• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.121-134
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different types of rehabilitation training program on the kinetic and kinematic parameters during sit-to-stand movement(STS) in chronic stroke patients. Two groups of hemiparetic patients, experimental and control, participated in the study. The experimental group participated in a 10-week training program (three sessions/wk, $1{\sim}1.5\;hr/session$) consisting of a warm-up, aerobic exercises, lower extremity strengthening. and a cool-down. The control group participated in an aerobic exercise. Three dimensional kinematic analysis and force platform; were used to analyze the duration of STS, lower extremity angle, and weight bearing ability. The experimental group which had more strength of lower extremity displayed decrease in duration of STS. However, the control group showed increases in duration during sit-to-stand movement. The control group flexed their trunk more than the group did Therefore, it took more time to extend their trunk during STS. The duration in sit-to-stand was affected by the strength of lower extremity and the angle of trunk movement. The angles of ankle and knee joint had an influenced on duration of STS. The post experimental group performed with their feet near the front leg of the chair during sit-to-stand, therefore the duration was decreased. The repetitive sit-to-stand movements as a resistance exercise was effective to hemiparetic patients in learning mechanism of sit-to-stand. The control group showed decreased differences in the vertical ground reaction forces between paretic and non-paretic limbs. Their training program included strengthening exercise that may help improving weight bearing ability. The control group showed increases in the center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mediolateral displacement. This means that the stability of movement was low in the control group. Their training program which combined aerobic and strengthening exercises that are more effective to improve the stability of movement.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.329-338
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to analyze of the rider postural alignments according to the fitting of stirrups lengths during walk of high level riders. Participants selected as subject were consisted of horse riders of high level (age: $47.66{\pm}3.51yrs$, height: $168.40{\pm}4.84cm$, body weight: $73.36{\pm}15.58kg$, low extremity length: $94.76{\pm}3.98cm$, career: $23.33{\pm}5.77yrs$) and walk with 3 types of stirrup lengths(ratio of low extremity 68.04%, 73.25%, 78.48%). The variables analyzed were consisted of the displacement of Y axis (center of mass, head, thigh, shank and foot), FR angle, LR angle, dynamic postural stability index (DPSI), coefficient of variation (CV%), and distance (X axis) of low extremity limb between right and left. The displacement of Y axis in COM, thigh, shank, foot limbs were not statistically significant, but movements of head showed greater distance of B type and C type than that of A type during 1 stride of walk. The FR and LR angle in trunk of horse rider, dynamic postural stability index and, coefficient of variation didn't show significant difference statistically according to the fitting of stirrup lengths. Also the distance (X axis) of low extremity in thigh and shank didn't show significant difference statistically in between right and left, but right and left foot showed greater distance in C type than that of B and A types during walk in horse back riding. The hip and ankle joint angle not statistically significant according to stirrups lengths, But knee joint angle showed more extended according to the increase of stirrups lengths during stance and swing phase in walk.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects on flexibility of bridge and plank exercises using sling suspension on an unstable surface. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 20 healthy adults in their 20s (plank=10, bridge=10). Both types of exercise were performed three times per week for a period of four weeks. Each exercise was performed in the front and side direction. Exercise intensity was altered through the use of a sling, which was placed at the knee and ankle. Flexibility at trunk forward flexion and backward extension was measured. The trunk forward flexion was measured at sitting position. The trunk backward extension was measured at prone position. The data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-test for both the bridge and plank exercise groups. In the bridge exercise, significant differences were shown in the trunk forward flexion and the trunk backward extension (p<.05). In the plank exercise, a significant difference was shown in the trunk backward extension (p<.05). No significant differences were noted in interaction effect or the main effects in either group. CONCLUSION: Bridge and plank exercises on an unstable surface improve flexibility. The bridge exercise improves the flexibility of the forward and backward muscles of the trunk. The plank exercise improves the flexibility of the forward muscles of the trunk. This information would be useful in the development of exercise programs including bridge and plank exercises for improving flexibility and core stability.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.613-619
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• 2013

This study compares the gait characteristics of elderly women during barefoot walking and walking with sneakers. We measured foot angles, max foot pressure, peak plantar pressure of each plantar region, velocity of Center of Pressure(COP), and axis shifting of COP with an RS-scan system. Elderly women's foot angles were narrower when walking with sneakers than when barefoot walking. We found that the subtalar joint angle (representing ankle joint flexibility) affected walking stability. Regarding the peak plantar pressure of each foot region, pressures were high in the medial regions and the pressures greatly varied depending on the region measured during barefoot walking. The COP moved significantly faster when walking with sneakers than barefoot walking and suggests that elderly women walked faster in sneakers. Axis shifting of the COP decreased during walking with sneakers and indicated that gait balance improved when walking with sneakers. The findings of the present study can be utilized as foundational data for elderly women's gait characteristics as well as data for the production of functional footwear. Future research that focuses on various types of shoes, age groups, and gender are recommended for the development of more functional footwear for stable gaits.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.61-73
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 8- week Tai Chi exercise program on improving the risk factors for falls in the older adults with chronic arthritis pain. Method: Fifteen subjects were assigned for experimental group and thirteen were assigned for control group. The subjects of the experimental group participated in a 8 -week program of Tai Chi exercise. In order to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi program, pain intensity, postural stability, balance, gait, and flexibility of knees and ankles were measured before the first and after the 8th session Result: After a 8-week Tai Chi program, there were significant improvement in single-leg stance time with eyes open(left: p=.000, right: p=.003), total scores of balance(p=.004), total scores of gait(p=.005), and the angle of ankle dorsiflexion(p=.008) in the experimental group when compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in pain intensity between Tai Chi group and control group(p=.054). Conclusion: These results suggest that a 8-week Tai Chi exercise program can be utilized as a safe and effective nursing program to improve on improving the risk factors for falls in the older adults with osteoarthritis.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.1037-1040
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• 2016

This study aims to investigate the effects of ankle foot orthosis(AFO) on the activities of tibialis anterior(TA), soleus(Sol), rectus femoris(RF) and biceps femoris(BF) during stairs descending. The activities of TA, Sol, RF and BF were initially measured while descending 4 stairs without using AFO. The activities of the same muscles were then measured again while descending 4 stairs while using AFO. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze the results in order to examine the differences between the with using AFO and without using AFO. Although the activities of TA, Sol and RF were relatively lower while using AFO than without using AFO, only the differences in Sol and RF activities were significant(p<0.05). The activity of BF was relatively higher while using AFO compared to the activity of BF observed without using AFO. However, difference was not significant(p>0.05). Conclusion of this study was observed since AFO's ground reaction force absorption during stairs descending reduced the need to use So and RF that is related to shock absorption. BF activity was increased with AFO than without during standing forward to correct the trunk stability.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.383-390
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• 2016

Objective: Gymnastics on rings needs a high level of muscle strength with balance ability for controlling the body. A study on a new balance training program is necessary for elite gymnasts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week pilates core-muscle training on balance ability and asymmetry index of the L-sit on the rings in male elite gymnasts. Method: Ten elite gymnasts (age: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$, height: $169.9{\pm}4.9cm$, weight: $65.4{\pm}5.6kg$, career duration: $20.6{\pm}0.7years$), who are students at K-university, participated in this study. Results: First, the range of the COM tended to decrease in the anterior-posterior direction. Second, the left hip joint angle and knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion angles significantly increased after the pilates training. Third, the ROM also increased. Fourth, the symmetry value increased in the hip angle, while the symmetry index in all joints of the ROM decreased. As a result, the pilates core-muscle training influenced the static balance ability during the L-sit on the rings. Conclusion: Accordingly, the pilates core-muscle training is suitable in enhancing the basic balance ability in gymnastics on rings.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1468-1474
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• 2018

The purpose of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of negative pressure soft tissue therapy on muscle tone, muscle stiffness and balance in patients with stroke. In total, 20 patients with stroke and assigned to the negative pressure soft tissue therapy group (NPST, n=10) or, placebo-negative pressure soft tissue therapy group(Placebo-NPST, n=10). Both groups underwent NPST or placebo-NPST once a day during the experimental period. MyotonPRO was used to assess the parameters for muscle tone and stiffness. Biorescue was used to assess the parameters for balance. Each group showed improvements in muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability (p<.05). Especially, Muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and anterior length in the limit of stability were the significant improvement on NPST group (p<.05). The results of the study suggest that the NPST is effective in improving muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and balance ability in patients with stroke.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the ring lock type knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) with newly developed 4-bar linkage KAFO on the gait characteristics of persons with poliomyelitis clinically. This 4-bar linkage is the stance control type KAFO which provide the stability during stance phase and knee flexion during swing phase. Two subjects participated in this study voluntarily. We provided the customized 4-bar linkage KAFO then asked the subjects to walk in level surface and stairs under the two different KAFO conditions. The characteristics of gait in the persons with poliomyelitis were evaluated using a 3D motion analysis system and force plate. Additionally 6 minute walk test for physiological cost index were conducted using pulse oximeter to measure the energy consumption. In the results of this study, the differences of 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO are as follows: (1) Walking speed, stride length, and step length on level increased in subjects, (2) The gait symmetry was improved by generated knee flexion and decreased pelvic external rotation on level and stairs walking, (3) Decreased vertical excursion of center of mass and pelvic elevation during swing phase was decreased on level, (4) Knee extension moment, hip flexion moment, hip and knee internal rotation moment of non-braced limb were decreased on level walking, (5) Walking speed in 6-minute walk test was increased and physiological cost index was decreased. These findings indicate that 4-bar linkage KAFO compared with ring lock type KAFO is effective in enhancing pattern, endurance, and energy consumption in level surface and stairs walking.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.99-108
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of skill level and width between feet on kinematic and kinetic variables during jump rope single under with both feet. Method: Fifteen subjects in the skilled group (age: $10.85{\pm}0.40yrs$, height: $142.13{\pm}5.41cm$, weight: $36.97{\pm}6.65kg$) and 15 subjects in the unskilled group (age: $10.85{\pm}0.40yrs$, height: $143.31{\pm}5.54cm$, weight: $40.81{\pm}10.39kg$) participated in this study. Results: Participants in the skilled group minimized the anteroposterior displacement of their center of mass by modifying the width between their feet and decreased the range of motion (ROM) of their trunk in the sagittal plane. The preferred width during the jump rope decreased by 5.61~6.11 cm (32~37%) in comparison to width during static standing. The induced width was increased by 16.44~16.67 cm (82~85%), regardless of skill level. The kinematic variables of the left and right legs of members of the unskilled group were significantly different from those of members in the skilled group regarding the ROM of the hip, knee, and ankle joint. Otherwise, the members of the skilled group were consistent in terms of the kinematic variables of the right and left legs. Conclusion: The preferred width between feet during the jump rope was found to be beneficial for maintaining dynamic stability. The unskilled group exhibited asymmetry in left and right motion within the ranges of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip joints, regardless of the width. Therefore, long-term accurate jump rope motions will contribute to an improvement in the left and right imbalances of the entire body.