earticle

영어

Background: This study aims to implement lumbar stabilization exercises by using gym ball s and mats and exercises by utilizing a virtual reality program to normal adults in their tw enties for four weeks and to identify effects on balance ability. Methods: Eighteen students (M:6, F:12) studying in H University in Gwangju were randoml y placed to three groups: six students in the control group, six students in the gym ball an d mat exercise group, and six students in the virtual reality program group. Lumbar stabilization exercises and the virtual reality program were implemented for thirty minutes a day and three times a week for four weeks in total. The control group carried o ut only daily activities. Limit of Stability (LOS) was measured before and after experiment s to check balance. In order to compare differences between values before and after experi ments, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was carried out. In order to identify differences among groups for changes of values, Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test were carrie d out. Results: The findings are as follows. 1) There was no significant difference among LOSes of the groups before exercises (p>.05). 2) After exercises for four weeks, LOS of the lu mbar stabilization exercise group increased even though the increase was not statistically si gnificant than that of the control group. The virtual reality program group showed a signific ant increase in LOS compared to that of the control group (p<.05)(Table 4). Conclusion: The above findings confirmed that the virtual reality program is effective in imp roving balance ability of normal adults.