• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.1153-1160
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• 2012

This study was intended to implement ankle joint dorsi flexion training against ankle muscule strength weakening that erodes stroke patients' gait performance to examine the effect of the training on stroke patients' plantar pressure and gait ability. In this study, 36 stroke patients diagnosed with stroke due to cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage were divided to measure 10MWS which are stroke patients' gait variables maximum plantar pressure by area of the sole by collecting data using an F-scan system during gait. Given these results of the study, compared to other training groups, the ankle muscule strength reinforcing training group showed statistically significant increases of maximum plantar pressure in the great toe, the toe and the first metatasal areas too and thus it can be said that this training increases forward thrust during stroke patients' foot end taking off and positively affects stroke patients' ability to perform gait.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

The aim of the present study was to compare the strength, balance, and flexibility across two age groups (older adults vs. young adults). The isokinetic muscle function, ankle ROM, trunk forward flexibility, stability, and antropometric data for the elderly and 46 university students were collected. The results indicated that male older adults possessed relatively low flexibility (2.97cm) among the groups and showed better stability in the right foot than in the left foot and $35^{\circ}$ of plantar flexion ROM, which was not in the normal range. Their peak strength at the knee joint was below 50% of their counterpart. They revealed a hamstring deficit of 18.55%, ankle eversion deficit of 23.08%, and ankle inversion deficit of 19.19%. The results indicated that female older adults possessed comparable flexibility compared to female young adults. The reciprocal muscle strength ratio of both knees was under 50%, and the deficit was 14.32% (extension) and 19.73% (flexion). The ankle plantar flexion peak torque was approximately 62% (left) and 73% (right) of WS's. The ankle dorsi flexion deficit was 25.05% and the plantar flexion was 26.86%. The eversion deficit was 19.97% and the inversion was 21.09%. These results will be significant in establishing an elderly fitness enhancement program and policy.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.399-415
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training with and without whole-body vibration(WBV) on the biomechanical properties of the plantarflexor in the elderly women (>60 yrs., n=35). Thirty-five volunteers were randomly assigned to a resistance training with WBV group (RVT, n=14), a resistance training without WBV (RT, n=11), and a non-training control group (CON, n=10). The RVT and the RT groups participated in the training sessions three times a week for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week detraining period. The CON group was instructed to refrain from any type of resistance training. To assess strength and activation of the plantarflexor muscles, maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion torque and muscle activation of the triceps surae muscles were measured using dynamometry, twitch interpolation technique and electromyography at four different ankle joint angles. Also, the lower extremity function was assessed by vertical jumping. The measurements were performed prior to, 2 and 8 weeks after the training and after a 4-week detraining period. Following the 8-week training sessions, an increase in the isometric plantarflexion strength was found to be greater for the RVT compared with the RT group (p<.05). Muscle inhibition was significantly decreased after training than before training only for the RVT (p<.05). Following the detraining period, a decrease in isometric plantarflexors strength and a increases in muscle inhibition were significantly less in the RVT compared with the RT group. In conclusion, the exercise with WBV is a feasible training modality for the elderly and seems to have a boosting effect when used with conventional resistance training.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.735-749
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to compare the flexibility and isokinetic differences between normal dancers and dancers with chronically sprained ankle. For the experiment Eversion/Inversion testing was performed by a Cybex 770 isokinetic dynamometer at the a speeds of 30$^{\circ}$ /sec and 120$^{\circ}$ /sec on each 7 subject group. The results were; 1) No differences were found between the two groups in ROM of ankle, but ROM of eversion has 2.8$^{\circ}$ higher in the injury group than the normal group. 2) Differences were found between the two groups in peak torque. average power, total work at the evertor and invertor in injury side.(30$^{\circ}$ /sec) 3) Differences were found between the two groups in peak torque at the evertor and invertor in normal side.(30$^{\circ}$ /sec) 4) Differences were found between the two groups in total work at the evertor in normal side. (30$^{\circ}$ /sec) 5) Differences were found between the two groups in peak torque, total work at the evertor and invertor in injury side. (120$^{\circ}$ /sec)

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.392-399
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• 2015

Purpose: This study investigated whether the strength imbalance between two muscles can affect the score of EMG based biofeedback game, and whether the EMG based biofeedback game score can be used as predictable indicator of the degree of muscle balance alternating the conventional strength measuring equipment. Methods: 40 participated in this study. Biodex was used to measure the peak torque/weight in order to calculate the muscle strength balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor of ankle joint. And muscle balance index (MBI) was calculated. The EMG biofeedback game scores of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor were acquired, so that the EMG electrodes were attached at tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius. The relationship between the game score and the muscle balance index were analyzed. Results: There was negative correlation between the muscle balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor and the peak torque/weight of plantar flexor (r=-0.70). And there was negative correlation between the muscle balance index between plantar flexor and dorsiflexor and the game score of plantar flexor (r=-0.83). Conclusion: The EMG biofeedback game score had significant relationship with muscle imbalance at ankle joint, so it seems that the game score can be used for predicting the degree of muscle imbalance as a parameter.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.80-84
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to assess the efficacy of a bioabsorbable polylactide (PLA) plate and screw for treating injuries of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods: 24 patients who underwent an open reduction and internal fixation operation for ankle fractures from July 2005 to March 2007 were enrolled into the study. There were 15 men and 9 women. The average age of the patients was 44 years and the average follow-up period was 16 years and two months (16.2 months). All cases were divided into low grade fracture patient (11) who belongs in type A and B of Danis-Weber classification and high grade fracture patient (13) who belongs in type C1, C2 of Danis-Weber classification, and each groups were analyzed by clinical (Meyer score) and radiological finding at the time of their last follow-up evaluation. Results: The clinical results according to Meyer scoring system, showed that all patient with low grade fracture had good to excellent result, but only 54% of patient with high grade fracture had good to excellent result. According to Cedell's radiologic finding, there were 91% cases above fair in low grade fracture. But there were 62% of patient above fair result in high grade fracture, the reduction losses were seen in 38% of patient with high grade fracture. Conclusion: Bioabsorbable PLA plate and screw is good internal fixation device which doesn't have additional operation for removal of implant because of slow absorption within the human body. It showed sufficient strength for acquisition and maintenance of reduction in low grade fracture, but need attention to use because of many cases of reduction loss in high grade fracture. So, it seems to be safe and effective when used in heeling of low grade fracture under considering about type of fracture sufficiently.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.8-16
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mobilization of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke. This study was a randomized clinical trial with a crossover design. Sixteen subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two intervention groups and underwent either of the following two interventions: sciatic nerve mobilization or static stretching of the hamstring. We assessed hamstring flexibility, lower limb strength, and gait performance using a digital inclinometer, a hand-held dynamometer, and the 10-meter walk test, respectively. Subjects had a 24-hour rest period between each session in order to minimize carryover effects. Measurements for each test were assessed prior to and immediately after the intervention sessions. Using a two-way analysis of variance test with repeated measures, data from the two trials were analyzed by comparing the differences between both techniques. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Sciatic nerve mobilization resulted in significantly better knee extensor strength (p=.023, from $15.32{\pm}5.98$ to $18.16{\pm}6.95kg$) and knee flexor strength (p=.011, from $7.80{\pm}4.80$ to $8.15{\pm}4.24kg$) in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effects of static stretching of the hamstring were observed on hamstring flexibility from the ankle plantar flexion (p=.966) and ankle neutral positions (p=.210) and on gait performance (p=.396). This study indicated that the sciatic nerve mobilization technique may be more effective in muscle activation of the knee extensor muscle and knee flexor muscle than hamstring static stretching technique in patients with chronic stroke.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.28-37
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• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of differences in the tension of Kinesio tape applied to the tibialis anterior muscle on muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance of ankle joint in young adults. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: 41 young college students participated in this study. And the subjects were allocated randomly to two group. The experimental group had a tension difference (10%G, n=20). And there was no difference in tension in the control group (0%G, n=21). Jtech power track II, goniometer, and Biorescue were used to measure muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance. The paired t-test was performed to examine the differences within the groups before and after taping, and the independent t-test was performed to examine the differences between the groups. Result: 1) As a result of measuring muscle strength of each group, all measurements except 0%G of plantar flexion showed insignificant results. 2) Measurement of joint range of motion each group showed that neither 0%G nor 10%G was significant. 3) As a result of measuring the baladncing ability of each group there was a significant decrease in length, and average speed of the balancing capability (p<.05). 4) Comparisons between groups showed significant differences in the area among balance capability (p<.05). Conclusions: Based on these findings, the tension difference of Kinesio tape applied to the tibialis anterior muscle shows little effect on the muscle strength, range of motion, and balance of ankle joints. Given the current lack of research on the tension of kinesio tapes many studies are needed in the future to establish clear theories.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.53-67
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• 2004

This simulation study investigated the characteristics of normal gait, $30^{\circ}$ crouch gait, $30^{\circ}$ crouch/equinus gait, $45^{\circ}$ crouch gait, $45^{\circ}$ crouch/equinus gait. The knee flexion angles were restricted using a specially designed orthosis. This study was carried out in a motion analysis laboratory of the National Rehabilitation Center. Fifteen healthy male subjects were recruited for the study. The purposes of this study were (1) to compare spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, and kinetic variables in the sagittal plane among the different gait, (2) to investigate the secondary compensatory strategy, and (3) to suggest biomechanical physical therapy treatment methods. The pattern and magnitude observed in each condition were similar to those of normal gait, except the peak knee extension moment of the unrestricted ankle motion-crouch gait. However, the speed of the $45^{\circ}$ crouch gait was half that of a normal gait. The ankle joint moment in the crouch/equinus gait showed the double-bump pattern commonly observed in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and there was no significant difference in gait speed as compared with normal gait. The peak ankle plantar-flexor moment and ankle power generated during the terminal stance in the crouch/equinus conditions were reduced as compared with normal and $45^{\circ}$ crouch gaits (p<.05). The crouch/equinus gait at the ankle joint was an effective compensatory mechanism. Since ankle plantarflexion contracture can be exacerbated secondary to the ankle compensatory strategy in the crouch/equinus gait, it is necessary to increase the range of ankle dorsiflexion and the strength of plantarflexion simultaneously to decrease the abnormal biomechanical advantages of the ankle joint.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.325-333
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of hallux valgus on the ankle plantarflexor and dorsiflexor peak torque, on the total work, on the average power, and on the Peak torque of plantarflexor to dorsiflexor ratio values. Isokinetic ankle plantarflexor and dorsiflexor strength was evaluated in 30 women(control: 15, hallux valgus: 15) by Cybex NORM System. Test data was gathered in the right ankle at a speed of 60/sec, 90/sec, 120/sec in the control group and the hallux valgus group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 10.0 for windows software. Mean and standard deviations were measured and calculated for the General characterristic of subjects. A paired t-test was used to examine the differnces in the means for the ankle plantarflexor and dorsiflexor between two groups. Pearson coefficient correlation was used to examine the correlation of the hallux valgus and the peak torque. Analysis of variance indicated that isokinetic values of the control group were greater than the hallux valgus group(p<.05, p<.01).