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To find out the normative value of deep neck flexor muscles strength using pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer. The healthy individuals both male and female aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited by stratified random sampling method from a tertiary hospital. The procedure is performed with the patient in supine lying with the neck in a neutral position. To check strength, pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer were placed under occiput and ask the individual to do the movement is genteelly and slowly as a head nodding action (chin tuck). The performance was scored via the pressure level that patient achieves 3 repetitions for 10 s hold and interval timing for 10 s. And the pressure biofeedback unit and sphygmomanometer inflated with 40 mmHg and took three reading respectively. Our result shows, in decreased of deep neck cervical flexor muscle Strength with age group 21 (20–22) in normal adult and underweight with age group 21 (19–23) and with BMI 21 (20.1–22.4) and 16.6 (16.1–17.6) respectively. In our study, the deep neck flexor strength of overweight adults with age group 22 (21–23) and with BMI 27.8 (25.9–29.4) is stronger is than the normal and underweight adults. The study concluded that the maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength of overweight Adults is stronger than normal and underweight Adults. The difference is maintained in all age groups. The maximal Deep neck cervical flexor strength, for flexion is developed at neutral position of neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Normal alignment of the foot is important because the feet support the body's weight. The intrinsic muscles of the foot mainly maintain the alignment and movement of the foot, whereas the abductor hallucis (AbdH) aligns the first metatarsophalangeal joint and maintains the medial longitudinal arch. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the muscle activity of the AbdH and hallux valgus (HV) angle during three different foot exercises. METHODS: Participants included 15 subjects aged 20–24 years with mild HV. All subjects performed three different foot exercises in random order: short foot exercise (SF), toe spread out exercise (TSO), and TSO with a pressure bio-feedback unit (TSOP). The muscle activity of the AbdH and the HV angle were measured during each foot exercise using surface electromyography and X-ray and then compared using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: AbdH muscle activity differed significantly among SF, TSO, and TSOP. AbdH muscle activity was greater in TSOP (89.60%) than in SF (19.99%) and TSO (60.96%) (p = 0.006). The HV angle was significantly smaller in TSOP (15.72 ∘) than in SF (18.85 ∘) and TSO (16.81 ∘) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TSOP can be recommended as an effective AbdH strengthening exercise in subjects with mild HV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the effects of core strengthening exercises on various pulmonary conditions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of core strengthening exercises using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) with breathing exercises on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) in patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare core strengthening exercises with PBU along with breathing exercises and breathing exercises alone on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).METHODS: Sixteen patients with mild to severe COPD based on PFT reports were assigned to either the exercise group (EG) - core strengthening exercise with PBU along with breathing exercises or the control group (CG) - breathing exercises. All participants underwent PFT, core strength test, COPD assessment test (CAT), and MMRC dyspnea grading pre and post to intervention. The intervention protocol for EG was 3 days/week for 6 weeks which was provided in Pulmonary rehabilitation setup of D.Y. Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, and for CG was 5 days/week for 6 weeks through tele-rehabilitation. The results obtained were analyzed using Paired 't' test for dependent measures, the Unpaired 't' test for independent measures, and 'Z' test for qualitative data with a significance threshold of p<0.05. RESULTS: There were 8 participants in each group. Both EG and CG showed no significant effects of protocol post 6 weeks on PFT values. Comparison between EG and CG shows a higher value in CG for FEV 1 with p=0.0002 and FEV 1 /FVC with p=0.0001 in post 6 weeks as well as in baseline. No significant difference was noted between both groups for the CAT score. Significant improvement was noted in the core strength test with p=0.0001 and MMRC with p=0.0001 post 6 weeks for EG. CONCLUSION: Results obtained from the study suggest that core strengthening exercise with PBU along with breathing exercises has no superior effects in comparison with breathing exercises alone on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) in patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Pressure biofeedback is a tool that can detect the movement of a structure and may be used as an indicator of muscle function. It's widely used to measure the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activity. Pressure biofeedback (PBU) monitors the abdominal wall movement by measuring the pressure change during abdominal hollowing and can indirectly evaluate the TrA muscle function, which is considered as a valuable tool. The evaluation of the training of core muscles, including the transversus abdominis, requires a reliable outcome. Various methods using different positions are used to evaluate the transversus abdominis muscle function. However, it is noted that a standard way of evaluation and training still needs to be improved in research and clinical practice. This technical report discusses the optimal position and technique to measure the TrA muscle activity using PBU, with discussions on the merits and demerits of the body positions. Methods: The technical report is presented with a literature review of the PBU measurement of TrA and through observation in the clinical practice. The evaluation methods of TrA, including the position to activate and isolate, are discussed in detail. Results: Training core muscles does not imply TrA activation, and evaluating isolated TrA and multifidus is essential before intervention. The abdominal drawing‐in maneuver effectively activates TrA in various evaluation positions of the body, but when using PBUs, it would be valid in a prone position. Discussion: Different body positions are practiced to train TrA and core muscles using PBU, commonly adopted by practice are in supine. It's noted that most of the studies lack in establishing the effectiveness of the position in evaluating the TrA muscle activity using PBU. The need for insight into an appropriate technique for evaluating TrA activity is addressed in this technical report. This report presents key points on the complete technique and concludes that the prone position is superior to other positions and recommended for measuring and recording the TrA activity using a PBU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the intra - rater and inter - rater reliability of cranio cervical flexion test in symptomatic subjects. Background of study: Neck flexor muscles endurance was negatively correlated with cervical pain and dysfunction. Cranio cervical flexion test protocol has been advocated to train cranio cervical flexor muscle performance at present there is no consensus to the most effective method. The CCFT is a clinical test of neuromotor control of deep flexor of the cervical spine. Methodology: This was an observational study design with test-retest type and conducted in the ACS medical college and hospital. 50 samples were selected based on inclusion criteria. The CCFT was measured by one tester twice for intra rater reliability and two testers for inter-rater reliability were again tested after 24 Hours (Next day) by keeping time and environment optimal. In this CCFT, the activation pressure score and highest-pressure score was measured using Pressure Biofeedback unit. Result: The mean score for Activation Pressure by intra-rater tester one was found to be 2.24 (1.69) and 2.64 (1.48) in retest. The ICC intrarater score for Highest pressure value by tester one was 23.92 (2.17) and 24.32 (1.99) in retest. The mean score for activation pressure by Inter - rater examiners was found to be 2.92(1.15) by examiner - 1 and 2.72(1.19) by examiner - 2. The ICC Inter - rater score for highest pressure value by examiner - 1 was 24.32(1.95) and 24.4(2.33) by examiner - 2. The ICC value of the study indicated high reliability of the activation pressure and highest-pressure value among the intra and inter-raters. Conclusion: The CCFT has high inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities in symptomatic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Urogenital tract problems faced by menopausal women are of concern among which urinary incontinence is majorly considered, with the prevalence of 27.66% of urge incontinence affecting the quality of life and has significant cost implications. The core, including abdominal muscles as well as pelvic floor muscles, plays a critical role in continence maintenance. Urinary incontinence is caused by the weakness of these muscles in menopausal women. Aim: The aim of the study is to establish the correlation between the quality and quantity of core muscle strength in menopausal women with urge incontinence. Settings and Design: This is a correlational study conducted in a tertiary health-care center. Materials and Methods: The present study consisted of 50 volunteered women of age group 45 years and above. The participants were recruited by screening with the help of the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale and were given the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and core strength was quantified using pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). Statistical Analysis: Pearson's correlation was used to establish the association between urge incontinence and core muscle strength. Results: Pearson's correlation revealed a significant correlation between the core strength in relation to urge incontinence in menopausal women with nonlinear association where PBU (P = 0.022*) and ICIQ (P = 0.001*) were found. Conclusion: According to the findings, the present study showed a significant correlation between menopausal age and core muscle strength and hence concluded that the correlation of core muscle strength with urge incontinence in menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated whether adding lumbar motor control training with a pressure biofeedback unit improves outcomes of a conservative deep cervical flexor motor control program on neck pain, neck disability, deep cervical flexor endurance, and health status in middle-aged patients with chronic neck pain and forward head posture after eight weeks of interventions. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient setting. Subjects and interventions: A total of 113 males and females (mean age 39 ± 5 years) with chronic neck pain were randomized to three treatment groups, group 1 (n = 38) combined deep cervical flexor motor-control training and lumbar motor control exercise, group 2 (n = 37) deep cervical flexor motor control training alone, and group 3 (n = 38) passive treatment and education. Main outcome measures: Pain, neck disability, deep cervical flexor muscular endurance, and health status. Results: There were significant improvements in the combination group compared with the deep cervical flexor motor-control group alone (d = 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.8 to −1.27, P = 0.021) for pain (d = −0.99, 95% CI = −1.75 to −0.23, P = 0.023), disability (d = 1.92, 95% CI = 0.86 to 2.98, P = 0.001), deep cervical flexor endurance, and (d = −2.75, 95% CI = −8.81 to −1.68, P = 0.037) for health status favoring the combination group. There were significant between-group differences favoring both active groups versus the passive control in all out comes. Conclusion: The addition of Lumbar motor control training as a complementary treatment may enhance effectiveness of deep cervical flexor motor control training on neck pain, neck disability, and deep cervical flexor endurance in patients with chronic moderate neck pain and forward head posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The transversus abdominis (TrA) is a key muscle for lumbar stabilization and is often retrained in physical therapy. Feedback tools, such as the pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) and rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), are frequently used by physical therapists to train their patients and improve their patients' ability to contract this muscle. However, the effect of these tools in rehabilitating the TrA in older adults remains to be demonstrated, as is their efficiency in transferring the skill of recruiting the TrA from a supine position to a standing position. The objective of the study was to compare the immediate effectiveness of the PBU and RUSI to reeducate the TrA muscle in a population of asymptomatic older adults (without pain). Methods: Forty participants were randomized into 2 groups (RUSI or PBU). The intervention included a training session involving 15 TrA contractions held for 10 seconds with the corresponding feedback device. The dependent variable, TrA thickness (a muscle activation indicator), was measured using ultrasound images before and after the intervention in a supine and standing position. Nonparametric analyses were used for inter- and intragroup comparisons. Results and Discussion: The results showed no between-group differences in TrA activation ratio (AR) in the supine or standing position (supine AR: TrA RUSI thickness change P =.53 vs PBU thickness change P =.73, comparison between groups P =.51; standing AR: TrA RUSI thickness change P =.003 vs PBU thickness change P =.10; comparison between groups P =.61). However, the change in TrA thickness compared to the other abdominal wall muscles in a standing position was significantly less post-intervention for the RUSI group only (RUSI P =.006 vs PBU P =.72). Both groups remained similar post-intervention for this outcome (P =.20). Conclusions: Neither the RUSI nor the PBU seems to have the desired effect on the activation of TrA in asymptomatic older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stretching and length test of hamstring muscles have been performed commonly to manage lower back pain (LBP) in sports rehabilitation. Previous literatures addressed that stretching techniques and length test of hamstring muscles should be performed with the pelvic maintained in an anterior tilt position. However, there is no study to determine the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) to maintain in anterior pelvic tilting (APT) on length test and stretching of hamstring muscles. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of hamstring muscles stretching using a PBU. Methods: Forty participants with shortness of hamstrings randomized into two groups. Participants performed the active knee extension (AKE) stretching without (control group) or with PBU (intervention group) for four weeks. AKE tests without and with PBU were administered three times before and after hamstrings stretching by each group. Results: The AKE test without PBU showed a significant main effect of time (p

Abstract Background Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is a widely used non-invasive device to assist core muscle training by providing pressure feedback. The aim this study was to compare the muscle activities of transverse abdominis (TA) and multifidus (MF) at different target pressures (50, 60 and 70 mmHg) of PBU between individuals with and without cLBP. Methods Twenty-two patients with chronic LBP (cLBP) and 24 age matched healthy individuals were recruited. Electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the TA and MF muscles while the TA and MF were contracted to achieve PBU pressure value of 50, 60 and 70 mmHg in random order. The average EMG amplitude (AEMG) of 3 replicate trials was used in the analysis after normalization to %MVIC. %MVIC is defined as the mean of the three AEMG divided by the AEMG of MVIC. Two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of groups (healthy and cLBP) and the three different target pressures of PBU. Independent sample t-test was conducted to compare between the two groups. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed in the cLBP group to determine potential correlations between EMG activity, NPRS and ODI. Results The %MVIC of the TA and MF in the cLBP group were higher than the control group at each pressure value (P

Background: lower cross syndrome results from muscle strength imbalance in the lower segment. It is characterized by specific pattern of muscle weakness and tightness that cross between the dorsal and ventral sides of the body. In lower-crossed syndrome, the patient typically has anterior pelvic turn, elevated lumbar lordosis (swayback), and weak abdominal muscles. Inaction may also have a detrimental effect on the mechanics of the body, such as immobilization, disuse or excessive postural discomfort, such as sitting at the workstation for long periods of time and poor posture .It also involves tightness of the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, fascia lata tensor, adductor group, gastrocnemius, and soleus. Pressure biofeedback device is used for the purpose of measuring and treating the transverse abdominis muscle. This study is needed because over time due to prolonged daily activities and lack of regular exercises in young people, this leads to muscle imbalance which leads to low back pain in this population. The goal of the study is to screen for lower cross syndrome in asymptomatic individual. Aim and Objective: To screen for lower cross syndrome in asymptomatic individual. Materials and Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 300 individuals will be included in the study and the respective evaluation procedure for lower cross syndrome will be carried out. Result: The expected results would include the data about whether lower cross syndrome would be detected in the asymptomatic individuals. Data will be analyzed using paired T-test. Conclusion: based on the previous data of test and assessment we assume it will be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of lower cross syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pilates is a method of exercising which aims to increase strength and flexibility but also to positively influence people's mental state. Although its effectiveness in these areas is confirmed by numerous studies, not all the studies are conclusive and many results are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate abdominal muscle activity in people practicing Pilates and to examine the influence of Pilates exercises on core muscle activity. Material and methods: Sixty three participants were divided into two groups. The study group (Pilates group) consisted of 50 adults (48 women and 2 men: age = 47.2 ± 12.7 years) and the control group (Non-exercising group) consisted of 13 adults (10 women and 3 men: age = 37.1 ± 13.4 years). Both groups took part in two tests: transverse abdominis (TRA) muscle activity test in the prone position and the lumbar spine stability test while moving the lower limbs in the supine position. The equipment used in the study was the Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer (PBS). Results: The results showed no significant differences between the groups, both in the TRA muscle activity test and in the lumbar spine stability test. Conclusions: Pilates exercises do not influence the activity of the TRA muscle or the core stability as assessed by the Pressure Biofeedback Stabilizer. However, in the study group the high percentage of positive results and the relatively low percentage of poor results obtained in the TRA muscle activity test encourage further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Muscle strength measurement is a key component of physiotherapists' assessment and is frequently used as an outcome measure. A pressure biofeedback unit can be potentially used as a tool to assess hip isometric muscle strength. Objectives: This study was designed to establish normative adductor squeeze test (AST) values in runners and investigate strength of adductor muscles during the performance of the thigh adductor squeeze test at 0°, 45°, and 90° of hip flexion. Material And Methods: A total of 51 healthy runners aged 23-27 years participated. Each participant performed 3 trials of the thigh adductor squeeze test in the three positions at 0°, 45°, and 90° of hip flexion. Pressure biofeedback unit was used to assess the strength of hip adductor muscles. Strength of the adductors was measured as the maximum pressure that was achieved by the subject from 10 mm Hg. Result: Mean strength is 103.05 ± 23.05 mmHg at 0° hip flexion, 141.03 ± 24.31 mmHg at 45° hip flexion and 134.86 ± 22.83 mmHg at 90° hip flexion position. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the 45° of hip flexion test position is the optimal thigh adductor squeeze test position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: All tasks require postural control. The appropriateness and adequacy of postural tone in the trunk muscles referred to as “Core muscles” is the key element for the control of normal postural stability in an erect position. From among the core muscles (local and global), Transversus Abdominis muscle is controlled independently of the other trunk muscles and its activation is associated with postural demand. The study aims to assess the TrA muscle endurance and Limits of Stability (Maximum Excursion-MXE and Directional Control-DC) and to determine the correlation between the two parameters. Methods: A Correlation study was performed on 100 asymptomatic healthy nulliparous urban women of 18-25 years’ age with Body Mass Index of 18.5- 27.9 kg/m². Participants performed two tests in random order; Prone Test for TrA muscle endurance using Pressure Biofeedback Unit and LOS Test using the NeuroCom Balance Manager®. The outcome measures were TrA endurance (Number of 10 seconds hold) and MXE (%) and DC (%) of the LOS test. Results: Mean (mean ± SD) values were TrA endurance: 4.93 ± 3.31, Maximum Excursion (%): 92.8 ± 7.69 and Directional Control (%): 84.53 ± 3.17. Results showed a significant positive correlation between TrA endurance and MXE whereas no significant correlation was observed between TrA endurance and DC (Pearson’s correlation test; r=0.201 and r= -0.084, respectively at p

Introduction: Mechanical overloading is one of the causes of low back pain (LBP). Dysfunction of movement control and impaired movement patterns can constitute a potential risk factor for LBP development. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess lumbar extension control in young physically active males with the use of the pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) in the context of the most relevant literature. Materialand methods: Randomly 30 young men regularly training at the gym (mean age 19.7 years) were selected to participate in the study. The survey contained basic data (such as: age, profession, height and weight). The dynamic assessment included abdominal muscle endurance test and three tests for movement extension control (the single straight leg test, the double straight leg test in the supine position and the bench press test). Results and discussion: During the single straight leg test, 63% of the participants did not control lumbar extension for the right leg, and 37% for the left leg. In the double straight leg test, 77% of the participants did not control lumbar extension. During the bench press tests, 22% did not control lumbar extension during barbell lowering and 30% during lifting. Repeated excessive extension, which is frequently inadequately controlled by the neuromuscular system, may cause damage to the spinous processes and the soft tissue. Conclusions: Individuals training at the gym may have a tendency towards uncontrolled lumbar extension. PBU can be useful tool in view of the prevalence of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To contrast the efficacy of two exercise programs, segmental stabilization and strengthening of abdominal and trunk muscles, on pain, functional disability, and activation of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA), in individuals with chronic low back pain. DESIGN: Our sample consisted of 30 individuals, randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: segmental stabilization, where exercises focused on the TrA and lumbar multifidus muscles, and superficial strengthening, where exercises focused on the rectus abdominis, abdominus obliquus internus, abdominus obliquus externus, and erector spinae. Groups were examined to discovere whether the exercises created contrasts regarding pain (visual analogical scale and McGill pain questionnaire), functional disability (Oswestry disability questionnaire), and TrA muscle activation capacity (Pressure Biofeedback Unit = PBU). The program lasted 6 weeks, and 30-minute sessions occurred twice a week. Analysis of variance was used for inter- and intra-group comparisons. The significance level was established at 5%. RESULTS: As compared to baseline, both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving disability (p

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The article presents a study that evaluates the effect of core muscle strengthening exercise on chronicity of chronic low back pain (CLPB). Patients from the National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped were assessed using Disability Index, Numerical pain rating scale, and Oswestry Disability Index. It is suggested that the exercise with lumbar flexibility and gluteus maximus strengthening is an effective rehabilitation technique.

Background: The Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is an assessment tool used in clinical practice and research aimed to indirectly analyze the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activity. The concurrent validity of the PBU in a clinically relevant sample is still unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Method: This study was performed using a validation, cross-sectional design. Fifty patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were recruited for this study. To test the concurrent validity both PBU measures (index test) and superficial electromyographic measures (reference-standard test) were compared and collected by a physical therapist in a series of voluntary contraction maneuvers of TrA muscle. Results: Participants were on average 22 years old, weighed 63.7 kilos, 1.70 meters height and mean low back pain duration was 1.9 years. It was observed a weak and non-significant Phi coefficient (r=0.2, p<0.20). With regards to diagnostic accuracy tests, our results suggest a low sensitivity (60%) and specificity (60%) of the PBU. The positive predictive value was high (0.8) and negative predictive value was low (0.2). Conclusions: Concurrent validity of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain is poor given the low correlation and diagnostic accuracy with superficial EMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) is often used by clinicians and researchers to indirectly evaluate transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter and intra-examiner reproducibility of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in fifty patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. This study was performed using a test-retest design with a seven day interval. An Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1) of 0.74 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.85) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.86) was observed for the intra and inter-examiner reproducibility, respectively. The intra-examiner agreement (Limits of Agreement - LOA = 2.1 to −1.8 mmHg) and the inter-examiner agreement (LOA = 2.0 to −1.9 mmHg) were within the limits of agreement on 95% of occasions. The reproducibility of PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain ranged from satisfactory to excellent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study aims to determine the relation among the commonly used different tests of evaluating core stability performance. Establishing this relationship is important as different authors have used different types of tests for evaluating core stabilization in their study yet relation among these tests and the individual importance of each of these tests is not clearly established so far. Methods: Among 40 recreationally active subjects the core stability performance was evaluated using variety of different tests reported in the previous literatures. Results: Results show that there was no significant correlation among the performance scores on different test of core stability. Conclusions: The assessment of the core stability performance must be in concordance with the need of the individual and of the study. Also, different tasks or sports selectively require different components of the core stability. In order to evaluate more than one component of the core stability performance, the different combinations of the tests must be used. If one wishes to test all the components of the core stabilization, then no single test is sufficient and a battery of test must be used to assess different components separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hamstring injuries are common. The hamstrings and gluteus maximus (GM) work as synergists during hip extension. When contraction of GM is delayed relative to Biceps Femoris (BF) the hamstrings may be predisposed to injury due to increased demand. This study investigated whether specific training affected neuromuscular control of BF and GM during Prone Hip Extension (PHE). Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to the intervention or the control group. Mean onset times for BF and GM during PHE were recorded via surface electromyography (sEMG). The intervention group performed a 10min exercise with focus on proximal to distal muscle activation involving abdominal hollowing and active GM contraction prior to PHE. The control group undertook an exercise which included only PHE. Post exercise descriptive analysis indicated that the intervention exercise reduced the delay of GM firing relative to BF, however, when baseline differences between the two groups are taken into account as a covariant, the difference attributable to the intervention is not statistically significant (P =0.166). The results suggest that a short duration exercise intervention has the potential to alter the timing of activation of GM relative to BF during PHE but this needs validation through future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Stretching and length test of hamstring muscles have been performed commonly to manage lower back pain (LBP) in sports rehabilitation. Previous literatures addressed that stretching techniques and length test of hamstring muscles should be performed with the pelvic maintained in an anterior tilt position. However, there is no study to determine the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) to maintain in anterior pelvic tilting (APT) on length test and stretching of hamstring muscles., Objective: To determine the effectiveness of hamstring muscles stretching using a PBU., Methods: Forty participants with shortness of hamstrings randomized into two groups. Participants performed the active knee extension (AKE) stretching without (control group) or with PBU (intervention group) for four weeks. AKE tests without and with PBU were administered three times before and after hamstrings stretching by each group., Results: The AKE test without PBU showed a significant main effect of time ( p < 0 . 01 ) but not of group ( p = 0 . 55 ) on the AKE angle. The AKE test with PBU showed a significant increase in the AKE angle in the post-intervention compared to the pre-intervention assessments in both groups ( p < 0 . 01 ). The difference of AKE angle between the pre- and post-intervention results was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group ( p < 0 . 01 )., Conclusion: We recommend the use of a PBU to maintain the pelvic anterior tilting position when performing the AKE test or AKE stretching., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2020, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association.)

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of manipulation of the thorax and the intensity of the pressure biofeedback unit on the superficial cervical flexors muscle during craniocervical flexion exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty three subjects participated in the experiment. Thirty three healthy people without any orthopedic history were also selected. The subjects could monitor the pressure applied to cervical vertebra 3 of the craniocervical junction by markings on the pressure biofeedback unit. Craniocervical flexion exercise was performed for 20 seconds per pressure, and two minutes of rest was allowed after exercise to reduce muscle fatigue. [Results] Significant differences in the post-training gains in the sternocleidomastoid and scalene were observed between the thorax fixation group and thorax non-fixation group. The thorax fixation group showed that muscle activation of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene was increased when the pressure biofeedback unit intensity was 40 mmHg than when pressure biofeedback unit intensity was 20 mmHg and 30 mmHg in the post-hoc result. The thorax non-fixation group showed that muscle activation of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene was higher when the pressure biofeedback unit intensity was 40mmHg compared to that when the pressure biofeedback unit intensity was 20mmHg in the post-hoc result. [Conclusion] Craniocervical flexion exercise is a clinically effective method that reduces the superficial neck flexor muscle activation.

Objectives: The ability to maintain a lumbopelvic position (LPP) was assessed in athletes with a history of long-standing groin pain (LSGP) and athletes without LSGP., Design: Case-control study., Setting: University motion analysis laboratory., Participants: Thirty male athletes-15 with a history of LSGP (>12 weeks) and 15 without., Main Outcome Measures: Maintenance of LPP was assessed using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) during supine single leg lift (SLL), single leg extension (SLE) and bent knee fallout (BKFO). Repeatability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and group differences analysed using MANOVA., Results: Differences were detected between involved and uninvolved sides in the LSGP group during SLL (mean difference [md] = 9.82 mmHg, p < 0.01) and BKFO (md = 8.56 mmHg, p < 0.01) but not during SLE (md = 0.38 mmHg, p = 0.96). Between group differences were found during the SLL of the involved leg (md = 5.22 mmHg p = 0.034) and the BKFO of the uninvolved leg (md = 6.22 mmHg p = 0.017). Inter-session reliability varied for the different movement tasks in both groups (ICC = 0.35-0.94)., Conclusions: Ability to maintain LPP differed between the involved and uninvolved legs within the LSGP group and between the athletes with and without LSGP. Despite resolution of groin pain, altered control of lumbopelvic position existed with possible implications for later injury recurrence., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

[Purpose] This study was intended to examine the most effective feedback method for contracting the musculus transversus abdominis muscle by using basic training, a pressure biofeedback unit, and real-time ultrasonographic imaging during abdominal hollowing exercise training. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects in this study were 30 healthy young students in their twenties. Thirty subjects were divided randomly and equally into the basic training, the pressure biofeedback unit, and real-time ultrasonographic imaging groups. All of the subjects received abdominal hollowing exercise training for 15 minutes. The subjects in the pressure biofeedback unit group were trained by using a pressure biofeedback unit. Those in the real-time ultrasonographic imaging group received training with monitoring of possible contraction of their musculus transversus abdominis muscles on ultrasonography. [Results] In all the three groups, the musculus transversus abdominis became significantly thicker, but more significantly in the real-time ultrasonographic imaging group than in the basic training group. [Conclusion] The feedback method using real-time ultrasonographic imaging may be more effective in thickening the musculus transversus abdominis muscle during exercise than the traditional feedback method with manual contact only. However, it is insufficient in terms of overall qualitative improvement of exercise outcome.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of deep cervical flexor training on maintaining forward head posture, muscular endurance, and cervical mobility. It also examined the effectiveness of deep cervical flexor training with a pressure biofeedback unit. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty college students were recruited and randomly assigned to groups that underwent either deep cervical flexor training with a pressure biofeedback unit (experimental group, n=10) or conventional deep cervical flexor training (control group, n=10). The craniovertebral angle of each subject was measured with a lateral-view picture. Neck mobility was assessed using a cervical range of motion device and muscular endurance was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit. Both groups performed conventional deep cervical flexor exercises three times a week for six weeks. The experimental group underwent a pressure biofeedback unit training was 5 to10 minutes/day, thrice a week. [Results] Cervical range of motion in the experimental group increased significantly between the end of training and the end of the four week detraining period, compared to that in control group. [Conclusion] Deep cervical flexor training with a pressure biofeedback unit is a useful method for maintaining neck mobility and muscular endurance in people with forward head posture.