J Phys Ther Sci
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[Purpose] A 3-month follow-up study was conducted on a patient diagnosed with acute nonspecfic lumbago. Direct stretching (DS) of the tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFLM) was performed, and an immediate effect was confirmed. [Subjects] The case subject was a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with acute nonspecific lumbago. [Methods] We used a single-case study design and an AB-type study structure, in which the leg was placed in positions that relieved the back pain in period A and DS of the TFLM was performed in period B. The evaluation indices were the visual analog scale (VAS), finger-to-floor distance (FFD), and posterior lumbar flexibility (PLF), which were analyzed using the binomial test. [Results] The VAS, FFD, and PLF in period B showed significant improvement when compared with period A. Additionally, complaints of lower back pain ceased after 2 weeks, and the results of the follow-up study showed no recurrence of back pain during the 3 months. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that DS of the TFLM has an immediate effect on acute nonspecific lumbago in addition to long-term pain relief effects.
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[Purpose] The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of isometric quadriceps exercise on muscle strength, pain, and function in knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Outpatients (N=42, 21 per group; age range 40-65 years; 13 men and 29 women) with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the study. The experimental group performed isometric exercises including isometric quadriceps, straight leg raising, and isometric hip adduction exercise 5 days a week for 5 weeks, whereas the control group did not performed any exercise program. ⋯ These variables were measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), strength gauge device, and reduced WOMAC index, respectively. All the measurements were taken at baseline (week 0) and at the end of the trial at week 5. [Results] In between-group comparisons, the maximum isometric quadriceps strength, reduction in pain intensity, and improvement in function in the isometric exercise group at the end of the 5th week were significantly greater than those of the control group (p<0.05). [Conclusion] The 5-week isometric quadriceps exercise program showed beneficial effects on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and functional disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.