2.2. Intervention
CONTRACTION, CONTRACTION
Both the groups visited a sports medical center (Nanoori Sports Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea) and participated in an SSE program comprising exercise for 50 minutes twice a week for 24 weeks. In each session, the ABBG also underwent ABB, which comprised preparation, relaxation, and contraction phases, before performing the SSE program (Figs. Abdominal bracing training comprised three stages: (A) Preparation phase: a towel is placed underneath the participant torso while in the supine position with their knees bent. (B) Relaxation phase: after the therapist puts his hand on the participant abdomen, the participant pushes his hand while keeping the lower back free from the floor and expanding the rib cage and abdomen as much as possible. (C) Contraction phase: when the therapist pulls the towel, the participant maintains abdominal pressure to prevent the towel from coming out as much as possible. This is repeated 10 times for 10 s each time.The exercise intervention comprised a 10-min warm-up, 30-min of SSE, and 10-min cool-down. SSE programs were divided into an early phase (0–8 weeks), intermediate phase (8–16 weeks), and late phase (16–24 weeks) and included exercises to improve spinal stability and strength.Overview of the spine stabilization exercise program.SSE = spine stabilization exercise.