into the core exercise group (n=10) or the abdominal muscles strengthening group (n=10). The two groups performed their exercises during three sessions a week for a total of four weeks. The muscle activity in the lower muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) was assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) before and after the exercises. Results: An increase in the tibialis anterior activity after the core and abdominal muscles strengthening exercises was found after four weeks. A significant difference in the pre- and post-exercise was found. The gastrocnemius muscle activity increased in the core exercise group more than the abdominal muscles strengthening group. However, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the core and abdominal muscles strengthening exercises increased the tibialis anterior muscle activity. It is expected to help make more balance ability that affect who has abdominal muscles weakness.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion: The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.13-21
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects were 14 stroke patients (10 males, 4 females) hospitalized at W rehabilitation hospital in Busan City and randomly assigned to 7 exercise groups and 7 control groups. Exercise was performed in combination with an upper and lower extremity pattern of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Measurements of abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function were made before intervention and 4 weeks after intervention. Abdominal muscle strength was assessed using a digital manual dynamometer, and respiratory function was assessed by spirometry. The collected data were analyzed with a paired t-test and independent t-test and the significance level was set as α =.05. Results : The results showed that applying abdominal muscle strengthening exercise to stroke patients showed a significant increase in abdominal muscle strength and a significant difference between groups (p<.05). Maximal-effort expiratory spirogram (MES) readings were significantly increased in forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), in the exercise group, and there were a significant differences between the groups in terms of FEV1 (p<.05). Slow vital capacity (SVC) was significantly increased in vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), and expiratory capacity (EC), and there were significant differences between the groups in VC, TV, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), EC, and inspiratory capacity (IC) (p<.05). Conclusion : Abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was effective in the abdominal muscle strength of stroke patients, and it was confirmed to have a positive effect on the enhancement of respiratory function. Therefore, it seems that exercise programs for stroke patients with respiratory weakness should include abdominal muscle strengthening exercises.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of respiratory capacity(forced vital capacity), EMG of rectus abdominal muscle, phonation by respiratory muscle strengthening exercise in children with spasticity cerebral palsy. 24 children with spasticity cerebral palsy was randomized in 2 groups, respiratory muscle strengthening exercise and contro group. In the exprimentral groups, respiratory muscle strengthening exercise for 30minutes duration 3 time per week for 8weeks were respectively preformed, Control group was not performed. Before and after experiments, respiratory capacity(forced vital capacity), EMG of rectus abdominal muscle and phonation was measured in all children. In comparison of difference before and after experiment, the respiratory capacity(forced vital capacity) of respiratory muscle strengthening exercise group was significantly increased than the control group(P<.05), rectus abdominal muscle EMG of the respiratory muscle strengthening exercise group was significantly increased more than the control group(P<.05) and MPT of the respiratory muscle strengthening exercise group was significantly increased more than the control group(P<.05). We found that the respiratory muscle strengthening exercise is useful to improve the respiratory capacity and phonation in children with spasticity cerebral palsy.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.258-263
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• 2015

Purpose: This study investigated effects of deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercises on pulmonary function and the ability to balance in stroke patients and was conducted to propose an exercise program for improving cardiovascular function. Methods: Study subjects were 20 patients with hemiplegia due to stroke, who were divided into the deep abdominal muscle strengthening exercise group (experimental group), 10, and the control group, 10. Pulmonary function tests measured FVC and FEV1, dynamic balance ability was measured using TUG. Static and dynamic balance ability was measured using BBS. The experimental group performed exercises during a period of 6 weeks, 5 times a week for 40 minutes, whereas the control group did not participate in regular exercise. The difference before and after the exercise was compared using paired t-test, difference in exercise before and after between groups was ANCOVA and level of significance was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: The changes in FVC and FEV1 within the group showed a significant difference only in the experimental group (p<0.001) (p<0.01), between-group difference was statistically significant only in FVC and FEV1 changes in the experimental group (p<0.001). The TUG changes within the group showed a significant difference in the experimental group and control group (p<0.001) (p<0.05), while BBS changes showed a significant difference only in the experimental group. Between-group difference was statistically significant only in TUG and BBS changes in the experimental group. The experimental group showed a more effective significant difference than the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Can exercise involving a deep abdominal muscle strengthening program be applied in patients with stroke with difficulty in control of trunk and decreased breathing ability?

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.57-65
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• 2013

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify the effect and difference of abdominal muscle strengthening exercise, back muscle stretching and multi-training on the lumbar flexibility of 20s adults. Method : The abdominal muscle strengthening exercise, back muscle stretching and multi-training were conducted 9 times targeting 21 subjects who attended K University from 2013 May 29 to June 14. Sit and Reach Tests were conducted 2 times(before and after exercise program) for flexibility test and measured data were processed with SPSS program WIN 12.0K. By the Wilcoxon signed rank test, the effectiveness of exercises are verified. By the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test, the difference of effectiveness among the exercise groups are verified. Result : The results of this study were summerized below 1. Before and after exercise, in abdominal muscle strengthening exercise group, back muscle stretching group and multi-training group are showed statistically significant differences(p<.05), 2. There were statistically significant difference in the improvement of the flexibility between each group(p>.05). Conclusion : These data suggests that all of the 3 exercise programs are brought positive influences on the improvement of flexibility, and abdominal muscle strengthening exercises and flexibility multi-training are effective on the flexibility more than, back muscle stretching in 20s adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.107-113
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• 2021

PURPOSE: Selective strengthening of the transverse abdominis muscle (TrA) during abdominal hollowing makes an important contribution to the stability and control of the spine. This study examined the effects of abdominal hollowing exercise (AHE) according to the visual feedback method on the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were assigned randomly to an AHE with visual feedback from real-time ultrasound image (group A, n = 10), AHE with visual feedback with pressure biofeedback unit (group B, n = 10). Both groups underwent 20 min of AHE with visual feedback once daily, five days/week for two weeks. The changes in the muscle thickness of the TrA, internal oblique abdominal muscle (IO), and external oblique abdominal muscle (EO) were measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The thickness of TrA was changed significantly in both groups (p < .05). However, the lowest minimal detectable changes were achieved in Group A. The thickness of the IO and EO muscles in group A was changed significantly, but there were no significant changes in group B. CONCLUSION: Both visual feedback methods were effective for strengthening the TrA muscles selectively. Nevertheless, AHE with visual feedback using real-time ultrasound images may be more useful in trA muscle contraction.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.269-273
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• 2022

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used for muscle strengthening. While voluntary muscle contraction follows Henneman et al.'s size principle, the NMES-induced muscle training disrespects the neurophysiology, which may lead to unwanted changes (i.e., declined balance ability). Objects: We examined how the balance was affected by abdominal muscle training with the NMES. Methods: Fifteen young adults (10 males and 5 females) aged between 21 and 30 received abdominal muscle strengthening with NMES for 23 minutes. Before and after the training, participants' balance was measured through one leg standing on a force plate with eyes open or closed. Outcome variables included mean distance (MDIST), root mean square distance (RDIST), total excursion (TOTEX), mean velocity (MVELO), and 95% confidence circle area (AREA) of center of pressure data. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test if these outcome variables were associated with time (pre and post) and vision. Results: All outcome variables were not associated with time (p > 0.05). However, all outcome variables were associated with vision (p = 0.0001), and MVELO and TOTEX were 52.4% (45.5 mm/s versus 95.6 mm/s) and 52.4% (364.1 mm versus 764.5 mm) smaller, respectively, in eyes open than eyes closed (F = 55.8, p = 0.0005; F = 55.8, p = 0.0005). Furthermore, there was no interaction between time and vision (F = 0.024, p = 0.877). Conclusion: Despite the different neurophysiology of muscle contraction, abdominal muscle strengthening with NMES did not affect balance.