Effect of a 2-week KOJI AWARENESS corrective exercise program on hip joint rotatory range of motion

Purpose: Restricted hip rotatory range of motion (ROM) is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to clarify the effect of KOJI AWARENESS (KA) corrective exercises in individuals with hip joint rotatory mobility restriction, as identified by the KA self-screening test, to improve ROM. Methods: This single-arm study included 24 participants screened for hip joint rotatory mobility by using the KA self-screening test. Fourteen participants had hip joint rotatory mobility restrictions, and they joined a 2-week KA corrective exercise program, including “Side sitting to lift up” and “Weight shift squat,” performed at home. The hip external and internal rotation ROMs in the flexed and neutral positions were measured by an athletic trainer before the intervention, immediately after the first exercise session, and after a 2-week exercise intervention. The hip joint ROMs at each time point were statistically compared using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: External and internal rotation in the flexed position (pre: 46.5±7.7, after first exercise: 46.5±5.2, after 2-week intervention: 50.0±5.8, and pre: 21.6±7.2, after first exercise: 26.6±6.5, after 2-week intervention: 25.3±9.7, respectively) and external rotation in the neutral position (pre: 44.6±9.5, after first exercise: 52.9±8.9, after 2-week intervention: 54.6±6.0) showed a significant main effect. No significant difference was found in internal rotation in the neutral position. Conclusions: The KA corrective exercises may be a useful intervention for improving hip rotatory mobility, which may represent a relevant strategy for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.