Abstract. [Purpose] This study examined the feasibility of using an intervention of core stabilization exercises using a sling to control pain and muscle strength of patients with chronic low back pain.[Subjects] The subjects, 30 chronic low back patients, were divided randomly into two exercise groups: one group performed core stabilization exercises using a sling (n=15), and the other group performed mat exercises group (n=15). Each exercise program was performed three days per week for four weeks. Pain and muscle strength were measured before and after the intervention. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and muscle strength was measured with a Tergumed device.[Results] The differences in the VAS scores for the sling exercise and mat exercise program were statistically significant between pre and post intervention in both groups. Muscle strength increases were also statistically significant. However, the comparison of sling exercise and mat exercise program showed no statistically significant differences between the groups, post-intervention.[Conclusion] Both the sling exercise and the mat exercise program reduced chronic low back pain improved patients' lumbar muscle strength, and decreased VAS scores; and the sling exercise was more effective than the mat exercise program. Further study is needed to develop the sling exercise for effective use in clinical practice for the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Abstract.[Purpose] The present study was intended to examine the effect of excessive use of smartphones on the carpal tunnel and median nerve in the wrist. [Subjects and Methods] A questionnaire was used to determine the degree of addiction to smartphones in 125 normal adults who used smartphones; then, ultrasonography of the median nerve, Phalen's tests, and reverse Phalen's tests were conducted on the subjects.[Results] Based on the results of the experiment, the thickness of the median nerve did not change in relation to duration of smartphone use per day, duration of continuous smartphone use, periods of the use of smartphones, or the degree of addiction; however, statistically significant shortening of time to wrist tingling was identified in the Phalen's tests and reverse Phalen's tests conducted to examine clinical symptoms. [Conclusion] In conclusion, excessive use of smartphones may act as a cause to trigger carpal tunnel syndrome due to pressure on the carpal tunnel in the wrist joint; thus, precautions are necessary when using smartphones.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of overground gait training (OGT) and treadmill gait training (TGT) on walking speed, gait endurance, and balance ability of subjects with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 40 patients with stroke. They were randomly divided into two groups, the OGT group and the TGT group, and further categorized according to their individual walking speeds (slow <0.5 m/s and fast >0.5 m/s). The groups performed exercises 10 times for a week. Pre-and post-test assessments involved the measurement of walking speed, walking endurance, and balance ability, as assessed by the 10-m walking time, the 6-min walking distance, and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).[Results] The 10-m walking times, 6-min walking distance, and BBS scores of both the OGT group and the TGT group significantly improved, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. In the slow walking speed group, the OGT subjects showed significant improvement compared to the TGT subjects in the 6-min walk test.[Conclusion] Overall, we conclude that OGT was more effective at improving the gait endurance of stroke patients than TGT. Further research is needed to verify the generalizability of these findings and to identify which stroke patients might benefit from OGT.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the vibration form-roller exercise on the pain in the hip joint and the joint performances. [Subjects and Methods] 30 adult patients were randomly sampled and divided into form-roller group (15) and the vibration form-roller group (15). The two groups were exposed to an exercise regimen of 3 sessions per week, over 4 weeks. Each session was composed of warming-up (5M), main exercises (20M), and five minutes of cool-down (5M). [Results] The result of this study, in the intra-group comparison of the Performance, the PRE group increase in the flexion, extension, and abduction of the hip joint, the VPRE group increase in flexion, extension, external rotation and internal rotation. In the comparison between groups, the VPRE group increase in the flexion and internal rotation. Through the intra-group comparison the pressure pain, the PRE group and the VPRE group decreases in the all muscles. In the comparison between the groups, there was increase in the iliotibial tract of the VPRE group. [Conclusion] The result of this study the effect of the form-roller & vibration form-roller exercises. Therefore, various exercise methods would have to be developed in order to overcome the limitations in the existing form-roller exercises.

Abstract.[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the lung capacity when a balloon-blowing exercise was used to increase patients' lung function.[Subjects] The subjects of the study were 30 young smokers. [Methods] Subjects were randomly divided two groups; The experimental group (n=15) performed a balloon-blowing exercise. The control group (n=15) performed no exercise.[Result] The results indicate that VC, ERV, IRV, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF significantly improved in the experimental group. In contrast, VC, ERV, IRV, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF did not significantly change in the control group. There were significant differences in VC, ERV, IRV, FVC, and FEV1 between the experimental group and the control group after the performance of the balloonblowing exercise.[Conclusion] These findings suggest that the balloon-blowing exercise has positive effects on lung function.