• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.12-17
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• 2022

Purpose: Ankle dorsiflexion is an essential element of normal functions, including walking, activities of daily living and sport activities. The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle functioned as a dorsiflexor and as a dynamic stabilizer of the ankle joint during walking and jumping. This study aimed to compare TA muscle thickness using ultrasonography according to the four different toe and ankle postures for the selective TA strengthening exercise. Methods: This study were recruited 26 (males: 15, females: 11) aged 20-30 years, with no injury ankle and calf in the medical history, had normal dorsiflexion and inversion range of motion (ROM). The thickness of the TA muscle was measured by ultrasonography in the four different toe and ankle postures: 1. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe extension and ankle inversion (ITEDF); 2. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe flexion and ankle inversion (ITFDF); 3. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe extension and neutral position (NTEDF); 4. Ankle dorsiflexion with all toe flexion and neutral position (NTFDF). One-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction were used to confirm the significant difference among conditions. The level of statistical significance was set at α=0.01. Results: TA muscle thickness with ITFDF was significantly greater than in any other ankle positions, including ITEDF, NTFDF, and NTEDF (p<0.01). Conclusion: Among the four toe and ankle postures, isometric contraction in ITFDF postures showed the greatest increase in thickness of TA rather than ITEDF, NTEDF, and NTFDF postures. Based on these results, ITFDF can be recommended in an efficient way to selectively strengthen TA muscle.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.179-187
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the asymmetrical difference between the use of leg muscles on the surgical and non-surgical sides during initial lower extremity ergometer exercise after unilateral knee arthroplasty. Methods: Twelve elderly patients diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the knee and who underwent unilateral arthroplasty were included in this study. The leg length of each subject was taken into account when setting the application distance of the lower extremity ergometer. The same pedal resistance, strength, and speed were used for all the subjects. The total angle of use of the ergometer (360°) was analyzed by dividing it into an extension section and a flexion section. Using a surface electromyography system, the activities of the muscles of the surgical and non-surgical sides were converted into maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and analyzed using the paired t-test. Results: When the activities of the muscles on the surgical and non-surgical sides were compared, it was found that the rectus femoris and biceps femoris had significant differences in the flexion and extension sections (p < .05), and that the tibialis anterior significantly differed in the flexion section (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the extension section of the tibialis anterior muscle, or in the flexion and extension sections of the gastrocnemius (p >.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius on the surgical side act in an opposite manner to those on the non-surgical side during pedaling in the same section.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

PURPOSE: This study analyzed how proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) combined with auricular acupuncture affected the activation of the leg muscles of stroke patients and measured the effects of this combination to provide clinical data. METHODS: The subjects were divided randomly into experimental group I, which received PNF combined with auricular acupuncture, and experimental group II, which received PNF alone. Each group had ten members. A 30-minute intervention was performed four days a week for six weeks. Before the six weeks of intervention, pre-tests were conducted to measure muscle activation in the legs. After six weeks, post-tests were also conducted to measure muscle activation in the legs. RESULTS: Experimental group I showed a statistically significant difference in muscle rectus femoris, muscle biceps femoris, muscle tibialis anterior, and muscle soleus. Experimental group II also showed a statistically significant difference in the muscle rectus femoris, muscle biceps femoris, muscle tibialis anterior, and muscle soleus (p < .05). In a between-group comparison of the changes, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of muscle rectus femoris, muscle biceps femoris, muscle tibialis anterior, and muscle soleus (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Intervention in experimental group I increased the activation of the leg muscles more effectively because auricular acupuncture was applied to various spots on the ear corresponding to the spleen, liver, kidney, pelvis, knee, ankle, and toe. Auricular acupuncture is expected to be used more widely in the future because it is a safe way of stimulating muscle activation.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.115-123
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sit-to-stand training with various foot positions combined with visual feedback on muscle onset time and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty stroke patients were randomly assigned into three standing groups: one with a symmetrical foot position (SSF; n = 10), one with an asymmetrical foot position with the affected foot at the rear (SAF; n = 10), and one with visual feedback and an asymmetrical foot position (SVAF; n = 10). Sit-to-stand training with different foot positions was performed for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The effects on muscle onset time and balance were assessed. Results: In a comparison of the onset time of muscle contraction, the onset time of the affected side tibialis anterior and less-affected side gastrocnemius muscle and tibialis anterior was significantly shortened in the SAVF group. And onset time of the less-affected side tibialis anterior was shortened in the SAF group. There was a significant difference in the result of functional reach testing in the SVAF group. Conclusion: VRG was effective in improving muscle activity and balance in elderly women aged 65 and older. In this study, sit-to-stand training with visual feedback and asymmetrical foot position showed significant functional improvement.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.155-161
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• 2024

Purpose : Wearing high-heeled shoes leads to foot and ankle instability, which requires leg muscles to remain in constant contraction. In order to adapt to the instability of the feet and ankles caused by wearing high heels, the muscles of the legs continuously repeat contraction and relaxation. Previous studies of the impact of stair climbing in high-heeled shoes have involved placing the entire stepping area of the shoe on the stair. However, high-heeled shoe wearers sometimes unconsciously contact the stair using only half of the stepping area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine differences in leg and ankle muscle activation according to stepping area during stair climbing in high-heeled shoes. Methods : Twenty young women in their early 20s voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. We used surface electromyography to measure gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior activation in the right leg during stair climbing under three conditions: barefoot, using half of high-heeled shoe stepping area, and using the total of high-heeled shoe stepping area. Barefoot, half of high heeled shoe, and total of high-heeled shoe were used to evaluate the effects of different areas of the foot or high heels touching the stairs. Results : Both muscles showed significant activity differences among the three stair climbing conditions. Gastrocnemius activity was significantly different between the high-heeled shoe conditions (p= .032), and tibialis anterior activity was significantly different between barefoot stair climbing and climbing with half of the high-heeled shoe stepping area (p= .021). Conclusion : The stepping area increased as heel size increased, thus increasing excessive gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior activity to control excessive ankle joint movement. We infer that using half of the high-heeled shoe stepping area prevents muscle fatigue by reducing excessive leg and ankle muscle activation.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.55-60
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• 2021

This study aims to investigate the effects of 4 weeks visual biofeedback training on the knee joint angle and muscle activities of lower extremity. The participants in this study were 15 volunteers with hyperextended knee. To improve the hyperextended knee, visual biofeedback training was used during 4 weeks. The training is an exercise to maintain the balance between the anterior weight bearing and posterior weight bearing of the plantar foot. The knee joint angle significantly increased and the muscle activity of tibialis anterior was significantly decreased after visual biofeedback training. It was confirmed that visual biofeedback training of correcting hyperextended knee through the information on the plantar pressure distribution has a therapeutic effect.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.316-322
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activation of lower extremity such as rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and soleus according to 0cm(bare foot), 4cm and 7cm heel height of shoe on the rocking surface in older women. 20 older women who did not have any lower musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in the past were participated in this study. Each subject was standing for 15 seconds on the level 8 of Biodex Stability System (BSS) while wearing 4cm and 7cm heel height shoes including bare foot. Electromyography was used to measure muscle activation of lower extremity, and the muscle activation was expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC). We measured % MVIC of three muscles during 5 seconds except for the first 5 seconds and last 5 seconds. SPSS 12.0 program was used for this study. Repeated one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) was performed to compare the significant difference among the muscles of lower extremities according to heel heights of shoe on the rocking plate. % MVIC of each muscle such as rectus femoris, tibialis anterior and soleus regarding heel heights of shoe had statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The results of contrast test were as follows; 1) % MVIC of rectus femoris had significant differences between barefoot and 4cm, and barefoot and 7cm. 2) % MVIC of tibialis anterior had significant differences between barefoot and 4cm, barefoot and 7cm, and 4cm and 7cm. 3) % MVIC of soleus had significant differences between barefoot and 7cm, 4cm and 7cm. The results indicate that all commonly responsive muscle on the conditions of barefoot, 4cm, and 7cm shoe height on the rcoking surface is tibialis anterior muscle. We found out that the more heels of shoe high, the more muscle activation increases. High-heeled shoes above 7cm remarkably increase the muscle activation of lower extremity and may result in muscle fatigue. Thus, these shoes may summate risk factors of falls in older women. We can acknowledge that the heels above 4 cm affect each muscle activation in lower extremity on the rocking surface.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Navigation
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.81-98
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was analysis of the muscle action in physical exercise in the rolling machine. The rolling machine moved by eletric power-driven was made to keep the constant cycle and size of rolling. The subjects of this study consist of 4 seaman(SM) and 4 landman (LM). The experiment analyzed the muscle power of lower and upper limbs by Intergrated Electromyogram(IEMG). The measurement was made on the ground, and 6 and 8 degrees of rolling separately. This study concludes as follows ; including analysis of IEMG of heavy exercise in two hands curl, a standstill walking and just standing. 1. IEMG of the lower limbs when standing. 1) In 6 degrees of rolling, for the landman(LM), vastus medialis m.(9.73), vastus lateralis m.(9.55), and rectus femores m.(8.73) acted more. As for the seaman(SM), tibialis anterior m.(5.38), biceps femores m.(5.05), and gastrocnemius m.(4.47) acted more. 2) In 8 degrees of rolling, in common, for both LM and SM, it were vastus medialis m.(11.20 and 8.97), vastus lateralis m.(16.20 and 4.63), and tibialis anterior m.(5.13 and 4.47). 3) It was showed that IEMG of LM was larger than that of SM. 2. IEMG of the lower limbs when walking. 1) On the ground, for the LM, gastrocnemius m.(7.08), vastus medialis m.(6.65), and vastus latralis m.(6.60) acted more. As for the SM, vastus lateralis m.(7.08), vastus medialis m.(6.58) and restus femores m.(5.10) acted more. 2) In both 8 and 6 degrees of rolling, vastus medials m.(14.50 and 11.98), vastus lateralis m.(10.10 and 14.10), and gastrocnemius m.(11.75 and 7.10) acted more in two groups. 3) It was showed that IEMG of LM was larger than that of SM. 3. IEMG of the lower limbs when heavy exercise(two hands curl). 1) On the ground, for the LM, vastus lateralis m.(21.68), vastus medialis m.(16.08), and rectus femores m.(14.08) acted more. As for the SM, tibialis anterior m.(16.08), vastus medialis m.(14.58), and vastus lateralis m.(8.78) acted more. 2) In 8 and 6 dgrees of rolling, it were vastus medialis m.(17.05 and 12.45), vastus lateralis m.(37.98 and 17.08), and tibialis anterior m.(19.83 and 13.20). 3) It was showed that IEMG of LM was larger than that of SM. 4. IEMG of the upper limbs when heavy exercise. 1) On the ground, the brachialis m.(44.30 and 17.80), and biceps brachii m.(13.40 and 25.10) acted more in two groups. 2) In both 6 and 8 degrees of rolling, the brachialis m.(37.60 and 24.35), and biceps brachii m.(11.38 and 7.97) acted more in two groups. 3) It was showed that IEMG of SM was larger than that of LM.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.133-142
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balance using ankle strategy during adjusted balance training and muscle training in normal young female adults. Methods: There were eighteen participants. All subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, the control group (n=6), the adjusted balance training group (n=6) and the muscle training group (n=6). Subjects were assessed for each subject by a pretest and a posttest at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks, measuring the anterior-posterior limit of stability, trace length and EMG data for the tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius. Results: The anterior-posterior limit of stability significantly increased in the training group (p<0.05). The trace length significantly decreased in the training group (p<0.05). The muscle activity of the tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius also significantly decreased in the training group (p<0.05). Conclusion: We confirmed that both the balance training group and the muscle training group significantly increased the anterior-posterior limit of stability and decreased trace length and muscle activity. Further studies are needed to analyze the long-term effects on subjects resulting from these changes.