Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a functional evaluation model and the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale in evaluating the upper extremities of stroke patients Methods: Thirty-eight stroke patients were evaluated using the FMA and performed reaching and grasping motions using a three-dimensional motion analysis (Qquas 1 series, Qualisys AB, Sweden). The participants sat on a chair with a backrest. The position of the cup was located at a distance of 80% to the front arm length. The markers were attached to the sternum, acromion, elbow lateral epicondyle, ulnar styloid process, three metacarpal heads, and the distal phalanges of the thumb and index finger. The variables of the correlation between the functional evaluation model and the FMA scale were analyzed. Multiple regression (stepwise) was used to investigate the effect of the kinematic variables. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between the movement time (p < 0.05), movement unit (p < 0.05), and trunk displacement values (p < 0.05) in the FMA total scores, while a positive correlation was found between the peak velocity (p < 0.05) and maximum grip aperture values (p < 0.05). As a result of the multiple regression analysis, the most significant factor was the movement unit, followed by the general movement assessment and trunk displacement. The explained FMA total score value was 62%. Conclusion: This study presents a new functional evaluation model for assessing the reaching and grasping ability of stroke patients. The factors of the proposed functional evaluation model showed significant correlations with the FMA scale scores and confirmed that the new functional evaluation model explained the FMA by 67%. This suggests a new functional evaluation model for reaching and grasping stroke patients.

Purpose: Recent studies have indicated that applying different inclination angles and suspension devices could be a useful way of performing exercises that include the co-activation of the trunk muscles. Present study was to examine the influences of changes in the inclination angle during trunk muscle activity while engaging in a bridge exercise with a suspension device. Methods: 18 healthy, physically active male volunteers completed three trunk inclination angles (15°, 30°, and 45°) for bridge exercise variations. The surface electromyography responses of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique (IO), erector spinae (ES), and rectus femoris (RF), as well as the subjective difficulty (Borg RPE score), were investigated during these bridge exercises. Results: The bridge with a 45° inclination angle suspension significantly increased the muscular activities of the RA and RF and increased the Borg RPE scores (p<0.05). The bridge with a 15° suspension significantly elevated the ES activities when compared to the other conditions. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that a higher inclination angle could not activate the overall trunk muscles during the bridge exercise. The RA and RF produced greater activation during the bridge exercise with the higher inclination angle. On the other hand, the activities of the erector spine were greater during the bridge exercise with the lower inclination angle. The present study suggests that applying a low trunk inclination angle for the supine bridge exercise is suitable for activating the erector spine muscles.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effects of motion taping on muscle activity and the WOMAC in a rehabilitation exercise program for elderly women with knee joint osteoarthritis. Methods: The subjects were 28 elderly women aged over 65 years with knee joint osteoarthritis. The subjects were divided into two groups: one experimental and one control group. During the study period, a total of 26 patients completed the experiment, with one drop each from the experimental group and control group. The experimental group applied motion taping and conducted a rehabilitation exercise program. The control group experienced a rehabilitation exercise program without motion taping. The rehabilitation exercise program consisted of warm-up exercises, maximum isometric exercises, the range of motion of the joints, and leg stretching exercises. The intervention was conducted three times a week for six weeks. To investigate the effects of the intervention, muscle activity and the WOMAC were measured. The WOMAC is a tool that can be used to evaluate the pain, stiffness, and physical function of osteoarthritis patients; it has 29 items in three areas. Results: The change in muscle activity according to the intervention showed a statistically significant increase in both the experimental group and control group. The WOMAC also showed statistically significant changes in terms of pain, stiffness, and physical function in both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group showed a greater functional improvement than the control group. Conclusion: For older women with osteoarthritis of the knee, a rehabilitation exercise program is a good intervention. When motion-taping is applied, it is considered to be an intervention program that can be expected to have a better effect on knee joint osteoarthritis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of open and closed kinetic chain exercises with a sling on neck flexor thickness during chin-in movement in office workers with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty-one selected subjects randomly performed chin-in movement in open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain exercises using a sling. All subjects were measured for their neck flexor thickness using ultrasound measurement equipment during the performance of chin-in movement in open and closed kinetic chain exercised. A paired t-test was used to compare the thickness of the total neck flexor, superficial, and deep neck flexor, respectively, between open and closed kinetic chain exercises with chin-in movement. Results: The thickness of the superficial neck flexor diminished in size more greatly during the chin-in movement with the closed kinetic chain than the open kinetic chain, but this was not a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the thickness of the total neck flexor and deep neck flexor had more greatly increased during the chin-in movement with the closed kinetic chain than the open kinetic chain, and this was a statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggested that chin-in movement with a closed kinetic chain is more effective in activating the deep neck flexor than the open kinetic chain. Thus, we believe that the closed kinetic chain exercise using a sling is an effective intervention to correct the postural alignment of individuals with forward head posture.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how a shoulder complex stabilization exercise affects ball control and ball speed in elementary school baseball players with an instable scapula. Methods: The subjects of the study were 16 baseball players attending S elementary school in Kwangju Metropolitan City. A shoulder complex stabilization exercise was conducted three times per week for one hour for four weeks. Then, the participants were divided into a scapular instability group or stability group based on their lateral scapular slide test scores. The measurement tool was measured using the target, the ball speed tester (PR1000-BC). All inspections were measured before and after the mediation period to examine the change in the subjects according to the mediation period. Results: As a result of measuring ball control, there was a statistically significant difference in the variation over time (p < 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the interaction between time and group (p > 0.05). As a result of the test of effectiveness between subjects, there was no statistically significant difference found among the groups (p > 0.05). In terms of ball speed, there was no statistically significant difference found in the variation over time (p > 0.05) as well as in the interaction between time and group (p > 0.05). In terms of the effectiveness between subjects, there was no statistically significant difference found among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that the shoulder complex stabilization exercise could improve ball control for elementary school baseball players. It is believed that this will help prevent and solve possible sport damages experienced during training or competitions, thereby helping athletes use training methods to improve their exercise capacity and continue their careers.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates exercise on the back pain index, pelvic tilt angle, and physical fitness of pregnant women with low back pain. Methods: All study participants, all of whom had pregnancy-induced back pain, were randomly assigned to either a Pilates exercise group (PG, n = 8) or control group (CG, n = 7). The PG performed a Pilates exercise for 50 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. The back pain scale and pelvic tilt angle were measured using a visual analogue scale and angulometer, respectively. Cardiopulmonary endurance, flexibility, and grip strength were measured to examine the physical fitness. The variables were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with the Holm-Sidak post hoc procedure. Results: Back pain in the PG significantly decreased from 4.69 ± 1.28 to 1.06 ± 0.94, whereas the CG showed significantly increased back pain from 2.63 ± 2.20 to 4.71 ± 2.56. The left pelvic angle in the PG showed a significant decrease from 13.94 ± 3.70° to 12.29 ± 2.95°, while the CG showed a non-significant difference from 13.07 ± 4.42° to 17.37 ± 3.13°. The right pelvic angle in the PG showed a significant decrease from 13.50 ± 4.47° to 10.34 ± 3.66°, while a non-significant difference in the CG from 44 ± 4.98° to 15.30 ± 3.61° was found. These results showed that the regular participation in Pilates exercise was effective in reducing the pelvic tilt angle. In terms of physical fitness, the PG showed a significant increase in cardiopulmonary endurance, flexibility, and grip strength. However, the CG showed any significance increase in those variables. Conclusion: Eight weeks of Pilates exercise was associated with a decrease in lower back pain, a maintained or reduced pelvic tilt angle, and increased cardiopulmonary endurance, grip strength, and flexibility in pregnant woman with lumbar pain.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how healthcare is delivered worldwide and has affected the environment of the healthcare. Physical therapy in traditional healthcare systems can be difficult in unusual circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-physical therapy, defined as "the delivery of the physical therapy at a distance using electronic information and telecommunication technologies," will be a solution for this healthcare crisis. Thus, in this study, we proposed a mobile application for tele-physical therapy. Methods: This study used the Chrome Browser version 83.0.4 based on the Windows 10 64Bit operating system to use the App Inventor. To operate the mobile application, we used the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The design of the mobile application was based on the review of a system used in the physical therapy department. Results: The graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile application was displayed on three screens: selecting a painful joint (1st screen of the GUI); selecting a painful movement of the joint (2nd screen of the GUI); a self-manual therapy method and movie (3rd screen of the GUI). The proposed mobile application showed the stable repeatability of the self-manual therapy movie. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the proposed mobile application using the App Inventor for android will be able to create easy to use and reliable tele-physical therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle contraction onset time characteristics of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles at different knee flexion angles in individuals with shortened or over-lengthened hamstrings performing prone hip extension. Methods: Twenty-six participants were divided into a hamstring shortened group (n = 12) and hamstring lengthened group (n = 14). Wireless surface electromyography was used to verify the muscle onset time of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris when performing prone hip extension at different knee flexion angles. Results: There were significant differences in the muscle onset times of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris between the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the muscle contraction onset times among of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles when performing prone hip extension at a knee flexion of 90° in the hamstring shortened group (p < 0.05) and a knee flexion angle of 0° in the hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In all groups, there was no effect on the onset time of the gluteus maximus muscle according based on the knee angle. In addition, the knee flexion angles affected the onset time of the muscle contraction of the gluteus maximus muscle in the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group with an abnormal length of the hamstring muscle.

Purpose: Balance and gait dysfunction caused by aging affect elderly individuals' independent life, which, in turn, can reduce their overall quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the vestibular function of healthy elderly and young adults based on the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test as well as to compare and analyze the gait ability between these two groups to study the differences and association between vestibular, dizziness, and balance ability. Methods: The subjects were 18 young and 16 elderly adults with no neurological or musculoskeletal damage. To evaluate vestibular function, a subjective visual vertical test was performed. To evaluate the gait function, the step time, step length, stride length, stance phase ratio, and swing phase ratio were measured. Balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and dizziness was evaluated using a dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Results: There were significant differences in the SVV, BBS, and DHI between the young and elderly adults (p < 0.05). The gait variables of the older adults were all significantly different (except for the swing phase ratio) than those of the young adults (p < 0.05). As the result of correlation analysis, the SVV values of the young adults showed a significant negative correlation with step length and stride length (p < 0.05), while the SVV values of the elderly adults only showed a significant positive correlation with the DHI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The elderly appeared to show a decrease in vestibular function when compared to the young adults, and it is thought that walking and balance function declined, while dizziness increased. Moreover, it is believed that these results can be used as basic data for vestibular rehabilitation in the future.

Purpose: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using blood flow-restricted exercise (BFRE) or KAATSU training. The KAATSU training method, which partially restricts arterial inflow and fully restricts venous outflow in the working musculature during exercise at reduced exercise intensities, has been proven to result in substantial increases in both muscle hypertrophy and strength. The purpose of this study was to investigate the proper level of pressure for KAATSU training using compound muscle action potential (CMAP) analysis. Methods: Twenty-two healthy adults voluntarily participated in this study. CMAP was conducted by measuring the terminal latency and amplitude using a motor nerve conduction velocity test. For reference-line, supramaximal electrical stimulation was applied to the median nerves of the participants to obtain CMAP for the abductor pollicis brevis. For baseline, the intensity of the electrical stimulation was decreased to a level at which the CMAP amplitude was about a third of the CMAP amplitude obtained by the supramaximal electrical stimulation. The pressure levels for the KAATSU were set as a systolic blood pressure (strong pressure), the median values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (intermediate pressure), and diastolic blood pressure (weak pressure). In the KAATSU condition, CMAP was performed under the same conditions as baseline after low-intensity thumb abduction exercises were performed at the subjects' own pace for one minute. Results: As the pressure increased, the CMAP amplitude was significantly increased, signifying that more muscle fibers were recruited. Conclusion: This study found that KAATSU training recruited more muscle fibers than low-intensity exercise without the restriction of blood flow.

Purpose: This study examined how performing chin tuck exercises in supine, sitting, and standing positions affects changes in the muscle activity of the neck and shoulder. Methods: Seventeen men and three women with forward head posture participated in the study. The subjects performed the chin tuck exercise using a pressure biofeedback unit. After determining the ideal order for performing the chin tuck exercise in supine, sitting, and standing positions through randomized controlled trials, muscle activity was measured in the dominant-side sternocleidomastoid, scalenus anterior, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae. Muscle activity was measured three times in each muscle for each position, and the average of the three measurements was used for analysis. Results: In this study, the chin tuck exercise performed in a supine position reduced muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid, scalenus anterior, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae significantly more than performing the exercise in either sitting or standing positions (p < 0.05). No significant difference in muscle activity was observed when the exercise was performed in a sitting position versus a standing position (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Performing a chin tuck exercise in a supine position is more effective for stabilizing the neck and shoulder than performing it in a sitting or standing position, as it reduces excessive tension and fatigue in the neck and shoulder.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare changes in abdominal muscle thickness in different standing postures with a handheld load between subjects with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty subjects with CLBP and 20 controls participated in this study. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the changes in the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles. Muscle thickness in three different standing postures (standing at rest, standing with loads, standing with lifting loads) was compared with the muscle thickness at rest in the supine position and was expressed as a percentage of change in the thickness of the muscle. Results: While standing with loads, the change in IO muscle thickness in the CLBP patients increased more significantly than in the pain-free controls (p < 0.05). The standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant increase in the change in thickness of the TrA compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). In addition, the standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant decrease in the change in the thickness of the EO when compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The automatic activity of the IO muscle in subjects with CLBP increased more than that of the pain-free controls in the standing with loads posture. These findings suggest that IO muscle function may be altered in those with CLBP while standing with loads. Additionally, TrA the activation level was found to be associated with increased postural demand caused by an elevated center of mass.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 7Hz vibration on the thickness of the rectus femoris, medial femur, rectus femoris tendon, and Achilles tendon. Methods: The statistical methods before and after working around the average value of each of the legs included repeated measures ANOVA. The subjects were 26 males residing in the N area, and we measured the change in muscle thickness and tendon thickness before, four weeks, and eight weeks after the experiment in two groups of 13 subjects each. The analysis method was a two-way repeated measurement variance analysis (ANOVA) with a significance level of 0.05 Results: The rectus femoris, medial broad muscle, rectus femur, and Achilles tendon showed significant increases in the interaction between the periods as well as between the periods and groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, the 7Hz vibration had a positive effect on the thickness of the rectus femoris and the vastus medialis muscle as well as the thickness of the rectus femoris tendon and Achilles tendon. It is expected to be used as basic data for vibrational exercises in the future studies and is expected to be used as an exercise to strengthen the leg muscles and tendons.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the elector spine muscle tone using the irradiation of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) arm pattern according to angular motion. Methods: Thirty subjects participated in this study. Elector spine muscle tone was measured using a Myotonpro device while in the sitting position according to the angular motion (70°, 100°, 130°) of the PNF arm pattern using a D1 flexion pattern. Each angular motion of the PNF arm pattern was performed with a continuous passive motion (CPM). The change in elector spine muscle tone was statistically evaluated using a repeated one-way ANOVA test. Post-hoc analysis was performed using the Bonferroni method. Results: The results revealed a significant change in elector spine muscle tone when performing the PNF arm pattern using D1 flexion pattern. Specifically, the elector spine muscle tone had significantly increased at 100° and 130° motion in the PNF arm pattern when compared to the initial muscle tone (p < 0.05). No significant muscle tone changes were noted for any of the angular motions of the PNF upper arm pattern (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a positive increase in elector spine muscle tone with irradiation of the PNF upper arm pattern exercise with 100° or 130° angular motion. The minimum angle at which the effect of the irradiation of the PNF arm pattern could be seen was 100°.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analysis of the association between upper extremity function and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients and investigate the evidence of the WMFT as a clinical tool of upper extremity function in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods: This study applied an observational, cross-sectional design in outpatients at three local rehabilitation units in Seoul. Forty-nine individuals who had a diagnosis of first stroke participated in this study. All participants were analyzed for four clinical measures, including the Box and Block Test (BBT), the WMFT, grip strength, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results: Upon analysis, a significant relationship was found between the WMFT scores and BBT scores as well as the grip strength. The WMFT score was statistically and positively associated with the COPM satisfaction score; however, it was not related to the COPM performance score. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the WMFT is positively related to simple tasks, such as hand muscle strength and manual dexterity. However, the WMFT does not have a relationship with complex tasks, which are measured by COPM performance abilities.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an intensively rehabilitation program on the gait, balance, functional performance, and wearing satisfaction of patients with traumatic lower extremity amputations caused by industrial accidents. Methods: In this study, the anonymized electronic medical records of individuals who participated in the intensive rehabilitation program (among those who were admitted to the hospital belonging to the Labor Welfare Corporation) due to an industrial accident from August 2018 to September 2019 were collected. As a result, the records of 12 subjects meeting the screening criteria were analyzed. Results: According to the time of application to the intensive rehabilitation program, the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (p < 0.01), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p < 0.01), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) (p = 0.01), the L Test of Functional Mobility (L-test) (p < 0.01), Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (Plus-M) (p < 0.01), and Houghton Score Question (HSQ) (p < 0.01) values significantly improved with time. Conclusion: This study confirmed the positive effect of an intensive rehabilitation program on the gait, balance, functional performance, and wearing satisfaction of patients with traumatic lower extremity amputations caused by industrial accidents. However, this study was limited by the absence of a control group, and, thus, it highlights the need for more extensive research with a large sample.