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The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle activity of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles according to the number of Shaker exercise. The 19 experimental subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to the two experimental groups. The 1st experimental group performed Shaker exercise once a day, and 2nd experimental group performed Shaker exercise three times a day for 6 weeks. Shaker exercise consists of isometric and isotonic contraction movement, enhancing the strength of suprahyoid muscle and increasing the opening of UES. After performing Shaker exercise for 6 weeks, the muscle activity of experimental groups was measured and analysed by surface electromyography. As a result, muscle activity of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles showed significant improvement in both groups (P < 0·05). Comparing muscle activity of both groups, there was no significant difference. This means the Shaker exercise shows similar exercise effects on suprahyoid muscle which is the primary target muscle irrespective of the number of Shaker exercise. The activity of the infrahyoid muscle, which takes a supportive role, also showed significant difference between the two groups. In the results of a follow-up test after 4 weeks, muscle activity was higher than the initial status and the value of the EMG activity was statistically significant (P < 0·05). These results by EMG study may suggest that Shaker exercise performed once a day, like performing three times a day, has enough exercise effect and there is similar effect on the suprahyoid muscle between the 2 groups. In addition, the exercise effect lasts for 4 weeks after completing exercise.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of abdominal-compression belt in one leg standing on balance in normal adult. Background: With the effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure, the abdominal-compression belt is contributing to a static balance control. However, specific study is still insufficient. Method: Forty subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: control(n=20) and experimental group(n=20), respectively. The experimental group used an abdominal-compression belt, whereas the control group did not that. All subjects were educated using pressure biofeedback unit and ultrasound imaging for exact application by abdominal-compression belt. Main outcome measurement was used a general stability index, fourier harmony index, weight distribution index, and fall index in tetrax balance system. Results: Experimental group improved significantly on general stability, only 2 factors(eyes closed with head turned forward and eyes closed with head turned backward) among fourier harmony index, and fall index, However, weight distribution index did not revealed significant difference. Conclusion: The findings suggest that application of abdominal-compression belt could be effective on improving balance ability in one leg standing of normal adults. Application: The results of the abdominal-compression belt might help to control balance in workers.

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