This study used ultrasound to measure the effect of bridge exercises in three postures on the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles. The participants in the study were 30 healthy adult men and women. The participants performed general bridge (GB), bridge with use of a sling (BS), and bridge with use of a sling involving contraction of the hip joint adductor muscle (BSHA) 5 times, for 15 seconds each. Ultrasound was used to measure changes in the thickness of the TrA and RF before and after exercise. After the intervention, the TrA showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS (p<0.05). The RF showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS and between GB and BSHA (p<0.05). The results indicate that the bridge exercise using a sling was the most effective posture for increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis, and the general bridge exercise was the most effective for increasing the thickness of the rectus femoris. Until recently, many different modified bridge exercise methods have been proposed, but there is still a lack of research examining the muscle thickness of the lower and upper limb muscles during the bridge exercise accompanied by hip joint adductor muscle contraction on an unstable surface, such as a sling. Therefore, the results of this study are intended to provide basic data when using training bridge exercises for trunk stabilization.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that commonly manifests during puberty and may result in cosmetic, functional, and cardiopulmonary complications. Although surgical intervention is generally reserved for severe cases, non-operative treatments especially therapeutic exercises are increasingly recognized as effective approaches for managing mild to moderate scoliosis. This review seeks to synthesize the current evidence regarding exercise-based interventions for AIS and to assess their efficacy in managing spinal curvature and enhancing functional outcomes. A systematic literature search was performed using Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies published between 1990 and 2024. Studies were included if they focused on AIS populations, employed therapeutic exercise as the primary intervention, and reported outcomes related to the Cobb angle. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met these inclusion criteria. Scoliosis-specific exercise programs, such as the Schroth method and the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS), demonstrated significant reductions in Cobb angles and improvements in posture, balance, and quality of life. Interventions combining exercise with bracing were more effective than bracing alone. Additionally, breathing exercises contributed to enhanced thoracic mobility and pulmonary function. Therapeutic exercise appears to be a safe and effective conservative treatment modality for AIS. When integrated with bracing, it may further promote curve stabilization and functional performance. Nonetheless, further standardized, long-term studies are warranted to optimize exercise protocols and validate these outcomes.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced functional capacity. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of exercise therapy on patients with AS, with a focus on its role in enhancing spinal mobility, reducing pain, and improving functional independence and psychosocial well-being. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and KoreaMed. Studies published between January 2000 and May 2025 were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of selected studies was assessed using standardized tools, and a narrative synthesis was performed. A total of 8 studies were included. The findings consistently demonstrated that various forms of exercise including stretching, strengthening, aquatic therapy, and home-based programs were effective in improving spinal mobility, reducing disease activity, and enhancing quality of life in AS patients. Group-based and aquatic exercises were particularly beneficial for functional improvement and adherence. Exercise therapy plays a critical role in the management of AS and should be considered an essential component of long-term care. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are needed to further establish optimal exercise modalities and quantify their effectiveness. Multidimensional interventions that incorporate psychosocial and functional aspects are also recommended.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) represents a prevalent clinical condition, wherein the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle is recognized as a pivotal contributor to spinal stability and may play a significant role in mitigating pain and functional impairment. This systematic review synthesizes findings from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2010 and 2025 that examined the impact of TrA-targeted interventions utilizing ultrasound assessment in individuals with CLBP. The included studies, comprising sample sizes ranging from 24 to 50 participants, evaluated interventions such as core stabilization exercises, motor control training, and ultrasound- guided biofeedback, compared against control groups receiving either standard care or alternative exercise protocols. Ultrasound imaging was employed to quantify TrA thickness and activation, alongside assessments of pain intensity (VAS), disability (ODI; RMDQ; FRI), and functional performance. The aggregated results consistently indicated that interventions focused on the TrA significantly enhanced muscle thickness and activation (p<.05), decreased pain levels (VAS reductions ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 points), and improved disability indices (ODI reductions between 5 and 15 points). Notably, real-time ultrasound biofeedback and motor control training demonstrated superior efficacy relative to conventional exercise regimens, particularly in augmenting TrA activation and reducing disability scores (p<.01 in four studies). Furthermore, a preliminary study conducted with an older adult cohort indicated additional benefits associated with the use of ultrasound imaging. In summary, current evidence substantiates the effectiveness of TrA-focused training combined with ultrasound feedback in managing CLBP and supports its integration into clinical practice. Nonetheless, further large-scale, longitudinal RCTs are necessary to delineate optimal intervention parameters and to evaluate the sustainability of therapeutic outcomes.

This study aimed to compare the effects of wearing and not wearing a baby carrier on diaphragm movement, thoracic mobility, and forced vital capacity (FVC). A baby carrier is a device used to hold a baby weighing about 3 to 8 kg or more for at least 6 months before it starts moving on its own or during the parenting period. Wearing a baby carrier for a long time increases pressure on the shoulders, chest, and abdomen, causing muscle fatigue. The current study comprised a cross-sectional design and randomized controlled trial including 20 healthy adult males between the ages of 19 and 29 attending the University in Chungnam. An ultrasound was used to measure diaphragm movement, while a tape measure was used to measure thoracic mobility before and after wearing a baby carrier. In addition, the FVC was measured using a spirometer. Diaphragm movement, thoracic mobility, and FVC were significantly decreased after wearing the baby carrier. These results suggest that wearing a baby carrier can negatively affect thoracic mobility, diaphragm movement, and FVC in healthy adult males.

Background Wearable hip exoskeletons have been developed to enhance walking ability and reduce muscle effort, particularly in older adults and individuals with walking impairments. They assist with daily activities, rehabilitation, and social interactions. Although considerable research has focused on their assistive capabilities, few studies have examined their effect on muscle activation. Purpose This study aimed to compare muscle activation in the trunk and lower limbs of young adults walking under three different conditions: general walking, assistive mode, and resistance mode using a wearable hip exoskeleton. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods Twenty-nine healthy adults participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation during maximal voluntary contraction. Participants walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h under three conditions: general walking, resistance, and assistive modes. Each condition was measured for 2 min and repeated three times in a random order. Results Muscle activation values for the external oblique, internal oblique, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles were statistically significant across all modes (p<0.05). External oblique activation was significantly increased in the resistance mode compared with that in the general walking and assistive modes. Internal oblique activation was significantly higher in resistance mode than in assistive mode. Gluteus maximus activation was also significantly elevated in the resistance mode compared to that in the other two modes. No significant differences were observed in the erector spinae, rectus femoris, or hamstring muscles. Conclusions This study demonstrated that training with the resistance mode of a wearable hip exoskeleton not only increases the activation of the hip flexors but also enhances the activation of the trunk muscles. This suggests that the device has a broader impact on muscle engagement during walking, potentially offering more comprehensive benefits for strength and stability training in healthy adults.

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding about how job satisfaction affects actual performance of physical therapists. Current year of 2022, 273 participants working as physical therapists were surveyed from September 8 to September 15, 2022. The questionnaire consisted of 69 questions, divided into 4 main parts; general characteristics; professionalism; satisfaction; turnover intention and stressor. Collected data were analyzed using three different methods (1) independent t-test, (2) one-way ANOVA, (3) multiple linear regression analysis. 100% of the participants are fully aware that expert professionalism is necessary in this field of physiotherapy. Therefore, individuals are striving to provide high-quality treatments by increasing their professional capabilities. The results have shown that they are investing 6 to 9 years (34.1%) of time mainly into attending related institutions and academies (50%). Though they are satisfied with their own choice of profession, inferior working systems, lack of social awareness, concerning wage, promotions, etc. hindered their level of satisfaction. As a result, the circumstances have led to job stress and turnover. If improvements such as adjustment of wages, and promotion matching with levels of professionalism, acceptable measures are systematically added as a part of the job, it is plausible that physical therapists can provide high-quality medical services as professionals with stability.

This study aimed to investigate the most effective exercise in relation to the effect on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle tone of the abductor hallucis in patients with hallux valgus. Thirty-six patients (18 men, 18 women )with a mean age of 22.14 years (standard deviation of 2.47 years) participated voluntarily in this study. Hallux valgus was defined as an angle >15° of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint(MPJ). A goniometer was used to determine the angle of the 1st MPJ. In addition, an ultrasound system and Myotone Pro were used to collect the CSA and muscle tone of the abductor hallucis of the dominant foot. CSA and muscle tone of the abductor hallucis were measured in four positions: resting position, during short foot (SF) exercise, during toe-spread-out (TSO) exercise, and during towel-curl(TC) exercise. For all data, one-way repeated analysis of variance test was used to compare the dependent variables according to the three exercise methods, and a post-hoc test was performed using the Bonferroni modification method. The significance level was set to p < .05. The CSA and muscle tone of the abductor hallucis were significantly increased in the TSO and SF exercises. In addition, a more significant increase was found in the TSO than in the SF exercise. However, no significant difference was found in TC. In conclusion, the TSO exercise is the most effective for selectively contracting the abductor hallucis than other exercises.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quadruped exercise according to the change of the support surface on the muscle thickness and muscle tone of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles. Thity healthy adults (16 males and 14 females) voluntarily participated in the experiment. The Q (Quadruped) and Q-L (Quadruped-Lifting right leg) exercises were performed on a stable support surface; whereas the Q-LT (Quadruped-Lifting right leg using TOGU dynamic airchusion) and Q-LS (Quadruped-Lifting right leg using Sling) exercises were performed on an unstable support surface. Outcome measurement included muscle thickness and muscle tone measurement using ultrasound equipment and Myoton, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. The result of the study showed that in Q-L, Q-LT, and Q-LS, the muscle thickness of the multifidus and erector spinae was significantly increased compared to Q (p<.05). The muslce tone of the multifidus in Q-LT and Q-LS, increased compared to Q (p<.05). The muscle tone of the erector spinae muscle was significantly increased in Q-L, Q-LT and Q-LS compared to Q (p<.05). The muscle thickness was significantly increased in the unstable support surfaces in Q-LT and Q-LS compared to the stable support surfaces of Q and Q-L (p<.05). However, a significant difference between Q-LT and Q-LS was absent, which were the unstable support surfaces. Therefore, the results of this study showed that the quadruped exercise was more effective on an unstable support surface. This result can be used as useful data for the prescription and application of various exercises in clinical practice.

This study used ultrasound to measure the effect of bridge exercises in three postures on the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles. The participants in the study were 30 healthy adult men and women. The participants performed general bridge (GB), bridge with use of a sling (BS), and bridge with use of a sling involving contraction of the hip joint adductor muscle (BSHA) 5 times, for 15 seconds each. Ultrasound was used to measure changes in the thickness of the TrA and RF before and after exercise. After the intervention, the TrA showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS (p<0.05). The RF showed a significant difference in mean values between GB and BS and between GB and BSHA (p<0.05). The results indicate that the bridge exercise using a sling was the most effective posture for increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis, and the general bridge exercise was the most effective for increasing the thickness of the rectus femoris. Until recently, many different modified bridge exercise methods have been proposed, but there is still a lack of research examining the muscle thickness of the lower and upper limb muscles during the bridge exercise accompanied by hip joint adductor muscle contraction on an unstable surface, such as a sling. Therefore, the results of this study are intended to provide basic data when using training bridge exercises for trunk stabilization.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that commonly manifests during puberty and may result in cosmetic, functional, and cardiopulmonary complications. Although surgical intervention is generally reserved for severe cases, non-operative treatments especially therapeutic exercises are increasingly recognized as effective approaches for managing mild to moderate scoliosis. This review seeks to synthesize the current evidence regarding exercise-based interventions for AIS and to assess their efficacy in managing spinal curvature and enhancing functional outcomes. A systematic literature search was performed using Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies published between 1990 and 2024. Studies were included if they focused on AIS populations, employed therapeutic exercise as the primary intervention, and reported outcomes related to the Cobb angle. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met these inclusion criteria. Scoliosis-specific exercise programs, such as the Schroth method and the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS), demonstrated significant reductions in Cobb angles and improvements in posture, balance, and quality of life. Interventions combining exercise with bracing were more effective than bracing alone. Additionally, breathing exercises contributed to enhanced thoracic mobility and pulmonary function. Therapeutic exercise appears to be a safe and effective conservative treatment modality for AIS. When integrated with bracing, it may further promote curve stabilization and functional performance. Nonetheless, further standardized, long-term studies are warranted to optimize exercise protocols and validate these outcomes.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced functional capacity. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of exercise therapy on patients with AS, with a focus on its role in enhancing spinal mobility, reducing pain, and improving functional independence and psychosocial well-being. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and KoreaMed. Studies published between January 2000 and May 2025 were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of selected studies was assessed using standardized tools, and a narrative synthesis was performed. A total of 8 studies were included. The findings consistently demonstrated that various forms of exercise including stretching, strengthening, aquatic therapy, and home-based programs were effective in improving spinal mobility, reducing disease activity, and enhancing quality of life in AS patients. Group-based and aquatic exercises were particularly beneficial for functional improvement and adherence. Exercise therapy plays a critical role in the management of AS and should be considered an essential component of long-term care. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are needed to further establish optimal exercise modalities and quantify their effectiveness. Multidimensional interventions that incorporate psychosocial and functional aspects are also recommended.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) represents a prevalent clinical condition, wherein the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle is recognized as a pivotal contributor to spinal stability and may play a significant role in mitigating pain and functional impairment. This systematic review synthesizes findings from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2010 and 2025 that examined the impact of TrA-targeted interventions utilizing ultrasound assessment in individuals with CLBP. The included studies, comprising sample sizes ranging from 24 to 50 participants, evaluated interventions such as core stabilization exercises, motor control training, and ultrasound- guided biofeedback, compared against control groups receiving either standard care or alternative exercise protocols. Ultrasound imaging was employed to quantify TrA thickness and activation, alongside assessments of pain intensity (VAS), disability (ODI; RMDQ; FRI), and functional performance. The aggregated results consistently indicated that interventions focused on the TrA significantly enhanced muscle thickness and activation (p<.05), decreased pain levels (VAS reductions ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 points), and improved disability indices (ODI reductions between 5 and 15 points). Notably, real-time ultrasound biofeedback and motor control training demonstrated superior efficacy relative to conventional exercise regimens, particularly in augmenting TrA activation and reducing disability scores (p<.01 in four studies). Furthermore, a preliminary study conducted with an older adult cohort indicated additional benefits associated with the use of ultrasound imaging. In summary, current evidence substantiates the effectiveness of TrA-focused training combined with ultrasound feedback in managing CLBP and supports its integration into clinical practice. Nonetheless, further large-scale, longitudinal RCTs are necessary to delineate optimal intervention parameters and to evaluate the sustainability of therapeutic outcomes.