Sling Exercise Group Research Articles

슬링과 토구 운동이 사무직 척추질환 환자의 정적 균형과 족부압력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was conducted to find out the effect on balance and foot pressure when performing Sling exercise and Togu exercise in an office worker with a spinal disease. As office workers spend more time working on computers, the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck pain and shoulder and back pain is also on the rise. Among the various exercise methods, it has been reported that Sling exercise continuously relieves pain in patients with the nervous system and musculoskeletal system, increases posture control and dynamic balance ability, and strengthens the muscles involved in the stability of the torso and joints. Togu exercise activates muscles that are not normally used by exercising on an air-filled ball, providing stimulation of the intrinsic receptor, strengthening inter body support muscle strength, and recognizing the posture of the pelvis. This study was conducted with the Sling exercise group (SEG, n=7) and the Togu exercise group (TEG, n=6) of 13 employees of k university. The results of applying the two exercises are as follows. The significant change between the groups was insignificant, but when Sling exercise was applied, there was a significant difference in balance and foot pressure.

Short-term Effects of Sling Exercise Combined with Massage on the Treatment of Neck Type Cervical Spondylopathy

<bold>Objective:</bold> To observe the effects of sling exercise combined with massage in patients with neck type cervical spondylopathy (NTCS) by using surface electromyography (sEMG), and to explore the short-term effects on neck pain, neck disabilities and muscle fatigue. <sec><title>Methods</title> A total of ninety-three patients with neck type cervical spondylopathy who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups according to the random number table: massage group, sling exercise group and sling exercise combined with massage group, with 31 cases in each group. The three groups were treated with massage, sling exercise, sling exercise combined with massage therapy respectively, 30 minutes per time, once a day, 5 days per week, for a total of one week. Before and after treatment, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to evaluate the cervical function and quality of life of patients, and the median frequency (MF) of the upper trapezius muscle was measured by electromyography biofeedback instrument. </sec><sec><title>Results</title> Before treatment, the MPQ scores, NDI scores and MF value of the three groups were not statistically different (<italic>P</italic>>0.05). After treatment, the MPQ scores, NDI scores and MF value of the three groups were all improved (<italic>P</italic><0.05); the MPQ scores and NDI scores of the three groups all decreased, and those of the massage group, sling exercise group and sling exercise combined with massage group were (16.68±2.52) scores, (17.06±1.71) scores, (15.03±1.66) scores, and (15.35±4.77) scores, (15.29±4.38) scores, (13.71±4.61) scores respectively; the MF value increased, the value on the left was (69.73±6.47) Hz, (70.05±7.40) Hz and (73.34±5.21) Hz respectively, and the value on the right was (63.29±8.66) Hz, (63.51±9.76) Hz and (65.85±8.21) Hz respectively, the differences were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic><0.05); the short-term effects of sling exercise combined with massage group on neck pain, dysfunction and neck muscle fatigue were better than those of the massage group and the sling exercise group respectively (<italic>P</italic><0.05), but there were no significant differences between the massage group and the sling exercise group (<italic>P</italic>>0.05). Further correlation analysis showed that the MPQ scores was negatively correlated with MF value (left: <italic>r</italic>=-0.626, <italic>P</italic><0.05; right: <italic>r</italic>=-0.695, <italic>P</italic><0.05); besides the NDI scores decreased with the increase of MF value (left: <italic>r</italic>=-0.692, <italic>P</italic><0.05; right: <italic>r</italic>=-0.491, <italic>P</italic><0.05), and the average MF value on the right was lower than that on the left. </sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title> Sling exercise combined with massage can significantly reduce the patients pain, activate and strengthen the neck muscles, improve the neck function of patients. At the same time, the sEMG can objectively reflect that sling exercise combined with massage has better short-term effects on the upper trapezius muscle. </sec>

Gyrotonic운동과 Sling운동이 중년여성 요통환자들의 요부 근력, 안정화 비율 및 통증지수 변화에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to measure and analyze lumbar extension strength, flexion/extension ratios and visual analogue scale(VAS) changes in 20 middle-aged Female Patients of low back pain. Subjects(10 from the gyrotonic exercise group, 10 from the sling exercise group) participated and tested twice pre- & post- exercise during the 8-week period of different exercise programs. The result of research showed as following. 1. The gyrotonic exercise group and the sling exercise group showed an increase in lumbar extension strength to 41.18% and 33.58% respectively. Both groups showed a significant increase of muscular strength at all angles except “0° in the sling exercise group. 2. The flexion/extension strength ratio in the gyrotonic exercise group decreased to 47.88% and a statistically significant difference was found(p＜.01), but it increased to 16.15% in the sling exercise group and statistical significance was not found. 3. The gyrotonic exercise group and the sling exercise group showed a decrease in VAS to 39.58% and 21.42% respectively and there was a statistically significant difference(p＜.01). These results indicated that gyrotonic exercise and sling exercise need to be recommended clinically as interventions for improving low back pain.

Effect of Horse Riding Simulator Exercise on Thickness of Transverse Abdominis in Healthy Adults

Purpose: This study examined the effects of horse riding simulator exercise on the thickness changes in the transverse abdominis in nor mal adults. Methods: Forty-five healthy adults were recruited and randomized to a horseback riding simulation exercise group (n=15), a sling exer cise group (n=15), and a trunk stabilization exercise group (n=15). A horseback riding simulator offers the indoor experience of horse back riding and mimics the rhythmic movement of horseback riding, thereby provided a virtual environment, such as riding a real horse on the front screen. The velocity of the horse riding simulator exercise was regulated within the subject’s ability to control the exercise on the horse riding simulator. A sling exercise group performed sling exercise under the inspection of the experimenter. In the trunk sta bilization exercise group, the subjects were instructed to perform the exercise accurately and pause the session when pain occurred dur ing the intervention. The subjects in each group carried out the interventions three times per week for six weeks. The thickness of the transverse abdominis was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit and the ultrasound. Results: Significant differences in the thickness of transverse abdominis within the groups were observed between before and after the interventions. On the other hand, there were no differences in the parameters among the groups. Conclusion: Horse riding simulator exercise can be an alternative to trunk stabilization exercise by increasing the thickness of the trans verse abdominis in healthy adults.

EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM SLING EXERCISE WITH WHOLE BODY VIBRATION RECOVERY METHOD ON HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE AND LACTIC ACID LEVEL VARIABILITY

The objective of this study was to compare heart rate, blood pressure, and lactic acid level with different recovery methods after having maximal exercise to provide reliable data regarding efficient recovery methods. Heart rate, blood pressure, and lactic acid level were continuously recorded for 30[Formula: see text]min at 5-min intervals during a recovery period after performing a maximal exercise test based on the Bruce-protocol. Study subjects were 36 healthy men in the 20[Formula: see text]s. They were randomly assigned to a passive recovery group ([Formula: see text] people), a sling exercise group ([Formula: see text] people), and a sling exercise with whole-body vibration group ([Formula: see text] people). One-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the recovery effects by using SPSS 18.0 Korea. The statistical significance was accepted at [Formula: see text]. Our results revealed that SWRG showed significantly faster heart rate recovery than SRG. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure tended to decrease more in the combined group than the PRG. Thirdly, the lactic acid level decreased to a lower level in the combined group than the PRG.

Effects of 12-week lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercise on lumbosacral region angle, lumbar muscle strength, pain scale of patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 29 chronic low back pain patient women who were selected among participants in exercise class at K Region Health Promotion Center in South Korea and were randomly assigned to the lumbar stabilization exercise group (n=10), sling exercise group (n=10), and the control group (n=9). Both lumbar stabilization and sling exercise programs were executed for 60 minutes, three times a week, for 12 weeks. Before and after exercise we measured lumbosacral region angle (lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle, sacral inclination angle), lumbar muscle strength, and pain scale in all subjects. Two-way analysis of variance was conducted to analyze experimental data. In order to analyze the interaction effect, we conducted paired t-test before and after treatment. [Results] Lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercises group did not affect lumbar lordosis angle, lumbosacral angle and sacral inclination angle. Whereas the lumbar flexion muscle strength and lumbar extension muscle strength significantly increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The flexibility increased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. The pain scale decreased in the lumbar stabilization exercise group and sling exercise group. [Conclusion] Both lumbar stabilization exercise and sling exercises are useful therapeutic approaches to chronic back pain.

The Effect of Sling Exercise Therapy with Vibration Balls on Upper Limb Muscle Activity for Paraplegia-Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of a muscle activity by applying the complex exercise method of sling in accordance with the provision of various vibration intensities for paraplegia-spinal cord injury. Method: The subjects of the study were 15 men in their 40s and 50s with lower limb disabilities and low potential risk, who were randomly divided into a sling exercise group (SG n=4), a sling with low frequency vibration group (SLVG n=4), a sling with mid-frequency vibration group (SMVG n=4), and a sling with high frequency group (SHVG n=4) in accordance with the provision of slings and vibration stimuli. The vibratory intensity provided was divided into low frequency (30 Hz), mid-frequency (50 Hz), and high frequency (70 Hz). The anterior deltoid (AD), the posterior deltoid (PD), the pectoralis major (PM), the upper trapezius (UT), the latissimus dorsi (LD), and the multifidus (MF) were measured to compare and analyze muscle activity. Results: The closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercise to the shoulder joint showed higher muscle activity in most muscles for the SMVG, and statistically significant differences in the anterior deltoid (AD), the pectoralis major (PM), and the multifidus (MF) in particular. Conclusion: The intermediate frequency (50 Hz) string vibration was the effective vibration stimuli for Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises.

Effects of Stretching and Sling Exercise on Pelvic Correction and Dysmenorrhea in University Students

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stretching and sling exercises on pelvic correction and dysmenorrhea in university students. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The subjects were divided into three groups: sling exercise group, stretching group, and control group. All groups performed each exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 4 weeks. The control group received thermotherapy. All groups were measured for pelvic alignment, Visual Analog Scale(VAS) and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire(MDQ). Repeated measures ANOVA were used to verify differences between groups and assessment times with respect to pelvic alignment, VAS and MDQ. Findings: Comparisons of all three groups before and after the intervention revealed significant differences in the VAS and MDQ scores. The post-intervention decreases in the VAS scores of the stretching group were more significant than those of the control group. Comparisons of pelvic alignment before and after the intervention in each group indicated that sling exercise significantly decreased sagittal imbalance, coronal imbalance, pelvic inclination, and pelvic torsion. In addition, stretching significantly decreased sagittal imbalance, coronal imbalance, pelvic inclination, pelvic torsion, and pelvic obliquity. The control group, however, did not demonstrate decreases in any of the variables, with the exception of coronal imbalance. In the stretching group, in particular, post-intervention pelvic inclination was more significantly decreased than that of the control group. Improvements/Applications: Sling and stretching exercises improve pelvic alignment, painful menstruation and dysmenorrhea. These exercises can be used as the data for various directions of interventions to alleviate or prevent dysmenorrhea.

Effects of sling exercise on postural sway in post-stroke patients.

[Purpose] To examine the effects of sling exercise on the balance of post-stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 18 post-stroke patients (13 men; mean age, 55.3 years) were recruited, and randomly assigned them into sling exercise (n=10) and control exercise (n=8) groups. The Good Balance System was used for measurement of velocity (anteroposterior and mediolateral, mm/s), velocity moment (mm2/s) of the movement of the center of pressure, and distance (anteroposterior and mediolateral, mm) between the center of pressure and the center point. The changes in mediolateral velocity, anteroposterior velocity, and velocity moment were compared between two groups in addition to the comparison of distance between the center of pressure and the center point of postural sway. [Results] The sling exercise group showed more significant improvements in anteroposterior velocity, mediolateral velocity, velocity moment, anteroposterior distance, and mediolateral distance than the control exercise group. [Conclusion] Sling exercise improved post-stroke balance performance and could be used as a therapeutic strategy to improve post-stroke functional recovery.

The effect of sling exercise on sagittal lumbosacral angle and intervertebral disc area of chronic low back pain patients.

The purpose of this study was to observe the change of lumbosacral angle and intervertebral disc (IVD) area. The study was conducted on chronic low back pain (CLBP) female patients for 12 weeks by operating sling exercise and general physical therapy. The 57 CLBP were divided into 2 groups which, sling exercise group (SEG, n=34) and general physical therapy group (PTG, n=23). The experiment was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. The lumbosacral angle, which means the angle between the L1–L2 lumbar was measured by plain radiography. The IVD area, which means the IVD height and volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS). As a result, after 12-week exercise, VAS had decreased in all groups. The angle of L3–4 and L4–5 and the height of IVD had increased in SEG. Also, IVD height and volume has more improved in SEG compare the PTG. Therefore, the sling exercise is proper treatment for CLBP patients’ recovery because It improve the lumbosacral angle and IVD area.

The change of pain and lumbosacral sagittal alignment after sling exercise therapy for patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to quantify the effect of sling exercise therapy in the recovery of lumbosacral sagittal alignment (LSA) and in the control of low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 102 chronic low back pain patients were divided into two groups, a physical therapy group and a sling exercise group. In both groups, programs were conducted thrice a week for twelve weeks. With respect to LSA, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured with plain radiography. Pain was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS). [Results] Differences were found in visual analogue scale, delta score of visual analogue scale, pelvic tilt, delta score of pelvic tilt, and delta score of pelvic incidence between sling exercise therapy and physical therapy groups. VAS, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence was positively changed after sling exercise. However, only the visual analogue scale was found to be improved after physical therapy. [Conclusion] Sling exercise therapy and physical therapy were effective in reducing pain. However, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were positively changed after sling exercise therapy for Lumbosacral Sagittal Alignment, but were unchanged after physical therapy. Therefore, sling exercise therapy is more effective than physical therapy for the recovery of Lumbosacral Sagittal Alignment in patients with chronic low back pain.

Comparison of physical function according to the lumbar movement method of stabilizing a patient with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the changes caused by lumbar stabilization exercises in chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Swiss ball exercise regimen group and sling exercise regimen group exercised for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. The control group was to continue performing their usual daily living activities. [Results] We obtained significant results in both the Swiss ball and sling exercise groups, but not in the control group. The best effect was obtained in the sling exercise group. [Conclusion] The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index and visual pain scale scores of the patients with low back pain decreased in both the Swiss ball exercise group and the sling exercise group, and these patients experienced an increase in waist isometric muscular strength after 12 weeks of exercise compared with those doing no exercise (the control group).

Comparison of Abdominal Muscle Activity after Sling and Swiss-ball Exercises in Asymptomatic Adults

【PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate any changes in abdominal muscle activity after curl-up and jack-knife exercisse using a sling and swiss-ball. METHODS: Sixteen asymptomatic subjects were randomly assigned into either a sling exercise group (SG) or swiss-ball exercise group (SBG). Subjects performed curl-up and jack-knife exercise using sling and swiss ball. Activity of abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis and external oblique) was assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) before and after exercises. The significance of differences between the SG and the SBG was evaluated by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: There was an increase in activity of all abdominal muscles after the curl-up and jack-knife exercises for 6 weeks. However, there was not a significant difference between the SG and the SBG after curl-up exercise (p>.05). There was also not a significant difference between the SG and the SBG after Jack-knife exercise (p>.05) except for the right external oblique muscle (p】

슈로스(Schroth)운동치료와 슬링운동치료가 척추측만증 환자의 유연성, 균형능력, 척추각 및 흉곽 확장에 미치는 효과 비교

The subjects were 16 patients who were diagnosed with scoliosis. They were randomly assigned either to a Schroth exercise group (n=8) that received Schroth exercise program or to a sling exercise group (n=8) that received sling exercise program. Flexibility, static balance, dynamic balance, and spinal angles were measured by using the modified sit and reach test, one leg standing with closed eyes, functional reach test, and Cobb’s angle, respectively. The chest expansion were calculated using differences of chest circumference between maximum inspiration and maximum expiration measured under armpits, at the junction between the sternum and xiphoid process, and at the waist.

Effect of Weight-bearing Therapeutic Exercise on the Q-angle and Muscle Activity Onset Times of Elite Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a weight-bearing therapeutic exercise program for elite athletes diagnosed as having patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Subjects] The subjects were 34 elite athletes from the Seoul T Center. They were randomly allocated to three groups: an elastic band exercise group (EBG), a sling exercise group (SEG), or a control group (CG). [Methods] Therapeutic exercises were performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) hamstring length, and static and dynamic Q angles were used to test the exercise effect of the exercises, as well as the onset time of electromyographic activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL). [Results] Decrease of the dynamic Q-angle in EBG was significant and significantly greater than that in CG. The decrease in VAS in SEG was significant and significantly greater than that in CG. There were significant differences in the VL and VMO activity onset times in SEG between pre- and post-test, and their differences between pre- and post-test were also significantly different. [Conclusion] Weight-bearing therapeutic exercise is hoped that clinicians will use this information for better implementation of effective exercise methods for elite athletes with PFPS.

New aspects of physical therapy for osteoporosis

SummaryFractures due to osteoporosis are among the leading causes of functional limitation, chronic pain, and greater morbidity in advanced age. Apart from bone, risk factors for osteoporotic fractures include non-osseous causes such as falls or reduced neuromuscular capacity. Muscle and coordination exercises enhance the patient’s abilities in daily life and prevent falls. In view of recent conclusions drawn from competitive sports, which stress the significance of muscles of the trunk with regard to reducing back pain and optimizing posture, we used sling exercises to determine whether they benefit patients with osteoporosis and are more useful than traditional physiotherapy. A stable ceiling construction was installed for sling exercise; slings were suspended from this construction. Fifty patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received traditional physiotherapy while group B was given sling exercises, in each case twice a week for a period of three months. The exercises were similar in the two groups. Both performed chair-rising exercises and pelvic lift in supine position; the sling exercise group used the slings for this purpose. The results of treatment (pre-post) were analyzed in terms of pain levels, mobility, trunk strength, and the shape of the back. For the latter we used the spine scanner Diers®Formetric 4D to measure the spine surface of the patients with low radiation. After a further three months with no specific exercise treatment, we re-tested the patients to establish the long-term effects of the two types of exercises. Forty-four patients (88 %) completed the study. Patients were assigned to small groups for the exercises (a maximum of 5 patients each), and thus received individual attention and motivation. Positive training effects were achieved in both groups. Significantly better results in regard of improved mobility (8.2 ± 1.9 vs. 6.7 ± 1.4; p = 0.005) and pain at rest (3.1 ± 1.7 vs. 1.9 ± 1.4; p = 0.011) were registered in the sling exercise group. A comparison of the baseline values for these parameters to those reported at follow-up, without specific stabilization or strengthening exercises, it was found that the effect lasted for a minimum period of 3 months (p &lt; 0.001). The results of the investigation confirm the known positive effects of physical therapy with regard to back pain in patients with osteoporosis. Simultaneously, sling exercise proved to be a treatment alternative that improves trunk strength and posture as well as provides greater mobility, thus improving quality of life in patients with osteoporosis.

The Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercises Using a Sling on the Balance of Patients with Hemiplegia

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of trunk stabilization exercise using a saing on the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a sling exercise group (SEG, n=20) and a mat exercise group (MEG, n=20). [Methods] The SEG conducted the trunk stabilization exercise using a sling, and the MEG performed the trunk stabilization exercise on a mat. [Results] The balance ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the SEG showed a greater reduction in the sway area (SA) and the sway length (SL) of the center of the pressure compared to the MEG. [Conclusion] We recommend trunk stabilization exercise using a sling as a clinical intervention to improve the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.

20대 여성 요통환자의 6주간 슬링운동이 유연성, 균형, 근력 및 골반경사각에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks of sling exercises on female patients 20 years of age with low back pain according to flexibility, balance, muscle strength and pelvic tilt. Method : The 20 female patients who complained of back pain were divided into two groups. The experimental group exercised for 40 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The control group did not. Both groups were measure for flexibility, balance, muscular strength, and pelvic tilt angle. Result : Curvature of the experimental flexibility, stretch, balance, muscle strength of the trunk forward, backward, left rotation, right rotation for the sling exercise group had significant differences. However, pelvic tilt did not show a significant difference. Control of the stretch of the flexibility, balance, and muscle strength of the trunk posterior showed significant differences for the sling exercise group. Conclusion : Although significant differences were found in flexibility, balance, muscular strength, there was no difference in pelvic tilt. When selecting subjects, we believe patients with regular patterns of pain will be more effective for statistical analysis of the changes in pelvic tilt.

Trunk stabilization with sling training in osteoporosis patients—a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Fractures due to osteoporosis are one of the principal causes of functional limitations, chronic pain, and greater morbidity in advanced age. In addition to bone risk factors for osteoporotic fractures include extraosseous causes such as falls or reduced neuromuscular capacity. Muscle and coordination exercises enhance the patients’ abilities in daily life and prevent falls. In view of recent conclusions drawn from competitive sports, which stress the significance of the muscles of the trunk in respect of reducing back pain and optimizing posture, we used sling exercises to determine whether osteoporosis patients benefit from it and whether it is more advantageous than traditional physiotherapy. Fifty patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received traditional physiotherapy, while group B was given sling exercises, in each case twice a week for a period of 3 months. The results of treatment (pre-post) were analyzed in terms of pain levels, mobility, trunk strength, and the shape of the back. After a further 3 months with no specific exercise treatment, we retested all patients in order to draw conclusions about the long-term effects of the two types of exercise. Forty-four patients (88 %) completed the study. Patients were assigned to small groups (a maximum of five patients in each group) and, thus, received individual attention and motivation. Positive training effects were achieved in both groups. Significantly better results as regards improvement of mobility and reduction of falls were registered in the sling exercise group.

A Randomized Study of New Sling Exercise Treatment vs Traditional Physiotherapy for Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders with unsettled Compensation Claims

Many patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders have reduced neuromuscular control of the neck and head. It has been proposed that a new sling exercise therapy may promote neuromuscular control of the neck. To compare the effects of traditional physiotherapy vs traditional physiotherapy combined with a new sling exercise therapy on discomfort and function in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders who have unsettled compensation claims; and to investigate possible additional effects of guided, long-term home training. A randomized multi-centre trial with 4 parallel groups. A total of 214 patients were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups, and received either traditional physiotherapy with or without home training, or new sling exercise therapy with or without home training. Outcome measures were pain, disability, psychological distress, sick leave and physical tests. A total of 171 patients (80%) completed the study. There were no important statistical or clinical differences between the groups after 4 months of treatment. There was a small statistically significant effect at 12-month follow-up in both groups with home training regarding pain during rest (p = 0.05) and reported fatigue in the final week (p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were found between the traditional physiotherapy group and the new sling exercise group, with or without home training. Since the groups were not compared with a control group without treatment, we cannot conclude that the studied treatments are effective for patients with whiplash-associated disorder, only that they did not differ in our study.