Objective
To evaluate that lower back pain would influence postural control ability. Method: Thirty-eight adults (18 men, 20 women) participated and were divided into two groups; the study (patients with lower back pain) group and the control (healthy adults) group. Postural control ability of participants was evaluated through the Balance Master^Ⱂ system. A total of seven measurements were analyzed to determine the difference between the study and control group. Results: Patients with lower back pain demonstrated weight bearing patterns on the non-tender side, wider area of sway (^o) under conditions (unilateral stance on firm surface with eye closed) in modified clinical test sensory interaction on balance (p＜0.05). Wider area of turn sway (^o) and long turn time (sec) during step/quick turn were demonstrated in patients with lower back pain (p＜0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that patients with lower back pain was reduced in the postural control ability. Further studies about the effect of back exercise on postural control ability of patients with lower back pain should be carried out. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2007; 31: 30-36)

Objective
To determine the effects on the lumbar stability caused by various thoracic exercise programs, the extent of spinal posture correction and the increase in thoracic mobility to the extension direction. Method: Exercise programs, which can increase the thoracic mobility to the extension direction, were applied to the exercise group. The control subjects were trained for the correct posture according to ergonomic principles by exercise at home and at the clinic. Both groups had three sessions of exercise program per week for 8 weeks. Results: A comparison of the various parameters in the exercise group before and after exercise showed that the VAS, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar mobility decreasedsignificantly (p＜0.05), and the thoracic mobility in the extension direction, chest expansion, maximal elevation of the arms and spinal length increased significantly (p＜0.05). In addition, the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar mobility increased significantly (p＜0.05), and thoracic mobility in the extension direction, chest expansion, maximum elevation of the arms and the spinal length decreased significantly (p＜0.05), but the VAS did not show a significant difference. Conclusion: A thoracic exercise program, which can correct the posture, improve the functional restrictions of the thoracic spine and reduce the lumbar mobility, is very important. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2005; 29: 102-108)