추나요법과 운동이 허리원반탈출이 있는 노인환자의 시공간적 보행 변수와 하지 근력에 미치는 영향

The Effects of Chuna Manual Therapy and Exercise on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Lower Extremities Strength in Elderly with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that occurs in elderly individuals. It is necessary to improve decreased walking ability and muscle strength caused by lumbar disc herniation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of applying both Chuna therapy and exercise on spatiotemporal gait parameters, hip abductor strength, and knee extensor strength in elderly with LDH. Methods: The cross-sectional observational study enrolled 9 patients aged 60 years or older diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and experiencing symptoms for at least 6 months. All participants underwent a 4-week intervention consisting of Chuna therapy and exercise. Spatio-temporal gait parameters, including gait speed, cadence, stride length, and minimum toe clearance, were assessed using StepLab before and after the intervention. Hip abductor and knee extensor strength were measured using a tensiometer. Results: All spatio-temporal gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, stride length, minimum toe clearance) were significantly increased after the intervention compared with before the intervention (p < 0.05). The hip abductor and knee extensor strength also showed a significant increase after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chuna therapy and exercises may be important components of a rehabilitation program for elderly LDH patients.