• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2023

Objective: This study is designed to investigate the effect of ankle joint position on hip extensor muscle activity when bridging exercise in sagittal plane. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: The subjects were recruited from 20 healthy adult men. The subjects performed three types of bridging exercises (normal bridging, ankle dorsiflexion bridging, ankle plantar flexion bridging) three times for five seconds with a rest of 15 seconds between measurements and two minutes of rest between each motion. The target muscles were the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, soleus, and tibialis anterior. A surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity of these muscles. Results: The results show there was no statistically significant difference between the three types of exercise in the gluteus maximus muscle activity. However, the biceps femoris showed a significant difference between the three types of exercises (p<0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, when the three different bridging exercises were performed by adding ankle motion to normal bridging exercise, there was a significant difference in the muscle activity of the gluteus maximus relative to the biceps femoris muscle activity in the order of the ankle dorsiflexion bridging, normal bridging, and ankle plantar flexion bridging exercise. Therefore, this could be an effective option for a bridging exercise if applied to patients with a weak gluteal muscle and shortening of the hamstring muscle in further studies.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.39-43
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effects of unilateral muscle fatigue in knee and ankle joints on balance and gait in healthy adults. Methods: Exercise inducing muscle fatigue in the knee joint consisted of concentric and eccentric contraction of dominant knee extensors in healthy adults by using the Leg Extension Rehap exercise machine (HUR, Finland). Exercise inducing muscle fatigue in the ankle joint was composed of voluntary contractions and forced contractions of the dominant plantar flexors in healthy adults. Exercises to induce muscle fatigue in the knee and ankle joints were performed until the subject complained of fatigue or pain, the occurrence of muscle fatigue was confirmed by electromyography. We measured static and dynamic balance using the Good Balance system and gait performance by RS-scan. Results: Static and dynamic balance ability and spatial-temporal gait decreased significantly after muscle fatigue in knee and ankle joint. Conclusion: These results show that unilateral muscle fatigue of the lower extremities affected postural control and gait. Therefore, therapists and sport trainers should minimize the risks of fall and injuries related to unilateral muscle fatigue.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.101-108
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• 2022

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of muscle taping and joint taping on static and dynamic balance in normal adults with chronic ankle instability. Methods : The subjects of this study were 32 people who met the inclusion criteria. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Kinesio tape, an elastic tape, was used. Subjects were randomized to exclude the effect of sequence, and no taping, joint taping, and muscle taping were applied as taping interventions. One-leg standing test and a Functional reach test were conducted to measure static balance, and Y-balance test was conducted to measure dynamic balance. One way repeated ANOVA was performed to investigate the difference in balance ability according to the taping intervention. If there was a significant difference, a post-hoc was performed using the Bonferroni method. Results : In the case of static balance, joint taping showed more significant results than did no taping and muscle taping (p<.05), and muscle taping showed more significant results than did no taping (p<.05). In the case of dynamic balance, muscle taping showed significantly larger results than did no taping and joint taping (p<.05) and joint taping showed significantly larger results than did no taping (p<.05). Conclusion : This study found that mechanical stimulation of muscles and joint compression by elastic taping increased ankle stability and improved static and dynamic balance. In particular, for static balance, joint taping was more effective than muscle taping, and for dynamic balance, muscle taping was more effective than joint taping. Applying the appropriate taping method to individual subjects has the advantage of maximizing the therapeutic effect for the recovery of balance ability. Similarly, the application of various tapings to subjects with ankle instability will have a positive effect on functional improvement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.219-228
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate how induced fatigue of the ankle joint muscles affects the capability and recovery of postural control during single-leg stance in healthy adults. The study population included 22 randomly recruited men and women. Postural control was performed on single-leg stance with eyes open. Ankle joint muscle was fatigued by repeated heel raises. According to the results of this study, for the anteroposterior variables, both men and women showed significantly increased center of mass velocity and decreased center of pressure 95% edge frequency immediately after fatigue. For the mediolateral variables, both men and women showed significantly increased center of mass velocity and decreased center of pressure 95% edge frequency immediately after fatigue. For the total variables, both men and women showed significantly increased center of mass averaged-velocity immediately after fatigue, and also, the center of pressure 95% confidence ellipse area significantly increased in women. Postural control variables were not significantly different for men and women at any time (Pre, P0, P10, and P20). In conclusion, the gender does not affect the capability and recovery after induced fatigue of ankle joint muscles. The effect of fatigue found for the anteroposterior and the mediolateral variables in both men and women. Furthermore ankle joint muscle fatigue led to change of postural control strategy from an ankle joint strategy towards a hip joint strategy. These changes are believed to damage postural control. The ankle joint muscle recovered from fatigue within 20 min during single-leg stance.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 2024

Background: The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) function as the primary muscles of eversion, a movement closely associated with tibial external rotation for ankle mortise stability. Ankle motion and tibial rotation vary based on different ankle and knee positions. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscle activation and eversion strength during side-lying isometric eversion exercise based on different ankle positions (neutral [N] and plantarflexion [PF]) and knee positions (90° flexion [KF] and extension [KE]). Methods: Thirty healthy adults with an Ankle Joint Functional Assessment Tool score of ≥ 22 were recruited (mean age = 24.8 ± 3.1 years). Maximal isometric eversion strength and submaximal muscle activation of the PL, PB and BF were measured during isometric eversion exercise in side-lying. A 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to investigate differences in muscle activation and strength. Results: The PL and PB muscle activation showed significant main effects with the knee and ankle positions (p < 0.05); activation was greater in the KE and PF positions than in the KF and N positions. The BF muscle activation showed a significant interaction effect with knee and ankle positions, which was greater in knee extension and ankle plantarflexed (KEPF) position than in knee flexion and ankle plantarflexed (KFPF) position (p < 0.05). Eversion strength showed a significant main effect only in ankle position (p < 0.05) and was greater in the N position than in the PF position. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the KEPF position can be recommended to facilitate contraction of the PL and PB during side-lying eversion exercise. Furthermore, the effects of the knee-ankle positions should be considered for measuring ankle eversion strength and implementing the isometric submaximal side-lying eversion exercise.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.177-195
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic variables of ankle joints and EMG signal of the lower limbs muscle activity for the different walking speed. The subjects were 6 males of twenties. It was classified into three different walking speed-0.75m/s, 1.25m/s, 1.75m/s. The walking performances were filmed by high speed video camera and EMG signal was gained by ME3000P8 Measurement Unit. Tibialis anterior(TA), Gastrocnemius medial head(GM), Gastrocnemius lateral head(GL), Ssoleus(SO) were selected for the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the ankle joint. The result of this study were as follows: 1. In the gait cycle, The time parameters for the phases were showed significant difference without the terminal stance phase and terminal swing phase for the different walking speed. 2. The angle of ankle joint was no significant difference for each time point and MDF, MPF but increasing walking speed the angle had the increasing pattern slightly. 3. The angular velocity of ankle joint was showed the significant difference for LHC, RTO, RKC, LHU, MPF and MDF point along the walking speed. 4. TA was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity at the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. And it was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 0.75m/s. GM was showed about 2-3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s, and even much muscle activity at the 0.75m/s than 1.25m/s in some phases. GL was showed increasing pattern of muscle activity specially in the initial swing phase as the walking speed increased. SO was showed about 3 times muscle activity in the 1.75m/s than 1.25m/s during the plantarflexion of ankle joint. It was showed the similar muscle activity between the 0.75m/s and 1.25m/s but, showed a little much muscle activity in the 1.25m/s.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2023

It is unclear whether forearm and crural muscle fibers extend distally across the wrist and ankle joints, respectively. We hypothesized, in late-term fetuses, an over-production of muscle bellies extending over the joint. Muscle fibers in histological sections from unilateral wrists and ankles of 16 late-term fetuses (30-40 weeks) were examined and compared with 15 adult cadavers. Muscle fibers of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in fetuses, especially muscle bellies to the third and fourth fingers, were found to extend far distally beyond the radiocarpal joint. The extensor digitorum and extensor pollicis longus on the extensor side of the wrist were found to carry distally-extending muscle fibers, but these fibers did not extend beyond the distal end of the radius. In the ankle, most muscle bundles in the flexor hallucis longus (FHL), fibularis brevis (FB) and extensor digitorum longus extended distally beyond the talocrural joint, with most FB muscle fibers reaching the level of the talocalcaneal joint. In adult cadavers, muscle fibers of the FDP and FHL did not reach the levels of the radiocarpal and talocrural joints, respectively, whereas the FB muscle belly always reached the talocalcaneal joint. Similarly, some of the FDS reached the level of the radiocarpal joint. Generally, infants' movements at the wrist and ankle could result in friction injury to over-extended muscle. However, the calcaneal and FDP tendons might protect the FB and FDS tendons, respectively, from friction stress.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.168-174
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between balance control ability and leg circumference, proprioception, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in young adults. Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 university students who were enrolled in D university in Gyeongbuk province. We measured the dynamic balance and static balance using the Biorescue. The muscular strengths of the hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured using a muscle contraction dynamometer. The ROM and proprioception were measured using an inclinometer. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlations between balance control ability and variables. Results: Sway length was significantly correlated with knee and hip joint muscle strength, ROM, and proprioception of hip and ankle joints (p<0.05). Sway speed was significantly correlated with ROM and proprioception in hip joints (p<0.05). Limit of stability was significantly correlated with muscle strength and ROM in ankle joints, and proprioception in hip, knee, and ankle joints (p<0.05). Conclusion: The sway length was most related to hip extension and ankle joint plantar flexion in the range of motion and ankle joint plantar flexion in proprioception. Overall, balance training for young adults will be of effective help if the treatment focuses on the knee and hip joints, range of motion and the ankle and hip joints' proprioception.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.2359-2364
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• 2021

Background: Patients with stroke have limited ankle range of motion (ROM) due to soft tissue abnormalities around the ankle and thus experience functional impairment. Increased muscle tension and reduced ankle ROM impair gait and hinder the activities of daily living. Joint mobilization and stretching are effective interventions that improve gait performance by enhancing the ankle ROM. Objectives: To investigate the effects of ankle joint mobilization and calf muscle stretching on gait speed and gait performance in patients with stroke. Design: This was a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty patients with stroke patients were randomized into two groups. The joint mobilization group (JMG) underwent anteroposterior mobilization of the talocrural joint and the joint mobilization stretching group (JMSG) underwent calf muscle stretching in addition to joint mobilization. Gait speed and gait parameters were measured using the 10-meter walk test and the GAITRite. Results: Both the JMG and JMSG groups showed significant improvements in gait speed, affected-side step length, and cadence after the intervention (P<.05). Conclusion: Joint mobilization and stretching were effective interventions for improving gait performance by enhancing ankle function in patients with stroke.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.277-286
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• 2011

Purpose : This study was to investigate the prevention of spasticity with modified Ashworth scale(MAS) and range of motion(ROM) increase with goniometer in ankle joint by functional electrical stimulation(FES) and exercise for 4 weeks in chronic stroke patients. Methods : 60 chronic stroke patients participated in this study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups, FES group(n=20), FES+exercise group(n=20) and control croup(n=20). After FES application on tibialis anterior muscle by 35Hz for 4 weeks, the change of ankle joint movement was measured by goniometer. Results : The spasticity in ankle joint was decreased greatly in FES and FES+excercise groups(p<.05), and the ROM of ankle joint was increased greatly in FES and FES +exercise groups(p<.05) than control group(p>.05). Conclusion : It shows that FES made the angle of dorsiflexion in spastic ankle joint increase with functional improvement of tibialis anterior muscle in chronic stroke patients. This show that the FES is avaliable for facilitation of ROM and decrease of spasticity as a therapeutic tool.