Effects of Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program in VDT Workers: Pain Relief and Increased Flexibility.
- Author:
Young Ae YANG
1
;
Young Hee KIM
;
Yong Kwon KIM
;
Jin Gang HUR
;
Jae Cheol SONG
;
Yoon Shin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Thoracic spinal exercise;
Thoracic kyphosis;
VAS (visual analog scale);
VDT workers
- MeSH:
Hand;
Kyphosis;
Muscle Strength;
Pliability*;
Posture;
Seoul;
Spine
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2004;16(3):250-261
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study of the Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program was to evaluate its effects on VDT workers. These effects were found to include a decrease thoracic kyphosis, increase thoracic spine mobility and decrease in the VAS (visual analog scale). These measures provide a means of assessing the muscle endurance and muscle strength of the subjects. METHODS: This study was conducted during the period from July 1 to August 31, 2003, and involved 58 VDT workers belonging to a company located in Seoul who were working seated in front of a computer for most of the day. After applying the thoracic exercise program, we examined the changes in the of thoracic kyphosis angle, spinal length (C7-S3), TFED (thoracic flexibility in the extension direction), MEBH (maximal elevation with both hands in the overhead direction) and CE (chest expansion). RESULTS: Obtained f om this study are as follows. 1. A significant reduction in the VAS was observed in the exercise group (pre-exercise 5.90 +/- 0.88 points, post-exercise 4.23+/- 0.82 points), as compared with the control group (pre-exercise 6.00+/-0.90 points, post-exercise 5.93+/-0.81 points). 2. A significant reduction in thoracic kyphosis (pre-exercise 36.97+/-7.49, post-exercise 31.83 +/-5.90) and a significant increase in thoracic flexibility in the extension direction (pre-exercise 7 . 4 7+/-2.30, post-exercise 11.77+/-3.65) were observed in the exercise group. The thoracic kyphosis angle showed a significant reduction in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. The thoracic flexibility in the extension direction showed a significant increase in the exercise group, as compared to the control group. 3. There was a significant increase in the spinal length in the exercise group (pre-exercise 494 +/-27.66 mm, post-exercise 518.60+/-27.95 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The Thoracic Spinal Exercise Program results in an increase in thoracic spine mobility and a decrease in pain. In practical terms, the effects of the exercise program are good health and posture.
