Purpose The Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cold and hot intervention on proprioceptio and nmuscle activity in low back pain patients. Methods The intervention was applied to the lumbar joint for 15 minutes and repositioning test was inspected at 30° and 60° trunk flexion to measure the proprioception. In addition, muscle activity was measured at 30° with EMG. All measurements and tests were implemented before and after the intervention. Results The results showed that repositioning error was significant only in the 30° trunk flexion posture of the hot intervention group. In the case of muscle activity, the muscle activity increased in the hot intervention group and the muscle activity decreased in the cold intervention group. Conclusion In this study cold and hot intervention did not affect the proprioception. In the case of cold intervention, the muscle activity was decreased, but the joint may become stiff and there is a risk of injury. In the case of hot intervention, the muscle activity is increased. But according to the preceding articles, after the long term hot intervention, the decrease in muscle activity can be predictable. This may be helpful in decreasing the muscle activity of back pain patients who have more muscle activity than normal people due to the presence of maladaptive muscleguarding to protect the spine.

Purpose Deep squatting is a common position for Asians during activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to investigate that ankle joint could contribute during deep squatting. Methods 44 healthy normal participants(20 men, 24 women) were recruited for this study. Whether they were able to perform the deep squat position with their heels on the ground or not, participants allocated into two groups (referred to as heels on ground(HG) squat(n=22(13 men, 9 women)), heels off(HO) squat(n=22(7 men, 15 women)). Results In this study, active/passive ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion and static balance were assessed. There were significant difference in ankle joint dorsiflexion ROM except right ankle passive ROM. Also heels off squat group showed a significant reduction in static balance. Conclusion These findings show that individuals who can't perform the deep squat position exhibit reduced ankle ROM and static balance. Thus, deep squat position might be recommended as a simple task to evaluate ankle joint flexibility and static balance.