• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.57-63
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• 2009

Purpose: To better understand falls in elderly women, we measured differences in muscle activities of 4 lower extremity muscles (tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus femoris, biceps femoris) based on angle plantar-flexion in elderly women. Methods: Subjects were 15 healthy elderly women. No subjects had musculoskeletal or nervous disorders. EMGs were used to check muscle activity of lower extremity muscles. For statistic analysis, data were expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). We measured %MVIC for 5 sec under 4 conditions and did not use data for the first and last second. Muscle activities of the muscles of the lower extremities were measured based on the degree of plantar-flexion of the ankle joint. The 4 conditions corresponded to different degrees of: 0, 10, 20 and 30 degrees. This was done using a 50 cm board for measuring the degrees. Results: The tibialis anterior, soleus, and bicpes femoris showed increasing muscle activity associated with increasing degree of plantar-flexion of the ankle joint. All muscles showed a significant increase in muscle activities in association with increasing degrees. Rectus femoris showed a significant increase in muscle activity for 0 degrees and for the other degrees, but there were no further changes when plantar flexion of the ankle joint was over 10 degrees. Conclusion: Activities of the muscles of the lower extremities except rectus femoris were higher with increasing degree of plantar flexion. High muscle activity may result in muscle fatigue. Thus, increasing degree of plantar flexion may be risk factors of falls in elderly women.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.33-41
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• 2018

PURPOSE: Femur and tibia alignment in the knee joint is important to the biomechanics of lower limb movement. The purpose of this study was to compare vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis electromyographic muscle activities according to tibial rotation taping methods. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy subjects (13 males and 16 females) in the 20s, without knee joint-related diseases or disorders, participated in our study. After identifying each subject's dominant foot, the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was determined using a manual muscle tester. The activity of each target muscle was measured at 50% MVIC in isometric muscle contraction and at a $30^{\circ}$ knee flexion position before and after applying internal and external rotation taping by the Mulligan concept and in the neutral position. Non-elastic tape was used to stabilize the tibia rotation position. RESULTS: In the males, VMO muscle activity was significantly increased in the tibia internal rotation position ($47.2{\pm}14.6$, $mean{\pm}SD$) than in the neutral position ($39.3{\pm}14.9$) (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that when applying tibia internal rotation taping in healthy males, VMO muscle activity significantly increases during isometric extension of the knee. Therefore, this study provides a basis for selecting the appropriate taping method, in consideration of the available treatments in clinical practice for patients with knee problems.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.549-556
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• 2013

In this study, we investigated the effects of stretching and movement with mobilization in lunge position on the muscle activity of the lower limb and limited of stability in chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. Sixteen subjects were randomly selected and classified into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed self stretching exercises in the lunge position, and in the control group performed movement with mobilization in the lunge position. The interventions were conducted for 20 min, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using repeated ANOVA. The analysis results showed no statistically significant between-group differences with respect to the muscle activity(%MVIC;maximum voluntary isometric contraction) of lower limb and limited of stability(LOS)(p>.05). However, statistically significant within-group differences were observed in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction and limited of stability for both the groups (p<.05). Therefore, self stretching in the lunge position is considered to have positive influences on the muscle strength and balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.217-220
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was to investigate the differences abdominal muscles activities of according to hip adductor contraction levels 20% (mild), 50% (moderate), and 70% (strong) of MVIC on during bilateral lower extremity raising exercise on supine. Methods: The subjects of the study were a total of 39 persons including 23 healthy males and 16 females, who performed bilateral lower extremity raising exercise in 20%, 50%, 70% MVIC hip contraction. Muscle activities were measured by using S-EMG in RA (rectus abdominis), IO (internal oblique), and EO (external oblique). Results: Muscle activity of the internal oblique abdominal muscle and external oblique abdominal muscle, their activities were also greatest with the adductor contraction size at 70% and there was statistically significant difference when compared with the adductor contraction size at 20% and 50% (p<0.05). As for the rectus abdominis muscle according to the size of contraction of the adductor was greatest at 70%, without statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: bilateral lower extremity raising with strong hip joint adductor contraction was effective exercise to strengthen abdominal muscles. If subjects could not perform strong hip adductor contraction, moderate contraction is effective abdominal muscle contraction exercise. The contraction size of the adductor is small, weak contraction may trigger middle level contraction and therefore appropriate application of the exercise program of bilateral leg raising may result in great effect as a lumbar stabilization exercise.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.176-181
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• 2021

This study was conducted to confirm the effect of vibration on muscle activity in IASTM. The subjects were 20 healthy adults. The intervention applied in this study was IASTM applied to the biceps brachii muscle. In the case of the experimental group, unlike the control group, the vibration function was turned on when IASTM was applied. The interventions for each group were applied, and the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle was measured before and after the intervention. All measured values were calculated as %MVIC values, dependent t test and independent t test were performed and analyzed for comparisons. As a result of this study, only in the control group, the muscle activity of the biceps brachii muscle after the intervention was significantly decreased compared to before the intervention. When vibration is applied together with IASTM, the relaxation effect is reduced, which is considered to be inappropriate for treatment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.132-137
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• 2021

Background: Flat feet can be identified by assessing the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and these conditions can trigger epidemiological changes in the feet. Many of previous studies compared the muscle activity of lower body in terms of intervention and dynamics to treat the structural defect of flat feet. However, few studies have investigated or analyzed the muscle activity of gastrocnemius muscle in the subjects with flat feet. Objects: This study investigated the differences in changes of medial and lateral plantar flexors in subjects with flat feet during bipedal heel-rise (BHR) task and analyzed the differences in muscle activity between two groups by measuring the electromyography (EMG) of abductor hallucis (AH), tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG). Methods: A total of Twenty one adult females participated in this experiment. Subjects were assigned to groups according to the navicular drop test. The task was applied to the leg, where the heel lifting action prevailed. The muscle activity of the medial and lateral feet plantar flexors was evaluated, and the % maximum voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC) of these were compared. Results: For the difference between groups the muscle activity (%MVIC) of LG muscle was statistically significantly low in flat feet group compared to healthy feet group (flat feet: 64.57, healthy feet: 90.17; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study will contribute to identifying the muscle activities of medial and lateral feet plantar flexors among subjects with flat feet, which can cause abnormal epidemiological changes in the feet.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.250-257
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• 2019

Objectives: Flatfoot, or low medial longitudinal arch, contributes to back and lower extremity injuries and is caused by weak abductor hallucis (AbdH) muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short foot exercise (SFE) alone or with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on navicular height, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity in flexible flatfoot. Methods: Thirty-six otherwise healthy people with flexible flatfoot were randomly assigned to a group that received SFE with placebo NMES treatment (the control group) or a group that received both SFE and NMES treatment (the experimental group). Each group received 4 weeks of treatment (SFE alone or SFE with NMES). Navicular height, the CSA of the AbdH muscle, and AbdH muscle activity were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: No significant differences were found in navicular height or the CSA of the AbdH muscle between the control and experimental groups, while AbdH muscle activity showed a statistically significant difference between the groups ($SFE=73.9{\pm}11.0%$ of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]; SFE with $NMES=81.4{\pm}8.3%$ of MVIC; p<0.05). Moreover, the CSA of the AbdH muscle showed a statistically significant increase after treatment in the SFE with NMES group ($pre-treatment=218.6{\pm}53.2mm^2$ ; $post-treatment=256.9{\pm}70.5mm^2$ ; p<0.05). Conclusions: SFE with NMES was more effective than SFE alone in increasing AbdH muscle activity. Therefore, SFE with NMES should be recommended to correct or prevent abnormalities in people with flexible flatfoot by a physiotherapist or medical care team.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2019

Background: This study hypothesized that increased muscle activity and balancing ability of the gluteus maximus during toe-tap exercise. Design: Cross sectional Study. Methods: After hearing the explanation of the experiment, the subjects performed a Star excursion balance test and measured the Maximum Voluntary Isomeric Contraction (MVIC). After toe-tap exercise, the MVIC was measured again and the Star excursion balance test was measured. Results: There was no significant difference in activity of gluteus muscle before and after the toe-tap exercise. There was a significant difference in the balance ability in the lateral, posterolateral, and posterior sides of the non-superior foot, but there was no significant difference in the anterior, anterolateral, posteromedial, medial, and anteromedial sides. In the case of superior foot, there were significant differences in six directions, with the exception of anterolateral and lateral sides. Conclusion: The pelvic stabilizing "gluteus maximus" exercises for balance, which is currently on the table, has many high-level exercises that are hard to do unless you're an athlete. But the Toe-tap exercise is also possible for the elderly and weak women.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.71-77
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• 2024

Purpose: The prolonged use of digital devices has led to the widespread adoption of poor postures, particularly rounded shoulder posture (RSP), associated with shoulder impingement and pain. This study investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on RSP in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty adults with RSP were randomly assigned to NMES only, exercise only, or NMES with exercise groups. NMES was applied to the lower trapezius, which was the target muscle in this study, for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. The exercise program included pectoralis minor stretching, wall-slide exercise, dynamic hug exercise with band, and Brugger stretching for upper body with band, which were performed for a total of 2 weeks, 5 times per week, 20 minutes per session. Outcome measures, including the Supine Method (SM) for posture and surface electromyography (EMG) of the lower trapezius for muscle activity, were assessed before the intervention, after 5 sessions, and after 10 sessions. Results: All the groups showed significant changes in the SM and % maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) over time (p<0.05). The NMES group had significantly reduced SM at 1 week, while the exercise and combined groups had reduced SM at 2 weeks (p<0.017). All the groups had increased %MVIC at 2 weeks (p<0.017), with no significant differences observed between groups. Conclusion: NMES alone can be as effective as exercise in improving RSP. NMES combined with exercise also showed positive outcomes, thus offering diverse treatment options for this condition.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.143-148
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether changes in electromyography (EMG) activations of spinal stability muscles with respiratory demand change were due to changes in respiratory demand or in postural demand. Methods: Forty healthy subjects (19male, 21female, $20.8{\pm}1.9$years old) performed quiet breathing and four different forced respiratory maneuvers (FRM) (Pulsed Lip Breathing, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Combination breathing, and respiratory muscle endurance training breathing) while in sitting and standing positions. EMG data for four muscles (TrA/IO, EO, RA, and ES) were collected and filtered using a band pass filter (20~200Hz) and a notch filter (60, 120, 180Hz). Results: There were no significant differences on percentage of change on %MVIC between QB and FRM (PLB, CB, DB, and RMET) between positions (all p>0.05).