title: Effects of craniocervical flexion exercise on upper-limb postural stability during a goal-directed pointing task.
abstract: [Purpose] This study investigated the effects of craniocervical flexion exercise on upper-limb postural stability by measuring upper-limb postural tremor during a goal-directed pointing task. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned to the exercise or control group. The exercise group performed craniocervical flexion exercise four days per week for five weeks. Upper-limb postural tremor was measured by using a three-dimensional electromagnetic motion tracking system (trakSTAR™, Ascension Technology Corporation, Burlington, VT, USA) during a goal-directed pointing task. [Results] In the exercise group, the range and velocity of the trajectories of the shoulder, wrist, and finger in the lateral direction improved significantly. However, no significant changes were observed in the control group. [Conclusion] Craniocervical flexion exercise reduces the range and velocity of upper-limb postural tremor, thereby increasing postural stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngsan University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Sik
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hae-Yong
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Uk
authors.initials: YU
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Therapy, Daegu Haany University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Mi-Young
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Craniocervical flexion exercise; Postural stability; Proprioception