Trunk Stabilization Exercises Research Articles

Efficacy of Mulligan joint mobilizations and trunk stabilization exercises versus isometric knee strengthening in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression is often influenced by biomechanical factors. Biomechanical interventions, such as Trunk stabilization exercise (TSE) and Mulligan joint mobilization (MWM), may offer relief from KOA symptoms and potentially slow disease progression. However, the comparative efficacy of these therapies remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of TSE, Mulligan joint mobilization, and isometric knee strengthening (KSE) on disability, pain severity, and aerobic exercise capacity in patients with KOA.MethodologyA randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three intervention groups was conducted between September 2020 to February 2021. The study enrolled adults aged between 40 and 60 years with a confirmed KOA diagnosis recruited from the physical therapy clinic of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 24 sessions of either TSE, MWM, or KSE. The knee’s functionality was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and two objective functional tests—the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 11-stair climb test (SCT). These assessments were conducted at baseline, the third week, and the sixth week. Changes in outcome measures were analyzed using a mixed-design ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05.ResultOf the 60 participants, 22 (36.7%) were females, and 38 (63.3%) were males. Within-group analysis revealed a significant improvement in all outcome measures at the third week (p < 0.05) and sixth week (p < 0.05). Notably, the TSE group exhibited a greater reduction in mean difference (M.D) in VAS scores than the MWM and KSE groups across various measures in the third week. At rest, during stair ascent, and descent, the TSE group showed significant improvements in VAS scores: MWM (-2.05; -1.94; -1.94), TSE (-2.38; -2.5; -2.5), KSE (-1.05; -0.63; -0.63). Additionally, during sub-maximal exercise capacity assessment, the TSE group showed greater improvement (MWM 12.89; TSE 22.68; KSE 7.89), as well as in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for activities of daily living (KOOS-ADL) (MWM 20.84; TSE 28.84; KSE 12.68), and KOOS-pain (MWM 24.84; TSE 27.77; KSE 5.77) at the third-week assessment (p < 0.05). The TSE group demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.05) across various measures in the sixth week. Specifically, improvements were observed in VAS scores at rest (MWM − 4.15; TSE − 4.42; KSE − 3.78), during stair ascent (MWM − 3.89; TSE − 4.88; KSE − 3.56) and descent (MWM − 3.78; TSE − 4.05; KSE − 2.94). Furthermore, significant improvements were noted in the stair climb test (MWM − 7.05; TSE − 7.16; KSE − 4.21), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (MWM 22.42; TSE 37.6; KSE 13.84), KOOS-pain (MWM 41.47; TSE 49.11; KSE 28.73), and KOOS-ADL (MWM 40.31; TSE 50.57; KSE 26.05).ConclusionIn this study in patients with KOA, TSE had greater efficacy compared to MWM and KSE in enhancing functional levels, reducing pain, improving sub-maximal exercise capacity, and performance on the stair climb test. Importantly, mean scores between the groups, particularly in the TSE group, reached the minimally important level, particularly in key areas such as pain, functional levels, sub-maximal exercise capacity, and stair climb performance. Clinicians should consider the significant pain reduction, improved functionality, and enhanced exercise capacity demonstrated by TSE, indicating its potential as a valuable therapeutic choice for individuals with KOA.Trial noClinicalTrials.gov = NCT04099017 23/9/2019.

A Comparison between Core Stability Exercises and Muscle Thickness Using Two Different Activation Maneuvers.

Core stability training is crucial for competitive athletes, individuals who want to improve their health and physical performance, and those undergoing clinical rehabilitation. This study compared the ultrasound (US) muscle thickness of the abdominals and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles between seven popular trunk stability exercises performed using hollowing and bracing maneuvers. Forty-four healthy young adults, aged between 21 and 32 years, performed a plank, bird dog, beast crawl, dead bug, Pilates tap, bridge, and side planks using the bracing and the hollowing maneuver. The thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and LM muscles was measured simultaneously using two ultrasound machines. Analysis of variance designs indicated that during hollowing, the bird dog and side plank exercises resulted in the greatest increase in the muscle's relative thickness overall. The relative thickness of all muscles was significantly greater (p < 0.001) during hollowing (22.7 ± 7.80 to 106 ± 24.5% of rest) compared to bracing (18.7 ± 7.40 to 87.1 ± 20.9% of rest). The TrA showed the greatest increase in thickness (p < 0.001) compared to the IO and LM. Additionally, the IO had a greater increase in thickness (p < 0.001) than the LM. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the bird dog and side plank exercises, when performed with hollowing, showed the most significant total muscle thickness increase. Notably, the hollowing maneuver enhances the thickness of the TrA, IO, and LM muscles more than the bracing maneuver. This contributes to the discussion on optimal strategies for dynamic core stabilization.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises on balance, functionality and abdominal muscle thickness in hemiplegic patients.

This study aims to investigate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises (TSEs) in addition to conventional exercises in patients with stroke on balance, functionality and abdominal muscle thickness as measured by ultrasonography (USG) and to compare the patients' non-paretic side abdominal muscle thickness with healthy population. Between April 2019 and June 2019, a total of 26 hemiparesis/hemiplegic patients with stroke (15 males, 11 females; mean age: 62.3±7.8 years; range, 52 to 71 years) confirmed by neurological examination or computed tomography (CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers (12 males, 8 females; mean age: 62.3±7.2 years; range, 53 to 70 years) were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups. In the first group (n=13), TSE were performed in addition to conventional neurorehabilitation program, five times/week for a total of four weeks. The second group (n=13) was given conventional neurorehabilitation program, five times/week for a total of four weeks. Also, healthy volunteers as the third group were compared with the patient population. The evaluations were made at the beginning and end of the treatment. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), and Functional Reach Test (FRT) were used. Abdominal muscle thickness at rest and contraction were evaluated using USG. Ten patients in Group 1 and 10 patients in Group 2 completed study. A significant improvement was observed in all abdominal muscles in both groups (p<0.05), indicating no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement for BBS and FRT in both groups. The PASS and BI scores showed a significant improvement only in TSE group. Both the TSE and conventional neurorehabilitation program provided significant improvements in abdominal muscle thickness, balance and trunk control. For postural control and functionality, additional TSE seems to be more effective.

Evaluating User Perceptions of a Vibrotactile Feedback System in Trunk Stabilization Exercises: A Feasibility Study.

Low back pain patients often have deficits in trunk stability. For this reason, many patients receive physiotherapy treatment, which represents an enormous socio-economic burden. Training at home could reduce these costs. The problem here is the lack of correction of the exercise execution. Therefore, this feasibility study investigates the applicability of a vibrotactile-controlled feedback system for trunk stabilisation exercises. A sample of 13 healthy adults performed three trunk stabilisation exercises. Exercise performance was corrected by physiotherapists using vibrotactile feedback. The NASA TLX questionnaire was used to assess the practicability of the vibrotactile feedback. The NASA TLX questionnaire shows a very low global workload 40.2 [29.3; 46.5]. The quality of feedback perception was perceived as good by the subjects, varying between 69.2% (anterior hip) and 92.3% (lower back). 80.8% rated the feedback as helpful for their training. On the expert side, the results show a high rating of movement quality. The positive evaluations of the physiotherapists and the participants on using the vibrotactile feedback system indicate that such a system can reduce the trainees fear of independent training and support the users in their training. This could increase training adherence and long-term success.

Trunk muscle activation of core stabilization exercises in subjects with and without chronic low back pain.

Weakness and atrophy in trunk muscles have been associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to identify isometric exercises resulting the highest trunk muscle activity for individuals with and without CLBP. Fourteen males with CLBP and 15 healthy age-matched healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Muscle activity during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured for a comparative reference with surface electromyography (sEMG) from six trunk muscles. Thereafter maximum EMG amplitude values were measured during eleven trunk stability exercises. The maximal EMG activity in each exercise relative to the MVICs was analyzed using generalizing estimating equations (GEE) models with the unstructured correlation structure. The GEE models showed statistically significant differences in muscle activity between exercises within both groups (p< 0.001), with no significant differences between groups (p> 0.05). The highest muscle activity was achieved with the hip flexion machine for multifidus, side pull with a resistance band for lumbar extensors, side and single-arm cable pull exercises for thoracic extensors, rotary plank and the hip flexion machine for abdominal. This study found five isometric trunk exercises that exhibited highest muscle activity depending on muscle tested, with no significant difference between individuals with and without CLBP.

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON ABILITY MEASURED BY FMS TESTS AND MENTAL HEALTH OF MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of physical exercise on: 1. abi-lities measured by FMS tests, 2. the impact of physical status on the mental health of middle-aged people and 3. body composition. The research used a quasiexperimental design (test-retest). 20 respondents (11 men and 9 women) were included in this paper. The average age of the respondents is 52.3 years, average body height 169.4 cm, average body weight 78.62 kg. All respondents live in the territory of the United Arab Emirates, where they are physically minimally active or completely inactive. Body impedance (InBody120), FMS device and survey questionnaire were used in the research. Descriptive statistics and T-test were used for data processing. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the variables that were measured at the beginning and after the application of the defined exercise program (test-retest), in the variable point score-FMS test (p = 0.000) and in the satisfaction questionnaire (p &lt; 0.05). However, the exercise program had no effect on body com-position because it focused on trunk mobility and stabilization exercises.

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON ABILITY MEASURED BY FMS TESTS AND MENTAL HEALTH OF MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of physical exercise on: 1. abi-lities measured by FMS tests, 2. the impact of physical status on the mental health of middle-aged people and 3. body composition. The research used a quasi-experimental design (test-retest). 20 respondents (11 men and 9 women) were included in this paper. The average age of the respondents is 52.3 years, average body height 169.4 cm, average body weight 78.62 kg. All respondents live in the territory of the United Arab Emirates, where they are physically minimally active or completely inactive. Body impedance (InBody120), FMS device and survey questionnaire were used in the research. Descriptive statistics and T-test were used for data processing. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the variables that were measured at the beginning and after the application of the defined exercise program (test-retest), in the variable point scoreFMS test (p = 0.000) and in the satisfaction questionnaire (p &lt; 0.05). However, the exercise program had no effect on body com-position because it focused on trunk mobility and stabilization exercises.

Effectiveness of warm-up and dynamic balance training in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries in college gymnasts: a 3-year prospective study for one team.

The effect of trunk stability and dynamic balance warm-up exercises on physical functional improvement remains unelucidated. This study examined whether exercises could prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and improve trunk muscle activation and dynamic balance in gymnasts. This comparison study, involving gymnastics practice sessions, included 31 university gymnasts and was conducted in two periods: 1 year of observation followed by 2 years of intervention. Participants performed a trunk and dynamic balance warm-up exercise program during the intervention. The effect of exercise on the incidence of ACL injury was evaluated. In addition, the paired t-test was used to compare the Y-balance distance and the changes in muscle thickness associated with trunk muscle activation at rest and during plank. ACL injury risk during the intervention was significantly lower, with a relative risk of 0.23 (P=0.02, 95% CI: 0.06-0.88). Changes in muscle thickness with activation of the transversus abdominis (P<0.01, mean difference 4.1, 95% CI: 9.97-28.07, Cohen's d=0.52), internal oblique (P<0.01, mean difference 5.2, 95% CI: 9.72-21.55, Cohen's d=0.65), and external oblique (P<0.01, mean difference 5.5, 95% CI: 20.44-39.09, Cohen's d=0.71) muscles were significantly higher during the intervention. The Y-balance distance was also significantly greater in the posterior medial reach (P<0.01, mean difference 3.3, 95% CI: 1.56-6.26, Cohen's d=0.46) during the intervention. Exercise-based warm-up programs may decrease ACL injuries. It can improve physical functions, such as the rate of change in trunk muscle thickness and the posterior medial distance during Y balance.

The effect of trunk-stabilizing muscle training in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial.

There is little evidence regarding the effect of trunk-stabilizing muscle training on the improvement of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms. To investigate the effect of trunk-stabilizing muscle training on transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) and clinical urological indices, and on the quality of life (QoL) in women with SUI. Randomized controlled trial. A university hospital. Forty-six women with SUI, ages 20-55 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 23) and control group (n = 23). The experimental group performed trunk-stabilization exercises according to the Sapsford protocol, whereas the control group performed pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was bladder base displacement (BBD), assessed by TAUS during PFM contraction (PFMC), Valsalva, and abdominal curl. The secondary outcome measures were PFM strength, the severity of urinary incontinence (UI), voiding diary, and QoL, assessed by the Modified Oxford Grading System, the severity index, frequency chart, and lower urinary tract symptoms-QoL questionnaire, respectively. All variables were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. The interaction of group and time was not significant for BBD during PFMC (p = .98), Valsalva (p = .28), abdominal curl (p = .34), and secondary variables (p > .05). The main effect of time was significant in both groups for BBD during PFMC, PFM strength, the severity of UI, voiding diary, and QoL (p < .001), with effect size (d) of 0.30, 0.80, 2.05, 1.07, and 1.03 in the control; and 0.49, 0.52, 1.75, 0.66, and 0.88 in the experimental group, respectively. The main effect of the group was not significant for BBD during PFMC (p = .68), Valsalva (p = .22), abdominal curl (p = .53), and secondary variables (p > .05). Trunk-stabilizing muscle training and PFM exercise are equally effective in the improvement of PFM function, UI symptoms, and QoL in women with SUI. Both methods can be used interchangeably by physical therapists.

Enhancing Functional Ability in Chronic Nonspecific Lower Back Pain: The Impact of EMG-Guided Trunk Stabilization Exercises.

Nonspecific lower back pain (NSLBP) is described as pain that is not caused by an identifiable, well-known disease, such as infection, tumor, osteoporosis, fracture, structural deformity, inflammatory condition, radicular syndrome, or cauda equina syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EMG-guided trunk stabilization exercises on functional disability associated with LBP. A single-blinded pre- and post-test experimental comparative design was used for this study. Fifty individuals with chronic NSLBP were screened for inclusion criteria. Of these, forty were randomly grouped into the EMG group receiving trunk-stability exercises with electromyography biofeedback and non-EMG group receiving trunk-stabilization exercises without EMG biofeedback. Participants performed five trunk-stability exercises 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The intensity of pain, range of motion, functional disability, and balance were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Both techniques indicated a significant effect on chronic NSLBP; however, trunk-stability exercises combined with EMG biofeedback produced better results in alleviating the intensity of pain, increasing the range of motion, and improving functional disabilities and static balance. The present study confirms that trunk-stability exercises with EMG biofeedback can be practiced safely, contributes to a greater boost in neuromuscular efficiency in the lumbar flexors and extensors, and is effective in modifying functional disability for patients with NSLBP.

Effectiveness of pelvis and trunk stabilization exercises over conventional physiotherapy to improve dynamic trunk balance in cerebellar ataxia: a randomized controlled trial

Cerebellar ataxia is caused by several hereditary or acquired aetiologies that eventually lead to abnormalities in the cerebellum. Patients with cerebellar ataxia may experience balance issues, eye movement abnormalities, limb incoordination, gait instability, and speech impairment as a result. The available treatment options for cerebellar ataxia are rather limited, causing many patients to struggle with daily activities. Although the success rate of a range of therapeutic interventions has been determined, evidence-based exercise guidelines for the treatment of balance disorders and associated problems in people with cerebellar ataxia are currently unavailable. Thus, physiotherapists must explore novel approaches to successfully manage the symptoms of ataxia and further improve the quality of life of patients. The current study protocol will provide new insight as no article available to date has looked at trunk and pelvis stabilization exercise programme as an intervention for treating cerebellar ataxia. We hereby propose a study, which aims to investigate the impact of conventional exercises and trunk and pelvis stabilization exercises along with conventional exercises on subjects with Cerebellar ataxia in a two-arm randomized controlled trial on improving SARA, TIS, BBS, Barthel Index, WHOQOL The total participants will be divided into two-arm parallel groups and the intervention will be given for complete 6 weeks, 5 days in a week. The outcome measure will be evaluated at baseline and the end of 6 weeks. The results will be evaluated after 6 weeks. If the hypothesis of our study proves to be effective, then this physiotherapy intervention could be included in the management of cerebellar ataxia

TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRUNK STABILIZATION EXERCISE AND GENERAL EXERCISE IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN-A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Aim of study: To identify the effectiveness of particular trunk stabilization versus a general exercise in low back pain management. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted at the physiotherapy department of Dow University of Health Sciences, 52 participants with low backache were enrolled and assessed for pain intensity using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability by using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (MOLBDQ-I). Through equal randomization one group got their low back pain treated through trunk stabilization exercises while the other with general exercises, 3times/week* 4weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 by applying non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: This study demonstrated that males and females are equally affected by chronic low back pain. Trunk stabilizing and general exercise regimes both significantly reduced the pain and disability in the study population but the effectiveness of trunk stabilizing exercises were significantly superior in reducing pain. Limitations and Future Implications: Study did not include a control group that received no intervention. It would be valuable to assess the cost-effectiveness of trunk stabilization exercises compared to general exercises or other interventions. Originality: Trunk stabilizing exercises are superior in reducing pain, disability, and restoring functional mobility than general exercises in chronic back pain. Conclusion: Trunk stabilizing exercises are superior in reducing pain, disability, and restoring functional mobility than general exercises in chronic back pain.

Effects of Trunk Stabilization Exercise Versus Respiratory Muscle Exercise on Range of Motion, Upper Limb Function, and Balance in Patients with Shoulder Joint Disorder

Effects of Trunk Stabilization Exercise Versus Respiratory Muscle Exercise on Range of Motion, Upper Limb Function, and Balance in Patients with Shoulder Joint Disorder

Supervised Group Exercise Therapy Versus Home-based Exercise Therapy: The Effect of McGill Exercises on Pain, Disability and Trunk Stability in Middle-aged Women With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Purpose: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is one of the spine disorders and musculoskeletal problems and is one of the most common causes of people’s disability. This study aims to compare the effects of McGill trunk stability exercises performed at home or in a supervised group setting on pain, disability, and trunk stability in middle-aged women with non-specific chronic LBP. Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional comparative, quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test design. The statistical sample included 30 middle-aged women aged 35 to 50 years with non-specific chronic LBP in Tehran City, Iran. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, they were selected and randomly assigned into two groups, home-based exercises, and supervised group exercises. The subjects performed McGill trunk stability exercises for six weeks, three 45-minute sessions per week. Pain, disability, and endurance of spinal flexor and extensor muscles were measured using pain and Quebec questionnaires, a sit-up test, and a Biering-Sorenson test, before and after 6 weeks of training. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests were used at the significant level of (P≤0.05) using SPSS software, version 26. Results: The results of the present study showed that the post-test scores compared to the pre-test in both groups have improved significantly (P≥0.05), and no significant difference was observed between the two groups with the control of the covariate variable (P&lt;0.05) in the intensity of pain and endurance of the spinal flexor muscles in the post-test scores. However, a significant difference was observed in the endurance of the spinal extensor muscles in the post-test scores of the two groups in favor of the home-based exercise group (P≥0.05). Additionally, in the post-test scores, a significant difference was observed in functional disability level between the two groups (P≥0.05) so that the degree of disability in the home-based exercise group was higher than in the supervised group. Conclusion: It seems that performing McGill exercises, either in supervised group or home-based settings, can reduce pain and disability, and improve the endurance of the spinal flexor and extensor muscles in middle-aged women with non-specific chronic LBP.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled study.

Many previous studies have cited the importance of trunk stabilization exercises in patients with stroke. However, the evidence for optimal trunk stabilization exercises for patients with stroke is still lacking. To investigate the effects of laser pointer visual feedback in trunk stabilization exercises that are important for improving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. In total, 30 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback. The control group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises without visual feedback. Pre- and postintervention results after 6weeks were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, static and dynamic plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale. The results were analyzed using a general linear repeated measurement model. Both groups showed significant improvements in BBS scores, static plantar pressure, dynamic plantar pressure, 10 MWT, and K-FES scores after 6weeks of intervention (P< 0.05). Compared to the control group, significant improvements were observed in the experimental group in the Berg Balance Scale scores, dynamic paretic posterior plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale scores (P< 0.025). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of visual feedback during trunk stabilization exercises for resolving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. Trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback have been found to be more effective in balance, walking, and fall efficacy in patients with stroke.

Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercises on Static and Dynamic Sitting Balance among Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Control Trial

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of trunk stabilization exercises on Static and Dynamic Sitting Balance among Children with Cerebral Palsy Method: This randomized controlled trail was conducted at physiotherapy department, Mayo hospital, Lahore. 38 children were with cerebral palsy were enrolled in this study via non-probability purposive sampling technique which later on randomized and allocated to two equal groups. Group A received specific core stability training while group B received conventional physical therapy treatment. Written informed consent was procured from every participant or their guardian through signed consent forms. Questionnaire used for data collection was Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) also used for assessment of sitting balance. Results: Descriptive statistics showed participants were having mean age of6.00 ±2.00 for group A and 5.52±.1.80 for Group B. Participants who received trunk stabilization exercises showed marked improvement as compared to group B. There was a statistically significant improvement in all measured variables following the intervention (P&lt;0.05). Pre-treatment sitting GMFM mean score in group A was 27.54 ± 3.61, while in group B was 26.48 ± 4.64. After 3 week treatment mean score in group A was 30.04 ± 3.81 and in group B was 27.43 ± 4.36 and post treatment mean score in group A was 32.80 ± 3.54 and in group B was 29.46 ±4.36. Practical Implication: This research would lay another evidence highlighting the effectiveness of trunk stability exercises to not only improve sitting balance among cerebral palsy patients but also the quality of life among them. Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that trunk stabilization exercises showed significant improvement in static and dynamic sitting balance scale among cerebral palsy children. The children when treated with trunk stabilization exercises showed a significant treatment outcome when analyzed on Gross Motor Function Measure GMFM-88. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Trunk control, Static sitting Balance, Dynamic sitting balance, GMFM-88.

The Effects of Trunk Stabilization Exercise on Gross Motor Function, Functional Independence and Trunk muscle activity of Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children

The purpose of this study is to investigate how applying trunk stabilization exercises for 8 weeks to children with spastic cerebral palsy on their gross motor function, functional independence, and trunk muscle activity. A diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy was experienced in 15 children. The trunk exercise was composed of three types of exercises: abdominal drawing exercise, Bridge exercise, and Sit up exercise for 20 minutes at a time, twice a week, for 8 weeks. Significant increases were maintained in sitting, crawl and kneeling position among GMFM at both 4 weeks and 8 weeks of application (p<.05). There was a significant increase in both the WeeFIM mobility and locomotion category after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of application (p<.05). Trunk muscle activity also showed a significant increase in the rectus abdominis and external oblique abdominal muscles at both 4 and 8 weeks of application (p<.05). It was found that the trunk stabilization exercise program is an effective intervention method for improving gross motor function, functional independence, and muscle activity, which are measures of motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

The effect of a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads on balance and gait in stroke patients: A randomized controlled study

The effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs and exercises applying weight loads for stroke patients are well presented. However, there is not enough objective research to prove the effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs using weight loads for stroke patients. In this study, a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads was performed to investigate its impact on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into three groups. Experiment group 1 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads, experiment group 2 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program, and the control group followed general physiotherapy. Patients' balance ability was assessed using balance measurement equipment BT-4 (postural sway area (PSA), postural sway length (PSL), limit of stability (LOS)), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Gait speed was measured to examine gait ability. After the intervention, the PSA, PFSL in experimental groups 1 and 2 decreased but that of the control group increased. BBS, TUG, and LOS scores of experimental group 1 were significantly improved compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. Also, gait speed was significantly improved in experimental group 1 compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. This study may be used as a basic material for an effective trunk stabilization exercise method for stroke patients and might be of significance as an intervention method for stroke patients requiring long-term treatment.

Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention in the Female Athlete.

Hamstring injuries (HSIs) are common in female athletes and are associated with a lengthy recovery period and a high rate of reinjury. Currently, the majority of existing literature investigating HSI rehabilitation has been conducted using male participants. However, female athletes display intrinsic anatomical and biomechanical differences compared to males that influences the way this population experiences HSIs and HSI rehabilitation. HSI rehabilitation and injury prevention guidelines for female athletes must take these differences into account. Female athletes display anatomical differences such as increased anterior pelvic tilting, gluteus maximus weakness, an increased pelvic width-to-femoral length ratio, and an increased degree of femoral anteversion, all of which can predispose females to HSIs. Maneuvers designed to strengthen the gluteal musculature and transverse abdominis can overcome these risk factors. Females show increased joint laxity and a greater range of motion of hip flexion and internal rotation compared to males. Females have lower passive hamstring stiffness than males, therefore hamstring flexibility exercises may not be as necessary during rehabilitation for females as in the male athlete population. Female athletes may instead benefit from trunk stabilization exercises and agility training due to neuromuscular control deficits that arise from the maturation and growth of the female pelvis. Existing literature on hamstring injury prevention shows consistent use of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise and balance exercises may reduce the risk of sustaining an HSI in both males and females, though more studies are needed to ascertain the optimal regimen for injury prevention in the female athlete population specifically. The goal of this clinical commentary is to discuss sex-specific anatomic and biomechanical differences of the lumbar, pelvic, and hip regions with the aim of providing guidelines for rehabilitation and injury prevention of HSIs in female athletes.Level of Evidence5

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined with Trunk Stabilization Exercise on Inspiratory Muscle Activity and Pulmonary Function

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined with Trunk Stabilization Exercise on Inspiratory Muscle Activity and Pulmonary Function