• Transactions of Materials Processing
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2018

As one of the functional metal parts in steam turbine diaphragm assembly, the hollow-partitioned turbine nozzle (stator) has large and thick geometries, as well as an asymmetric configuration. Therefore it is hard to support a metal blank in the die cavity. To ease this situation and control posture and position of metal blank (workpiece), a blank support structure is newly introduced. The blank support structure is basically composed of enlarged arms from the blank, guide pins and linear bearings. It can help to control the intermediate blank without a critical sliding phenomenon. The operation mechanism of this blank support structure, during thick plate forming for the hollow-partitioned turbine nozzle stator, is first evaluated. A series of FEM-based numerical simulations, with respect to the width of the guide arm as geometric design parameters, are carried out to investigate its applicable range. As the results, it is observed the blank support structure for this thick plate forming can guide the workpiece to have stable posture during the plate forming process.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.335-342
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• 2015

Objective : The purposes of this study was to analyze the effects of the stirrup length fitted to the rider's lower limb length and it's impact on less skilled riders during trot in equestrian events. Methods : Participants selected as subjects consisted of less skilled riders(n=5, mean age: $40.02{\pm}10.75yrs$, mean heights: $169.77{\pm}2.08cm$, mean body weights: $67.65{\pm}7.76kg$, lower limb lengths: $97.26{\pm}2.35cm$, mean horse heights: $164.00{\pm}5.74cm$ with 2 type of stirrups lengths(lower limb ratio 74.04%, and 79.18%) during trot. The variables analyzed consisted of the displacement for Y axis and Z axis(head, and center of mass[COM]) with asymmetric index, trunk front-rear angle(consistency index), lower limb joint(Right hip, knee, and ankle), and average vertical forces of horse rider during 1 stride in trot. The 4 camcorder(HDR-HC7/HDV 1080i, Spony Corp, Japan) was used to capture horse riding motion at a rate of 60 frames/sec. Raw data was collected from Kwon3D XP motion analysis package ver 4.0 program(Visol, Korea) during trot. Results : The movements and asymmetric index didn't show significant difference at head and COM, Also, 74.04% stirrups lengths in trunk tilting angle showed significant difference with higher consistency than that of 79.18% stirrups lengths. Hip and knee joint angle showed significant difference with more extended posture than that of 74.04% stirrups lengths during trot. Ankle angle of 79.18% stirrups length showed more plantarflexion than that of 74.04% stirrups lengths. Average vertical force of rider showed significant difference with higher force at 79.18% stirrups lengths than that of 74.04% stirrups lengths during stance phase. Conclusion : When considering the above, 74.04% stirrups length could be effective in impulse reduction with consistent posture in rather less skilled horse riders.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.115-123
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate of pain and spine shape in elementary school students. The aim of this study was to prevent pain and spinal misalignment is to provide basic data and the need for regular screening for elementary school students. METHODS: This study had a survey research about pain and spine shape by using questionnaires and Formetric 4D. Subjects were 301 Elementary School Students RESULTS: In the presence or absence of pain and the presence of pain was in a high proportion and many of them indicated the back as a pain area, As a result of the spine shape contour, pelvic tilt was normal and trunk inclination was asymmetric as well as thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were diminished. There was a significant difference in relationship of trunk inclination according to pain CONCLUSION: The asymmetric of trunk inclination influenced the pain, In contrast, the pain did not influence thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in diminished. but, the diminution in thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis are potential sources of pain. Regular checkups are necessary to prevent elementary school students from a change of spine shape and a pain, Moreover, education of maintaining normal posture should be followed.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.4629-4635
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• 2012

This study was aimed at the relationship between peak EMG amplitude on low back muscles acting on L5/S1 and load center of gravity, trunk lateral bending while lifting an object. Musculoskeletal disorders including low back pain can occur even when handling heavy objects only once as well as when doing non-heavy materials repeatedly. 11 male subjects with average 23 age were required to lift a 15.8kg object symmetrically three times. Peak EMG amplitudes on 6 muscles related with L5/S1 were recorded and analyzed. The lifting conditions consisted of lifting symmetric load with no trunk lateral bending, asymmetric load with no trunk lateral bending, and asymmetric load with trunk lateral bending to the load center of gravity within an object. The results showed that peak EMG amplitude on back muscles contralateral to load center of gravity was observed greater in comparison with the symmetric load. Also, in case of lifting asymmetric load the posture with trunk lateral bending increased peak EMG amplitude on muscles contralateral to load center of gravity more than with no trunk lateral bending. This research can be used as one administrative intervention in order to reduce the low back pain incidence with suggesting workers that they keep the trunk not bending to load center of gravity if possible when lifting a heavy asymmetric object.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.103-109
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• 2012

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the strategical lifting postures able to alleviate imbalanced EMG amplitude leading to an increase in low back muscle fatigue while lifting asymmetric load dynamically. Eleven male subjects are required to lift symmetrically an external load with 15.8kg and load center of gravity (LCG) deviated 10cm to the right from the floor to the waist height at the speed of about 25cm/sec. The EMG amplitudes on bilateral low back muscles (Longissimus, Iliocostalis, and Multifidus) are recorded during 2sec and analyzed. Independent variables are trunk postures (No bending vs. Bending to the LCG) and feet placements (Parallel vs. Right foot in front of the other vs. Right foot behind the other). Dependent variables are EMG amplitude average on six muscles and the EMG amplitude difference between right and left muscle group. Results indicate the phenomenon showing an amplitude increase in the left muscle group is equal to an decrease in the right one is observed in dynamic as well as static lifts, bending the trunk to the LCG increases amplitude discrepancy more than no trunk bending, and the amplitude discrepancy in one foot ipsilateral to LCG in front of the other foot is lowest among other foot postures. As bilateral EMG amplitude discrepancy increases total low back muscle fatigue, the strategical combination of no trunk bending and one foot close to LCG in front of the other is recommended for preventing elevated incidence of low back pain (LBP).

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.449-456
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• 2013

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of corneal eccentricity and shape on the rotational pattern of toric soft lens by the postural change of lens wearers. Methods: The corneal eccentricity of 41 eyes (aged 20s) having -1.0 D with-the-rule corneal astigmatism (WRCA) was measured, and then toric soft lenses were fitted with the amount of total astigmatism. In lying and straight postures, the rotation of toric soft lenses was recorded by a camera attached to slitlamp and analyzed. Results: Most toric soft lens designed with accelerated stabilization rotated to the temporal direction, which was the lying position direction, regardless of corneal eccentricity, and some lenses rotated to the nasal direction for high corneal eccentricity and corneal type of asymmetric bowtie. There was no correlation between the amount of rotation and corneal eccentricity right after of contact lens wearing in straight and lying posture, however, the amount of rotation was the greater for the cornea with the higher eccentricity after the subjects laying down for some period. The speed of lens rotation started to decrease after the subjects laying down, but the speed was not different according to corneal eccentricity difference. The amount of lens rotation for symmetric and asymmetric bowtie-typed corneas increased more than it for oval-typed cornea, and it was same even with time elapsing. The speed of lens rotation in lying posture was the slowest in asymmetric bowtie-typed cornea compared with other corneal types. Conclusions: From the present study, it was revealed that the rotational pattern of toric soft lens was affected by corneal eccentricity and corneal shape when the wearer's posture changed. Thus, it should be considered for the development of the fitting guideline and the design of toric soft lens.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.76-85
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors determining the participation restriction of chronic stroke patients based on international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) model. Sixty-eight stroke patients participated. The participants were assessed participation restriction using the Korean version of London handicap scale (K-LHS), modified Barthel index (K-MBI) to measure activities of daily living, Berg balance scale (K-BBS) to assess balance, and the center for epidemiologic studies depression (K-CES-D) to gauge depression. Also, 3 minutes walking test (3MWT), gait velocity, asymmetric posture, and family support were assessed. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to explore the factors determining participation restriction. There were no significant different in the K-LHS and K-MBI results by gender (p>.05). Correlations between the K-LHS and K-MBI (r=-.656), K-BBS (r=-.543), K-CES-D (r=.266), 3MWT (r=-.363), gait velocity (r=.348), and family support (r=-.389) were significant (p<.05). Also, the K-MBI and family support were the factors that determined participation restriction (p<.05) and that 40.2% of the variation in the K-LHS can be explained. Therefore, it is suggested that evaluation and intervention of patient's activity level and extent of family support is necessary to reduce participation restriction of chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.279-284
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• 2014

PURPOSE: This study intended to verify whether there was actual correlation between weight-bearing asymmetry and a limitation in hip joint rotation range in patients with low back pain. METHODS: Thirty five low back pain patients voluntarily participated this study. For each participant, hip joint medial rotation symmetry rate and the weight-bearing symmetry rate were calculated. The correlation between the two variables was investigated. RESULTS: A decrease in the left hip joint medial rotation range of motion (ROM) was observed more often than a reduction in the right hip joint medial rotation ROM. However, similar number between right and left side was observed in ground reaction force more weighted. The coefficient between the passive hip joint medial rotation symmetry rate and the weight loading symmetry ratio was -0.19 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a weak correlation between the hip joint medial rotation ROM and the weight distribution of both feet. Such result suggests that careful evaluation by separating each element is needed in treating patients with low back pain. Future research should take into account asymmetric alignment and abnormal movement in different joints of the body as well as asymmetry in the bilateral hip joint rotation and the unilateral weight supporting posture.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.159-163
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• 2017

Objective: Persons with stroke have a tendency to exhibit asymmetric weight-bearing during sit-to-stand because due to the attempt to support themselves with the non-paretic foot. However, there are few devices that can assist with sit-to-stand (STS) performance. This study was designed to investigate the use of the elastic band with rings (EBR) in improving weight-bearing effectively in persons with stroke during STS training. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirteen stroke survivors participated in the study. An EBR was applied onto the patient during STS activity. The foot pressure was measured before and after wearing the EBR, with a 5-minute rest period between measurements. Subjects were asked to perform each test twice with and without the EBR. Bilateral feet pressures were measured with standing posture being divided into the forward and backward aspects. The foot contact pressure during STS activity was measured with the CONFORMat System. Results: With EBR, the forward pressure of the affected foot significantly increased while the less-affected forward foot pressure significantly decreased (p=0.015 and p=0.023, respectively). The backward foot pressure did not differ significantly in the two limbs, and there was no difference with and without the EBR in terms of the total pressure of the affected foot. There was a significant difference with and without the EBR in the total pressure of the less-affected foot (p<0.05). Conclusions: STS training with the EBR has been shown to improve weight-bearing of both feet while decreasing the total pressure of the less-affected foot in stroke survivors. Therefore, we suggest that the EBR is a useful tool for STS training for persons with stroke in the clinic.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.228-233
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• 2015

Purpose: Gait is the most basic element when evaluating the quality of life with activities of daily living under ordinary life circumstances. Symmetrical use of the lower extremities requires complicated coordination of all limbs. Thus, this study examined asymmetry of muscle activity quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior as a baseline for training during over-ground walking and stair walking of stroke patients. Methods: Subjects were 14 stroke patients included as one experimental group. Gait speed used in this study was determined by the subject. Low extremity paretic and non-paretic EMG was compared using the surface EMG system. Results: The low extremity EMG difference was statistically significant during over-ground walking and stair walking (p<0.05). The result of low extremity EMG substituted symmetry ratio formula was compared to EMG symmetry ratio in both legs during over-ground walking and stair walking. The average symmetry ratio of quadriceps femoris during over-ground walking was 0.65, and average symmetry ratio of quadriceps femoris during stair walking was 0.47, with significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: EMG data was higher in stair walking than over-ground walking. However, in the comparison of symmetry ratio, asymmetric EMG of quadriceps femoris was significantly increased during stair walking. These findings suggested that application of stair walking for strengthening of both legs can be positive, but the key factor is maintaining asymmetrical posture of both legs. Therefore, physical therapists should make an effort to reduce asymmetry of quadriceps femoris power during stair walking by stroke patients.