• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.251-260
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to adjust the craniovertebral angle and shoulder alignment through shoulder and abdominal stabilization exercises in adults with a forward head posture. Methods: The study participants were 29 adults with a forward head posture, and they were randomly divided into the following groups: 14 participants in a combined exercise group that used shoulder and abdominal stabilization exercises and 15 participants in a shoulder exercise group that used just shoulder stabilization exercises. The participants performed the stabilization exercises for 30 minutes per day, three times a week for five weeks. Results: There were significant differences in the craniovertebral angle after intervention in the shoulder stabilization exercise group (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the craniovertebral angle and location of the right root of the spine and both inferior angles before and after intervention in the shoulder and abdominal stabilization exercise group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the location of the right root of the spine and the left inferior angle between the groups at the post-test (p < 0.05), and there was a larger change in the shoulder and abdominal stabilization exercise group. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the craniovertebral angle and a partially significant difference in shoulder alignment before and after intervention in both groups.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2012

Purpose : This study was conducted to identify the effects of high heel shoes on surface electromyography(EMG) activities fo tibialis anterior(TA), soles(S), and gastrocnemius(G) in 12 healthy women. Methods : Subjects were composed of three group(sports shoes, 5cm heel height shoes, and 9cm heel height shoes). The muscle activity of the TA, G, S in the lower leg were measured using a surface EMG. Results : Results of one way repeated measures ANOVA of the after waling 30minutes standing task duration among the sport shoes, 5cm, and 9cm heel height conditions. The comparison of the muscular activities showed significant differences in the G muscles among the high heel shoes. Conclusion : Wearing high heel shoes for hours will bring inappropriate alignment of the lower limbs and cause postural changes or abnormal sensation and several other problems in the body, resulting in exposure to ankle sprain or fall injuries.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.451-461
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• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the effect of abdominal muscle contraction using changes in waist circumference for healthcare workers with back pain due to inadequate posture during working hours. Methods: In this study, we provided educational training focused on posture alignment and utilized waist circumference change sensors to induce the contraction of abdominal muscles as a method to address low back pain in healthcare workers. All 32 participants received the same training and then were assigned to two groups: wearing the keeping core band (CB) and not wearing the keeping core band (NCB). For the CB group, the waist circumference change sensor was applied for 6 weeks during working hours. Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test and paired t-tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. All statistical significance levels were set to α=0.05. Results: Trunk muscle endurance increased significantly in the CB group. There was no significant difference in stability index to evaluate static postural control, but active hip abduction tests, which evaluate dynamic postural control, showed significant decrease in the CB group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the induction of abdominal contraction using the waist circumference change sensor may improve the trunk muscle endurance and the postural control ability of the hip and pelvis of healthcare workers.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to examined the effects of upper and lower limb coordinated exercise of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on static and dynamic balance ability. Methods: The subjects of this study were 18 patients who had been diagnosed with a stroke and hospitalized and who had received rehabilitation treatment at D rehabilitation hospital located in J city. They were randomly and equally assigned to a PNF upper and lower limb coordinated exercise group and an ordinary central nervous system development and treatment group, and they conducted exercises for eight weeks. They carried out exercise three times per week, for 30 minutes per each time. After each four minutes of exercise, each participant was given a and rest for one minute after exercise for four minutes was given. In order to test the subjects' static and dynamic balance ability and their dynamic balance ability, frailty and injuries,: a cooperative studyies of intervention techniques (FICSIT-4) test, a four- step square test (FSST), a timed up and go test (TUG), and a TWT3M tests wasere conducted before and after the exercise. Descriptive statistics were taken for the general characteristics of the subjects, and an independent t-test was conducted both before and after the exercise in order to examine differences between the two groups before and after the exercise were conducted. The A statistical significance level was set at p= 0.05. Results: In all the tests (of FICSIT-4, FSST, TUG, and TWT3M), both the experimental group and the control group saw more improved results, but the experimental group's results were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the size of the effects was larger in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant results. Conclusion: PNF upper and lower limb coordinated exercise applied to chronic stroke patients produced brought significant results in static and dynamic balance ability. PNF and is considered as an important intervention program to improve stroke patients' balance ability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2008

Purpose : To describes the important aspects of knee joint movement and function used when applying PNF technique to the lower limb. Method : The knee was a very important roles in the lower limb movement and ambulation. This study summarizes the physiologic movement of knee to the PNF lower extremity patterns. Result : The tibiofemoral joint is usually described as a modified hinge joint with flexion-extension and axial rotation by two degrees of freedom movement. These arthrokinematics are a result of the geometry of the joints and the tension produced in the ligamentous structures. The patellofemoral joint is a sellar joint between the patella and the femur. Stability of the patellofemoral joint is dependent on the passive and dynamic restraints around the knee. In a normal knee the ligaments are inelastic and maintain a constant length as the knee flexes and extends, helping to control rolling, gliding and translation of the joint motions. Conclusions : It is important to remember that small alterations in joint alignment can result in significant alterations in patellofemoral joint stresses and that changes in the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint can also result in changes in the tibiofemoral compartments. Successful treatment requires the physical therapist to understand and apply these arthrokinematic concepts. When applied to PNF low extremity patterns, understanding of these mechanical concepts can maximize patient function while minimizing the risk for further symptoms or injury.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.50-59
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• 2008

Taping techniques have been usually used by physical therapists long time ago, which have been considered a useful adjunct to treatment programs for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Also, taping techniques may be employed as effective prophylactic methods in clinical setting because of ease application and cost effectiveness. The aims of this study were to describe background information for the management of some chronic low back pain patients with/without leg pain that don't respond to conservative treatment, to demonstrate McConnell taping as successful therapeutic strategies for treating these patients, and to provide detailed application methods of McConnell taping in order that physical therapists can readily use the taping in clinical setting. This study emphasized to illustrate biomechanical benefits of McConnell taping in controlling undesirable muscle activation by decreasing mechanical loads on specific muscles. McConnell taping may be helpful for the inhibition of overactive synergist or antagonists, the facilitation of inactive synergists, the promotion of proprioception, the optimization of joint alignment, pain reduction, and unloading of irritable neural tissue. This study provides taping examples of low back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lower extremity symptoms associated with these conditions, and discusses the possible mechanisms for their successful application.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2015

Purpose: Abdominal breathing exercises are recommended to activate the breathing muscles and the pelvic floor muscles, as well as to increase postural alignment during exhalation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of improving abdominal muscle strength on menstrual pain in women in their twenties using abdominal breathing exercises. Method: In this study, 32 female university students were included as the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the area of menstrual pain: lumbar pain (n=16) and lower abdomen pain (n=16). The abdominal breathing positions were divided into two positions, which included a hook lying position and hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the supine position. Exercises were used to strengthen the abdominal muscles during exhalation. Four sets of the exercises were completed three times a week over the course of eight weeks. The degree of pain was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound. Result: The thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) increased in the lower abdomen pain group. However, thickness of the external oblique (EO) did not increased following abdominal breathing. No significant difference in posture was identified in the lower abdomen group. TrA thickness increased significantly in the lumbar pain group. However, thickness did not increase significantly in the lumbar pain group. In addition, the lumbar pain group experienced no significant effects on posture. IO thickness increased following hip and knee flexions at $90^{\circ}$ in the lumbar pain group. Menstrual pain decreased following intervention in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of pain reduction between both groups. Conclusion: As examples of alternative medicine, abdominal breathing exercises may be effective in decreasing menstrual pain.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.333-341
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• 2020

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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2021

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the disadvantages of tire pressure asymmetry of a wheelchair tire and recommend the criterion for appropriate tire pressure without generating negative changes in the musculoskeletal system in asymptomatic participants. Methods: Fourteen asymptomatic participants were asked to sit in pressure-controlled wheelchairs and perform desk work for 20 minutes in each tire condition. The asymmetry of the tire conditions was set as 0% difference, 25% difference, and 50% difference from the recommended pressure. The pelvic alignment and muscular recruitment represented as a flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) were measured at pre-test, and after each condition of desk work. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) was measured during the desk work. Results: The tire air pressure condition significantly affected the FRR and COP (P < 0.05). Both sides of the FRR values were significantly higher under the symmetrical tire conditions (0% difference) and pre-test, compared with the asymmetrical tire condition of 50% difference (P < 0.05). The mediolateral COP displacement of the asymmetrical tire conditions (25% and 50% difference) was significantly higher than that of the symmetrical tire conditions (0%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Asymmetrical tire conditions could cause changes in the muscle recruitment pattern of the erector spine and mediolateral COP displacement. Tire pressure asymmetry higher than 50% could be a risk factor for prevalence of back pain, so this level of asymmetry in tire pressures should be cautioned against for wheelchair users.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.337-344
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the lower extremity kinematics of subjects with dynamic knee valgus after we applied non-elastic tape while they performed overhead squat. Methods: Twenty-five subjects (12 females, 13 males) with dynamic knee valgus participated in this study. Hip and knee joint kinematics and medial knee displacement were measured during overhead squat with and without hip correction taping. Results: Hip joint internal rotation, knee valgus, and medial knee displacement were significantly lower during overhead squat with hip correction taping than without hip correction taping, but there was no significant difference in hip joint flexion and abduction. Conclusion: Hip joint correction using non-elastic taping is recommended to subjects with dynamic knee valgus to improve their lower extremity movement and alignment during overhead squat.