earticle

영어

This study aimed to identify the effects of the 8-week backward walking training on lumbar extensor muscle strength in young patients with lumbar radiculopathy. 17 patients (9 males and 8 females) with lumbar radiculopathy were recruited for this study. The backward walking training on treadmill was performed for 40 minutes, three times per week for 8 weeks (a total of 24 sessions). Lumbar extensor strength was evaluated with the Medx system, which measures the maximum voluntary isometric torques of lumbar extension at seven different lumbar angles (0°, 12°, 24°, 36°, 48°, 60°, and 72°). Measurements were carried out three times: baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. For data analysis, repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the lumbar extensor strength at different angles, and paired t-test was used to find significant differences in comparison between the measurement times. After 8 weeks, lumbar extensor muscle strength appeared to be significantly increased at most angles(p<.05). Post-hoc test showed significant differences between the baseline and after 4 weeks, and between baseline and after 8 weeks. These results suggest that the backward treadmill walking training may be beneficial for improving the strength of lumbar extensor muscle in patients with lumbar radicupathy presenting low back pain.