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[Purpose] The present study was performed to identify the effect of a home exercise program on the self-reported disability index and gait parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). [Methods] Fifteen patients with LSS were enrolled in this study and were trained in a 4-week home exercise program (40 min/day). All patients were evaluated with three self-reported disability indices (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Spinal Stenosis Scale), and gait parameters were assessed using a GAITRite system before and after the home exercise program. [Results] Patients with LSS showed significant decreases in the self-reported questionnaire scores and pain intensity after the home exercise program. However, the gait parameters did not significantly change. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that home exercise programs can improve self-reported questionnaire scores and decrease pain in patients with LSS.

[Purpose] We investigated the effect of vibration at various frequencies on serratus anterior (SA) muscle activity. [Subjects] Ten male subjects were recruited. [Methods] The subjects performed the push-up plus exercise supported by straps above the surface and vertical ropes in the Redcord sling. During the push-up plus, vibrations of 0, 30, 50, or 90 Hz were applied to the Redcord sling using a mechanical vibration apparatus attached to the rope. SA muscle activity was recorded using electromyography. [Results] SA muscle activity at the 50 Hz vibration frequency was significantly higher than that of no vibration. [Conclusion] Performing the push-up plus using a Redcord sling with mechanical vibration of 50 Hz effectively increased SA muscle activity.

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BACKGROUND: Although Kinesio Taping (KT) may increase muscle strength, few studies have examined the effectiveness of KT on muscle strength in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of KT on the isokinetic strength of the shoulder internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscles in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis. METHODS: Thirteen patients with rotator cuff tendinitis participated in this study. Shoulder IR and ER strength was measured concentrically (at 60 and 180 • /s) before and after applying KT. The PT of each muscle group as well as the ER to IR ratios served as the outcome parameters. RESULTS: The PT (both absolute and bodyweight normalized) of the IRs was significantly higher post-KT compared to pre-KT at both angular velocities. The ER/IR ratio was significantly lower post-KT than pre-KT at 60 • /s CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that KT may effectively increase the shoulder IR muscle strength and help restore the shoulder ER/IR balance with decreased ratios in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.