Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effect of gaze stabilization exercise with upper trapezius stretching on Muscle tone and Balance Function.

Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted at Daegu University, involving 30 participants with upper trapezius tension, who were randomly assigned equally to three groups. Experimental group 1 performed upper trapezius stretching and gaze stabilization exercises for 30 minutes per session. Experimental group 2 performed only gaze stabilization exercises, and the control group performed only upper trapezius stretching, each for 15 minutes per session. All groups exercised three times weekly for four weeks. Upper trapezius muscle tension, closed-eye single-leg stance, and Y-balance tests were measured before and after intervention.

Results: The EG1 and CG showed a significant reduction in muscle tone and upper trapezius stiffness, with no changes in elasticity. In contrast, the EG2 group exhibited an increase in muscle tone but no changes in stiffness or elasticity. Notably, EG1 was the most effective in improving muscle tone and stiffness. In terms of balance, both the EG1 and EG2 groups demonstrated positive changes in static COP displacement (movement area and speed), whereas the CG group showed improvements only in the movement area. No significant changes were observed in the YBT scores.

Conclusion: This study found that combining gaze stabilization exercises with upper trapezius stretching effectively reduced muscle tension and improved static and dynamic balance, suggesting clinical benefits for enhancing postural control and vestibular rehabilitation.

Keywords: balance, gaze stabilization exercise, upper trapezius stretching

The results of this study indicate that the combination of gaze stabilization exercises with upper trapezius stretching is particularly effective for muscle relaxation, as well as static and dynamic balance. Body stability and postural control can be improved by exercising the interaction between the eye and upper trapezius. These findings are important in vestibular training.