A change in the size of the abdominal muscles and balance ability after virtual reality exercise in the elderly with chronic low back pain Suh Hye Rim1, Lee Su-Young2,* 1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Korea University, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 2Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Muam-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea *Corresponding author: Su-Young Lee Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Republic of Korea, E-mail: rosei118@bu.ac.kr
Online published on 16 October, 2018. Abstract Background/Objectives The purpose of the present study was to compare the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (InOb), and external oblique (ExOb) muscle thicknesses on a 4-week virtual reality exercise program. Methods/Statistical Analysis Twenty subjects with chronic low back pain were participated in this study. The exercise group performed virtual reality exercises with Nintendo Wii sports for 4 weeks. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasonography both at rest and after 4 weeks exercise. The Berg balance scale for balance ability was measured. A paired t-test was used to compare the TrA, InOb, and ExOb on pre-and post-exercise. An independent t-test was used to compare the exercise and control groups. Findings The results showed significant differences in the virtual reality exercise group in terms of left TrA thickness and balance ability before and after exercise (p<0.05). Improvements/Applications Virtual reality exercise affected balance ability and the TrA muscle thickness. Top Keywords Balance ability, Low back pain; Muscle size, Ultrasonography, Virtual reality environment training. Top |