Affiliations: [a] Motion Analysis Laboratory, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Korea | [c] Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Jae-seop Oh, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 607 Obang-Dong, Gimhae-Si, Gyeongsangnam-Do, 621-740, Korea. Tel.: +82 55 320 3679; Fax: +82 55 329 1678; E-mail: ysrehab@inje.ac.kr
Abstract: Background and Objective:Forward bending is frequently performed in daily activities. However, excessive lumbar flexion during forward bending has been reported as a risk factor for low back pain. Therefore, we examined the effects of an exercise strategy using a stick on the angular displacement and movement onset of lumbar and hip flexion during forward-bending exercises in patients with lumbar flexion syndrome. Methods:Eighteen volunteers with lumbar flexion syndrome were recruited in this study. Subjects performed forward-bending exercises with and without a straight stick in standing. The angular displacement and movement onset of lumbar and hip flexion during forward-bending exercises were measured by using a three dimensional motion analysis system. The significances of differences between the two conditions (with stick vs. without stick) was assessed using a one-way repeated analysis of variance. Results:When using a stick during a forward-bending exercise, the peak angular displacement of lumbar flexion decreased significantly, and those of right and left-hip flexion increased significantly compared with those without a stick. The movement onset of lumbar flexion occurred significantly later, and the onset of right-hip flexion occurred significantly earlier with than without a stick. Conclusions:Based on these findings, a stick exercise was an effective method to prevent excessive lumbar flexion and more helpful in developing hip flexion during a forward-bending exercise. These findings will be useful for clinicians to teach self-exercise during forward bending in patients with lumbar flexion syndrome.
