[Purpose] This study examined the effects of lumbar stability exercises on chronic lower back pain by using a therapeutic climbing program on lumbar muscle activity and function. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty adult subjects with chronic back pain participated. The subjects were assigned to 2 exercise groups, namely the lumbar stabilization (Mat Ex) and therapeutic climbing exercise groups (TC Ex). Each group trained for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The Short-form 36-item Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered and the surface electromyographic (sEMG) activities of the lumbar muscles were measured. [Results] Both therapy groups showed significant increases in the SF-36 score, and the increase was greater in the TC Ex group. Significant increases in the sEMG activities of the lumbar muscles were found in both groups. The increases in the sEMG activities of the rectus abdominis and internal and external oblique muscles of the abdomen were greater in the TC Ex group than in the Mat Ex group. [Conclusion] These findings demonstrate that TC Ex, which is similar to normal lumbar stabilization exercise, is effective at activating and improving the function of the lumbar muscles. These results suggest that TC Ex has a positive impact on the stabilization of the lumbar region.

| Abstract |1 )PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sciatic nerve mobilization techniques on straight leg raising (SLR) and walking ability in elderly women aged over 65. METHODS:Seventy women aged over 65 were examined using SLR test and forty women were selected as subjects.They were divided into Group Ⅰ (under 70° of SLR test of both legs, n=20) and Group Ⅱ (over 70° of SLR test of both legs, n=20). Nerve mobilization was applied to both groups (three times a week for 4 weeks). SLR angle was measured using digital goniometer and walking ability was measured by step length, stride length, velocity, double support, using GAITRite System. After 4 weeks, paired t-test was used to compare the changes of SLR test and walking ability within †Corresponding Author : seody0815@naver.com This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.GroupⅠ and Group Ⅱ. RESULTS:In Group I, SLR test, step length, stride length and gait velocity were significantly increased but double support was significantly difference. In Group II, SLR test, step length and stride length were significantly increased but gait velocity was not significantly increased and double support was significantly decreased.CONCLUSION: This study showed that sciatic nerve mobilization techniques had positive effects on the SLR angle and walking ability in elderly women.

PURPOSE: To find out how wearing a mask due to COVID-19 affects cardiovascular function as the pace of walking changes. METHODS: Forty-nine college students (27 men, 22 women) were subjected to treadmill exercises without masks (Group Ⅰ) and wearing masks (Group Ⅱ). The body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were measured to determine the changes in cardiovascular function. These parameters were measured at rest (Control Ⅰ), low-intensity (Control Ⅱ), medium-intensity (Control Ⅲ), and high-intensity (Control Ⅳ) before and after exercise.